There’s something about a beach that we just love. Perhaps it’s because we associate beaches with freedom from the daily grind and the fact that they are usually pretty beautiful. Don’t assume they are all the same however; there are a number of unusual and even down-right weird beaches around the world, which definitely buck the classic golden sand trend. Here’s a look at 5 unusual beaches around the world to give you an idea…
Glass Beach
Fort Bragg, California, USA
An up close shot of Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California.
Found within Mackerricher State Park, in Fort Bragg, California, Glass Beach is somewhat of a happy accident. In the past, residents of the town used to discard tonnes of rubbish (including appliances and even cars!) onto the beach below without much thought or care for the damage inflicted upon the environment. The site was then closed in 1967 and now, many years later, their beach is abundant in glittering sea glass thanks to wave erosion crafting the remaining glass into pretty coloured pebbles! Similar glass beaches can be found around the world but none which are as abundant in its offering, or quite as charming, as Fort Bragg’s very own. If you visit, don’t try to stash any sea glass treasures as it’s not permitted within the State Park boundaries; perhaps visit the beach next door instead if you are after a souvenir.
Maho Beach
St Maarten
A plane flies close overhead Maho Beach in St Maarten as it comes in to land.
You may already be familiar with Maho Beach on the Caribbean island of St Maarten. The reason it will ring a bell is because of the proximity the beach has to the Princess Juliana Airport next door which results in planes coming into land directly over the beach. You know how rabbits look when they get caught in headlights; that will probably be your reaction the first time you experience a landing! There are signs here to warn people of the dangers; it’s possible that people on the beach could actually be blown into the water from the jet blast when aircrafts take off. The beach is also popular with windsurfers and skim boarders.
75 Mile Beach
Fraser Island, Australia
The registered highway that is 75 Mile Beach on Fraser Island, off the coast of Australia.
Fraser Island off the east coast of Australia is unique in its own right; it’s the largest sand island in the world complete with rainforests, more than 100 freshwater lakes and immense flora and fauna. Its appeal doesn’t end there though; there are many more unusual wonders which make Fraser Island so magical and one of them includes the main beach; 75 mile beach. The name is fairly fitting given its length but the most unusual element is that this beach is a registered highway, the only one in the world in fact. Yep; you can legally drive on the beach and hundreds of visitors’ bomb up and down it in rented 4x4s during their trip; you just have to be sure to drive on the wet sand to ensure your wheels don’t get stuck. At the end of the beach, you will discover a fascinating shipwreck exposed on the shore as well as Rainbow Gorge where multi-coloured sand cliffs can be seen.
Barking Sands Beach
Hawaii
Wild waves at Barking Sands Beach in Hawaii where the sand emits squeaks.
On the face of it, Barking Sands Beach in Hawaii looks like any other beach but it is actually quite unique. When you walk on the sand here, it emits a sound awfully reminiscent of a dog barking! Yep, you read that right! Bizarrely, the sand is made up of a special type of quartz and the grains apparently contain tiny echo chambers, according to scientists. You can find this phenomenon in Polihale State Park, on a beach that spans 300ft wide at some points with huge sand dunes to explore to the rear. It’s renowned to be pretty wild here so best reserved for a walk, rather than a swim!
Hot Water Beach
Coromandel, New Zealand
Hot Water Beach in New Zealand where you can dig up your own hot tub!
Everyone knows that New Zealand is comprised of two islands of volcanic descent and therefore it isn’t much of a surprise that as well as hot springs found on both the north and south islands, there is also a hot water beach. It certainly isn’t something you come across very often however and therefore I thought it more than worthy enough to be included in this list. Be sure to pack a bucket and spade and dig in the sand to create your own personal spa pool when the hot water seeps into your pit from the underground volcanic fissures! You can find Hot Water Beach on the north island, approximately 175km from the city of Auckland.
So there you have it, 5 unusual beaches around the world. What other unusual beaches have you visited on your travels? Have you been to a beach with different coloured sand or some other odd characteristic? Tell me about in the comments section below.
By Kerri Ware from Economy Car Hire
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