Australia's best beaches for 2025 revealed

The votes are in and these are the best beaches in Australia, according to an expert panel of Aussie beach-lovers.

9 min read

November 29, 2024 - 11:18AM

Behind the scenes of the Escape cover shoot with Mitchell Burns

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Like 80 per cent of Australia’s population, I live by the beach. It’s my playground, therapy room, and preferred picnic spot. Holidays revolve around beaches – both near and far – and with my two young children, I hope to foster a love and protectiveness for our sandy spoils. I’ve even written a book about them (Ultimate Beaches Australia, out May 2025), but I’m far from alone in my passion.

“After travelling to thousands of beaches across the globe I’ve learnt that we truly are lucky to have the best beaches in the world,” says pro-surfer and Surfers for Climate co-founder Belinda Baggs.

On set playing 'This or That' with Mitchell Burns

When it comes to naming the “best beach”, it depends whether you’re a wave chaser, dog walker, or someone who only swims in placid bays.

For passionate landscape photographer Mitchell Burns, “It’s got to have character. A big sandy beach is nice but for my photography, I like to have different textures, rocks and colours.”

We narrowed down Australia’s best beaches and hand-picked an expert panel to vote for their favourites. Scroll down for the results.

Noosa Main Beach has been named Australia's best beach by a panel of prominent Australian beach-lovers.

OVERALL WINNER

Noosa Main Beach, Queensland

With a golden stretch of north-facing sand, safe surf from end-to-end, a boardwalk dotted with pandanus and palm trees and Noosa National Park within view, it’s no wonder Escape’s beach experts are calling Noosa’s Main Beach Australia’s favourite.

While it swept the votes in the family-friendly category, Noosa delivers for all styles of travellers, from backpackers to soloists to empty nesters and romantics, thanks to its proximity to multi-budget accommodation, a variety of restaurants, water sports, hiking trails and wildlife sightings.

It’s also popular for its peeling longboard waves, Mobi-matting for wheelchair users, and a surf club with one of the best decks for watching over it all with a cold drink in hand.

Escape beach judges Mitchell Burns, Candice Rose and Jett Kenny.

THE PANEL

Mitchell Burns

Photographer and author

“One of the first beaches I went to in my life was Whitehaven Beach. That was my introduction to the beach and what a beach, right?”

Candice Rose

Zulu & Zephyr director and co-founder

“There’s something about the sand and the saltiness of the water and the sun here that’s just so unique and so very Australian. We’re so blessed to have what we have.”

Jett Kenny

Ironman, lifeguard and model

“If you’re going to head to Noosa in summer, either stay somewhere you can walk, or get a moped or a bike or an electric scooter.”

Escape beach judges Belinda Baggs, Jaimen Hudson and Laura Wells.

Belinda Baggs

Pro surfer and Surfers for Climate co-founder

“Some days, the sea is angry and wild, and others, it’s calming and peaceful. Getting to know the ocean is like being married to your lifelong soulmate.”

Jaimen Hudson

Quadriplegic photographer and motivational speaker

“In WA, there are only eight listed accessible beaches, which is pretty insane. Things are improving, but they’re not great. I’ve watched my children play on the beach with my wife, and I’m sitting in the car park a few hundred metres away. That’s kind of a bummer.”

Laura Wells

Science communicator

“The best thing that people can do when they visit any beach is to take away what they take in and leave only footprints, because plastic pollution is one of the biggest contributors to a degrading ocean health and species decline.”

Noosa Main Beach is Australia's No.1 for families. Picture: Tourism Australia

BEST BEACH FOR FAMILIES

Noosa Main Beach, Queensland

Of all the beaches in Australia, Noosa consistently tops the list for families and it’s not hard to understand why. The sheltered waters of Laguna Bay are the front yard of bustling Hastings Street with its hotels, boutiques and cafés, while Noosa National Park protects its eastern headland and hides more beautiful beaches you can hike to.

Why we love it: “I’ve spent many years at Noosa and this place truly is grom heaven!” says pro surfer and Surfers for Climate co-founder Belinda Baggs. “Food and a great variety of ice-cream is close by, and if you snag a rental or hotel on Main Beach or Little Cove, there’s no need to jump in the car.”

Ironman, lifeguard and model Jett Kenny grew up on the beaches just south of here and says, “Noosa in winter is probably one of the best places in Australia because the wind’s usually blowing offshore, there’s not much swell and it’s always so nice.”

Lucky Bay (left) and Twilight Beach in Esperance, WA.

Runners-up: Twilight Beach and Lucky Bay, Esperance, WA

Even for those who have never been, Esperance holds a strong allure. Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park offers the chance to spot kangaroos on the sand, while Twilight Beach wins out for quadriplegic photographer Jaimen Hudson, who loves taking his kids there.

Beachside dining at Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Beach. Picture: Tourism Australia

BEST BEACH FOR FOOD

Bondi Beach, NSW

Arguably the most famous of all Aussie beaches, Bondi’s pre- or post-beach food options are world class. Icebergs Dining Room and Bar at its southern end sits top of mind for most, and Matt Moran’s North Bondi Fish serves a spectacular seafood experience back across the beach. But you can get anything – from the best avo toast and vegan treats to ramen, blueberry iced matcha, and authentic Mexican – at almost any hour, too.

Why we love it: “It’s such a treat to eat a meal looking out over Bondi Beach,” says Zulu & Zephyr co-founder and director Candice Rose. “And you can also just grab takeaway and go sit on the hill there and watch the ocean.”

Manly (left) and Surfers Paradise both excel for beach eats.

Runners-up: Manly, NSW, and Surfers Paradise, Queensland

With good proximity-to-sand ratio, Manly and Surfers Paradise both excel in the food stakes. Gather snacks for your beach bag, enjoy a long lunch, or brush off the sand for a Spritz at a beachfront bar.

Cosy Corner beach in Tasmania's Bay of Fires. Picture: Tourism Tasmania

BEST BEACH FOR NATURE & HIKING

Cosy Corner, Bay of Fires, Tasmania

Fourteen minutes’ drive north of St Helens on Tassie’s northeast coast, but in its own beautiful world, Cosy Corner is a vision of powder-white sands and tangerine-licked boulders in the Bay of Fires. The best bit? The campground in its dunes, allowing you to stay for up to four weeks for free. Explore the rockpools, walk the length of the sand or brace yourself for a swim.

Why we love it: “Cosy Corner is a photographer’s delight. I just loved it there,” says Mitch. “There were some of the most vibrant, lichen-covered rocks I’d seen and the fact that it’s a free camp is amazing. You don’t expect the water colour to be so blue down in Tasmania. It almost has this tropical feel to it, but it’s cold.”

Squeaky Beach in Wilsons Promontory and Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays.

Runners-up: Squeaky Beach, Victoria, and Whitehaven Beach, Queensland

With the remoteness factor dialled up to 10, Squeaky Beach in Wilsons Promontory National Park and Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays both boast sand that squeaks underfoot as well as epic hiking trails.

The Basin is Rottnest Island's most beloved swimming spot. Picture: Tourism WA

BEST BEACH FOR SWIMMING

The Basin, Rottnest Island, WA

Perth folk are a lucky bunch. Rottnest Island beckons just offshore, offering 63 white-sand beaches, all with warm water thanks to the Leeuwin Current. At The Basin, a naturally hollowed-out reef creates a pristine swimming and snorkelling spot. Families with young kids love it as much as those who prefer lolling about in crystalline waters over tackling waves.

Why we love it: “The Basin reminds me a little bit of Esperance, but with a warmer climate” says Jaimen.

Tallebudgera Creek on the Gold Coast and Wategos, Byron Bay.

Runners-up: Tallebudgera Creek, Gold Coast, Queensland, and Wategos, Byron Bay, NSW

“Talle” offers calm waters for swimming and paddleboarding, while Wategos is a 600m sweep of a beach. Visit both by bike or foot – parking is a nightmare.

Kirra Beach, Queensland, is Australia's best surf beach. Picture: Tourism & Events Queensland

BEST BEACH FOR SURFING

Kirra Beach, Queensland

While its skyline is rapidly changing, Kirra remains the spiritual birthplace of surfing on the Gold Coast, and part of the reason this stretch of coast was declared a World Surfing Reserve in 2016. When it works, glassy barrels materialise from Kirra Point – the kind that prompted Kelly Slater to blow off a competition in Portugal back in March and surf here instead.

Why we love it: A day at Kirra might involve watching skydivers land on the sand or catching Mick Fanning at one of his favourite local breaks.

The Pass, Byron Bay, NSW, and Bells Beach, Victoria.

Runners-up: The Pass, Byron Bay, NSW, and Bells Beach, Victoria

The right-hand point break at The Pass is the stuff of legend – consistent, beginner-friendly, and with friendly dolphins who pop up to say hi. “Yes, The Pass is busy, but there is peace and flow in the ocean here that’s really gorgeous,” says Candice.

When it comes to iconic breaks, however, Bells, “is a surfer’s dream” with consistent swells and waves, says Belinda.

Etty Bay in Tropical North Queensland is famous for its cassowaries.

BEST BEACH FOR WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

Etty Bay, Queensland

The endangered southern cassowary is a sight to behold and one you’re almost guaranteed when you visit this unassuming North Queensland beach. These prehistoric birds wander through the beachfront campground and can often be seen on the sand. Dense green rainforest rises sharply behind the beach, adding to the Jurassic Park-like feeling.

Why we love it: “Where else can you see a bird that looks like a dinosaur on a beach?” says science communicator Laura Wells, who trained as a marine biologist and doesn’t travel anywhere without her snorkel and mask.

“Cassowaries are almost like chickens at Etty Bay,” adds Mitch. “We saw baby ones right on the beach.”

Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island and East Beach, Port Fairy.

Runners-up: Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island, SA, and East Beach, Port Fairy, Victoria

Get up close with Australian sea lions on the beach at Seal Bay Conservation Park, and witness the migration of southern right whales past East Beach in Port Fairy – an important breeding ground.

Turquoise Bay on the Ningaloo Coast is a snorkeller's dream. Picture: Tourism WA

BEST BEACH FOR SNORKELLING

Turquoise Bay, WA

It’s rarer than you think to find a beach with great snorkelling straight off the sand. Turquoise Bay in Cape Range National Park is over 60km from the closest town (Exmouth), but the fact you can drive there in a 2WD makes this one of the most mind-boggling beach snorkelling experiences to be had. A jewel in the crown of the Unesco World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Coast, you can drift snorkel right over the reef, just a few fin kicks from shore.

Why we love it: “It’s like swimming in an aquarium,” says Jaimen. “It’s well protected from the outer reef and the fact that it’s a marine park adds to how much wildlife there is.”

Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island and Shelly Beach in Manly.

Runners-up: Nudey Beach, Fitzroy Island, Queensland, and Shelly Beach, Manly, NSW

“Nudey Beach is definitely one of my favourite little daytrips,” says Mitch. “So accessible from Cairns and when you get there on a good day, it’s top tier.”

At Shelly Beach, “you can experience an underwater world that is amazing to have in the middle of a huge city,” says Laura.

Port Willunga is ripe for exploring from both above and below the water. Picture: SATC

BEST BEACH FOR WATERSPORTS

Port Willunga, SA

The waters of Port Willunga – 35 minutes’ drive south of Adelaide – are a favourite of stand-up paddleboarders, while surfers patiently wait for a strong southerly to bring waves. You can also dive the 136-year-old Star of Greece shipwreck, metres from the shore. If that’s not enough, a $100m wave park development called The Break has been approved a short drive away.

Why we love it: “Some days are best for kitesurfing, or when the swells aren’t wrapping in, paddleboarding is a great option,” says Belinda.

Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island and Noosa Main Beach.

Runners-up: Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island, and Noosa Main Beach, Queensland

Jump aboard a jet ski or kayak at Horseshoe Bay to explore more of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches. In Noosa, take your pick from surfing lessons, stand-up paddleboarding, kite surfing, or an ocean jet-ski tour.