There are few sensations more blissful than feeling sand between your toes… until you’re in the car on the way home and discover you’ve tracked half the beach into the footwell. Avoid it coming home with you by sprinkling some talcum powder on your feet before you get in the car and the moisture that helps sand cling to your skin will be absorbed and the sand brushed off with ease.

These Aussie-made blankets, which can comfortably fit two adults, are as sustainably savvy as they are stylish. Each one is made from 20-plus recycled plastic water bottles and are sand-resistant, quick-drying and feature designs inspired by Australia’s vibrant coastlines.

You may arrive at the beach with every intention of being sun smart but time can speed past once the fun begins. Make sure you don’t forget to top up your sunscreen by setting a 90-minute alarm every time you reapply. If you’re happy to be the designated sun-protection warden, your reminder alarm can be the cue for everyone in your party to top up their SPF so no-one ends the day looking like a lobster.

Shade can be scarce at many beaches so it pays to bring your own. This enclosed cabana not only fits up to four adults, it also offers SPF50+ protection from harmful UV and it’s incredibly easy to assemble, popping up and collapsing down in one simple motion.

If you’re planning on spending the whole day by the sea there’s a good chance you’ll be bringing an esky filled with refreshments. If you have the patience (and a half-decent bucket and spade), take the time to dig a hole in the sand big enough to fit your cooler. This increases the insulation, keeping your snacks fresh for hours, even when the mercury soars.

The Mary Poppins carpet bag of coolers, the Hopper M20 has space for up to 36 standard cans yet is compact enough to carry as a backpack. Its ultra-strong magnetic opening keeps the cold sealed inside while remaining a breeze to open. There are also handy attachment points along the straps to clip on additional bags for drinkware.

Freeze chunks of pineapple, pitted cherries, seedless grapes or summer berries to create a refreshing, healthy snack with the texture of sorbet that will be the standout hero of any beach picnic. Plus they’ll also keep your cooler extra cold. Pro tip: Add the frozen fruit to drinks as a delicious alternative to regular ice cubes.

You can finally stop worrying about your valuables being pinched while you’re in the water with this clever portable lock box designed with beachgoers in mind. There’s enough room inside the combination-locked compartment for your wallet, phone, keys and important documents such as your passport. It’s compact, lightweight, highly durable and water-resistant and it can be anchored with a PVC-coated heavy-duty wire.

Save your soles from a scorching by turning your footwear upside down once you’ve found your slice of sand. This way, the bottom of the thongs or sandals will take the brunt of the sun, while the other side remains cool and ready for your walk home.

It’s not only a good idea to have access to shade when you’re settled at the beach but also when you’re walking to and from, especially if you’re going to a more secluded shore that requires an extended walk to reach. Blunt’s beautifully designed UV umbrellas provide SPF50+, blocking out up to 99 per cent of harmful rays, and they come in a range of sizes and vibrant colours. Better yet, they’re also effective wet-weather umbrellas so come rain or shine, they (literally) have you covered.

We’ve all been there: it’s a gorgeous day and you’ve gone to your favourite beach – only to find it overcrowded. Luckily, there’s a neat quirk of human behaviour that will help you find a less-populated sandy spot. Most beachgoers tend to walk in the same direction as the wind rather than against it so by heading in the opposite direction – into the wind – you can improve your chances of finding a little seclusion.

Some waterproof speakers scrimp on sound quality for durability. Not so with the Megaboom 3, which is an excellent Bluetooth speaker with superb fidelity and bass. It’s also dust- and drop-resistant and can take a drenching without being damaged.

Once it finds its way into a backpack, sand can linger for months. Mesh or rope bags are ideal for a beach trip, as any sand scooped up will escape with ease. You can even rinse off beach toys without taking them out of the bag, making the post-beach clean-up a lot less tricky.

Why compromise on comfort just because you’re out in nature? These attractive plush recliners by Byron Bay-based brand Sunday Supply Co. feature custom-designed slipcovers so you’ll look as good as you feel soaking up the sun. The folding design also makes them easy to transport and stow in the car.

The SLS Beachsafe App is a vital resource that not only helps you find the top-rated shores across Australia but also has invaluable information, such as weather forecasts, patrol times and hazard warnings for more than 12,000 beaches.

Yes, many smartphones are waterproof but sand can still find its way into charging ports, speaker holes and other nooks and crannies that are extremely hard to clean. By popping your device into a resealable sandwich bag, you’ll keep the sand at bay and be able to use the touchscreen through the plastic covering.

Swimming through ocean currents, paddling in the shallows and just stretching out and catching some rays can leave you surprisingly dehydrated so having a ready supply of drinks is a must at the beach. But a refreshing sip can quickly become a turn-off once a water bottle has warmed up in the sun. Turn this to your advantage by freezing your drinks before your outing. As the ice block slowly thaws, you’ll have a chilled, thirst-quenching glug on hand whenever you need it.