Are these Australia’s 10 best beaches?

Freya Herring Freya Herring
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We’re pretty lucky in this country to have some of the best beaches in the world, so when TripAdvisor released its yearly ‘Top 10 Beaches’, many were surprised that only one Aussie beach made the list!

 

Amongst those confused by the ranking, were the very vocal members of luxuryescapes.com, a members-only travel site that offers high-end holidays.

 

The well-travelled folk who holiday with Luxury Escapes are used to holidaying to some of the world’s most picture-perfect destinations – so it’s safe to say they know their beaches. Here are their picks for the best beaches in Australia.

1. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland

people's choice awards australia best getaway
Swirling white sands of Hill Inlet at Whitehaven Beach, QLD.

What is there to say about Whitehaven Beach that hasn’t been said before? The silica sand is impossibly, velvety soft and unicorn-white, and it’s so clean, so untouched, that it’s hard to believe you’re only a boat ride away from the fully functioning resort-ville of the rest of the Whitsundays.

Where to eat nearby:

 

Coca Chu is an Asian fusion restaurant 11.5km from Whitehaven but serves up incredible vegan-friendly grub in a supremely picturesque setting. It also caters to the meat lovers among us, so don’t fret. It features the hawker-street style food of South East Asia that you’ll be craving during your swim.

2. Wineglass Bay, Tasmania

Australia's best beaches luxury escapes
Tasmania’s Wineglass Bay is like a little slice of paradise, no wonder why it’s considered one of Australia’s best beaches.

Seemingly situated on the edge of the Earth – next stop, Antarctica – Wineglass Bay on Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula is a little slice of paradise down south. Surrounded by lush bushland, it’s also home to some of the most luxurious accommodation in the state (case in point: Saffire Freycinet).

Where to eat nearby:

 

Freycinet Marie Farm is the perfect pit stop for any seafood lover. You can pick up sumptuous oysters to take back to your accommodation – or to the beach – or settle in for some grilled Tasmanian garlic scallops and a bread roll. Delicious.

3. Hyams Beach, New South Wales

Australia's best beaches luxury escapes
Just a short drive from Sydney, Hyams Beach is renowned for its feathery-white sand and crystal-clear waters.

Its sands have been recorded as the whitest in the world, so it’s hard to believe that Hyams Beach is only three hours out of Sydney. If you get tired of those crystal-clear waters and feathery sand, then check out nearby local bushwalks to experience breathtaking views over Jervis Bay.

Where to eat nearby:

 

Just 3.8km away from Hyams Beach is Albert N Miso, a divine little cafe located in Vincentia. With a hearty breakfast and lunch menu, plus delicious burgers all day (try the fish burger with tomato salsa, tartare and sprouts), and they also start a tapas menu at 6pm, meaning your stroll from the beach into town will be well worth it.

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4. Turquoise Bay, Western Australia

Australia's best beaches luxury escapes
Tucked away in Western Australia, Turquoise Bay is a secluded spot of heaven, it’s also perfect for snorkelling.

When you think of paradise-like beaches, something a lot like Turquoise Bay in far northern Western Australia will spring to mind. Think azure-hued waters, soft white sand, and not another person around for miles. And did we mention there’s some of the best snorkelling around?

Where to eat nearby:

 

Adrift Cafe are your perfect pick if you’re after an incredible big breakfast that’ll do more than just touch the sides – an attractive option if you’ve gone a little heavy on the Coronas the night before. They also tend to feature specials with a Middle Eastern flavour and change the specials up weekly.

5. Eagle Bay, Western Australia

Australia's best beaches luxury escapes
Crystal-clear water and unbelievably white sand at Eagle Bay in Western Australia.

Only a stone’s throw from Margaret River, you’ll find Eagle Bay. White sands and glistening waters contrast against red Australian rock. Head up to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to see where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet.

Where to eat nearby:

 

Eagle Bay Brewing Co has a brilliant, casual vibe and outdoor seating and dishes up amazing dishes with a mix of Asian and Italian influence. Order the soy chilli cashews and peanuts for a nibble with your brew, or the espresso braised BBQ brisket for something meatier – literally. The honey & sesame chicken with chinese sausage is also a great choice.

6. Four Mile Beach, Queensland

Australia's best beaches luxury escapes
Beautiful Four Mile Beach in Queensland.

Such is the length of this celebrated Port Douglas beach, that it was used as an airplane runway back in the early days of aviation. It’s beautiful, clean and not too overcrowded at this time of year (just watch out for crocs).

Where to eat nearby:

 

When you’re done at the beach for the day, head over to The Beach Shack on Barrier Street for incredible pizza and cocktails. And when we say come from the beach, we mean it – the restaurant’s floors are already sandy – and surfboards hang from the walls – so you’re bound to fit right in.

7. Pennington Bay, South Australia

Australia's best beaches luxury escapes
Pennington Bay’s remote location means that you can have this photogenic beach all to yourself. Kangaroo Island, South Australia.

This beach on Kangaroo Island deserves a place on your bucket list. Not only is the surfing world class, but the remote location means it’s secluded from the hordes of tourists who would usually frequent a beach this photogenic.

Where to eat nearby:

 

Cactus serves up incredible coffee and food on Kangaroo Island. They do a Friday night Mediterranean feast that draws massive crowds and again, the coffee – very, very good.

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8. Tallow Beach, New South Wales

Australia's best beaches luxury escapes
Tallow Beach in New South Wales can be enjoyed with your furry pooch pals.

A little bit tired of busy Byron? Head over to Tallow Beach, just a few kilometres out of town, and feel immediately rested. Dogs have a good long stretch of beach to themselves, so your pooch doesn’t have to stay at home while you catch some rays.

Where to eat nearby:

 

Suffolk Bakery offers up some of the best freshly baked goodies you can get your hands on. They often showcase live musicians alongside their fresh coffee and amazing croissants. Perfect for a takeaway lunch or to nestle in and enjoy the atmosphere.

9. Trinity Beach, Queensland

Australia's best beaches luxury escapes
Trinity Beach is just a short trip from the Cairns city centre and is perfect for families.

Even though Trinity Beach is a suburb of Cairns – and only 20 minutes from the airport – you’d hardly know it, with properties and restaurants set back from the sand, so the ocean feels like it’s all yours.

Where to eat nearby:

 

Trinity Beach Bar & Grill offers up delicious eats, including the freshest fruit and yoghurt, they also do delicious hot sandwiches and even themed nights such as ‘pasta night’ – that one is not to be missed – and neither are the cocktails.

10. Seaford Beach, Victoria

Australia's best beaches luxury escapes
A romantic sunset over Seaford Beach in Victoria.

Boasting a long pier dotted with fishermen, Seaford Beach is the gateway to Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, and only a 45-minute drive from Melbourne. The shallow waters and gentle waves around the pier make it perfect for swimming with little ones.

Where to eat nearby:

 

Beach Cafe Seaford offers coffee, cake and a light daytime menu and an incredible terrace overlooking the bay. The atmosphere is relaxed – and kind of feels as though you could stay there all day – but how can you when the beach is calling so loud?

 

Want more on Australia’s best beaches? Check out the secret beaches you won’t find on the tourist maps…
Freya Herring

Freya Herring

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Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

    Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

    Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

    1. Gosford’s glow up

    room at voco gosford
    Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

    Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

    Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

    Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

    Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

    2. Newcomers to the dining scene

    table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal
    Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

    The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

    Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

    Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

    Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

    3. New Central Coast experiences

    winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery
    Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

    It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

    Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

    Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

    For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

    4. Central Coast accommodation

    view from a cottage at Noonaweena
    Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

    There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

    Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

    In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

    To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

    5. Shopping on the Central Coast

    Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast
    Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

    For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

    Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

    Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

    Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

    For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

    Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .