Australia nabs the top two spots on Lonely Planet’s best beaches list

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Australia reigns supreme on Lonely Planet’s best beaches list for 2025, thanks to these two unexpected winners…

When it comes to the world’s best beaches, Australia has over 10,000 glorious ones – both famous and hidden ones – that the rest of the globe has to compete with. And according to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 roundup of the world’s 10 best beaches, not one, but two Australian beaches have topped the list. The Aussie winners beat out iconic contenders from Hawaii, Milos, Mexico and even the Seychelles. Update your 2025 travel plans – these two beaches are must-sees.

Second Place

Forget the obvious choices of Bondi and Byron Bay. These beloved New South Wales beaches may have topped the previous year’s lists, but 2025 is shining a light on two other states.

Second place goes to Squeaky Beach in Victoria’s Gippsland region nestled in the southernmost point of mainland Australia. This wild and pristine beach is located in the state’s largest marine park (Wilsons Promontory) and gets its name from the high-pitched squeak made when you press your feet into the perfectly rounded quartz sand grains.

Squeaky Beach is framed by an impressive backdrop of colossal granite boulders. The beach contains a multitude of picturesque rock pools where you can safely splash or relax in. Feeling adventurous? Bring your surfboard and catch a wave in this surfing haven.

an aerial view of Squeaky Beach

Head to Squeaky Beach within Wilsons Promontory National Park. (Image: Zac Porter)

First Place

Claiming the coveted crown of world’s best beach is none other than Whitehaven Beach on Queensland’s Whitsunday Island. There are multiple reasons this piece of paradise takes top spot – one being the distinctive swirl pattern created by the impossibly white sand combined with the turquoise water. But the beach is more than just easy on the eyes – the average water temperature sits at a perfect 26 degrees year-round, making it a dream for swimming and snorkelling.

Whitehaven Beach

The swirls of of white sand and turquoise waters on Whitehaven Beach are unmistakable. (Image: Getty/byrneck)

And that dazzling Colgate-commercial-level white sand? An ultra-fine, soft silica that doesn’t retain as much heat from the sun, meaning you can comfortably walk on it barefoot. In short, it’s not too hot, not too cold, just right.

an aerial view of Whitehaven Beach

Take a stroll along the ultra-fine white sand of Whitehaven Beach.

Lonely Planets Best Beaches 2025:

  1. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland, Australia
  2. Squeaky Beach, Victoria, Australia
  3. Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles
  4. Sunset Beach, Trang, Thailand
  5. Sarakiniko Beach, Milos, Greece
  6. Haukland Beach, Lofoten Islands, Norway
  7. Playa Balandra, Baja California Sur, Mexico
  8. Pfeiffer Beach, California, USA
  9. Hanalei Bay, Hawai‘i, USA
  10. Platja Illetes, Formentera, Spain

Read more entries from Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025

Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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Win 1 of 10 luxury holidays worth over $38,000!

What’s better than booking your dream holiday? Winning it, of course!

Enter the 2025 Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards for your chance to win big in our mega prize giveaway!

To celebrate our Readers’ Choice Awards, we have curated 10 incredible travel prizes worth $38,871 to give away, to inspire you to explore Australia.

Please note: you will not be able to choose which prize you win.The winners will be contacted after the competition closes and announced in issue 108 (on sale from 3 November 2025).

Read the general competition terms and conditions, as well as the Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards terms and conditions, before you enter. You only need to enter the giveaway once.

Entries for this competition close at 5 pm AEST on 25 September 2025.

Intrepid Travel | JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa | Pair’d Margaret River | Kingfisher Bay Resort | Prancing Horse | Star RV | Lancemore | The Fullerton Hotel Sydney | Glenayr Farm | Taronga Zoo

Intrepid Travel’s six-day exploration of Tasmania’s Cradle Coast worth $6430

Intrepid-Travel-Tasmania-Cradle-Mountain-leader

Explore the edge of the world on this six-day exploration of Tasmania’s untamed Cradle Coast.

Discover the wild and rugged beauty of Australia’s most southern state on Intrepid Travel’s Best of Tasmania’s Tarkine & Cradle Mountain trip. The ultimate six-day escape for two loops in Tarkine/Takayna rainforest, a Cradle Mountain hike and inspired pit stops along the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail. Spot wombats, stargaze in remote stays, and connect with Indigenous culture in stunning national parks. Includes accommodation, select meals, and unforgettable scenery.

What’s included?

  • Hotel stay (four nights)
  • Cottage stay (one night)
  • Five breakfasts
  • One lunch
  • Two dinners
  • Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail sampling fresh raspberries, cheese, ice cream and brews along the way

A luxury stay at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa worth $5280

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa_ Saltwater Lagoon Ariel View

Enjoy white sandy beaches, a swim-up grotto and waterfalls.

Treat your other half to a long weekend away in an Ocean View Executive Suite at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. Enjoy daily breakfast for two at Citrique restaurant, a signature massage or facial at Spa by JW, and a three-course dinner with wine pairing at the award-winning Citrique. This unforgettable experience also includes complimentary self-parking so you can get out and explore while on the Goldie.

What’s included?

  • Three-night stay in an Ocean View Executive Suite
  • Breakfast daily for two in Citrique Restaurant
  • Signature massage or facial for two at Spa by JW
  • Three-course dinner with wine pairing for two in the award-winning Citrique Restaurant
  • Self-parking

A Pair’d festival getaway in Margaret River worth $5000

Beach club at Pair'd Margaret River

Enjoy diverse programming at Pair’d. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Win a three-night luxury escape for two at Smiths Beach Resort during the annual Pair’d Margaret River Festival. Enjoy return flights to Busselton, admission to select signature events from 21–23 November, and access to the best of the region’s bounty. This prize also includes exclusive Pair’d merch – everything you need for the ultimate festival adventure in the heart of WA’s iconic Margaret River Region.

Pair’d is Western Australia’s top wine and food festival, designed with a ‘wine first’ approach. This festival brings together the best of culinary, music and cultural experiences, all thoughtfully curated by sommeliers to create an unforgettable celebration of the senses.

What’s included?

  • Three-night luxury stay at Smiths Beach Resort, nestled on the pristine coastline of the Margaret River Region
  • Festival ticket pack to select signature events across the weekend of 21–23 November
  • Return flights to Busselton, flying into the heart of the region
  • Exclusive Pair’d merchandise, perfect for your weekend adventure

The ultimate K’gari adventure worth $5000

Lake McKenzie aerial shot on K'gari

Paradise awaits on K’gari.

Pack that floppy hat and factor 50+ sunscreen for five unforgettable days on World Heritage-listed K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). This epic prize includes airport transfers, ferry transport to the island, three nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort and one night at K’gari Beach Resort.

This ultimate island escape includes two days of guided 4WD touring, daily buffet breakfasts, touring lunches, national park fees and tickets to the magical Illumina light and sound show.

What’s included?

  • Return airport transfers to River Heads / Hervey Bay Airport
  • Return passenger ferry transfer
  • Three nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort
  • One night at K’gari Beach Resort
  • Full days of guided 4WD coach touring including lunch, National Park fees and permits
  • Daily buffet breakfast
  • Illumina light show experience

A $5000 supercar escape with Prancing Horse

Red Ferrari driving down road with Palm trees.

Drive an unparalleled collection of supercars on exclusive driving experiences across Australia.

Buckle up for the drive of a lifetime with Prancing Horse luxury driving experiences. Take the wheel of the world’s most coveted supercars – think Ferrari, McLaren or Lamborghini – for a breathtaking spin through one of six spectacular Australian regions. The ultimate road trip for two lucky rev-heads includes curated routes with gourmet dining, luxury hotels and jaw-dropping scenery.

What’s included?

  • Gourmet dining at award-winning restaurants
  • Exceptional hospitality and some of the most exciting driving roads in Australia

A seven-day Star RV motorhome getaway worth over $4300

Star RV Polaris 2 MountCook 1 NZ

This is your chance to live the van life dream. (Image: Clint Trahan)

Ready to hit the road? Win a seven-day adventure in a premium Star RV Polaris 6 motorhome valued at more than $4300. Choose to explore Australia or New Zealand with unlimited kilometres, 24/7 roadside assistance, basic insurance and a fully equipped home on wheels that sleeps six. The swanky motorhome is decked out with a full kitchen, bathroom, air-conditioning and outdoor gear included.

Designed with space, style and adventure in mind, the Polaris 6 has ample room to stretch out. Whether you’re chasing sunsets along the coast or stargazing in the outback, this is road tripping at its best. Perfect for a family holiday, a friend escape or a couple’s adventure – you get to write the story.

What’s included?

  • Unlimited kilometres
  • 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Basic insurance cover
  • Fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and air conditioning
  • Camping chairs and a table for those al fresco moments

A luxury Red Hill Escape worth over $2500

The Ninch Lindenderry

Rest and dream at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill.

If ever there was a place for you to rest and dream, it is Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill. The escape includes a stay in the luxurious Balcony Suite, tucked away amid 13 hectares of gardens and vineyards on the Mornington Peninsula.

Enjoy daily breakfast and a two-course degustation dinner with wine pairing at the acclaimed two-hatted restaurant, The Dining Room. Just minutes from beaches and top wineries, this is the perfect getaway for food, wine and nature lovers.

What’s included?

  • Breakfast
  • Two-course degustation dinner and wine pairing at the award-winning two-hatted restaurant, The Dine Room

A night at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney worth $2200

The Fullerton Staircase

A night in the Heritage Long Suite offers a truly unforgettable stay.

Experience over-the-top indulgence in the Heritage Long Suite, the largest guestroom at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney in the historic former General Post Office building. The suite features original marble fireplaces, a grand living area, the postmaster’s original writing desk from 1874 and a dining space for six.

Two lucky guests will enjoy Fullerton Club Lounge access with breakfast, afternoon tea, evening canapés and handcrafted cocktails. With its heritage charm and modern amenities, the prize amounts to an unforgettable stay for two.

What’s included?

  • Exclusive access to the Fullerton Club Lounge
  • A full-size refrigerator
  • Stocked mini-bar (on request)
  • A dining area for six
  • Ensuite master bathroom
  • Separate guest bathroom
  • King-sized beds

A luxe glamping stay for eight at Glenayr Farm worth $2000

Glenayr Farm hot tub

Glenayr Farm is a fully sustainable, off-grid accommodation. (Image: Salty Luxe)

Grab seven of your nearest and dearest and make a beeline for wine country in Mudgee. At Glenayr Farm, a 129-hectare working sheep and cattle property, you’ll have four luxe bell tents all to yourselves for two blissful nights. Pick up a bottle of wine at a nearby cellar door and uncork it in a hot tub or by the outdoor fire pit come evening.

Fall in love with the unrivalled views of the sunsets and incredible vistas over one of the most beautiful areas in the region. At night, the sky explodes to life as the area is one of the premier stargazing sites in Australia. Disconnect to reconnect and immerse in the peace of nature and country living.

What’s included?

  • Communal area with kitchen
  • Lounge/games room with billiards table, TV and bathrooms
  • Private hot tubs
  • Fire pits

A Wildlife Retreat experience worth $1159

Taronga Zoo Eco Retreat

Unique eco-retreat accommodation with immersive native animal experiences, modern Australian dining, all overlooking iconic Sydney Harbour.

Wake up with koalas and kangaroos at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga with an unforgettable overnight stay for two in an Animal View Room. Overlooking Sydney Harbour and hidden within Taronga Zoo, this luxury eco-retreat includes two-day zoo access, a guided Sanctuary tour, buffet breakfast at Me-Gal restaurant and free onsite parking. It’s a unique blend of nature, comfort and conservation – the perfect wild escape in the heart of Sydney/Warrane.

Every visit to Taronga Zoo directly supports vital wildlife conservation efforts, meaning your unforgettable experience helps contribute to a greater cause.

What’s included?

  • Two-day access to Taronga Zoo Sydney
  • An exclusive guided Sanctuary tour to meet some of Australia’s most beloved native animals up close
  • A delicious buffet breakfast at the Me-Gal restaurant
  • Onsite parking

Subscribe now to increase your chances of winning big. Simply subscribe to view digital versions of past magazines going back seven years, so you can get plenty of travel inspiration while you wait for your first printed magazine to arrive.