For many Australians, the beach is the place where summer weekends begin and end, where meditative winter walks provide sanctuary from the hustle and bustle, and where families, friends and lovers gather to picnic, watch the sunset or walk the dog. In The Beach, award-winning artist Brian Simmonds explores the beauty and diversity of our coastline, and its role in Australian life. Simmonds's evocative pastel and pencil illustrations, accompanied by poetry and prose from well-known Australian writers, makes for the perfect gift book for locals and tourists alike.