Our country is famous for its beaches, some of the most beautiful in the world, remote, pristine and bathed in sunshine!

But there are pros and cons to a lazy day on the coast of Australia and there are many things you’ll need to be aware of as a first timer or visitor. Below we’ve put together a list of the biggest and most important rules to follow, ensuring your Australian beach outing is one to remember, for good reasons, and not bad ones.

* You WILL need sunscreen. As great as it looks to have a dark tan these days, 1400 people die each year from sun cancers in Australia and 8,800 are diagnosed with melanomas. A layer of 30+ sunscreen is both smart and necessary, not to mention an easy way to stay sun cancer free. Take a look around, all of the locals are slathering some on, you should too.

* Don’t forget a hat and a shirt to put on, for when the sun is out in force and your shoulders need a break. The hottest time in the day during an Australian summer in between 10am and 3pm, keep this in mind during outdoor activities.