Book excerpt: Written by a marine scientist and a surfing activist, this superbly illustrated and thoroughly researched book will encourage visitors and natives alike to explore the Australian coast. Which Australian beach is made entirely of shells? Which beach has the biggest waves? Where is the world’s biggest sand dune? Where do loggerhead turtles come to lay their eggs? Why does Australia have the best beaches on the planet? Answering these and many other questions, this book provides useful information and fascinating stories about Australia’s 11,761 mainland beaches.