The World’s 50 Best Beaches list is out – and three Aussie beaches have made quite the splash.

With white sand, impossibly clear water and more hidden havens than you could ever hope to tick off, Australia’s coastline has long been in a league of its own. The proof is in the pudding, too; close to 87 per cent of the country’s population live along our coasts, shaping a culture that’s deeply connected to sea, sand and surf.

So when the annual World’s 50 Best Beaches list dropped, it was hardly surprising to see us featured not once, but three times. While two are making a return appearance (in higher positions, no less), one is joining for the very first time.

The ranking is decided by an extensive panel of well-travelled experts against a range of criteria, from accessibility and isolation to weather conditions and wildlife presence. Here’s where made the cut.

Wharton Beach, WA

Wharton Beach in Western Australia’s Duke of Orleans Bay came in third place this year, impressively climbing from 21st in 2025. Widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the state, this local gem is loved for its tranquil atmosphere, crystalline waters and sand so fine it squeaks underfoot.

Thanks to its relative isolation (the nearest town is around an hour away), visitors rarely have to fight for a spot on the sand. But while the crowds are few, you won’t have the place entirely to yourself. Wharton Beach is home to an abundance of wildlife, from kangaroos lounging along the shore to pods of dolphins dancing in the waves. It’s also one of the country’s best whale-watching spots come migration season, with pods of humpback and southern right whales often sighted.

Turquoise Bay, WA

Coming in 15th this year is one of WA’s lesser-known beaches. And while it’s down a few spots from 11th place last year, it continues to hold a prominent place in the list among the world’s best. Situated near Exmouth on the North West Cape, Turquoise Bay wears its main asset on its sleeve – or should I say, in its name.

Known for boasting crystal-clear waters, gentle currents and plentiful marine life, the bay has become a natural playground for snorkellers. Its close proximity to Ningaloo Marine Park allows for easy spotting of fish, turtles, rays and coral reefs, as well as dolphins, sharks and whales – if you’re lucky. Set within Cape Range National Park, Turquoise Bay lends itself perfectly to a weekend of swimming, fishing, hiking and camping under the stars. 

Wineglass Bay, Tas

Making its debut on the World’s 50 Best Beaches list this year is Wineglass Bay, claiming 21st place, and cementing every Aussie inclusion comfortably within the top 25. Located on Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula, it’s part of the Tasmanian Wilderness UNESCO World Heritage Area – and for good reason.

Wineglass Bay is a place of striking contrasts, where rugged natural beauty meets refined luxury. Sandy shores quickly give way to verdant rainforests. Pink granite peaks rise over cerulean waters. A quiet stillness brings a true sense of calm. Better yet, you can take it all in from the comfort of five-star stays like Saffire Freycinet and its ultra-luxe private sister villa, Saffire Jewel, set to open later this year.

The world’s top 10 beaches for 2026

1. Entalula Beach, The Philippines
2. Fteri Beach, Greece
3. Wharton Beach, Australia
4. Nosy Iranja, Madagascar
5. East Beach, Fiji
6. Shoal Bay East, Anguilla
7. Dhigurah, The Maldives
8. Playa Balandra, Mexico
9. Koh Rong, Cambodia
10. Donald Duck Bay, Thailand

See the full World’s 50 Best Beaches list here.