No one understands just how incredible Australia’s beaches are quite like a local. From the East Coast to the West, our shores are easily among the most magnificent in the world, boasting more spectacular swimming spots than you could tick off in a lifetime. So, where should you start your seaside adventures this year? Tourism Australia has just dropped its highly anticipated list of the country’s top ten best beaches for 2025 – and for the first time in history, a Tasmanian beach has been crowned the winner.
When you think of Australia’s best spots for sun, surf and sand, our cold and rugged island state probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind. But Tasmania has just taken the crown, with the breathtaking Bay of Fires named Australia’s best beach for 2025. It’s a big call from Brad Farmer AM, Tourism Australia’s official beach ambassador, who assesses 130 key factors – from aesthetics and safety to history, facilities and weather – to decide the nation's best beach.
This year marks two firsts in Tourism Australia’s best beach ranking. Not only has a Tasmanian beach debuted in the top spot, but Farmer has also awarded the title to not one, but an entire cluster of beaches spanning a breathtaking ten-kilometre stretch within the southern end of the Bay of Fires Conservation Reserve. Famous for their impossibly azure waters, bleached-white sand and orange lichen-covered boulders, these beaches are some of the most picturesque we’ve ever set foot on. If you haven’t been before, take this as your sign to embark on a Tassie road trip pronto.
The runner-up title for Australia’s best beach in 2025 goes to Woolgoolga, a hidden gem on NSW’s Coffs Coast. The southern corner of Woopi’s wide and sweeping beach is patrolled seasonally, while the surrounding lagoons, waterways and headlands provide endless opportunities for snorkelling, surfing, fishing and whale spotting. Third place was awarded to Emily Bay Lagoon, a remote piece of paradise on Norfolk Island in the South Pacific Ocean. With reef-protected waters, its clear and calm horseshoe-shaped lagoon is a haven for swimmers and snorkelers. Meanwhile, the island’s iconic namesake Norfolk Pines offers the perfect shady retreat just beyond the sand.
Farmer’s list spreads the love all around Australia, with Queensland’s North Kirra Beach ranking fourth, Western Australia’s Little Lagoon ranking fifth, South Australia’s Fishery Bay ranking sixth and Victoria’s Cowes Beach ranking tenth. You can check out the full rankings below.
The 10 best Australian beaches for 2025:
- Bay of Fires, TAS
- Woolgoolga, NSW
- Emily Bay Lagoon, Norfolk Island
- North Kirra Beach, QLD
- Little Lagoon, WA
- Fishery Bay, SA
- 1770, QLD
- Scarborough Beach, WA
- Caves Beach, NSW
- Cowes Beach, VIC