Discover some of the stunning, most impressive beaches in Australia in this comprehensive list
Fringed by more than 34,000 kilometers of extensive beach coastline, Australia is a paradisal continent brimming with sublime beaches & sheltered islands. Most of these beaches in the country top our list, so you can be sure of visiting only the best ones when you travel to Australia.
What makes Australia a perfect place to explore these beaches, is its proximity to the major cities. It is no surprise that many of the beaches in Australia border the coastal towns, making it easier for locals and tourists to enjoy their weekend break.
Bustling cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane are true examples of backing Australia’s most glamourous beaches. But it doesn’t leave behind other coastal towns, such as Adelaide and Perth to show off their charm. Even, Tasmania competes well in showcasing its idyllic coastal towns and captivating peninsulas.
Australia is a blissful country to indulge in outdoor activities, adventurous experiences, and high-rated tours. Visitors travel to this country, to surf its gushing tides and drive its scenic routes. But what most enjoy, is touring the country’s alluring beaches and secluded islands.
In this guide, we list the top 12 beaches in Australia to explore.
Best Beaches in Australia
1. Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW
Bondi’s iconic fame has been cheering and charming visitors over the past few decades. After all, it’s one of Australia’s most famous beaches – well known for its vivid atmosphere and laid-back lifestyle.
The best part about Bondi Beach is its proximity to the CBD (central business district). A short bus ride from Sydney’s downtown will make you arrive at this beach in less than 5 minutes.
Bondi Beach has gained its fame from many television shows & films, making it one of Sydney’s true iconic destinations. It isn’t the prettiest beach in the city, nor it’s good for a short surf break – but still, you’ll find surfers, sunbathers, billionaires, and backpackers making the most of their time.
What makes Bondi a special one to be visited in Australia, is its beach culture. It has immensely grown with the kind of tourists arriving at this place to enjoy a typical Aussie vacation. Yes, the one-kilometer stretch of golden sands is its main draw – but the casual bars, cafes, oceanside pools, and various beach-driven sports make Bondi more happening.
Apart from the activities you do at Bondi, there’s a picturesque trail you should check out. The famous cliff-top coastal trail of Bondi to Bronte offers gorgeous views of the Australian coastline. The 6-kilometer stretch isn’t a strenuous one, thus making it accessible for all. Come early morning, and you’ll find joggers, walkers, and hikers alike – all soaking Bondi’s fantastic views.
2. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland
Located on Whitsunday Island, Whitehaven Beach is one of the most tranquil beaches on earth. It isn’t only popular in Australia, but rather it competes with the world’s other glistening beaches.
This picture-perfect beach stretches along Whitsunday Island for a long 7km (4.3mi). It proudly sits amongst the Great Barrier Reef, striking its white sandy contrast to the turquoise blue waters.
What makes Whitehaven Beach even more unique is its silica sands.
It’s soft, well-rounded, and contains pure quartz grains. All of these components make Whitehaven look nearly luminescent along with its outstanding shoreline beauty. It’s even believed that the sands of Whitehaven are so pure, that NASA once used them to build Hubble Telescope back in the 1970s.
Whitehaven Beach is located within a national park on Whitsunday Island, ensuring that the entire beach and its marine life are protected and preserved. It’s surprising, how well the beach has maintained its integrity and beauty, despite the many day-drippers who come on the shore.
Visitors who want to travel to Whitehaven Beach can take a day trip from Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour. You can even plan an overnight stay by making reservations at one of the resorts on the Whitsunday Islands. With easy access to the Australian icon – the Great Barrier Reef – it makes sense to spend a couple of days here to watch the scintillating beauty of Whitehaven.
However, if an overnight stay is too much for you – then try hopping onto a seaplane or book a scuba-dive activity to watch the aquatic world in action. No matter how you spend your time here in Whitehaven, you’re bound to make lifetime memories.
3. Turquoise Bay, Western Australia
Standing true to its name, Turquoise Bay has been voted amongst the top famous beaches in Australia. It is also one of Western Australia’s pristine beaches. The white sands, the coral reefs, and its charming aura please everyone who comes to catch a glimpse of the magnificent Turquoise Bay.
As the emerald blue water hits the shoreline of Turquoise Bay, you’ll see Ningaloo Reef’s blossom corals brimming with vibrant colors. Since the underwater reefs are so pristine and colorful – Ningaloo Reef Lagoon becomes an evergreen snorkeling site in Australia. In fact, it’s one of Western Australia’s main inland beaches to snorkel on coral reefs right from shore.
While you snorkel down the Turquoise Bay, marvel at the thick coral gardens that line up the sea-bed. Moreover, the lagoon is home to 250 coral-reef ecosystems and 500 different aquatic species. You can swim to spot sea turtles, stingrays, and harmless tiny sharks – basking nearest to the reefs.
Those, who merely want to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere can take a walk on the extensive Turquoise shoreline. Do bring your shades, sunscreen, and other lotions if you want to beat the suntan.
4. Manly Beach, Sydney
Manly is Sydney’s weekend-getaway destination. When the locals really need a break from their routine, they head to Manly to unwind. And truly, the place is home to gorgeous beaches and amazing surfing spots.
The region of Manly has got some interesting history and facts. One of the claims the region proudly boasts; is the fact that it’s the birthplace of surfing in Australia. Moreover, Manly was first on the list to legalize all-day bathing.
It was also the first main location in Australia to host World Surfing Championships in 1964.
But it isn’t history that makes your visit to Manly fascinating. It ultimately comes down to the region’s primary beaches that stretch along the ocean and the harbor. People have been surfing here for ages, and the sport remains popular to date.
There are a handful of restaurants, beach cafes, and bars to excite you with the beach culture Manly provides. The region has developed its site infrastructure with accessible walking trails and scenic coastal paths to offer new ventures for travelers. The most famous – Manly to Spit coastal walk – is by far the most popular of stretches to walk upon. Further down the trail, you’ll find secluded little spots of Manly Beach and Collins Beach.
Many people arrive at these hideaway locations to enjoy their summer weekends.
5. Surfers Paradise, Queensland
Surfers Paradise is one of Australia’s prime hotspots. Its shimmering beaches, soaring skylines, award-wining restaurants & cafes, and incredible nightlife makes Surfers Paradise a dream for many who want to vacation in Queensland, Australia.
Surfers Paradise sits nicely amongst the high-rise apartments that backdrop the beach. As the sun beats down, its glossy, squeaky white sand makes it perfect for travelers to relax and unwind. Interestingly, Surfers Paradise is one of the best places to learn surfing. It doesn’t matter if you’re just trying to hit the waves, or up your surfing game – the beach provides excellent infrastructure to get your first hands-on experience at this sport.
Aside from surfing, Surfers Paradise is ideal for sunbathers, swimmers, and strollers to relive their stressful routine. Despite the heavy crowds that gather here, the beach is super clean. You will find lifeguards patrolling the area 365 days a year.
Out of all the beaches you visit in Australia, Surfer Paradise will remain etched in your memory. It’s not only the beach-driven activities that excite you, but also the vibrancy of the locals often found in upscaled shops, local bars, and beachfront promenades. There are also weekly markets, to enlighten your travel with a delightful shopping experience. More than 120 stalls are put up at Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets.
When you visit Surfers Paradise, don’t hurry up! That’s the last thing you want to do. Instead, stay in a couple of nights, embrace the energetic atmosphere and soak in fantastic views of the beach from one of your hotels.
Travel Q – How many beaches are in Australia?
Australia is home to almost 12,000 beaches. These are spread across the country with an extensive coastline of 37,282-mile.
6. Wineglass Bay, Tasmania
Nestled in the lush wilderness of Tasmania’s Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay is one of the most picturesque beaches in Australia. The dense forests, sparkling blue waters, and stark-white sand make the beach look even more appealing from the lookout areas.
As you explore the shoreline of Wineglass Bay, take a short 20-minute walk to reach the southern portion of the beach. From the spot, you can catch amazing glimpses of the pink-granite peaks, known as the Hazards.
At sunset, the punctuating views of these peaks impart a great backdrop set to the vast shoreline of Wineglass Bay. It’s best recommended to hike up the trails to watch sunset scenes.
Other activities such as fishing, sailing, and kayaking are popular at Wineglass Bay. For a more guided experience, take the Freycinet Experience Walk, which is a special 4-hour bushwalk tour across the entire peninsula. It’s one of the top hiking spots in Australia, with an opportunity to witness wildlife like quolls, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils.
Since Wineglass Bay is a 2.5-hour drive away from Hobart, you can either do a day trip from the city or opt to stay overnight. There are other accommodation options as well, including campsites and ecological lodges. Check out these pages for more details.
7. Noosa Beach, Queensland
Embossed with palm trees, bushes, and casuarina pines, visiting the famous Noosa Main Beach becomes a must-visit destination. It is arguably the best beach in Australia.
A 2-hour drive from Brisbane makes Noosa Main Beach a proper weekend getaway. The golden sands and the tropical turquoise sea blend nicely to create a striking contrast of the colors. It visually looks so appealing that you can stare at this shimmering beach for hours.
Noosa Main Beach drives a crazy amount of tourists every year. Between the diverseness of Noosa National Park’s lush green effects and Hastings Street’s modernization, lies the plush set of cafes, gourmet restaurants, and beach-facing bars. This ideally makes a go-to spot for visitors who want to relax, unwind and nourish their senses to enjoy the calming vibes of Noosa Beach.
On the other hand, enthusiasts will find swimming and surfing as their go-to adventure activities at Noosa. The gushing waves of the high tide make surfing one of the best in Australia. Every year in March, there’s the Noosa Festival of Surfing for all surf-lovers. Do check that out if you travel during the period.
For families visiting Noosa Main Beach along with their children, there are boardwalks to stroll around. These paths make it easy to touch down corners of secluded areas to catch blinding views of the beach. It’s even more special during sunsets.
During the holidays, Noosa gets flocked by travelers from Sydney and Melbourne. Parking can be a challenge but can be tackled by arriving a bit early. It’s best to stay near Noosa for a couple of nights to soak in the relaxing nature of Queensland.
8. Rapid Bay, Fleurieu
Snuggled between the towering cliffs and white sandy beaches, Rapid Bay lies 100kms south of Adelaide and can be accessed from the main road of Normanville-Cape Jervis Road.
Rapid Bay is one of Australia’s idyllic beaches, which was earlier known for its long jetty. The old ones have been replaced by the new ones in 2009 and are available for visitors’ use. But the story goes beyond its jetty spotting experience. The beach gets its name from the HMS Rapid that arrived in 1830. Colonel Light, who was the explorer on the ship discovered this bay along with the staff members.
Since its discovery, Rapid Bay has been a popular but secluded beach in Australia. It’s a paradisal site for snorkelers and divers. The dramatic shipwrecks and adoring marine life makes it even more dreamy to experience the mighty underworld of Rapid Bay.
The beach is unpatrolled and no lifeguards can be found, but it is relatively a safe spot to explore.
9. Twilight Beach, Western Australia
Dotted with boulders all over the beach, Twilight Beach in Western Australia typically gives you a laid-back Seychelles feel. It’s one of the must-visit beaches in Australia, perfect for families and adventurers.
Twilight Beach is a calm and relaxing spot when compared to other famous beaches in Australia. It gives you an open-air environmental feel with no rustling palm trees and bushes, but only the turquoise blue waters. The conditions make it safe for visitors to swim and surf at Twilight Beach.
The large-hulked-shaped granite rocks covering the beach are a highlight to watch. You can swim out to those boulders, and get on top to catch panoramic views of the blue ambient.
Do bring your shades along, if you want to avoid getting suntanned. Facilities for restrooms and showers have also been provided near the beach.
10. Seventy Five Mile Beach, Fraser Island
Seventy-Five Mile Beach (or 75-mile Beach) is the world’s largest sand island. Covering a stretch of almost 166,000 hectares – this beach is known for its sand highway that runs parallel to Fraser Island.
Although the highway on the Seventy Five Mile Beach isn’t like your regular road, it still operates under the rules and governance of Queensland’s laws. Despite the road’s many uses, 4WD drive-through remains the best of all.
It’s the one thing that you should be doing when you travel to Fraser Island. The scenery is unmatched, as you soak in splendid views of an open ocean on one side and an island on the other. The driving experience on these sand dunes even gets better as you go along exploring shipwrecks and lookout areas.
Do spend some time at the Indian Head Lookout and Champagne Pools to watch the timeless beauty of the ocean. Moreover, swimming and fishing are quite popular here.
11. Hyams Beach, New South Wales
Flanking the famous Jervis Bay Marine Park, Hyams Beach is a popular getaway for locals living in Sydney. A drive of 2.5-hour from the main city will make you touch this glacial white, squeaky clean beach.
Hyams Beach was previously an under-rated spot, as many visitors likely opted to explore other Australian beaches. But, over the past few years, Hyams has become a hotspot to gain everyone’s attention with its eye-pleasing views.
The beach has become tourists’ favorite location to swim, snorkel, and paddle in its crystal clear waters. Its powdery soft surface makes it even great for visitors to take a long walk along the shoreline. This is when you’ll soon realize why Hyams is no more an under-rated beach in Australia.
Apart from the activities you do at Hyams, there are other things to do as well. Bushwalking and coastal treks within the Jervis Bay National Park are highlights of touring this place. The most popular of all, Hyams Beach Trail, is a perfect starter trail to take upon. If you venture down this path, you’re likely to spot Australian wildlife in their natural habitat.
From May to November, you’ll see whales migrating near Hyams Beach. Dolphins are frequently spotted too. Special boat trips are conducted during this period to get a close-up view of this marine life.
Note: Hyams Beach can be heavily crowded on weekends. Parking can be difficult to get during peaks hours, and thus it is recommended to visit early in the day. Alternatively, there are other beaches surrounding the Hyams, such as Murrays Beach, Seamans, and Chinamans Beach to explore.
12. Lucky Bay, Western Australia
Located right in the heart of Perth city, Lucky Bay is one of Australia’s finest golden-sand beaches. Its proximity to the city center makes this beach one of the most accessible & convenient in the country.
Lucky Bay in Western Australia wasn’t discovered until an explorer named Matthew Flinders found it. He took a shelter at this beach to cover himself from the dazzling storm, and that’s how Lucky Bay came into the highlight.
Today, any visitor would love to explore this crescent-shaped peninsula. The beautiful looking arch of the bay beams with luminous views of the crystal blue waters. If luck favors you, then you’ll often spot Kangaroos lounging across the shoreline.
Lucky Bay is quite popular for swimming, snorkeling, and paddle-boating. There are guided 4WD tours as well, giving you a brief exploration of the bay’s secluded corners.
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