Little Beach in Albany, Western Australia is an awesome place that few people know about

VANUATU. Bora Bora. The Maldives. They are so yesterday. This is the paradise very few people know about, and it’s right here in Australia.

VANUATU. Bora Bora. Fiji. The Maldives.

They have nothing on us.

Some of the world’s most spectacular beaches are located right here in Australia. And no, I’m not talking about Bondi.

Take a look at this place, it’s arguably the best beach in the world and it’s a very well-kept secret.

It’s called Little Beach.

Never heard of it? Neither had I, until recently. It’s located in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve near Albany, a town tucked away on the southern coast of Western Australia that’s home to some jawdropping hidden gems.

News_Image_File: Spectacular ... Picture: Kate Schneider

“Why would you go to there?” Was the response I was commonly met with when telling people I was planning a trip to Western Australia to celebrate an anniversary with my partner.

Little would they have believed the sight that greeted us after a five-hour drive from Perth, through the sparsely-populated countryside and past (and nearly over the top of) snakes and kangaroos.

News_Image_File: It’s right here in Australia. Picture: Kate Schneider

And while it’s a definitely a “little” beach in terms of size, it sure packs a punch on the senses. It was the perfect spot for some romance.

News_Image_File: The entrance to the beach. Wow. Picture: Kate Schneider

First there’s the pristine, powdery white sand, the softest I’ve ever felt, and free of rubbish, small rocks and twigs.

News_Image_File: It’s easy to lose track of time here. Picture: Kate Schneider

But the most magnificent sight of all was the crystal clear turquoise water, and the dramatic contrast between the lighter and darker blue hues that were offset with the bright white sand.

News_Image_File: Bliss. Picture: William Paniagua

The gentle waves were so inviting.

News_Image_File: The marvellous blue hues of the water. Picture: Kate Schneider

Not to mention the spectacular rock formations that dotted the area and the rugged coastland.

News_Image_File: The beach was small but was far from being crowded. Picture: Kate Schneider

Even better, there was hardly a soul in sight to disturb the peace.

News_Image_File: How could you not take a dip here? Picture: Kate Schneider

If you go, here are a few tips:

• Visit the facilities at the visitor centre, not at the actual beach ...

• It’s a national park so beware of snakes. Also, a five-metre shark was spotted in Albany earlier this month.

Little Beach is located in Albany, Western Australia. You can drive there in approximately five hours from Perth.

Click here for the Tourism Western Australia website.

News_Image_File: A snake sunbathing on the road to Little Beach. Picture: Kate Schneider