Want to know where you should be getting sandy in Straya? Look no further
If there's one thing that Australia does right, it's really beautiful beaches – and a lot of them, to be precise. With a whopping 12,000 fringing our island continent, it would take you a wild 32 years to see them all – if you tackled one beach per day. 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 in Australia that you should visit this year – or at least once in your life.
Each beach on this list has been selected for its remarkable beauty, safe swimming conditioning (read: you won't see anywhere with saltwater crocs on this list), and proximity to other incredible activities, so your adventure out doesn't end with just one dip. Some of these picks have been richly awarded in the past, while others are less mainstream – but rest easy knowing that every single one of them is well worth their salt, in more ways than one. Now, all that's left is for you to find out for yourself.
Lucky Bay was named the best beach on Earth in 2023, and for good reason. This tiny slice of paradisal coastline is tucked away in the Cape Le Grand National Park on the south coast of Western Australia's coastline. Known for its blindingly white sand and bright turquoise water, this hidden beach is a wildlife sanctuary and a dreamy swimming spot.
Good for: Snorkelling, swimming and getting away from it all.
If you're looking for maximum-level Australia, here it is. This remote South Australian bit of coast took out Tourism Australia's award for best beach in Australia in 2023, and we are still fully behind this decision. Home to hundreds of diverse Aussie wildlife species (yes, you will probably see kangaroos on the beach), Stokes Bay is family-friendly, stunningly beautiful and free from crowds, so you can enjoy a swim in peace.
Good for: Wading, swimming, snorkelling, strolling and seeing native Aussie animals in their natural habitat.
If Australia's 12,000 beaches had one, reigning star, it would probably be Whitehaven in the shimmering, azure waters of the Whitsundays. The traditional lands of the Ngaro people, Whitehaven is set within a world-heritage listed national park, and regularly features at number one on 'best beach in the world' lists – and for good reason. This pristine paradise has sand that's 98 per cent silica (which means that it's whiter and softer than pretty much anywhere in the world), the warm turquoise waters of the Coral Sea, and a general kind of stunning beauty that normally isn't seen outside of postcards.
Good for: Kids, swimming in crystal clear water, exploring rainforest bush paths and snorkelling through the rainbow coral displays of the Great Barrier Reef.
Not to be dramatic, but Rottnest Island may be one of the most beautiful places on Earth. This tiny island an hour off Perth is host to a bunch of fluffy, legitimately smiling marsupials called quokkas (who aren't found anywhere else in the world), pure white sand and numerous tiny, perfect beaches that you can bike ride between in one day. The Basin is the most popular beach, and we've popped it on here because you can walk here pretty quickly from the main port once you arrive. It's got some of the clearest water we've ever seen, and is near food. What more can you ask for?
Good for: Sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, seeing quokkas in the wild.
Hyams Beach is kind of a big deal. It won 'World's Whitest Sand' in the Guinness World Records 2018, and regularly tops 'world's best beaches' lists every year. Located just over two hours from Sydney's CBD, Hyam's is an incredibly special cove with crazy clear water, an abundance of dolphins and (as you may have gathered) the whitest sand you've ever seen.
Good for: Sunbathing, exploring beautiful bush trails, snorkelling, swimming and eating an ice cream from the nearby general store.
You have to walk for a bit to get to this remote beach tucked away in the Tasmanian wilderness, but take it from us – it's worth it. Considered one of the world's best beaches, this curvy cove is the ancient land of the Pydairrerme people, who lived here for thousands of years. Boasting vibrant blue water, secluded serenity and soft white sand, Wineglass Bay is surrounded by protected wilderness and bursting with incredibly diverse wildlife, including sea eagles, dolphins and whales. Once you see this place, you'll find it hard to forget.
Good for: Hiking, strolling, wading, swimming (but be wary, this one's unpatrolled), sea kayaking and contemplating the universe.
It’s quite likely that you’ll let out an audible gasp after catching your first glimpse of Cable Beach in Broome. This sparkly 22km white sand beach earned bragging rights as the third best in the world, according to TripAdvisor’s 2023 Travellers’ Choice Awards. Rise early and hike the 7.7 kilometres from Cable Beach up to Gantheaume Point, where you can take in the most spectacular vistas in Broome. However, a camel ride or cocktail on the beach does the trick too.
Tucked away in the rather terrifyingly named Coffin Bay National Park, Almonta is one of those spectacular, life-altering beaches that'll stay with you for a very long time. It will cost you $11 to enter from National Parks and Wildlife Services (your money goes to wildlife conservation FYI), but unlike many other remote beaches in SA, you don't need a 4WD to get to this sparkly jewel of a beach. Once you get there, expect untouched wilderness, pristine water and blindingly white sand (you can also expect very little shade, so come prepared).
Known as 'Freshie' to locals, Freshwater Beach is probably the best beach in Sydney – forget Bondi. Located on Sydney's Northern Beaches, this sheltered, turquoise-hued cove is right next to its famous sister, Manly – but we reckon it's so much better. Offering up amazing surf, but also plentiful calm bits for swimming and wading, Freshie has wildly clear water, super-white sand and is about 40 minutes from the CBD (just not in peak hour traffic). Plus, there are plentiful amazing restaurants, cafés, bars and boutique shops just moments away, meaning that it's a crowd-pleaser for pretty much everyone.
Good for: Swimming, surfing, sunbathing, drinking amazing coffee from Pilu and walking along the Northern Beaches' many incredible coast walks.
One of Tasmania’s most beloved beaches by tourists and locals alike is Bruny Island’s Adventure Bay. Located on South Bruny, it’s well worth even the day trip on the ferry – but even better if you can spare a weekend or longer staying in this magical place. The east-facing beach is quite sheltered, meaning waters are clear and relatively calm, and there’s lots to do in the area: cruises, kayaking, whale-watching, seal-spotting, hiking and looking for the elusive white wallaby. The rare albino marsupials are known to frequent the bush around Adventure Bay.
Lord Howe Island is a tiny, incredibly beautiful island off the coast of NSW. A protected wilderness area, Lord Howe only allows 400 visitors on the island at a time – so if you get in, you know you're going to treasure it. Ned's Beach is just one of the magnificent beachy spots in a place National Geographic has called one of the world's best – but Ned's is special. This family-friendly cove has golden sand, crystalline waters, and hundreds of tropical fish that you can wade in and feed by hand. Just note, this isn't an accessible beach for people with access needs.
Good for: Kids, people who like being surrounded by hundreds of shimmering rainbow fish, swimming.
Whether you love Cott for its delectable fish and chippies, as a place to race your mates to the pylon and back, or for a sneaky skinny dip after a Sunday session at the Ocean Beach Hotel, there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly Perth beach. It's truly a postcard-perfect symbol of WA's endless summer.
The crown jewel of Wilsons Promontory National Park, Squeaky Beach is a picturesque coastal spot located about a three-hour drive from Melbourne's CBD. Surrounded by mountains, the beach's 700-metre shoreline boasts crashing waves, crystal clear waters and colourful granite boulders. But most notably, it has a unique element that draws visitors to experience for themselves – the sand is, well, squeaky. This Victorian gem recently claimed the crown of the best beach in Australia for 2024, chosen by Tourism Australia's official beach ambassador (what a cool job), Brad Farmer.
A lot of beaches get called out as Australia's best, but Vivonne Bay definitely deserves its regular top-tier rankings. Six kilometres long, this U-shaped cove is famous for its long jetty, glassy water and sugary white sand. Accessible by a red dirt road, and hidden away between some rocky cliffs, Vivonne Bay is an isolated bit of paradise that you'll most probably get to yourself. With just one general store and a campground nearby, Vivonne is the perfect place to switch off and soak up the beauty of South Australia without anything (or anyone) else getting in the way.
Western Australia's Esperance is pretty hard to get to – but it's worth it for a chance to swim at Twilight Beach. It's one of the most stunning strips of sand and sea on Earth, famous for its ridiculously clear water, sugar-white sand and extraordinary beauty. There's a chance you will have the entire beach to yourself, and will also get to walk in a place that has been home to the Ngadju people for over 50,000 years.
Main Beach at Noosa has supermodel good looks and gentle waves that beckon swimmers to run down the beach and dive in. The Sunshine Coast has more than 100 kilometres of pristine white sand fringed by the sparkling Pacific Ocean but this beach is extra special. It’s hugged by Noosa National Park, which means you can cap off your day at the beach with a calming nature walk.
There was a time when the Farm felt like Byron Bay’s well-kept secret; a long, secluded pocket of sand and surf ninety minutes south of Sydney, home to a reliable break and a grassy headland looking out across the waves. That time, it seems, is over – Tourism Australia has crowned this sandy stretch the second-best in the country, and the crowds will no doubt ensue.
Okay we are slightly cheating here, because the Bay of Fires is actually a string of beaches stretching 50km from Binalong Bay in the south all the way up to Eddystone Point in the north. But why visit one beach when you can visit a bunch? Tasmania’s East Coast is famous for its impossibly azure waters, bleached-white sand and orange lichen-covered boulders, and these beaches will be some of the most picturesque you’ve ever set foot on. Despite their popularity, you’ll still find a secluded spot to spend your day, whether it’s at The Gardens, Seaton Cove, Jeanneret Beach or a tiny secluded bay.
Once dubbed the "most beautiful beach in Australia", Flaherty's has routinely made it high on 'best Aussie beach' lists over the years – and for good reason. Seven kilometres long, this huge expanse of bright white sand is pure magic, with two huge sandbanks creating a natural shelter from the open sea. You can expect to paddle in gentle, crystal-clear waters warmed by the sun and have hundreds of metres of empty space to yourself. Just be warned: if you're into waves, this ain't the place for you.
Named the 'best surf beach in Australia' by Lonely Planet in 2024, Bells Beach is a mecca of Aussie surf history. Tucked away between natural red clay cliffs off the long, winding wonders of the Great Ocean Road, Bells is a special, historical break that's just 90 minutes away from Melbourne. A cold water spot that pumps with the power of the Southern Ocean, Bells is known by surfers worldwide for offering up huge waves, occasionally very tough conditions, and a kind of explosively powerful break that takes a lot of your strength to ride – but if you do, you'll have the time of your life.
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