Meet Sandi: Part-time Holiday Experience Specialist, Full-time Chocoholic.

This week Sandi puts her beach loving nature and Holiday Experience Specialist skills to the impossible task of picking one favourite and must-do beach for visitors.

Sandi's No. 1 Beach: Review

Oaks Beach is a hidden gem along our coastline. Just 10 mins from Bargara, you can take a lovely morning or afternoon stroll from Bargara, past our famous Mon Repos beach, then onto Oaks Beach, with the walk finishing at the Burnett Heads Lighthouse.

Oaks Beach is unlike any other beach in our region. It is manmade after the local farmers were looking for a nice quiet place to swim amongst its rocky coastline. It's tranquil, crystal clear water glistens throughout the day, and the amount of wildlife that you see is incredible- from dolphins to eagle rays, it hosts a large array of birds and hundreds of crabs that appear at low tide, scurrying around as they form little inflated pellets of sand as they look for food.

At High tide the rock wall helps to protect the beach from large surf, but at low tide Oaks Beach really comes to life as the crabs come out and the beautiful rocky coastline is uncovered, allowing a beautiful rock walk and displaying picturesque rock pools, great for floating and relaxing in. Also, at low tide, just over the rock wall, a small beach is uncovered which is perfect for fishing. Or if you're looking for a beautiful and relaxing picnic, you can take a nice stroll along the path, past the beach, where you will find some lovely shaded spots with beautiful views of the water. Of an afternoon you will often see a myriad of yachts sailing just off shore, and throughout the day you can have a chat to the very friendly and welcoming locals. It truly is a piece of paradise.

Sandi's Recommendation

Oaks Beach perfect for people of all ages but particularly young families. Kids will be entertained for hours, not only is it a great place to swim and to play on the sand, but kids will love exploring and swimming in the rockpools, fascinated by the fish and wildlife, while parents can relax and sunbathe on the sand. Backpackers also love it because it is so quiet, there are great facilities, and it is very picturesque and beautiful.

Oaks Beach is a safe family-friendly beach. Please be mindful of the submerged rocks and strong currents, particularly around the rock wall, and take note that this beach is only patrolled on weekends.

Sandi's Hot Tips

• Early morning before the wind picks up is always beautiful.
• Of a weekend the BBQ's and undercover area are taken quickly in the afternoons so get in early.
• It is safer to swim at high tide, as at low tide the beach quite often gets some very strong currents just past the rock wall.
• Low tide is fantastic for seeing the crabs and going for the rock walks - it is extremely picturesque.
• Small waves perfect for body boarding and body surfing. Sandi suggests high tide for those surfing as you will get a nicer wave, and you will be able to avoid the submerged rocks.

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