After putting together a list in which we rank Australia’s best beaches, we must admit that the legendary sands of the Land Down Under live up to their reputation. Stretches of white or golden sand beaches, kilometres of craggy coastlines, and exhilarating surf breaks make up Australia’s coast, and every single beach is picture-perfect and worth spending every minute in. There are rocky beaches for exploration, tucked away ones to get away from it all, sandy ones for a lazy day off, and surf beaches for an active day out.
From the famous East Coast to the offbeat West, here are 10 of Australia’s best beaches.
- Whitehaven Beach, Queensland
- Wineglass Bay, Tasmania
- Mandalay Beach, Western Australia
- 75 Mile Beach, Queensland
- Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay, New South Wales
- Palm Cove Beach, Queensland
- Turquoise Bay, Western Australia
- Bells Beach, Victoria
- Bondi Beach, Sydney, New South Wales
- Main Beach Byron Bay, New South Wales
Whitehaven Beach, Queensland
Queensland’s beaches are famous all over the world, and Whitehaven Beach is among its top stunners. Extending by more than nine kilometres, this beach boasts pristine, soft, impossibly white sand, an eco-friendly approach—cigarette smoking is prohibited, for example, and calm, shallow waters that are excellent for swimming. The fact that it’s only accessible by boat, seaplane & helicopter means fewer people to share it with you.
Plan on having a hearty meal at Whitehaven Beach BBQ and even staying the night as camping facilities are on hand. Take a quick hike to Hill Inlet Scenic Lookout for lovely panoramas and a photo opp.
Wineglass Bay, Tasmania
Nestled in the sweeping peninsula of Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay is a legend. It’s famous for its perfect crescent shape and the emerald-blue water lapping against its sparkling white sand. Far from the tourist trail, this beautiful beach is a stunning venue for long coastal walks, a quiet swim, and slumbering under the stars.
Accessible by car and a hike or by boat, a day here is best spent taking a refreshing dip in its calm waters, though hiring a charter boat or joining a boat tour might be more fun. Carve out some time to hike to the Wineglass Bay Lookout while there for that great, iconic shot of the entire bay from a higher vantage point.
Mandalay Beach, Western Australia
Sunsets are always spectacular as far as Mandalay Beach is concerned. This quiet stretch of beach might not see a lot of tourist traffic, but its beauty is worth driving all the way to the southwestern section of the country. Whether you’re perched on one of its large boulders, strolling along its boardwalk, or having a picnic on the beach, it’s worth spending at least a day here.
Stay until sunset for that fiery photo opportunity, but bear in mind that toilets are the only facilities on hand. Be sure to pack everything you need for your visit.
75 Mile Beach, Queensland
If you see a photo of a stunning beach with a shipwreck in the foreground and the pastel colours of the sunrise in the background, then it must be Queensland’s own 75 Mile Beach. This gem is more than just a setting for Instagram-worthy moments. Many come to this part of Fraser Island to fish, drive their four-wheel drives, take a walk down a trail, and watch seaplanes land and take off.
Be advised sharks are swimming around, the currents are strong, and there are rip tides, so swimming is best done only in the Champagne Pools. Keep an eye out for passing whales, and take a 4WD guided tour.
Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay, New South Wales
Less than three hours south of Sydney is Jervis Bay’s Hyams Beach. Though not as secluded as the other beaches, this favourite spot teeming with swimmers boasts one of the whitest beaches in the world, and that alone is reason enough to visit it. Lots of people come here for a lovely swim in gentle lapping waters or top up their tans on fine, soft sand.
Crowds frequent Hyams Beach so come early. You can pack a picnic or have Hyams Beach Hampers do it, so you need only show up. Secure a guided tour in the Booderee National Park nearby.
Palm Cove Beach, Queensland
Fringed with palm trees, most of which bend towards the water, Palm Cove Beach is postcard-ready. But it’s also got a swimming zone, easy surfing spots for surf lessons, and opportunities for kids to collect Pipis.
Picnic tables are on hand so be sure to pack some essentials. Another reason to visit: it’s just been named one of the cleanest beaches in the world. Hiring a tour guide is not necessary as it’s very accessible and facilities are nearby.
Turquoise Bay, Western Australia
Another Western Australia spot, Turquoise Bay has long been considered one of the country’s best beaches. Its shimmering waters fringed with white sand are home to Ningaloo Reef, which is swimming with marine life, just the ticket for an unforgettable snorkelling experience. Keep an eye out for octopi, dolphins, reef sharks, turtles, and fish in a spectrum of colours. Swimming is also an option, so long as you are a strong swimmer or know how to get yourself out of riptides.
Capture the vibrant underwater scene with a GoPro and a red filter. Stop by its viewpoint for a panoramic shot.
Bells Beach, Victoria
Name-dropped in the surf/cop flick Point Break, this surf beach is legendary for its surf breaks. It’s the setting for world’s longest continuously running surfing competition, Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. It’s a good stop if you’re making your way along the Great Ocean Road, and a must stop if you’re an avid surfer (though beginners might find the right-hand breaks here a little tough to handle).
Not a surfer? No worries! It’s great for photography with its golden beach and rugged coastline, as well as just relaxing on the beach watching the surf nuts do their thing.
Bondi Beach, Sydney, New South Wales
Bondi Beach is busy, a popular spot to visit when you’re in Sydney. But it’s also beautiful and energetic, with opportunities for surfing, dining beachside, and capturing Instagram-worthy shots. The 1.5-kilometre stretch of sand is the venue for many activities, from swimming and having a picnic to stirring your creative juices with the Sculpture by the Sea exhibit and shopping.
Go for an early morning surf session (or take a lesson), take in the views along the Coogee Coastal Walk, and swim laps in the Bondi Icebergs Pool.
Main Beach Byron Bay, New South Wales
Sunrise from Byron Bay’s Main Beach is wildly beautiful, but then again it’s like that throughout the day. If you want to see its more romantic, less busy side, however, go early. If you’re looking to rub elbows with beginner surfers and sun worshipers, come back later in the day, and set up shop with your picnic blanket.
Keep in mind that it’s a famous beach, so expect crowds. Many facilities are on hand, including BBQ, picnic tables, and showers.
No matter which beach you choose to spend your time on in Australia, you’re practically guaranteed an amazing time. If you really can’t decide, see how many you can make it to in one trip!
Did we include your favourite beach in Australia? Let us know!
