Tourism Australia has revealed the most idyllic beaches for those seeking pristine coastal beauty.
With over 30,000 kilometres of coastline, Australia is blessed to have what we would argue are the best beaches in the world. From the white sandy stretches of Whitehaven Beach to the picturesque shores of Cottesloe Beach, there’s no shortage of idyllic oceanfront escapes to fall in love with. When there are more than 12,000 recorded beaches, you’re spoilt for choice as to which to visit. But choosing the best is no mean feat.
Fortunately, the job is in competent hands, with beach expert Brad Farmer appointed Tourism Australia’s official beach ambassador to curate the annual best Australian beaches list. “Having to pick from almost 12,000 candidates is not an easy job and at times the selections create plenty of debate, which I welcome, and I look forward to the feedback on this year’s top 10," Farmer said.
Last year Squeaky Beach in Victoria took the crown, recognisable by the impressive, coloured granite boulders at either end. This year, we’re heading to Tassie.
1. Bay of Fires, Tasmania
Rugged orange-hued rocks meet the pristine shores. (Image: Will Wardle Media)
While technically not just one beach, this 10-kilometre stretch of beaches in the southern portion of the Bay of Fires Conservation Reserve in Tasmania has taken the number one spot on the list this year. This stunning pocket of Australia features burnt orange lichen-dusted boulders, lucid blue waters, and squeaky, bone-white sands. The Bay of Fires represents Tassie at its most spectacular: rugged and unique.
2. Woolgoolga, New South Wales
The sparkling coastline of Woolgoolga. (Image: Liz McGinnes)
Woolgoolga is somewhat of a hidden gem in New South Wales. Located 20 minutes’ north of Coffs Harbour, it has been judged Australia’s best mainland beach. The beach itself is a divine stretch of golden sand, ideal for swimming, surfing, and fishing, and is typically quieter than the region’s more famous beaches.
3. Emily Bay Lagoon, Norfolk Island
Emily Bay Lagoon is an idyllic paradise for swimmers and nature lovers alike. (Image: Norfolk Island Tourism)
Charming Norfolk Island is home to a spectacular array of unspoiled and secluded beaches and bays. Renowned as one of the safest beaches in the world, Emily Bay Lagoon features sheltered reefs, calm horizons and aqua-azure waters reminiscent of the Maldives. Its gentle waters make it perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking.
4. North Kirra Beach, Queensland
North Kirra Beach offers perfect waves for surfers and a relaxing retreat for beachgoers. (Image: coastalreflections.com)
Located on the southern end of the Gold Coast, this north-facing beach is bathed in white sand and crystal-clear water, providing tranquil swimming all year round. This stretch of beach is also a renowned surfing spot with three-time Men’s World Surf League Champion Mick Fanning being the marquee star of the Kirra Surfriders Club.
5. Little Lagoon, Western Australia
This unique beach stands out for its turquoise water. (Image: @theultimateaus/Chris Bulloch)
Western Australia is a haven for stunning beaches, with travellers utterly spoilt for choice. The most unique beach in the line-up, Little Lagoon is an inland saltwater lagoon situated near Denham in Western Australia’s Shark Bay region. This beach features shallow, turquoise waters surrounded by white dunes and coastal vegetation. It offers perfect conditions for swimming, paddleboarding, and boating.
6. Fishery Bay, South Australia
Pristine white sands are bordered by crystal-clear waters. (Image: Serio Photography)
The Eyre Peninsula in South Australia boasts numerous pristine beaches. This secluded bay is a popular destination for both surfing, with several surf breaks, and fishing, as the name suggests. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, including snapper, whiting, and garfish. If you have a 4WD, you can drive onto the beach and settle in for the day.
7. 1770, Queensland
The sun-kissed shores of 1770. (Image: londonerinsydney.com)
The charming coastal town of 1770 in Queensland is located on the Discovery Coast, near the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. Its namesake beach boasts beautiful golden sandy shores and clear blue seas that are brimming with marine life, such as fish, coral, and turtles.
8. Scarborough Beach, Western Australia
Scarborough Beach is a local favourite. (Image: Tourism Australia)
Perth arguably boasts the best beaches of any Australian capital. Scarborough Beach is one of the local favourites, particularly with surfers and kite surfers who relish its impressive surf breaks and regular swell. Being on the west coast also means this pretty patch of sand is privy to some breathtaking sunsets.
9. Caves Beach, New South Wales
At Caves Beach, hidden caves and the rolling surf create a perfect scene for photography. (Image: Lake Macquarie City)
The aptly named Caves Beach on the Swansea peninsula is renowned for the caves that line its golden shores. When the tide is low, visitors can explore the spectacular sea caverns that are carved into the sandstone cliffs and make for stunning photo opportunities.
10. Cowes Beach, Victoria
Cowes Beach is a popular spot, known for its calm waters. (Image: coastalreflections.com.au)
Cowes Beach is one of Victoria’s only north-facing beaches and the most popular sweep of sand on Phillip Island. This small swimming beach has low winds and calm waves making it ideal for families or those wanting to take a relaxing dip. The jetty is a handy spot for fishing, while the esplanade with its cafes, restaurants, and shops makes for the perfect post-dip hangout.
