Best Family Friendly Beaches in Australia

Honeymoon Bay is a picturesque, tiny bay located within Freycinet National Park, Coles Bay, Tasmania. It is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, lush surroundings, and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and picnics. The bay is sheltered, providing safe conditions for these activities. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking sunsets from the rocks overlooking the bay. Nearby attractions include Freycinet Lodge, offering accommodations and dining options, and the stunning Wineglass Bay. Honeymoon Bay is rich in natural beauty and history, making it a must-visit destination in Tasmania.

Honeymoon Bay's small beach is perfect for families, with gentle slopes and clear waters. The area is home to a variety of marine life, including fish and corals. Wallabies often visit the beach in the evening, offering unique photo opportunities.

The park requires a National Parks pass for entry, and visitors should be mindful of the environment to preserve its delicate ecosystem.

Perhaps one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Australia, Glenelg Beach is a must-visit for visitors in the area. The beach itself sits on the coast of Hodfast Bay and is home to a bustling shopping and dining scene. Options for lodging are also widely available and the area is highly accessible via public transportation. When visitors aren't soaking in the beautiful scenery of the beach, other popular outdoor activities include hiking scenic trails and swimming with dolphins. The possibilities are truly endless at Glenelg Beach.

Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary is a 17-hectare protected area located at the mouth of the Barwon River in Barwon Heads, Victoria. It is renowned for its diverse marine life and unique habitats, including sandstone and basalt reefs, kelp forests, and intertidal platforms. The sanctuary offers stunning views over Bass Strait and provides an excellent spot for beach walking, bird watching, and exploring marine life in its rockpools and underwater environments. The area also holds significant cultural importance for the Wadawurrung People and has been a historical meeting and living place.

The region's diverse landscapes range from coastal dunes and Moonah woodlands to turbulent beaches and subtidal ledges, supporting a wide array of flora and fauna. Visitors can engage in activities like snorkelling and diving to explore the rich underwater world.

The Barwon Heads Nature Festival is another highlight of the area, celebrating the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.

Indented Head Yacht Club is located in Fingal, Victoria, Australia, on a picturesque 200-meter stretch of light-colored sandy beach with clear waters perfect for swimming and sailing. It offers a vibrant scene with activities like sailing and swimming, welcoming both beginners and experts. The club features facilities such as male and female toilets, changing rooms, showers, a canteen, a BYO bar, and an observation deck where visitors can enjoy views of the beach.
The yacht club is renowned for hosting various off-the-beach sailing classes and events, including Olympic courses, making it one of the best locations for sailing in Victoria. The surrounding area, known as Indented Head, is a small coastal township with a seasonal population that increases significantly during summer.
It offers breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay and features historical sites like the wreck of the Ozone, which serves as a breakwater.

Emily Bay, located in Kingston on Norfolk Island, is a picturesque beach surrounded by towering Norfolk Island pines and crystal-clear waters. It offers an idyllic setting for swimming, snorkeling, and picnics. The bay is sheltered by dual peninsulas and reefs, making it a safe haven for marine life and swimmers alike. The area is rich in history, part of the Kingston UNESCO World Heritage Site, with nearby ruins of convict-era buildings. Visitors can enjoy a serene day here, taking in the beauty of nature while exploring historical sites.
One of the highlights of Emily Bay is its glass-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and observing a diverse array of marine life. The bay is also a popular spot for families, with amenities like picnic tables and an offshore pontoon for jumping into the ocean.
Visitors can experience the vibrant history of the area through historical reenactments and by visiting nearby sites such as the First Burial Ground and the Lime Kiln ruins.

Shelly Beach at Cape Bridgewater, Victoria, Australia, is a serene and relatively secluded coastal gem located along the wild and rugged Great Ocean Road. Accessible via a narrow, winding track from Bridgewater Road, this beach is framed by calcarenite bluffs, rocky outcrops, and inner reefs, offering a dramatic natural landscape. The beach stretches approximately 1.8 kilometers, featuring a blend of sandy expanses and pebbly areas dotted with interesting shells, making it a favored spot for beachcombers and nature lovers.

The beach showcases stunning views, especially at sunrise when golden and rose hues illuminate the sea. Its flat and open layout is ideal for running or relaxing strolls, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the peaceful coastal environment. Despite its beauty, Shelly Beach is considered to have a high hazard rating (8/10) due to surf conditions and riptides, and it lacks formal lifeguard patrols, so caution is advised for swimmers and surfers alike. Overall, it presents a tranquil and unspoiled atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat and immersion in nature's coastal wonders.

Visitors often remark on the beach's intimate feel and the remarkable views toward Bishop Rocks and the surrounding wild coastline. Shelly Beach's blend of raw natural textures and calm ambiance provides a distinctly authentic Australian beach experience away from heavily commercialized areas.

Located in Huskisson, Jervis Bay Marine Park is renowned for its pristine coastline stretching over 100 kilometers. It boasts a variety of sandy beaches, such as Hyams Beach, which holds the record for the world's whitest sand beach, and Murrays Beach. The park offers a unique blend of clear waters and diverse marine life, making it ideal for activities like swimming, snorkeling, and whale watching. The scenery is enhanced by the bay's sheltered waters, perfect for families and offering a tranquil natural setting.
The area's biodiversity is supported by a mix of ecosystems, including deep water cliffs, sandy beaches, rock platforms, and expansive seagrass meadows. This marine park is also significant for its Aboriginal cultural sites, emphasizing the historical importance of the region.
Visitors can enjoy scenic walking trails, bird watching, and exploring the local community's charming atmosphere in Huskisson.

Port Melbourne Beach is located in the bustling suburb of Port Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. It is just a few kilometres from the Melbourne CBD and is known for its picturesque views of the city skyline and Port Philip Bay. The beach offers a mix of white sand and activities like swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. It is popular among locals and visitors alike, providing a tranquil seaside escape with nearby shopping and dining options along Bay Street.

The area is historically significant, having been a major arrival point for European migrants post-world war and a key area during the Australian Gold Rush. Today, it is an evolving residential and recreational hub, offering a charming blend of modern and historic architecture.

The beach is easily accessible via a short drive or public transport, making it a convenient day trip from the city. With its playgrounds and parks nearby, it's also a favorite among families.