Australia’s most remote and unknown beaches have just been revealed

The wild, little-known shores most travellers never reach.

Australia has no shortage of famous beaches. But while most travellers flock to the headline acts, a new Lonely Planet book is quietly pointing towards shores that feel worlds away from the crowds.

Best Beaches Australia spans the full spectrum of the country’s coastline, from family-friendly swims and surf breaks to iconic white sand crescents. Tucked within its pages, however, are beaches chosen for a very different reason: their isolation, wild beauty and sheer remoteness.

Pulled from Lonely Planet’s broader beach picks, these are the shores that reward effort over convenience. The kind of places where getting there is half the story, and being alone is part of the appeal.

Here are seven of Australia’s most remote and unknown beaches highlighted through Best Beaches Australia.

Greenly Beach, Coulta, SA

Greenly Beach, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia — Embrace isolation on Greenly Beach. (Image: City of Port Lincoln)

On the rugged Eyre Peninsula, Greenly Beach is the kind of place that feels untouched by time. Framed by towering limestone cliffs and windswept dunes, it is raw, powerful and completely unpolished.

One of the best natural swimming spots around Australia, access requires a four-wheel drive and a sense of adventure, which helps keep the crowds away. When conditions are right, surfers chase heavy swells here, but most visitors come simply to take in the drama of the landscape and the sense of total isolation.

Turquoise Bay, Ningaloo Coast, WA

Aerial view of Turquoise Bay in Western Australia — Take in the breathtaking colour at Turquoise Bay. (Image: Getty Images / Jonathan Stacey)

The name barely does it justice. Turquoise Bay is famous for its colour, but what truly sets it apart is how remote it feels despite its global reputation. It was the highest-ranked Australian beach on the 2025 World’s 50 Best Beaches list, coming 11th.

Sitting within Ningaloo Reef, this beach offers one of Australia’s best drift snorkelling experiences straight from the shore. Coral gardens, turtles and reef sharks are all part of the underwater scenery, with the vast outback stretching endlessly behind you.

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Hellfire Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park, WA

Hellfire Bay in Western Australia — Hellfire Bay is under the radar.

Cape Le Grand National Park is known for its postcard perfection, yet Hellfire Bay somehow remains under the radar. One of Australia’s prettiest white sand beaches, and protected from strong winds, its calm waters are framed by smooth granite headlands that glow pink at sunrise and sunset.

It is quieter than nearby Lucky Bay and just as beautiful, making it ideal for travellers who want the look without the crowds. Wildlife sightings are common and the sense of remoteness is constant.

Dolphin Beach, Yorke Peninsula, SA

Dolphin Beach in Yorke Peninsula’s Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, South Australia — Dolphin Beach is not a swimming beach. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Yorke Peninsula’s Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park is packed with dramatic coastline, but Dolphin Beach stands out for its seclusion. Reaching it involves a hike, which filters out all but the most determined visitors.

What you get in return is a wild sweep of sand backed by cliffs and pounding surf. It is not a swimming beach, but it is unforgettable for coastal walks, photography and that rare feeling of having a national park beach entirely to yourself.

Nudey Beach, Fitzroy Island, Qld

Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island in Qld — Snorkel peacefully off Nudey Beach.

Despite the cheeky name, Nudey Beach is less about shock value and more about stunning tropical scenery. Located on Fitzroy Island off Cairns, this secret beach is accessible by ferry but feels a world away from the mainland.

Smooth boulders, clear water and fringing reef make it one of the most beautiful beaches in the tropics. Once you step away from the island’s main hub, the crowds thin quickly and the beach lives up to its reputation as a hidden gem.

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Childers Cove, Great Ocean Road, Vic

Childers Cove on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria — Childers Cove proves there are still secrets to be found on the Great Ocean Road.

The Great Ocean Road is rarely described as remote, yet Childers Cove proves there are still secrets to be found. Tucked between the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, this secluded cove requires a steep walk down a narrow track.

At the bottom, you will find a sheltered crescent of sand framed by cliffs and sea stacks, often with no one else in sight. It is a reminder that even Australia’s most famous road trips still hold surprises for those willing to look beyond the main stops.

Landing Beach, Macquarie Island

If remoteness had a definition, Landing Beach would be it. Located on subantarctic Macquarie Island, halfway between Tasmania and Antarctica, this beach is accessible only by expedition cruise.

There is no swimming here. Instead, visitors are met with black sand, roaring winds and vast colonies of king penguins, elephant seals and seabirds. It is raw, confronting and extraordinary, and easily one of the most isolated beaches Australia can claim. It has been governed as a part of Tasmania since 1880 and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray, then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve. Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co. has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General. Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu, inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.

Australia’s most remote and unknown beaches have just been revealed

The wild, little-known shores most travellers never reach.

Greenly Beach, Coulta, SA

Turquoise Bay, Ningaloo Coast, WA

Hellfire Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park, WA

Dolphin Beach, Yorke Peninsula, SA

Nudey Beach, Fitzroy Island, Qld

Childers Cove, Great Ocean Road, Vic

Landing Beach, Macquarie Island

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