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- Best Beaches in Australia Casuarina Beach, the Northern Territory Cow Bay Beach, Queensland Long Beach, South Australia Lagoon Beach, Lord Howe Island Cylinder Beach, Queensland Pulu Blan Madar Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands Madfish Bay, Western Australia
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- Hamilton Island is the premier vacation destination for those wanting to explore the Whitsunday Islands and the nearby Great Barrier Reef.
- While most visit the Great Barrier Reef for its snorkeling and scuba diving, travelers should pencil in some time to relax on its beaches, too.
- Set on Australia's east coast, the Gold Coast is one of the country's most popular beach destinations. Surfers and families will enjoy Burleigh Heads Beach for its impressive surf break while Palm Beach is renowned for its clean, picturesque shoreline that's rarely crowded.
- Located in northwestern Australia, Cable Beach is definitely a trek from Sydney, but travelers say it's worth the trip.
- NSW’s Best Beaches
- Vic’s Best Beaches
- Qld’S Best Beaches
- Tassie’s Best Beaches
- SA’s Best Beaches
- WA’s Best Beaches
- NT’s Best Beaches
1. Parsley Bay Beach, Sydney
The magnificent beaches of Sydney Harbour are often overshadowed by the bigger names of Bondi and Manly (although lifeguards at Bondi probably wish a few more backpackers would take to the calm waters of the harbour). Vaucluse’s Parsley Bay Beach is spoken about in hushed tones by those in the know; a vain attempt to stop the word from getting out. The park, bushwalk and small protected beach are a hit with families. The cherry on top? The picturesque pedestrian suspension bridge, built in 19...
2. Seven Mile Beach, Gerroa
Seven Mile beach is everything most of us want from a beach. At the northern end, under the dozey watch of Gerroa, you will find long languid gentle waves, the mouth of the Crooked River and a flat stretch of squeaky sand. For something different, grab a lilo and mosey down the river to the gentle beach break. As you head south towards Shoalhaven Heads12 kilometres away, the waves increase in size and the bush pushes all signs of humans into the hinterland. Seven Mile also has some history. S...
3. Zenith Beach, Port Stephens
The beaches of Port Stephensare probably the single biggest victims of our embarrassment of riches. In any other country, Port Stephens would be the eighth Wonder of the World. So it is fitting the pick of them is called Zenith… stroll with a coffee bought from the Shoal Bay cafes in hand through a short stretch of Aussie bush to be greeted by a gently curving crescent beach protected by two peaks standing guard at either end of the beach. Tomaree Headland, great for a stroll and magnificent...
4. Smiths Beach, Phillip Island
It’s Southern Ocean facing sure, but the variety of waves on this idyllic slice of the penguin-peppered island is deceiving (we have our own guide to just the beaches of Phillip Island). Salted surfers and green novices all find a great wave while the non-board riders can frolic on the shoreline or in rock holes. To sum it all up, Phillip Island is a sublime slice of Victoria filled with sweet holiday homes and luxury villas, emerging producers and foodie outlets and of course those penguins...
5. Fairhaven Beach, Aireys Inlet, Great Ocean Road
Between Anglesea and Lorne on the Great Ocean Road, Fairhaven is known for having the best waves on the Great Ocean Roadafter Bells Beach. Don’t think this is a wax head zone only – Fairhaven is six kilometres long and the best waves are on the eastern end. The other drawcard is at the height of summer, Fairhaven remains relatively crowd-free.
6. Norman Bay Beach / Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory
Ask any Victorian for the best beaches in the state and Norman’s would be mentioned first or second for a reason – when anyone says how beautiful Wilsons Promis they visualise Norman Bay, its beach and the mouth of Tidal River. The shallow aquamarine water with gentle waves, and the meandering flow of the Tidal River all based on endless stretches of fine sand make for the perfect family beach. Kids will spend hours and days snorkelling, beach cricket, body surfing, and building sand castles...
7. Noosa Main Beach, Noosa
Noosa Main beach is a magnificent spot for both aquatic sandy leisure and people-watching. The soundtrack of the rhythmic lapping of gentle waves on Queensland‘s only northerly facing beach is rather soothing for the exhausted elites who are drawn to this beachside destination that delivers probably the single greatest holiday mix of sun, surf, food, wine and all-round “counting your blessings” relaxation. Sure the Noosa Main Beach boardwalk is rammed with more activewear than Lorna Jane’s at...
8. Lake Mackenzie, K’gari
Surprise! A beach that is not on the coast. A perched lake (so it sits above sea level on the sands of K’gari) it is fed only by rainwater. Lake Mackenzie is pinch-yourself beautiful. Not even the millions of over-saturated Instagram shots do it justice. Ringed by talcum-soft white sand, you dive right into cool iridescent green water that becomes coffee stained as you move deeper. And for an extra touch, at the shoreline rub your valuables in the wet white silica for a free jewellery clean.
9. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, Qld
It is no wonder that any self-respecting list of the best Australian beaches must have Whitehaven on it. It is a non-negotiable for a reason. In the dictionary under perfect beach, just stick in a photo of Whitehaven: turquoise water and blinding white fine sand that stretches for more than six kilometres. The sand is in fact 98 per cent silica giving its pure whiteness. And forget the hot sand jig, the pure white colour reflects the heat so it never gets too hot for your feet. And as if that...
10. Wineglass Bay, Freycinet Peninsula
Tasmania’s most famous beach makes global lists of top 10s with such regularity that we can become a little blasé about its beauty and let’s be honest, perfection. Until of course, you walk to the top of The Hazards, the spectacular mountain range that climbs steeply from the water to form the northern edge of Wineglass Bay, to peer down on this ridiculously exquisite beach. If the relatively easy walk to the lookout is not floating your boat, then join a cruise to explore the entire remarkab...
11. Boat Harbour Beach
Ask locals (particularly if they are from the northern section of Tasmania) their favourite beach and without hesitation, they will respond Boat Harbour Beach. The north-easterly facing beach is protected from the wind by rocky headlands on both edges of the beach. A gentle slope and north facing provide a gentle wave. And some serious rock-hole exploring is an option in the remarkable geology of the headland.
12. Cosy Corner, Bay of Fires
Picking the best Bay of Firesbeach is the greatest exercise in futility, no one usually tries. When international lists of best beaches in the world are released they don’t even bother and collectively name Bay of Fires which in fact covers more than 15 different beaches. Collectively the beaches of the Bay of Fires have the mandatory remarkable white sand and aquamarine water but these Tassie gems like to up the ante with a big dollop of dazzling orange thanks to the lichen that is found ove...
13. Long Beach, Robe
Such is the fabulousness of Robe’s Long Beach that it should be a national icon. There are several ramps to drive your car onto the beach and the surf break from the third ramp onwards is most loved by those with waxy hair. The beach itself is very deep from the shoreline to land and, stretching for more than 14 kilometres, it is always easy to find a slice for yourself and to renew old rivalries in the annual family beach cricket grudge match. Make the most of it, take the 4WD (although some...
14. Stokes Bay Beach, Kangaroo Island
Stokes Bay beach is confusing to the uninitiated. Arriving at the car park you will be very let down; the shoreline is a craggy mix of rocks and pebbles. Follow the signs through a few rocks and caves and, like the wardrobe in the Lion the Witch and Wardrobe,you merge into a hidden paradise. The north-facing beach is all the prerequisite white sand and turquoise water. Being northerly facing it avoids any of the big waves from the Southern Ocean and the rockpools are a winner for exploring wi...
15. Maslin Beach, Fleurieu Peninsula
The first time you sight Maslins is a wondrous thing. It happens as you crest a hill headed for McLaren Valeand then this magnificent beach and the burnt-red striated cliffs of Blanche Point appear. The southern end of Maslins (as locals call it) towards the cliffs is Australia’s first legal “clothed optional beach”, handy for the many wine buffs who depart Adelaidewithout swimmers expecting a full day of tasting who are then seduced by the beauty of the beach and emboldened by the tasting to...
16. Cable Beach, Broome
Ok ok ok, this is a legend and deservedly so. The remarkable beach stretches in all directionsas far as the eye can see – it is 22 kilometres long and at low tide, as the water recedes, it feels that wide. Add the famous pindan red cliffs, camel ridesand the sunset that is unrivalled around the world and you have an experience that has such an intense sense of place it is the beach equivalent of standing in front of the Eiffel Tower. The huge expanse of the beach has plenty of space for every...
17. Little Salmon Bay, Rottnest Island
Oh Rotto, you had me at quokka. Sure we all love a selfie with the misnamed ‘rodents’ but it is the incredible beaches of Rotto that really take the cake. And Little Salmon Bay is by far the greatest beach on Rotto. The relatively small beach is so picturesque, your lizard brain sees the quintessential paradise causing you to be almost teary at the sheer beauty of the place. Being a small beach at the end of a long narrow bay, the snorkelling area is next level big. This also explains why it...
18. Eagle Bay, Margaret River Region
Low-key luxury homes meet that incredible luminescent WA turquoise water and fine white sand. Almost at the tip of Cape Naturaliste, the beach in fact faces northeast and is well protected from the Indian Ocean swells, add the long gentle sandy beach and you have an oversized sea pool. The beach is interspersed with the occasional rock outcrop that gives kids endless entertainment.
19. Mindil Beach, Darwin
Let’s be honest, the NTis full of incredible beaches that are torturous to us Aussies – so seductive yet unsafe to swim; how can they tempt us so? Mindil is an icon of Darwin for its outrageously beautiful sunsets and of course the eclectic Mindil Beach markets. Clothing, nik naks and whip stalls mingle with food outlets serving up cuisine from more than 20 different countries to create a must-do of the NT.
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- Hyams Beach. Best known for having the whitest sand in the world, Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay in New South Wales is not to be missed. You can snorkel in the calm crystal clear waters, explore the nearby bushland or look out for whales and dolphins on the horizon.
- Bronte Beach. With a more relaxed feel than its iconic neighbor Bondi, Bronte Beach is the ideal spot to surf, swim, and grab a quality cup of coffee. Young kids can play in the section of the beach protected by rocks, affectionately known as the Bogey Hole, surfers can enjoy the swell, and for those who like to do laps, there is a 30-meter seawater pool nestled into the coast.
- Bondi Beach. No list of Australian beaches would be complete without Bondi, the beach that most defines Aussie beach culture. This sweeping half-mile stretch of white sand never fails to impress.
- Wattamolla. Fancy an adventure? Wattamolla won’t disappoint. Located in the Royal National Park on the New South Wales coast, around three hours by car from Sydney, the beach is nestled between a lagoon and the ocean.
- Guide to Kangaroo Island. Kangaroo Island is a nature lover's paradise, with prolific native wildlife, dramatic coastal sightseeing and bountiful farmlands.
- Guide to the Whitsundays. Sailing through blue waters, snorkelling above gardens of coral and coastal views more beautiful than a postcard – it’s all waiting for you in the Whitsundays.
- Guide to the Great Ocean Road. Experience the rugged beauty along the south-west coast of Victoria by setting off along one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives.
- Guide to Jervis Bay. Sparkling-white sands, dazzling aqua waters and magnificent marine life combine to make Jervis Bay the epitome of paradise. Read time • 4min.
Assuming that your 32-year plan doesn't singularly involve beach hopping around Australia (although, we can of course, dream), we've put together a list of the best and prettiest beaches...
Dec 2, 2023 · With a mammoth coastline, there's no shortage of fantastic beaches in Australia. From Bondi near Sydney to the Whitsunday Islands, here are the very best.
Apr 27, 2024 · With thousands of miles of stunning coastline, Australia is renowned for its beautiful beaches, which include silky white sands and clear blue waters, world-class surf breaks, and lively oceanfront scenes. 1. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, QLD.
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