Beach Book Club: Ultimate Beaches Australia by Celeste Mitchell
We’re excited to introduce our first Beach Book Club book of the season, Ultimate Beaches Australia by Celeste Mitchell. We’re no strangers to the beach here at UNE PIECE, and we’re always looking for stunning new swim spots. So this book was high on our hit list of Summer beach reads! We chatted to Celeste to learn a little bit more about her life an work, what inspired her to write a this book and the process behind researching the ultimate beaches in Australia.
In a few short sentences, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a freelance journalist and mum, and still get giddy at the fact my name is printed on the front of a book! I studied journalism with Catriona Rowntree’s job firmly in my sights but deviated to magazines instead of TV halfway through my degree. Fortuitously, I’ve ended up writing exclusively about travel for the past 12 years, for the likes of Escape, Travel + Luxury in The Australian, and Australian Traveller magazine.
What inspired you to write 'Ultimate Beaches Australia’?
After launching my first book in 2022 – Life Unhurried with my co-founders of the slow and sustainable living platform – my publisher invited me to pitch to write the next book in Hardie Grant’s popular Ultimate travel series on a topic close to my heart: beaches! Growing up on the Sunshine Coast, my primary school days were spent playing sport and learning about the environment on the neighbouring beach, while high school saw me diving below the surface of the Whitsundays as part of my studies. As a traveller, I’ve spent time on beaches around the globe and like so many Aussies, feels endlessly grateful for the clean, beautiful ocean on our doorstep. Whether walking alongside it, attempting to surf, or splashing about in the shallows with my family, my favourite days are those spent on the sand.
What was the process of writing the book like? We can imagine a lot of travel was involved!
Ultimate Beaches Australia was written over 18 months and then designed and edited over another six… then it was a six-month wait for it to hit bookshelves, so it was quite the journey! When I took on the project, I thought I had quite a chunk of knowledge already under my belt but then quickly realised how many gaps along the Australian coastline I needed to fill. While it would have been easiest, and delightful, to hit the road with the family and do a lap in the name of research, circumstances dictated that I jet off on solo stints when and however I could to do my research, with massive writing benders in between 95 days on the road (collectively), driving over 13,828 kilometres, taking 23 flights and five ferries.
Where are your favourite three places in Australia to holiday (in Summer)?
I’m very lucky to live in a place where people flock for their summer holidays but if I am getting away during the summer months, I absolutely love a road trip south to Sawtell, NSW for its chilled vibes and choice of beaches and creeks. It’s only 15 minutes from Coffs Harbour but still feels like a tucked-away secret (with great coffee). Tasmania is also a favourite ever since I did a DIY writing retreat there while writing this book – particularly the north west coast. The beaches are isolated and wild and wonderful. Last but not least, I’d love to go back to WA to experience a summer there. I’ve only ever been in winter and I’d love to see what Denmark and Esperance are like during the warmer months.
What are your top five Summer essentials?
The Weatherzone app (need to know that wind direction for which beach to choose!), a natural reef-friendly sunscreen (I’m currently loving Wotnot SPF 50+ as it’s not greasy), a huge bag for packing all the beach essentials for my kids into, time to enjoy catch ups with friends, and cold rosé.
Who or what inspires you in your life and your work?
I’m inspired by people who aren’t afraid to forge their own path and who don’t care whether they’ll be seen as cool or successful, just that they’ve been themselves. They don’t have to be famous, just someone who has been willing to have a crack and is ultimately a good human. Kindness goes a long way. Beyond that, give me majestic landscapes, stays with a story behind them, and that feeling you get landing somewhere you’ve never been and setting out to explore.
What is your favourite UNE PIECE swimsuit?
I love the Original Bustier Balconette One Piece, especially in gingham. Such a classic and flattering style. The bikini is a very close second! Love that high-waisted look.
What do you think of the UNE PIECE brand and its vision to empower and build confidence in women?
I’ve watched the UNE PIECE journey from its inception and I’ve always admired the positive body message it sends to women, as well as the confidence it instills through the carefully considered design of each piece.
Ultimate Beaches Australia is available at all good booksellers, Amazon and Big W. Signed copies can be purchased at celestemitchell.com.au