Best Beaches in Australia

Located on the eastern shore of Whitsunday Island off the coast of Queensland, Whitehaven Beach is a seven-kilometer-long, immensely popular crescent-shaped white silica sand beach.  The beach is ranked the fifth-best beach in the world by a few publications, and it is a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach.  The beach has won several awards for its spectacular natural beauty, pure white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and ever-changing inlet, and in 2010, CNN also named Whitehaven Beach as the most eco-friendly beach in the world.   The iconic beach has a beautiful backdrop of lowland vine forest and eucalyptus woodland and is part of the Whitsunday Islands National Park along the Queensland coast, bordered by the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea.  

The beach is renowned for its brilliant white silica sand, which consists of 98.9% pure silica and is among the purest and whitest sands found anywhere in the world.  Interestingly, sand is so pure that it doesn't retain heat, making it comfortable to walk on even on hot days.

Hill Inlet is a unique natural tidal water inlet located at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach that is famous for its swirling patterns of turquoise and white sand that shift with the tides, creating a breathtaking mosaic effect.  The southern end of the beach has a campground and a spectacular lookout, which together provide incredible views of Chance Bay.

Located in the village of Bondi Beach, just four miles east of the Sydney central business district in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, Bondi Beach is a one-kilometer-long, world-famous, immensely popular crescent-shaped golden sand beach with many rocky portions. The beach is positioned between two rocky headlands and has a beautiful backdrop of renowned Bondi Beach Park, Bondi Skate Park, Bondi Pavilion, Campbell Parade, beachfront bars, cafes, restaurants, hotels, a shopping center, and a nearby supermarket, namely Woolworths Metro Bondi Beach, which together offer incredible views. The beach is home to the world's first lifesaving club, the Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club, and the North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club, which is a federation club. These clubs were involved in the largest rescue ever on February 6th, 1938, in a single day, known as 'Black Sunday.'of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach.

Noosa Main Beach is the perfect place to surf for beginners. You can mingle with locals who are advanced surfers, and the friendly people of Noosa will surely teach you everything you need to know.

Tasmania's Wineglass Bay owes its beauty to its unique geographical shape -- the bay sweeps across the water as if to form a perfect circle, then stops right at the bottom to leave a pathway to the Tasman sea. The water at the shoreline is a bright turquoise, then fades to a darker blue as you leave the bay. The layers of color are absolutely breathtaking against the pure, white sand on the beach. There are pink granite mountains rising up from around the beach, forming an incredible bay whose beauty simply cannot go unnoticed.

Wineglass Bay is a short walk if you're coming from the campgrounds at Coles Bay; if you're coming from the entrance of Freycinet National Park, the hike will take about two hours, leading to a rocky lookout point, then down to the beach. There are many activities on the bay, including fishing, boating, kayaking, rock-climbing, and relaxing on the sand. You can book a cruise that tours around the peninsula, or take the four-day guided tour that treks along the entire peninsula, called the Freycinet Experience Walk. The peninsula was once home to a Tasmanian tribe that walked the very paths that make up the Freycinet Experience Walk thousands of years ago.

Lodging at the bay ranges from campgrounds to resorts; whether you'd rather be social and cheap, or pampered and ritzy, you'll definitely find your comfort at Wineglass Bay. The Edge of the Bay Resort is the best accomodation at the beach, with amazing views and even better service. The best way to close the day at the beach is to sit back and enjoy the dazzling sunset of pink, orange, blue, and purple hues. Whatever your idea of a perfect vacation looks like, we can guarantee that Wineglass Bay will come awfully close.

Byron Bay, located in New South Wales, Australia, has the ultimate beach vibe. Packed with yoga retreats, music festivals, farmers markets, and more, this bohemian-esque beach town has it all. The surf culture and thirst for alternative lifestyles are what make Byron Bay so unique. The town still embodies the hippie culture that thrived here in the 1970s; dreadlocks are everywhere and bongos echo along the beach, adding to the laidback, beach vibe that people from all over the world come to find.

"Namaste" at the shoreline, relaxing at your core while improving your strength and balance; there are several yoga retreats and classes right on the beach, and Escape Haven even offers women-only yoga and surf opportunities. Take a leap and practice Reiki, a healing and wellness technique based on the transfer of energy by means of touch. After a morning of great surf, kick back at the Beach Hotel, locally known as "the Beachy," for an ice cold beer and healthy lunch. Indulge in a spa treatment with Byron Medicine Wheel, which provides beachgoers with massages, facials, psychic readings, aromatherapy and more.

The Cape Byron Walking Track is a must while visiting Byron Bay. The path winds through Bangalow palms, kangaroo grasslands, and pristine beaches, ending in the Cape Byron Conservation Park, a headland that houses the famous lighthouse. The lighthouse boasts panoramic views of the coastline -- you can even spot dolphins, whales, and sea turtles in the distance. End your day with a brilliant sunset of cotton candy skies, and admire the fire-twirlers that frequent the beach as the sun goes down. Byron Bay is the easygoing beach experience you've always dreamed of -- enjoy the beach and chill out, dude.

Located on the western coast of Cape Range National Park in the town of Exmouth, Turquoise Bay - also known as Turquoise Bay Exmouth - is a curving, 600-meter-long, immensely popular white-sand beach that is consistently ranked among the top three beaches in Australia.  This north-facing iconic beach is positioned near the Oyster Stacks Snorkeling Area and has a beautiful backdrop of rugged limestone ledges, dunes, bushlands, and a sandbar, which together provide incredible views of the vast ocean.  Turquoise Bay is considered one of the famous snorkeling spots in Cape Range National Park due to its close proximity to Exmouth Ningaloo Reef, which is part of the Ningaloo Marine Park, which is considered one of the world's largest fringing coral reefs.

At first glance, this beach appears to have freshly fallen snow at its shoreline -- the sight is breathtaking and puzzling at the same time. It's not actually snow that you see, but shockingly white sand. Hyams Beach is home to the whitest sand in the world, according to Guinness World Records. The vibrant, turquoise waters juxtaposed against the sand offers beachgoers a unique setting in New South Wales.

Located on the southern shores of Jervis Bay, Hyams Beach is a quiet paradise with whale watching, snorkeling, diving, and swimming as the most popular beach activities. The waters here are a magnet for dolphins, seals, and even penguins! There are whale-watching tours from May to November and dolphin-watching cruises every month of the year. You'll also see surfers, sailors, kayakers, and windsurfers frequenting the beach, especially during the warmest months of December through February.

On land is just as much beauty as there is below the waters. The White Sands Walk, a one-hour stroll along the beach, is the best way to enjoy the views at Hyams Beach. You can also hike in the nearby Booderee National Park, which is full of forest flora and fauna -- you might even spot a kangaroo while hiking through the park! Hyams Beach is the best in Jervis Bay, and with a stunning landscape, diverse wildlife, and captivating ocean waters, you should be booking your next vacation here faster than we can say "paradise."

Burleigh Heads Beach is the top destination for those traveling to Burleigh Heads. This beautiful beach is surrounded by rich vegetation and tall towers. It is the perfect place to bring the family.

Airlie Beach is a popular Australian resort town on Queensland’s Whitsunday Coast. Though it is mostly known as a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, it is also a fantastic destination in its right, with a vibrant club scene and plenty of water-side activities. The Airlie Beach Lagoon, a man-made swimming area, is situated right in the center of Airlie Beach. Its shallow waters are free of stingrays and perfect for children to play in. Beachgoers can tan on the shore and watch the cruises depart from the nearby ports – the Port of Airlie, Abell Point Marina, and Shute Harbor. Tired of water activities? The town is also known for its excellent nightlife, with options ranging from backpacker bars to nightclubs. Popular outdoor clubs include Magnums Beach Club, Boatys, and the Shed bar, both have plenty of seating and relaxed atmosphere. Boom Nightclub and Mama Africa are favorite local haunts. Paddy’s Shenanigans is a popular Irish pub that you won’t want to miss out on. With its beautiful beaches, nightlife, and abundance of shops and eateries, Airlie Beach is a vibrant beach-side hub perfect for a day of fun and adventure on the Whitsunday mainland.

Located on the southern coast of Cape Le Grand National Park in Western Australia, Lucky Bay is a five-kilometer-long crescent-shaped white sand beach with many rocky portions.  In May 2023, a survey based on the votes of over 750 travel professionals declared this beach the best beach in the world and was also acknowledged as the whitest sand beach in Australia by the National Scientific Committee.  It is also a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach.  The beach is positioned in a sheltered inlet and has a beautiful backdrop of dunes, coastal vegetation, rocky headlands, and unique granite boulders strewn around the bay, shaped into intriguing shapes by wind and water, which together provide incredible views of Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve and the Pacific Ocean.  The beach is part of Cape Le Grand National Park, which preserves the fragile ecosystem, including coastal landscapes, woodlands, heathlands, and native biodiversity of the region.

Surfers Paradise is a very popular beach among Queensland residents and all visitors. Swim, fish, and catch some rays by the strikingly beautiful ocean. Attractions surround the beach, such as Ripley's Believe It Or Not! and the Infinity Attraction. This hot destination is perfect for all!

Manly Beach is a world-renowned beach located in the Sydney suburb of Manly. The beach stretches 1.5 kilometers along the Pacific Ocean and features golden sand and crystal clear water perfect for swimming and surfing.

Located on the Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba Beach is the perfect place to go swimming. With calm waves and beautiful surroundings, this is the perfect place to mingle with locals and bring your family! Feeling tired? Mooloolaba beach is also the perfect place to sit back and relax in the white sand. For adventure, visitors can go yachting, hire a jetski, or rent a boat for a fun-filled day.

Dreamtime Beach is a stunningly beautiful beach located in Fingal Head, Australia. This beach stretches for approximately 2 kilometers and features soft golden sand.

The Gold Coast is a home to many beaches, and is great for almost all water sports. For those who prefer land activities, this coast offers hiking, volleyball, biking, and a plethora of attractions and museums. Feeling even more adventurous? Go skydiving! The Gold Coast has something to offer everyone.

Located just six kilometers from Melbourne's central business district, St Kilda Beach is a 700-meter-long golden sand beach.  This immensely popular beach is positioned between the St Kilda Marina and St Kilda Harbour along Port Phillip Bay and has a beautiful backdrop of beachfront bars, cafes, restaurants, hotels, and St Kilda Esplanade, which together offer incredible views of the Melbourne skyline.

Looking for a stunning Australian beach without boatloads of tourists? If so, Ellis Beach is the spot for you. Set in the Coral Sea in tropical North Queensland, Ellis Beach feels like an exotic vacation. Pull over on the Captain Cook Highway to see brown sand and palm trees span for over one kilometer. The beach sits past a rocky outcrop separating it from crowded Palm Cove Beach, a popular tourist destination. Ellis Beach matches Palm Cove in beauty, but is less developed and has fewer tourists. Because of the rocky outcrop, there are few waves, making Ellis Beach an excellent place for a relaxing family vacation. Activities at Ellis Beach include a swimming enclosure, barbeques, and picnic tables. For those who’d like to catch their dinner, the south side of the beach boasts excellent fishing. Ellis Beach is ideal for the laid-back traveler, with just a few high-quality restaurants and shops. For a classic, relaxing meal, try Ellis Beach Bar & Grill, or Beach Almond for modern Asian cuisine. For those who would like to explore more, the chic, the neighboring resort town of Palm Cove also contains countless dining and shopping options. Shoppers can take a stroll and window shop through the Palm Cove Shopping Village featuring boutiques like Annie’s Ladies Boutique and Raa & the Temple, a specialty souvenir shop. If you venture over to Palm Cove, savor luxurious small plates at Temple of Tastes Restaurant, or try Chill Cafe for excellent coffee and breakfast options. For prime access to Ellis Beach, stay in Ellis Beach Oceanfront Bungalows, which boast oceanfront views and Ellis Beach Bar & Grill, serving freshly caught seafood. For a relaxing getaway, Ellis Beach is sure to please!

Picnic Bay is a beautiful beach located in Oak Beach, Australia. It stretches over 1 kilometer and has a beautiful white sand color.

Located in the affluent suburb of Mosman in Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Balmoral Beach is a long beige sand beach.  The beach is positioned on the northern shores of Sydney Harbour and has a beautiful backdrop of many oceanfront buildings that offer incredible views of Middle Head, Dobroyd Head, and Grotto Point Lighthouse.

Palm Cove Beach is a beautiful beach to take a walk on or go for a swim. Located in a cute town in Australia, there is a park nearby to wonder off to after relaxing in the sand. Swim, surf and fish with friends and family. Additionally, a boat ramp and playground are available, making it a perfect destination for boaters and families.

Coogee beach is one of Sydney's most visited beaches. Located on the spectacular Coastal Walkway, beach-goers can admire its beauty by foot, or merely by sitting back and relaxing on the sand. The area is equipped with barbecues, playgrounds, restaurants, and bars, which makes it a popular family destination. Coogee Beach allows an array of activities, such as sailing, paddle boarding, and scuba diving — guaranteed to keep everyone preoccupied and having fun!

Located on the western coast of Cape Range National Park in the town of Exmouth, Sandy Bay is a small beige sand beach with many rocky portions.  The beach has a beautiful backdrop of rugged ledges, dunes, and bushlands, which together provide incredible views of the vast Indian Ocean.  The beach is part of the Ningaloo Marine Park, which is considered one of the world's largest fringing coral reefs.

Byron Bay, located in New South Wales, Australia, has the ultimate beach vibe. Packed with yoga retreats, music festivals, farmers markets, and more, this bohemian-esque beach town has it all. The surf culture and thirst for alternative lifestyles are what make Byron Bay so unique. The town still embodies the hippie culture that thrived here in the 1970s; dreadlocks are everywhere and bongos echo along the beach, adding to the laidback, beach vibe that people from all over the world come to find.

"Namaste" at the shoreline, relaxing at your core while improving your strength and balance; there are several yoga retreats and classes right on the beach, and Escape Haven even offers women-only yoga and surf opportunities. Take a leap and practice Reiki, a healing and wellness technique based on the transfer of energy by means of touch. After a morning of great surf, kick back at the Beach Hotel, locally known as "the Beachy," for an ice cold beer and healthy lunch. Indulge in a spa treatment with Byron Medicine Wheel, which provides beachgoers with massages, facials, psychic readings, aromatherapy and more.

The Cape Byron Walking Track is a must while visiting Byron Bay. The path winds through Bangalow palms, kangaroo grasslands, and pristine beaches, ending in the Cape Byron Conservation Park, a headland that houses the famous lighthouse. The lighthouse boasts panoramic views of the coastline -- you can even spot dolphins, whales, and sea turtles in the distance. End your day with a brilliant sunset of cotton candy skies, and admire the fire-twirlers that frequent the beach as the sun goes down. Byron Bay is the easygoing beach experience you've always dreamed of -- enjoy the beach and chill out, dude.