It's official - this is the worst beach habit as voted by Aussies

Survey says: Our most famous beach in the world has some of the most poorly behaved beach-goers. 

As a family, getting to the beach is hard enough; it's a laundry list of items you need, want, and things you just bring along for the ride. By the time you get down there, you just want to kick back and relax (within reason - you still have to watch your kids), but then you discover the people sitting next to you are not following proper beach etiquette. 

A survey of 1000 Aussies from the 25 largest coastal areas has revealed the worst beach habits and which beaches these habits may occur. 

What is beach etiquette?

The beach isn't like hosting friends in your backyard; it's a public and shared space. Social rules remain, like being in an office or someone else's home. It’s important to act with consideration and respect so everyone can have a good time. 

There are many unspoken rules at Aussie beaches, especially over summer when the sand is almost invisible, as there are so many beach-goers. Leaving your thongs along the promenade, parking your pram alongside the ramp near the ocean pool and, more often than not, someone will ask to keep an eye on their belongings when they go in for a dip in the water. 

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And the winner is...

Sadly, Some people don't think about others when they head to the beach. The Preply survey revealed that the top violations with 55% of the votes are...

Bringing pets to the beach! 

In Australia, a day at the beach is most likely ruined by someone else’s pet, with the most complaints coming from residents of Hervey Bay (QLD).

Many beaches welcome dogs, and if you are at one of those beaches, you can't shame pet owners for bringing their pets. However, pet owners must remember that other people's food isn't fair game! 

The second most common example of lousy beach behaviour was people swimming outside the designated areas. At beaches around Australia, surf lifesavers use red and yellow flags to indicate which part of the water is safe for swimming. When people choose to ignore these guidelines, the consequences can be severe – with a national average of over 120 coastal drownings per year.

It's more dangerous than poor etiquette. The survey revealed that the Sunshine Coast (QLD) is Australia’s unsafe swimming capital, with 48% of local respondents saying they’d seen people swim outside the flags.

And the bronze medal for beach pet peeves is...PDA!

Public displays of affection were Australia's third most witnessed violation of beach etiquette. For those of you who are less perturbed by a bit of smooching, you can comfortably head to Hervey Bay (QLD), Darwin (NT) and Mackay (QLD). Given beaches are family-friendly places, it's understood that heavy petting is best left at home, along with your pets. Unless it's a pet-approved (not petting) beach. 

Complete list of the top ten beach etiquette violations

1. Bringing pets to the beach 
2. Not swimming in designated areas 
3. PDA
4. Feeding the seagulls
5. Littering
6. Flicking sand by walking by wearing thongs
7. Talking too loudly 
8. Sitting too close
9. Smoking
10. Not surfing in designated areas

Who would have thought the use of beach cabanas didn't make the list? 

RELATED: The unspoken beach cabana rules no one wants to follow

Bondi Beach named for the most violations! Source: iStock

But which beaches have the most violations?

When asked which Australian beaches have the worst etiquette, 26% of survey respondents pointed their finger at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach. Despite its scenic splendour, many consider Bondi to be the nation's worst beach because it tends to attract "drunken yob parties" and opportunistic thieves.

Don't even get me started on the parking - it's a nightmare at the best of times. Let alone being a perfect beach-weather day. 

Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast was Australia’s second worst beach for etiquette, followed by Melbourne’s St Kilda Beach. 

RELATED: Beach pic proves quirky Aussie summer pact

Brighton Beach ranked the best for the least violations. Source: iStock

There are good beaches

If beach etiquette is important to you, you should consider a trip to Brighton Beach in Victoria – the best-behaved beach in Australia (according to the survey). Lined with colourful bathing boxes, this is one of Victoria’s most popular beaches, with a long expanse of sand and a handy proximity to restaurants and shops.

Mooloolaba Beach on the Sunshine Coast is also ranked highly for good etiquette. Named as one of the top 10 beaches in the South Pacific (in the 2022 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards), this beach is known for its soft sand, friendly lifeguards, and pleasant ambience.

Many beach days are ahead, so beach-goers, be mindful of your neighbours when setting down a spot at the beach. Especially if it's your local, visitors will want a pleasant experience just as much as you do. And if a non-local is out of line, just a subtle reminder that the beach is for everyone will often do the trick. 

Whichever beach you choose, hope you enjoy and remember to mind your p's and q's. 

Originally published as It's official - this is the worst beach habit as voted by Aussies