![Australians moan about Welsh beach being named 10th best in the world]()
Rhossili Bay: Getty
Rhossili Bay, 5km stretch of beach in
Swansea, was recently
named the 10th best beach in the world in a Tripadvisor poll.
And, while we're sure the
Welsh were very pleased with that accolade, some people weren't so happy: the disgruntled
Aussies.
In a feature written by Anthony Sharwod on
The Australian website, entitled "YOU'RE JOKING: This British beach is NOT better than ours", the writer starts off by describing the beach as a "strip of mud-coloured sand". A direct contrast to the
Daily Telegraph's description of it as "unspoilt yellow sands".
The article then goes on to make the case for why
Australia's beaches are better, and basically say it beggars belief that a beach in
Wales would make the world's top 10.
![Australians moan about Welsh beach being named 10th best in the world]()
Rhossili Bay: Getty
It reads: "Only one Aussie Beach, Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays, made the list. That was one insult. But we simply could not believe it when we discovered a beach in south Wales on the list.
"No, not a beach in New South Wales. Not the perfect rolling breakers of Bondi or the gleaming white sands of Hyams Beach, two hours south of Sydney.
"We're talking about a beach in south
Wales, UK. As in, she sells sea shells by the Welsh sea shore."
They even rang a local, Julian Short, the 71-year-old proprietor of the Worm's Head Hotel in the village of Rhossili overlooking the beach, to see if he agreed.
Mr Short said: "I don't know if I'd say it's one of the best beaches in in the world, but it's quite attractive really.
"The sand is soft and there are downs (rolling grassy hills) behind the beach running up about 600 feet or so."
Mr Sharwood suggests that's very nice and all, but he'd rather see "swaying palms".
![Australians moan about Welsh beach being named 10th best in the world]()
Rhossili Bay: Getty
Rhossili Bay was praised for its food, surfing and scenery, and Sharwood notes the fact the water remains shallow a long way off-shore as a plus.
But then points out that the current day water temperature is around 6C, and suggests,"you swim here if you've always wanted to be an icicle", adding: "Summer is not much better. The water at Rhossili hovers between 14 and 18 degrees in the British summer, which is cooler than Bondi in midwinter."
The writer also points out that Mr Short himself had never once been for a dip in the sea in his 71 years in the region, and holidays once a year in Dubai for the sun and the warm waters of the Arabian sea.
![Australians moan about Welsh beach being named 10th best in the world]()
Hyams Beach, Australia: Getty
One thing they did give us? A point for the grub. The article read: "If there's one area where this Welsh beach possibly trumps
Australia's, it's the food."
Mr Short, who they admit, is a "strong advocate" of the bay's appeal, said: "You can get fresh cod and chips here, and people often come in to pick up a bag of pasties to take down to the beach for lunch. They usually stay for a pint or two while we warm them up."
But when asked whether his perfect beach holiday would be at home or somewhere like Australia, he said: "I would probably go to your beaches. Let's be honest, how on earth would anyone not prefer Bondi Beach with those gorgeous girls?"
What do you think? Is this a serious case of Aussie sour grapes? Or do they have a point?
See more stunning beaches in Wales below:
- Best for rockpooling: Amroth, Pembrokeshire
<p>
Nestled between Saundersfoot and Pendine, this pristine beach is very popular with swimmers and those with a penchant for rockpooling. <strong>Did you know?</strong> At extreme low tide you can see the petrified forest destroyed when sea levels rose 7,000 years ago. Fossilised antlers, animal bones and Neolithic flints have been discovered here in the past...</p>
![Best for rockpooling: Amroth, Pembrokeshire]()
- Best for royalty spotting: Aberffraw, Anglesey
<p>
Kate and Wills have been sighted here on several occassions - so who knows, if you visit Aberffraw you may spot the couple on one of their regular country walks! <strong>Did you know?</strong> In Welsh mythology, Aberffraw is the site of Branwen and Matholwch's wedding festival where Efnysien maimed Matholwch's horses.</p>
![Best for royalty spotting: Aberffraw, Anglesey]()
- Best for sunsets: Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula
<p>
A sandy beach stretching three miles and backed with sand dunes, at low tide Rhossili Bay is expansive, giving you the option of walking over to Worm's Head (pictured). <strong>Did you know? </strong>Rhossili Bay has been used as the setting of New Earth in <em>Doctor Who</em> and the bay was used in <em>Torchwood: Miracle Day</em>.</p>
![Best for sunsets: Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula]()
- Best for a little bit of history: Whitesands Bay, Pembrokeshire
<p>
A beautiful beach laden with history, Whitesands Bay is popular with surfers and has been described as one of the best tourist beaches in the world. <strong>Did you know? </strong>At very low tide the remains of an ancient submerged forest can be seen on the beach - a bear jaw was once discovered here.</p>
![Best for a little bit of history: Whitesands Bay, Pembrokeshire]()
- Best for watersports: Aberdyfi, Gwynedd
<p>
A small harbour resort located within the Snowdonia National Park, Aberdyfi offers a range of watersports including sailing, canoeing, fishing and boat trips. <strong>Did you know?</strong> The Romans established a track into Aberdyfi as part of the military occupation of Wales around AD78.</p>
![Best for watersports: Aberdyfi, Gwynedd]()
- Best for rambling: Dinas Dinlle, Llyn Peninsula
<p>
A truly peaceful corner of the world with wonderful views, Dinas Dinlle is the perfect place to take a ramble. <strong>Did you know?</strong> From the village, you can take pleasure flights around the peninsula or even take flying lessons.</p>
![Best for rambling: Dinas Dinlle, Llyn Peninsula]()
- Best for exploring the coastal path: Poppit Sands, Cardigan Bay
<p>
Poppit Sands, a half mile beach backed with sand dunes, is situated at the beginning (or the end, depending on which direction you're heading) of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. This beach is also a popular spot for power kiting. <strong>Did you know?</strong> Bottlenose dolphins can often be spotted around the bay, as well as porpoise.</p>
![Best for exploring the coastal path: Poppit Sands, Cardigan Bay]()
- Best for wildlife lovers: Mwnt, Mid-Wales
<p>
The beach, which has earned a Green Coast Award, has safe swimming conditions and an abundance of wildlife including seals, porpoises and dolphins. <strong>Did you know?</strong> Mwnt was the site of an unsuccessful invasion by Flemings in 1155 (later celebrated as "Red Sunday"). It's said the bones of the defeated invaders were sometimes visible under the sand during the early 20th century.</p>
![Best for wildlife lovers: Mwnt, Mid-Wales]()
- Best for peaceful strolls: Marloes, Pembrokeshire
<p>
Marloes, an isolated stretch of sand, is rarely busy. It offers views to Skokholm and Gateholm Islands and is a good spot for surfing and horse-riding. <strong>Did you know?</strong> The remains of neolithic to medieval settlements can be found on the island.</p>
![Best for peaceful strolls: Marloes, Pembrokeshire]()
- Best for a romantic walk: Trearddur Bay, Anglesey
<p>
Rocky outcrops, sealife, a Millennium Celtic Cross and rockpools can all be found here. The sea is clean and safe for swimming, too. <strong>Did you know? </strong>Legend has it that Saint Ffraid, the patron saint of Trearddur Bay, from Kildare, Ireland was carried over the Irish Sea and arrived at the beach on a square of green turf.</p>
![Best for a romantic walk: Trearddur Bay, Anglesey]()
Nick Davies/Sea Watch
Nick Davies/Sea Watch
Nick Davies/Sea Watch
Geolite's easy-glide wheel is designed to make every journey as smooth as possible and with minimum steering the case goes where you expect.
The pair were accompanied by Jessica's make-up artist Lauren Anderson and stopped on Place du Trocadero to buy crepes from an outdoor seller.
