The first thing I mapped out when I planned my trip to Australia was the ever-growing list of beaches I wanted to visit. This part of the world doesn’t hold back with the gorgeous ocean views. Australia has some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in the world, and you’ll never run out of options, no matter whether you’re looking to go for a swim, explore the underwater world, or simply catch a tan while doing a little people-watching. No matter whether you want to chill, swim, surf, snorkel, or explore, there’s an Aussie beach for you. Read on for all of the best beaches in Australia!
Whitehaven Beach
Head to the Whitsundays, one of the world’s most relaxing destinations, for a beach day on Whitehaven Beach and you’ll never be disappointed. Whitehaven Beach has brilliant white silica sand that’s considered some of the purest in the world, and, bonus points, it tends not to retain heat either. Whitehaven Beach has clear and calm water that’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing and is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which means it’s home to colorful coral, fish, turtles, rays, and even dolphins. While here, take a stroll up to Hill Inlet, where you can see the swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach and gorgeous colors all around. Looking to venture a little further? You’ll also find tours, some of which also include visits to other attractions in the Whitsundays, like Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, or Heart Reef.
Cable Beach
Head to Broome, a coastal town in Western Australia and one of Australia’s coolest cities, to admire Cable Beach, a 14-mile (22km) stretch of white sand beach on the eastern Indian Ocean with space for everyone to stretch out. Cable Beach is one of the longest beaches in Australia and offers plenty of space for relaxing, playing, or exploring. It’s the sort of spot where you can walk along the beach for hours and enjoy the changing scenery and views. Cable Beach was named after the telegraph cable laid between Broome and Java in 1889, and you can still see the remains of the cable station at the northern end of the beach. The beach is famous for its iconic camel rides along the shoreline if you’d rather explore in a new way.
Bells Beach
Drive along the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s top road trips, to find the iconic Bells Beach. Known as one of the best surfing spots in Australia and the world thanks to its natural beauty and amazing waves, Bells Beach never disappoints no matter what kind of beachgoer you are. Bells Beach is the site of the world’s longest continuously running pro surfing competition, now known as the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, which attracts some of the best surfers in the world and is held every year at Easter. The most famous section of the wave is called “The Bowl,” where the wave curves and forms a barrel. If you’re up for a challenge, this is the beach to schedule a trip to.
Wineglass Bay
Venture a little off the beaten track to Freycinet National Park to find the beautiful Wineglass Bay, a must-see attraction in Tasmania. Loved mostly for its natural beauty and unique features, Wineglass Bay has a distinctive curved shape that resembles a wine glass, hence its unusual name. The beach has white sand that’s made of quartz crystals, which means gorgeously soft sand that you’ll almost definitely want to take a nap on. A top choice for nature lovers, Wineglass Bay is home to a variety of wildlife, both on land and in the sea. You can see wallabies, wombats, echidnas, and birds on the beach and in the surrounding bushland, as well as dolphins, whales, seals, penguins, and sea eagles in the water and on the nearby islands.
Bondi Beach
It would be rude to write a guide to the best beaches in Australia and not include the one and only Bondi Beach. Not only is Bondi Beach the closest ocean beach to Sydney’s city center, but it’s also one of the best in the world for surfers and relaxers alike. The beach is famous for its glistening ocean, pristine sands, and seaside spirit and is a must-visit when visiting Sydney. A place that never disappoints no matter what time you’re visiting, you’ll find a variety of cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops along the beachfront and in the nearby streets, offering everything from coffee and breakfast to cocktails and dinner and ensuring you’re suitably fed and watered before and after your beach day.
Noosa Main Beach
Ask any Australian which beach to hit up next and they’ll almost definitely recommend a trip to Noosa Heads, a coastal town on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. One of the most versatile beaches around, you can swim, sunbathe, picnic, or play on the beach itself, or join one of the many tours and experiences that visit Noosa Main Beach and other attractions nearby. You can also enjoy the art, music, and events that take place at Noosa Main Beach throughout the year, such as the Noosa Beach Markets, the Noosa Beach Festivals, and the Noosa Beach Sculpture by the Sea. Ideal for nature lovers, Noosa Main Beach is also home to a scenic trail that follows the coastline and passes through other beautiful beaches, parks, and cliffs.
Hyams Beach
Schedule a trip to the beautiful seaside village in the Shoalhaven region of New South Wales to discover Hyams Beach, one of the most colorful beaches in the world. It’s famous for its white sand, which is said to be the whitest in the world. Under the sunshine, the water here offers a dazzling contrast of turquoise waves and golden-white sand, making it a top spot for any budding photographer. You can swim, snorkel, fish, or paddle in the calm and clear water, or take a boat tour to see dolphins, whales, and lots more during your trip here. Hyams Beach is not only a natural wonder but also a charming village with a friendly community. It doesn’t matter whether you’re visiting with family, friends, your other half, or as a solo traveler because you’ll almost definitely fall in love with this beach.
Lucky Bay
Lucky Bay will have you thanking your lucky stars that you ended up in such a beautiful part of Australia. A stunning beach in the Cape Le Grand National Park in Western Australia, Lucky Bay is one of the most popular attractions in the region, and it’s easy to see why. The sand is so fine and pure here that it practically squeaks when you walk on it. But the coolest part? The beach is also home to friendly kangaroos that often hang out on the beach, making this one of the world’s best animal encounters. You can get close to these adorable animals and take some funny photos with them – they’re not shy about stopping for a pose. Lucky Bay is also well-located to explore a range of other great beaches, like Hellfire Bay and Thistle Cove just close by.
Burleigh Heads Beach
It’s no exaggeration to say that Burleigh Heads Beach has it all: white sand, clear water, surfing, wildlife, and more. Often called one of the best places on earth, it’s fair to say you’ll never want to leave once you’ve set up camp on this beach for the day. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and is situated at the base of the Burleigh Heads National Park. The combination of stunning coastal views and the natural landscape makes it a breathtaking destination for nature lovers and photographers. Active travelers will love the paved walkway that runs along the beach, perfect for leisurely strolls, brisk jogs, or gentle cycle rides.
Cossies Beach
Also known as Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Cossies Beach is a remote, pristine beach located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Indonesia and northwest of Australia. The result? A place that seems unlike anywhere else in the world. Its remote location and limited human impact have preserved its natural beauty, with powdery white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush green vegetation. Less frequented by tourists than other Australian beaches, Cossies Beach offers a serene beach experience with water that’s filled with vibrant coral gardens and colorful fish. You’d likely want to spend the whole day here as the west-facing orientation of the beach means you can admire breathtaking sunsets over the Indian Ocean just before you wave goodbye.
Four Mile Beach
Four Mile Beach gets busy pretty quickly as the hours go by and is a popular spot for locals during sunrise and sunset for a picturesque walk. As its name suggests, Four Mile Beach is four miles long, which means plenty of room to stretch out and make good use of its soft white sand. Port Douglas, where you’ll find this beach, serves as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most famous and diverse marine ecosystems. This means this is one of the best beaches for fans of the underwater world. You’ll spot plenty of reef excursions here, allowing you to explore this natural wonder with snorkeling or diving activities when you’re not swimming or sunbathing.
Turquoise Bay
A top choice for ocean lovers, Turquoise Bay is a stunning beach and snorkeling site located in the Cape Range National Park near Exmouth, Western Australia. As you may have guessed, Turquoise Bay is known for its crystal clear waters, white sand, and turquoise hues that make it one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. It’s part of the Ningaloo Reef, a World Heritage-listed marine park that hosts a rich diversity of coral, fish, and other marine life. In short, if you’re a scuba diver or snorkeller, this spot should go right to the top of your bucket list. While here, you can tick off plenty of incredible sightings, including sea turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, manta rays, dolphins, and even whale sharks during the right season.
