This book is about the beaches of the northern Australian coast between Broome and Cooktown and includes all beaches in the Kimberley region, the Northern Territory and Cape York, in all 3489 beaches spread along 11 869 km of tropical coast.

The book has two aims, first to provide the public with a background to the physical nature and evolution of the northern Australian coast and its beach systems, including the role of climate, wave, tides, wind and biota in shaping the present coast and beaches. It then describes every beach on the coast including its name, location, physical characteristics, access and facilities, with specific comments on its surf zone character and physical and biological hazards.

Based on the physical characteristics each beach is rated in terms of the level of beach hazards from the least hazardous rated 1 (safest) to the most hazardous 10 (least safe).

The book contains 421 figures including 365 photographs, which include beach maps and photographs of all beaches patrolled by surf lifesavers and photographs of many other beaches.

To purchase a hard copy of this book please visit the Sydney University Press web site.