Australia is home to some of the most beautiful places in the world, whether that’s the wild Outback or cultured Sydney. With over 16,000 miles of coastline on this island continent, it also has amazing beaches in almost every state or territory, including many close to its largest cities.
This guide will introduce you to the best beaches in Australia. Whether you’re into catching a big wave, relaxing on white sand beaches, or swimming in crystal-clear water, you’ll find the right beach.
Best Beaches in New South Wales
New South Wales (NSW) is located on the continent’s east coast and includes Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong. It’s also home to stunning beaches near these cosmopolitan destinations.
Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach, near Sydney, is the most popular beach in Australia. Its golden sand ushers in choppy waves that are great for surfing. You can also test your mettle in the chilly Iceberg Pool.
Another reason Bondi Beach is so popular is the wonderful beach culture that has sprung up. Here, you can enjoy delicious food at cafes, shop at quirky boutique shops, and dance the night away in nightclubs. If you want even more sun and fun, walk from Bondi Beach to nearby Coogee Beach, which is quieter.
Byron Bay
Byron Bay is one of the more remote beaches in NSW, located at the continent’s easternmost point. You’ll appreciate the unspoiled wilderness of this beautiful beach, which offers visitors laid-back bohemian vibes. You can surf, practice yoga, or check out humpback whales on these golden sands.
Hyams Beach
Hyams Beach, located on Jervis Bay near Shoalhaven, is famous for having the whitest sand in the world. Its calm, pristine turquoise waters make it a great place to swim or kayak. You may also be lucky to see dolphins splashing in the waves or even spot a rare gray nurse shark. Watch for the iconic gray kangaroo often found near Jervis Bay!
Manly Beach
Take a ferry from Sydney to the Northern Beaches to visit this family-friendly beach. In 1964, it hosted the world’s first surfing competition, so you can expect some epic waves.
Palm Beach
Also located near Sydney, Palm Beach is a luxurious enclave that caters to those seeking a high-class experience. The stunning views and upscale hotels promise an amazing beach vacation for honeymooners and solo travelers.
Shelly Beach
This sheltered cove near Manly Beach is a perfect place to practice surfing in more low-key locales. It’s also excellent for snorkeling and diving. If you head under the waves, you can see two species of stingrays and the beautiful hawksbill turtle.
Top Beaches in Queensland
Queensland’s east coast has over 4,300 miles of coastline. It’s home to Brisbane, Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Whitsunday Islands, as well as some of the best beaches in Australia.
Whitehaven Beach
Located on Whitsunday Island, Whitehaven Beach has pristine white sand and stunning turquoise water, perfect for sailing or swimming. Snorkel through the clear water to find giant clams and lemon sharks, or admire the rocky wilderness from a helicopter.
Noosa Main Beach
Noosa Main Beach on the Sunshine Coast is popular with families, as it offers easy access and safe, consistent waves. Visit Noosa National Park to see the adorable fairywren, or stroll along Hastings Street to enjoy art galleries and chic eateries. You can even take camel rides across the golden sands! There are also many upscale hotels available for a romantic vacation.
Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast has the best surf breaks on Australia’s beaches. Family-friendly attractions like theme parks are also easily accessible. When you’re done playing in the water, head up to the SkyPoint in Q1 Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the coast.
Four Mile Beach
Four Mile Beach is in Port Douglas, a tropical paradise with soft white sand and a great walking trail. Warm, calm water allows you to do adventurous activities like paddleboarding and kite surfing. At the same time, the lookouts give you an amazing view of the Coral Sea, Low Isles, and Snapper Island.
Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads Beach on the Gold Coast is part of Burleigh Head National Park, which gives you access to abundant wildlife like koalas and brahminy kites. Keep your eyes peeled for flying foxes, a highly intelligent large bat species that has played a significant role in Aboriginal folklore for millennia. The bohemian-infused city is perfect to explore after catching a few waves.
Nudey Beach
Located on Fitzroy Island by Cairns, this secluded snorkeling spot is accessible by a 20-minute walk through a lush rainforest. Thankfully, you won’t need to worry about saltwater crocs, though you may see peaceful whitetip reef sharks gliding along the water. In 2018, this beach was listed as number 1 in Brad Farmers’ “Australia’s 101 Best Beaches,” so you know it’s locally beloved.
Top Beaches in Western Australia
Western Australia is renowned for its rugged Outback. However, as you head toward the ocean, you’ll find some of the best beaches in Australia waiting for you.
Turquoise Bay
While the Great Barrier Reef on the eastern side of Australia receives much attention, there are also pristine and less-visited coral reefs near Turquoise Bay. You can snorkel with whale sharks and manta rays and watch colorful fish dart amongst the corals. Pitch your tent in Tulki Camp, located at Cape Range National Park, then head out into the calm water for kayaking.
Lucky Bay
You don’t need to be particularly lucky to see kangaroos in Lucky Bay. You can easily spot them happily hopping along this white-sand Australian beach. Once you’ve gotten your fill of these curious creatures, you still have many recreational options, including swimming, fishing, camping, and hiking!
Lucky Bay was named the world’s best beach in 2023 and certainly lives up to the name.
Cable Beach
This 35-mile-long white sand beach offers stunning views of the eastern Indian Ocean and gentle waves perfect for swimming. At sunset, enjoy a relaxing camel ride as you gaze upon the low ochre hills, or take a four-wheel drive out at low tide to see unexplored sands that are hard to access from the beach.
Cottesloe Beach
With arresting views of gorgeous Perth, Cottesloe Beach offers safe swimming in calm waters. Visit the Indiana Teahouse to cool off or snorkel amongst the small reefs nearby. Being so close to the city center means you can explore this charming small city’s best sites, then relax with a quick dip in the ocean.
If you visit in February, check out the world-renowned Rottnest Island Channel Swim, where top athletes launch from Cottesloe Beach and head out to Rottnest Island, approximately 12 miles away.
Greens Pool
If Cable Beach is too crowded and Cottesloe Beach is a bit too wild for you, check out Greens Pool in William Bay National Park, one of the more peaceful beaches in Australia. This shallow, natural rock pool shelters numerous marine creatures, including flatheads, southern blue devils, and estuary cobblers.
Meelup Beach
This calm and secluded bay in Western Australia offers peaceful swimming in turquoise waters or fun BBQ parties on its white sands. You can also go whale watching from Point Piquet or walk one of the two universal access trails to admire the quiet, protected coastline.
Top Beaches in Other States and Territories
While New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia are most known for their beautiful beaches, many others stretch along the coastline on all sides. For example, the Great Ocean Road along the south coast of Victoria gives you access to a huge variety of beaches, such as Bells Beach.
The Coorong in South Australia is the longest beach in the country, while Squeaky Beach offers a unique experience: squeaky sand! You can also trek out to Direction Island in the Cocos Island group to see the curious rituals of hermit crabs.
These are some of the best beaches in Australia for families and solo travelers who want something a little different:
Wineglass Bay (Tasmania)
Tourism Australia lists Wineglass Bay as the best beach in Tasmania, particularly because of its iconic curved shape and crystal-clear waters. This natural harbor has calm waters perfect for kayaking, swimming, and boating. If you’d like, you can camp in Freycinet National Park to get the best views from the lookouts.
Vivonne Bay (Kangaroo Island, South Australia)
Located on the southern coast of Kangaroo Island in South Australia, Vivonne Bay has been voted one of the best beaches in Australia, thanks to its quiet, unspoiled beaches. The island has a fascinating geological feature: the Little Sahara, a small dune system.
Head to Seal Bay Conservation Park to visit one of Australia’s largest seal colonies or wade in the waist-deep, pristine, clear waters. You can also surf or take a boat to catch huge tommies and squid. Furthermore, you can enjoy excellent birdwatching opportunities close to shore.
Mindil Beach (Darwin, Northern Territory)
In the Northern Territory, you’ll find one of Australia’s best-kept secrets: Mindil Beach. While it’s a great place to splash around, one of its biggest draws is the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, held during the dry season. From May through October, you can enjoy delicious local food, local crafts, and live music.
If you decide to come in June, don’t miss the Darwin Beer-Can Regatta, a quirky festival celebrating Australian ingenuity. Residents craft vessels out of beer cans, milk cartons, and soft drink bottles. No one is allowed to test their vessel for seaworthiness ahead of time, and watching them fall apart is part of the fun!
Find Ideal Australian Beaches
It’s hard to create a list of the best beaches in Australia for a simple reason: there are so many world-class Australian beaches. Along the coastline, you’ll find popular spots like Bondi Beach in New South Wales and quieter, wilder areas like Wineglass Bay in Tasmania.
Wherever you land in Australia, you will hit a few incredible beaches. For example, driving along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria gives you access to marvels like Bells Beach, while visiting Western Australia lets you visit incredible stretches like Cable Beach and Lucky Bay. If you’re looking for heart-pounding events, Queensland Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island lets you view the incredible Australian coastline from a helicopter.
Camel rides, surfing, snorkeling, and sunbathing on golden sand are all available. Each of the best beaches in Australia is known for sun, sand, and various activities. Therefore, you can choose a beach that suits your interests and the current season.
As you plan your adventure to the Land Down Under, consider whether you’re willing to contend with big crowds or want a more intimate experience. For example, those who want a wilder experience may want to check out Wineglass Bay, located in Freycinet National Park in Tasmania. Others who don’t mind sharing space with others could visit the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, which are highly populated due to the proximity of Australia’s biggest cities.
Whichever region you land in, don’t miss the best beaches in Australia: book your tickets in advance and grab the sunscreen!