The Sol Umbra Journal

The Beach Personalities Every Australian Knows

The Beach Personalities Every Australian Knows Spend ten minutes on almost any Australian beach and you'll notice something strange: every beach has the exact same cast of characters. They come fro...

Sharks in Australia: What Every Beachgoer Should Know Before Getting in the Water

Every Australian has heard the same question from an overseas friend: "Do you really swim with sharks?" It usually comes with a raised eyebrow - and the assumption that Australians spend every beac...

Best Beaches In WA For Families: Parking, Toilets, Cafes & Stress-Free Beach Days

Let's be honest. The best family beach isn't always the prettiest one. As parents, we've all learned this eventually. A beach can have crystal-clear water, white sand and the perfect sunset. But if...

The Perfect Beach Packing Checklist (Yes, Your Mum Was Right About Everything)

There's a speech every Australian has heard: "Sunscreen. Hat. Water bottle. A proper towel, not that tiny one. Have you got shade? You need shade. No, a cap doesn't count as shade. And don't forget...

The Beaches We Couldn't Stop Talking About in 2025 — Sol Umbra Team Picks

Some beaches stay in your memory because of the water. Others because of the road trip, the weather, or the feeling you had when you arrived. And then there are the beaches you keep talking about l...

Why Australian Beaches Feel So Much Hotter Than Beaches Overseas

If you've spent time on an Australian beach, you've probably noticed it straight away- the sun feels stronger here. Even on a mild or windy day, it's surprisingly easy to get burnt after only a sho...

Tired of Your Beach Shade Collapsing? Here's What to Look For in Australia

You know the feeling. You've driven to the beach, found a good spot, spent ten minutes wrestling with poles - and the moment a gust of wind rolls in, your shade is halfway down the sand. Sound fam...