Petit Cul-de-Sac offers a secluded coastal experience along St Barts' northeastern shore, protected between two peninsulas. Unlike more developed beaches, this spot maintains an undeveloped shoreline with calm waters suitable for swimming and snorkelling, where sea turtle sightings are common. The beach's location — west of Grand Cul-de-Sac and southwest of Petit Étang lagoon — remains deliberately unmarked, contributing to its “hidden gem” status. Visitors typically arrive via a left turn past the salt pond when approaching from Toiny. This wild beach offers no commercial facilities, so make sure to pack some water and a picnic basket.

Sustainable tourism is not only about being environmentally friendly, but also about respecting the cultural heritage of the destination. In Canberra, you can immerse yourself in one of the oldest and richest cultures in human history. Appreciate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and traditions at the National Gallery of Australia, Burrunju Art Gallery and Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery. Take a tour with a local Ngunnawal elder with Dhawura Tours or try your hand at traditional First Nations practices at a workshop at the National Arboretum.

Shell Beach offers St Barts' most unusual shoreline — a sun-drenched crescent where countless tiny shells crunch underfoot instead of sand. Just five minutes from Gustavia's boutiques, this "in-town" escape delivers calm waters that deepen quickly, perfect for swimmers and snorkellers (gear not provided). For a taste of yacht-spotting glamour, watch sailboats anchor offshore while local musicians strum at Shellona restaurant during golden hour. Adventurers can test their nerve diving off the nearby cliffs, while tender feet might prefer water shoes for the shell-covered shore.

Grand Fond reveals St Barts’ untamed Atlantic coast — a pebble-strewn beach where surfers challenge the crashing waves, and swimming is wisely avoided amid the rocky shallows. This wild counterpart to nearby Toiny offers raw drama: wind-sculpted vistas stretch to offshore islets, while the relentless surf soundtrack drowns out all traces of the island’s glamour. A 15-minute hike west along slippery coastal trails leads to the Piscines Naturelles Grand Fond, where volcanic rocks cradle seawater pools. Time it right (avoid midday sun and check tides) for safe dips between sea urchin colonies. The full 3-kilometre out-and-back trail offers panoramic ocean views. Just be sure to pack sturdy shoes and water for the scramble over jagged terrain. Shellfish hunters take note: collecting is prohibited, but the beach makes a spectacular picnic spot for those craving salt-sprayed solitude.