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…

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Freya Herring

Freya Herring

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After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.

    Australia's Best 10 Beaches