Tourism Australia has revealed its annual list of best beaches.
With over 30,000 kilometres of coastline, Australia is blessed to have what we would argue are the best beaches in the world. Each year, Tourism Australia’s official beach ambassador, Brad Farmer, conducts a study to name the top 10 beaches in the country, judged against a rigorous 130-point criteria covering natural integrity, safety, accessibility, community engagement and environmental management.
And this year, the winner might surprise you. Instead of Whitehaven or Lucky Bay taking the crown, the title of Australia’s best beach for 2026 goes to a vast, quietly spectacular stretch of sand just 30 minutes from Sydney Airport.
Here are the full results.
1. Bate Bay beaches, Sydney, NSW
Bate Bay in the Sutherland Shire has been named Australia’s best beach for 2026. (Credit: Taylah Darnell)
Tucked beneath the flight path into Mascot and stretching a remarkable 4.8 kilometres from Boat Harbour through Greenhills, Wanda, Elouera, and North Cronulla, Bate Bay in the Sutherland Shire has been named Australia’s best beach for 2026.
It is officially Sydney’s longest ocean beach and, crucially, one of its least crowded. Free beachside parking, direct train access from the CBD and a strong surf lifesaving culture make it one of the most accessible coastal regions in the country. Yet it still feels underappreciated compared to Sydney’s headline beaches.
The bay includes nine easily accessible beaches and four ocean baths. (Credit: Taylah Darnell)
The study highlights beaches that quietly deliver across all 130 judging criteria. (Credit: Taylah Darnell)
Farmer told Australian Traveller the decision was deliberate. Rather than rewarding places that “have had their fair share of love", the study aims to highlight beaches that quietly deliver across all 130 judging criteria. Bate Bay scored highly for diversity, safety, community pride and natural integrity.
The bay includes nine easily accessible beaches and four ocean baths, plus calmer swimming enclosures at Gunnamatta Bay for less confident swimmers. Framed by two national parks and set on Gweagal Country, part of the Dharawal Nation, it’s cosmopolitan but not chaotic. Spacious but not remote. And in 2026, it officially leads the country.
2. Pinky Beach, Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), WA
Pinky Beach is Australia’s second best beach. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)
Rottnest Island (Wadjemup)’s Pinky Beach takes second place, proving that Western Australia’s Indian Ocean coastline continues to dominate the national conversation.
Just a short walk from the ferry terminal at Thomson Bay, Pinky Beach combines calm, shallow snorkelling waters with dazzling white sand and a postcard view towards Bathurst Lighthouse. Behind the dunes, relaxed bars and upmarket accommodation add to its appeal. Farmer praised Rottnest for resisting overdevelopment despite its popularity. With 63 beaches and 20 bays scattered across the island, Pinky Beach stands out for accessibility, clarity of water and family-friendly swimming conditions.
3. Beachcomber Cove, Cape Hillsborough, Qld
Kangaroos gather on the sand in Cape Hillsborough. (Credit: Mark Fitz)
Cape Hillsborough’s Beachcomber Cove feels like a nature documentary unfolding in real time.
Kangaroos gather on the sand at sunrise, volcanic rock formations frame the shoreline and rainforest-backed walking trails reveal waterfalls and mangrove boardwalks. The adjoining marine park supports remarkable biodiversity, from tropical butterflies to turtles. Despite its modest size, the beach scored strongly for ecological integrity and immersive natural experience. It is Queensland at its most quietly spectacular.
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4. Tallow Beach, Byron Bay, NSW
Tallow Beach is a lesser-known Byron beach. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Byron Bay’s “back beach" earns fourth place, offering a wilder, more spacious alternative to Byron’s more well-known beaches.
Stretching seven kilometres from Cape Byron to Broken Head, Tallow Beach remains largely undeveloped, backed by coastal heath and Arakwal National Park. It is unpatrolled, powerful and refreshingly open. Farmer described it as the “flip side of the celebrity experience", rewarding those willing to walk a little further for solitude.
5. Hellfire Bay, Esperance, WA
Hellfire Bay is one of Australia’s best white sand beaches. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)
Set within Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance, Hellfire Bay is pure Western Australian drama.
Granite headlands shelter a crescent of dazzling white sand and impossibly clear turquoise water. Vehicles are not permitted on the beach, helping preserve its calm, untouched feel. Kangaroos regularly wander along the shoreline and snorkelling conditions are often gentler than neighbouring surf beaches. It is remote, pristine and quietly unforgettable.
6. Godfreys Beach, Stanley, Tas
Godfreys Beach is in one of Tasmania’s most recognisable spots. (Credit: Jason Charles Hill)
Below the towering volcanic plug known as The Nut in Stanley, Godfreys Beach delivers one of Tasmania’s most recognisable coastal backdrops.
The gently curving, north-east-facing beach offers small, manageable waves and expansive views across Bass Strait. Penguins come ashore along this coast, while historic Highfield House sits watchfully above. Cold water, dramatic geology and strong community pride helped secure its place in the top 10.
7. Inskip Point, Rainbow Beach, Qld
Inskip Point has expansive views across the Great Sandy Strait. (Credit: Getty Images / Rebecca O’Grady)
Often seen as simply the gateway to K’gari, Inskip Point stands confidently in its own right this year.
The narrow sandy spit offers calm western waters suited to fishing and boating, with expansive views across the Great Sandy Strait. Camping sites are basic but beautiful, and the sense of space is immense. It is unpretentious, open and deeply connected to its landscape.
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8. Mount Martha, Mornington Peninsula, Vic
Score a colourful beach box at Mount Martha. (Credit: Supplied)
Protected bay conditions, colourful beach boxes and a strong commitment to accessibility make this one of the state’s most inclusive coastal experiences. Volunteer surf lifesaving patrols and visible community care scored highly under the study’s safety and engagement criteria. Just over an hour from Melbourne, it offers calm without feeling remote.
9. Smoky Bay, Eyre Peninsula, SA
Smoky Bay is remote, spacious and deeply local. (Credit: Smoky Bay Progress Association)
Fresh oysters, a shark-free swimming enclosure and vast stretches of quiet coastline define this small coastal village. Low-tide rock pools and secluded headlands offer rewarding exploration, while community pride runs strong. It’s remote, spacious and deeply local.
10. Ellery Creek Big Hole, Red Centre, NT
Ellery Creek Big Hole proves that inland Australia deserves a place in the national beach conversation. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT / The Salty Travellers)
Not all beaches are coastal. Ellery Creek Big Hole, around 80 kilometres west of Alice Springs in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, proves that inland Australia deserves a place in the national beach conversation.
Under a broader definition recognising rivers, lakes and waterholes as beaches, this permanent desert waterhole offers cool relief beneath towering red cliffs and ghost gums. Sacred to Arrernte people and part of traditional Dreaming trails, it stands as one of Australia’s most powerful inland “beach" experiences.
If 2026 proves anything, it is this: Australia’s greatest beaches are not always the ones plastered across postcards. Sometimes, they are right under your nose.
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Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
A place of spectacular coastlines and rolling vineyards, the Mornington Peninsula is just an hour from Melbourne, yet feels like a world away.
Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is often voted the number one short stay in Australia, and for good reason. From its beautiful coastline and scenic trails to exceptional food and wine, it’s the perfect escape any time of year, but especially as the weather grows cooler.
Picture afternoons relaxing in the soul-warming hot springs. Evenings by a cosy fireplace, sipping one of the region’s renowned Pinot Noirs and tucking into a delicious meal made from local produce. Now stop imagining, and start planning; here’s why the Mornington Peninsula should be your next long weekend adventure.
1. It’s easy to get to
Spend a long weekend on the Mornington Peninsula. (Image: CMcConville)
At only an hour’s drive southeast of the city, the Mornington Peninsula offers unbeatable convenience. If you’re taking the Eastlink tollway to Peninsula Link, look out for eclectic roadside artwork such as Callum Morton’s high-rise hotel (hint: you can’t check in).
2. The coastline is stunning
Stay in colourful, iconic beach huts along the coast.
The Mornington Peninsula separates Port Phillip Bay to its west and Western Port Bay to its east, making it the only place in Victoria you can see a sunrise over one bay and sunset over another.
Its spectacular coastline varies from sandy swimming and surf beaches to dramatic rocky cliffs. Mt Martha Beach, known for its colourful beach huts and calm clear waters, was named in Tourism Australia’s Top 10 beaches for 2026. Nearby, Arthurs Seat Eagle offers gondola rides to the peninsula’s highest point, where you can enjoy breathtaking vistas.
For a different perspective from the water, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with the bay’s resident dolphins, or catch a ride with Searoad Ferries from Sorrento to Queenscliff (the tip of the opposite Bellarine Peninsula). Pop into their new Sorrento terminal for sweeping views from its floor-to-ceiling windows and a bite to eat at Mediterranean restaurant ONDA.
3. Taste exceptional food and wine
Treat yourself to the restaurant at Crittenden.
While the Mornington Peninsula is now synonymous with cool climate wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it was originally renowned for apple production. There are many orchards still in operation, like fifth-generation Mock Red Apple; taste craft ciders (the Mulled Spiced Cider is a must in winter), and don’t miss the famous apple pie.
Of course, it would almost be a sin not to dine at a winery restaurant, or at least try a local wine. Stop at Foxey’s Hangout for casual share plates and a glass of Chardonnay on the deck; or for a more formal affair, the light-filled restaurant at Paringa Estate offers a fine dining set menu on weekends, with picturesque estate views.
Pt. Leo Estate has no less than three separate dining experiences to choose from, ranging from a wine terrace to contemporary fine dining, all sourcing seasonal Victorian and local Mornington Peninsula produce, and offering stunning vistas over Western Port Bay.
And opened in 2025, the restaurant at Crittenden celebrates regional produce with a modern Australian menu that pairs beautifully with their sustainably crafted estate wines.
4. Plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors
Tee off at world-class golf courses with stunning coastal views.
The Red Hill Rail Trail follows the old railway line between Merricks and Red Hill, while the Bushrangers Bay Walking Track is the go-to trail for rugged coastal scenery, linking Cape Schanck and the Boneo Road picnic area (part of the longer Two Bays Trail).
The region is also home to several national parks providing plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, whether it’s a walk, picnic, or simply admiring the local flora and fauna. Golf lovers will rejoice with gorgeous courses such as the world-class Moonah Links or Flinders Golf Club, one of Victoria’s oldest golf courses.
5. Lean into wellness and relaxation
Unwind in mineral-rich hot springs and soak in total relaxation.
Soaking in one of the Mornington Peninsula’s mineral-rich hot springs is a must in the cooler months. Alba Thermal Springs and Spa is the newer addition, with 25 contemporary geothermal pools, a sauna and steam room set amongst elegant coastal landscaping. Book a Night Owl session to watch the sunset from the pools, and extend your visit with a spa treatment or dining at their restaurant.
Across the road, the Peninsula Hot Springs offers two main bathing areas, cafes and a spa in a natural bush setting. The Bath House comprises over 70 bathing and wellness experiences, including their iconic Hilltop Pool, a reflexology walk, and Nepalese mineral showers; while the Spa Dreaming Centre is a serene adults-only sanctuary.
6. Get a culture fix
Discover inspiring art across galleries and sculpture parks. (Image: Chris Conville)
Wander the Southern Hemisphere’s largest privately owned sculpture park at Pt. Leo Estate, glass of red in hand, or pop into the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery to view one of their seasonal exhibitions. Seawinds Garden is also home to a sculpture collection by William Ricketts, surrounded by exotic and indigenous gardens.
If you’re more of a history buff, book a tour of the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, or spend an afternoon at Point Nepean National Park. Here, you can explore walking trails through the traditional country of the Bunurong people, learn the history of the old Quarantine Station and discover military forts and tunnels.
7. Gorgeous accommodations
Check into Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill.
The Mornington Peninsula’s standout accommodations are an experience in themselves. Escape to The Sanctuary at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, a luxe retreat perched in the dunes above the springs. Or indulge in the dramatic luxury of Jackalope Hotel, home to a vine-facing pool and spa and the chef-hatted Doot Doot Doot.
For a dose of European country charm, stay at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill, set amongst lush gardens and vines with a cellar door and chef-hatted restaurant. Or for more contemporary, yet still charming, surroundings, the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula is a historic hotel reimagined as a luxe coastal stay with European flair, including a pool deck and on-site bathhouse.
