Aussie stars share their three essential items for a day at the beach

If you've got time off work this summer, in the words of Barbie's Ken, your job... it's just beach.

For many Aussies, the December-January holidays are synonymous with days spent lounging on the sand – being sun-safe, obviously – and dipping under waves.

To celebrate the season, we asked Nine stars to name their three essential items for a day at the beach.

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Liz Hayes, Under Investigation host

"Hat, suntan lotion and room for a pony. Well, not really, but I'm not one for elbowing my way to find a space for my towel.

Ally Langdon, A Current Affair host

Surfboards, shade and a good book."

Charli Robinson, Getaway presenter

Sunscreen, binoculars (usually because we are watching my partner Liam surfing) and buckets. Got to make sandcastles in between swims!

Matthew Pavlich, sport presenter

"Otis sunnies, the kids' surf/boogie boards and a tennis ball.

Marina Prior, Carols by Candlelight performer

"unscreen, hat and umbrella. Irish/Scottish skin.

Scott Cam, The Block host

Chair, umbrella and the newspaper.

Sophie Monk, Love Island Australia host

The CoolCabana, Esky and tons of sunscreen, because I do NOT tan, so my skin just burns and freckles.

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David Reyne, Getaway presenter

1. Sunscreen. 2. Sunscreen. 3. Have they invented jet ski repellent yet?

Shaynna Blaze, The Block judge

"Towel, picnic basket (filled with drinks and snacks) and a book.

Shelly Horton, 9honey contributor

If I'm going to the beach, it's not for sunbaking, it's to go fishing. So, I'm going to say my three items are worms, fishing rod, and sun protection – a hat, shirt, sunscreen, sunglasses. I'm like a vampire. I explode into flames in the sun, so a beach day is not fun for me.

Mike Goldstein, The Hundred With Andy Lee panellist

"Thongs (both in the American sense and the Australian sense), and a volleyball that I've painted a face on and made my best friend.

Livinia Nixon, 9News Melbourne weather presenter

"I'm a pack horse when I go to the beach, so here goes: sunscreen, a book, a soft towel, a big hat, a water bottle... please don't limit me to just three!

Marlee Silva, 9honey columnist

SPF50 sunscreen is the absolute number one, a good book and nice cold watermelon, the perfect beach snack.

Mark Hine, 4BC presenter

"We always take the CoolCabana (beach tent), beach seats and sunscreen. We love going in comfort and style and hate getting burnt.

Brickman, Lego Masters judge

Cricket bat and ball for sure, then a shovel – I always end up making rather grand sandcastles.

Natalia Cooper, 9News Perth presenter

Sunscreen, a sun shelter and a great book. Although I'm unlikely to read it, as I'll more than likely be building sandcastles with the kids.

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Gary Clare, 4BC presenter

Sunscreen, water and, according to the police last year, togs.

Sami Lukis, 9honey columnist

Sunblock, my dog Stevie – she's a beach girl – and enough treats to bribe Stevie to leave the beach.

Darren Palmer, The Block judge

I like to get in and get out, so I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to the beach.

I apply sunscreen beforehand, take a light towel and my Apple watch just in case I need to pay for something, some swim shorts, Havaianas and I'm set.

Marty Fox, The Block judge

"Sunnies, something I can throw and coconut oil.

Sam McClymont, Getaway presenter

Some type of shade shelter, either a beach tent or cabana, as you can stay a lot longer. I am a big fan of the Tessalate towels so you don't bring the whole beach home with you.

Plus, anything to keep the kids entertained whether it be bucket and spade, boogie boards. If they are happy, Mum can relax and be happy too.