Best beach bags to buy in Australia for summer
Shoppers are obsessed with this upgraded beach bag they promise you'll use "for everything" — here’s our roundup of the best beach bags.
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more
Heading to the beach should be a relaxing time – but it’s easy to forget something crucial if you don’t have the right bag.
Finding the perfect beach bag can be quite the task – it has to be the right size, made from a durable material and (of course) look cute enough that you won’t want to cover it up with a towel.
Right now, we're loving the Country Road Lake Bay Beach Bag with its stunning blue colour and and large size - big enough to fit all your towels, sunscreen and other beach accessories. It's also a fan favourite thanks to its insulated lining, making it almost like a two-in-one beach bag and cooler.
Here’s our pick of some of the best beach bags you can buy this summer.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST BEACH BAGS
Country Road Lake Bay Beach Bag, $129 from THE ICONIC
What we love: Its insulated lining will help keep your snacks for the day cooler.
What to consider: It doesn't have shoulder straps, so you can only carry it by hand.
Dimensions: 75cm x 46cm| Material: Canvas | Colour: Lake Blue
What You Need To Know
Perfect for a hot Australian summer, this Country Road beach bag has a stunning blue canvas exterior with an insulated inner lining acting almost like your own cooler for your snacks and drinks.
It’s large enough to hold towels, swimmers, sunscreen and all the other accessories for the day, making it a beach day game changer. It also boasts several 5-star reviews. One buyer raves about theirs, saying it’s “so practical” and promises “you will use this bag for everything”.
Sky Gazer The Anywhere Beach Bag, $69.99 from THE ICONIC
What we love: It's water and sand resistant to make sure your belongings are clean and safe.
What to consider: Other than the main compartment, the pockets are relatively small.
Dimensions: 55cm x 40cm x 22cm | Material: Vegan canvas | Colour: Casuarina
What You Need To Know
This floral Sky Gazer Beach Bag will become your go-to beach bag. You’ll be able to carry all your beach essentials inside its three pockets: An internal and external pocket with a gold-coloured zipper closure and an internal water bottle pocket.
Its water resistant vegan material is extremely durable with a self-standing base to sit stably under your beach umbrella or by the beach chairs as you relax in the sun. With canvas shoulder straps, it’s also comfortable to carry.
At the end of the day, all you need to do is give it a quick wipe clean and it's job done.
Leberna Mesh Beach Bag, $29.99 from Amazon Australia
Why we love it: There are eight pockets to keep everything organised for the day ahead.
What to consider: Its mesh material provides little protection to your belongings.
Dimensions: 39cm x 22cm x 43cm | Material: Mesh | Colour: Black
What You Need To Know
Described by the brand as “sand free”, this Leberna bag is made with mesh material so any sand that makes its way inside can easily find its way out before you head home.
This bag boasts an extra large size without being overly bulky. With a total of eight pockets, it has one inside with a top zipper and seven exterior pockets. It also promises enough space to cater for five people on your trip to the beach, with enough room to carry wet towels, beach and sand toys, drinks, snacks and plenty more.
Making for a great family beach bag, parents have left some glowing reviews, with one saying: “It's perfect for beach toys and allowing the sand to escape through the holes is so clever”.
BEST BEACH TOTE BAGS
Rothy’s The Lightweight Mega Tote, $275 from Rothy's
Why we love it: It's constructed from ocean-bound plastic, making it more eco-friendly.
What to consider: There's only one pocket inside the main compartment.
Dimensions: 34.6cm x 50cm x 19cm | Material: Knitted marine plastic | Colour: Courtside White
What You Need To Know
The Rothy’s Mega Tote is one of the best beach bags not only because of its size and design, but for being environmentally friendly. The construction of the beach has been knitted using recycled ocean-bound plastic.
It’s also extremely functional with a flat base to stand upright, side leash clips to close the bag and key leashes to easily find car or house keys at the end of the day. Even better - it’s machine washable.
OiOi Fold-Up Tote, $74.95 from Myer
Why we love it: It can fold down into a tiny pouch when not in use.
What to consider: There are no internal pockets.
Dimensions: 50cm x 63cm | Material: Lightweight plastic | Colour: Tutti Frutti
What You Need To Know
Ticking all the boxes, this OiOi tote bag is water resistant, stain proof and super lightweight. When away from the beach, it folds into a compact pouch, making for simple storage in the cooler months.
Despite how small it can fold, one buyer said they were “surprised how big it actually is when it’s all opened and full”. It's also a fan-favourite online, with dozens of five-star reviews.
Sunnylife Beach Towel 2-in-1 Tote, $69.99 from Sunnylife
Why we love it: It will save you packing a towel, as it unfurls into a beach towel.
What to consider: If using as a towel, your belongings may get sandy and damp when packing up.
Dimensions: 164cm x 90cm x 1cm | Material: Cotton Terry | Colour: Rio Sun
What You Need To Know
The Sunnylife 2-in-1 Tote is the ideal beach bag for the multitasker. You can carry all the gear for a summer family outing, unpack and then unfold the bag and lay it out as a beach towel on the sand or pool deck.
On either end of the towel are soft cotton straps, making it a comfortable carry bag for you or the kids. And packing up is even easier - just put everything in the centre and you’re good to go.
Dock & Bay Everyday Beach Tote, $29.99 from Amazon Australia
Why we love it: It's made with 100 per cent recycled material and can carry up to 10 kilos.
What to consider: Buyers have said that the opening is quite wide and some items "bulge out".
Dimensions: 39cm x 19cm | Material: Recycled plastic | Colour: Get Wavy Stripes
What You Need To Know
The Dock & Bay Everyday Bag is one of the best beach bags for the environment. It's made from 100 per cent recycled materials, including a minimum of five plastic water bottles.
It has an extremely durable design with sturdy handles and it can carry up to 10 kilos - so dripping wet towels and swimming costumes aren’t a worry. Several buyers laud the size, with one saying it “carries three [sic] towels comfortably” with another adding it is the “perfect size to carry to the pool and beach”.
BEST WATERPROOF BEACH BAGS
Sunnylife Carryall Bag, $39.99 from Sunnylife
Why we love it: It comes with a detachable pouch to hold your money, keys and phone.
What to consider: There are no pockets inside.
Dimensions: 58cm x 43cm x 2cm | Material: Woven polypropylene| Colour: Vacay Olive Stripe
What You Need To Know
The Sunnylife Carryall Bag is made from recyclable waterproof material with a large capacity, carrying up to 7 kilos of all the essentials for your upcoming beach days.
It’s also perfect for more adventurous outings and there's no need to worry if things get a little messy, for example if a drink spills and your belongings get covered in sand and everything in between. Because it has holes on the base, the bag can easily release any lingering sand and water so you don’t bring it home.
Ready for your family beach days, one parent says it has “enough space to carry everything for a family of four” while another adds it’s “easy to carry even when full to the brim”.
Shylero Beach Bag XXL, $87.90 from Amazon Australia
Why we love it: It comes with a bonus bottle opener so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your favourite drink.
What to consider: It has a magnetic closure for the main compartment rather than a zip.
Dimensions: 56cm x 38cm x 15cm | Material: Waterproof canvas | Colour: Dark Blue Stripes
What You Need To Know
With more than 2200 five-star reviews, this beach tote from Amazon is a bestseller in the canvas and beach tote category and has plenty of features to write home about.
Shoppers who left five-star reviews have said it “fits everything for a family” and is both “good quality and pleasing to the eye”.
The nautical-themed bag comes in a chic blue stripe and features rope handles, as well as two outside pockets big enough to carry drink bottles and an inside compartment.
Made from waterproof canvas-like fabric, the bag has a water-repellent inside lining making it perfect for storing wet swimmers or snorkelling equipment.
It’s sturdy enough to carry up to 10 kilos, with shoppers saying it can easily fit “four extra large towels” as well as your other beach gear.
It also comes with a built-in bottle opener and a clear plastic bum bag that’s both sand and waterproof – ideal for storing valuables.
Robyn&Co Beach Bag, $39.95 from Amazon Australia
Why we love it: It is built with six pockets as well as a mesh drink bottle holder.
What to consider: Some buyers have described the internal pockets as "shallow", and two pockets don't have zip closures.
Dimensions: 45cm x 35cm x 15cm | Material: Waterproof canvas | Colour: Blue and White Pineapples
What You Need To Know
Covering everything you need from a quality beach bag, this tote from Robyn&Co has a main pocket with a zipper closure, six smaller pockets inside, a drink holder and an external side mesh pocket.
Designed in Australia, it has earned several 5-star Amazon reviews, with one thrilled buyer writing: “This bag is absolutely perfect. It held everything I needed, but it didn’t get heavy”.
BEST SMALL BEACH BAGS
Lapoche Small Beach Bag, $64.50 from Lapoche
Why we love it: It has shoulder and hand straps to carry it however you find most comfortable.
What to consider: The main compartment does not have a zip closure.
Dimensions: 32cm x 40cm x 20cm | Material: Recycled neoprene and rPET| Colour: Navy
What You Need To Know
With favourable reviews online, this Lapoche bag has buyers raving. One shopper enthused: “This is the beach bag I’ve been looking for for so long. I’ve been through many and this one ticks all the boxes I didn’t realise needing ticking”.
Sleek and stylish, it’s also environmentally friendly and features a recycled neoprene construction that was originally set for landfill. This fabric also makes the shoulder straps more comfortable for easy carrying.
Inside is an internal zipped pocket and a detachable pouch for safely storing the essentials while you hit the waves.
Amelia Lane Lilac Palms Wet Bag, $29.95 from Myer
Why we love it: It's large enough for all of your beach-day essentials including your phone, glasses and money.
What to consider: You'll need a larger beach bag to carry it in for the day.
Dimensions: 20cm x 15cm | Material: Water resistant plastic | Colour: Lilac Palms
What You Need To Know
This Amelia Lane bag is one of the best beach bags for all your smaller items, like sunglasses, keys, phone and earbuds. Measuring just 20cm x 15cm, one buyer who gave it a five-star rating said it “fits all the family swimmers and goggles after a day at the beach”.
Keeping the essentials safe, it's made from a water resistant material and is built with a smaller zippered pocket inside.
The subtle beach print is also a fan favourite, with another five-star review praising its design: “The prints are stunning and the quality of the material and zipper is perfect”.
GBB Beach Bag, $39.99 from Amazon Australia
Why we love it: It has a simplistic design and bright colour options.
What to consider: There are no pockets and the compartment cannot be closed.
Dimensions: 27cm x 21cm x 11cm | Material: EVA rubber | Colour: 22 colours to choose from
What You Need To Know
Described by one buyer as “identical” to the cult favourite Bogg Bag, the GBB Beach Bag is made from waterproof rubber with a non-slip base and soft shoulder straps. It also has holes along the sides of the bag to remove any sand or water and aerate the wet gear from the day.
With 22 colours to choose from on Amazon, several buyers praised its versatility and suitability for kids. One buyer says it is “such a cute beach bag [sic] for little girls” adding they bought “several for my nieces before our beach trip”.
BEST STYLISH BEACH BAGS
Longchamp Le Pliage Filet Top Handle Large Mesh Bag, $210 at FARFETCH
Why we love it: It has a simple and subtle design and can carry all your beach essentials.
What to consider: Its mesh design could expose your belongings to sand and water.
Dimensions: 38cm x 31cm | Material: Cotton and Russian Leather | Colour: Black and Brown
What You Need To Know
This string bag from the iconic French brand is made for a day at the beach but will still look stylish away from the sand.
The cotton mesh shell paired with leather-look detailing creates a super chic take on the classic Longchamp Le Pliage range.
It’s also beloved on TikTok. The #longchampfilet has over 1.4 million views with videos calling the bag, “the real star of the summer” and the “cutest little beach bag”.
Jacquemus Le Panier Soli Basket Bag, $885 from FARFETCH
Why we love it: It has a classy snap-button closure and leather detailing.
What to consider: It's more expensive than other available beach bags.
Dimensions: 48cm x 26cm | Material: Hand woven raffia straw and leather | Colour: Light Brown
What You Need To Know
Crafted in Morocco, this Jacquemus bag is set to add some elegance and sophistication to your summer.
Standing out amongst the crowd, it's handwoven with raffia straw, leather trims and gold detailing.
Jimmy Choo Woven Beach Basket, $645 from FARFETCH
Why we love it: Its bold red colouring and gold studs will stand out on the sand.
What to consider: It is very expensive and has no pockets or main compartment closure.
Dimensions: 41.5cm x 21.5cm x 19cm | Material: Interwoven raffia straw and calf leather | Colour: Beige and Red
What You Need To Know
Another bag made from raffia straw and leather while screaming beach luxury, this Italian-made Jimmy Choo bag has a wide main compartment to carry everything you need for the day.
Described by the brand as a "vacation styling essential", its eye-catching red colouring in the woven construction is also a standout, and the bold designer logo will be the talk of the shoreline.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOK FOR A BEACH BAG
Size: If you're packing just for yourself it might be best to opt for a smaller beach bag, so all your essentials don't get lost deep inside. However, if you're heading for a family beach day, it's a good idea to buy a bigger bag to make sure everyone has what they need for the day all in one place.
Material: Some beach bags are made from waterproof and sand resistant materials. These are great options to keep your belongings cleaner and safer throughout the day. You can also choose a woven material, as they typically prevent sand from coming in and look great.
Pockets and compartments: Having pockets inside your bag is always a bonus to help you organise all of your essentials. It's also beneficial if the main compartment has a zip closure, as this can prevent items from falling out or any prying eyes taking a peek at what you've packed.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT MATERIALS ARE IDEAL FOR BEACH BAGS?
Anything that is quick drying is a massive plus – think fabrics like neoprene, canvas or towelling as well as sturdier materials like straw.
Woven-style bags can be great too as you’re less likely to take the beach home with you at the end of the day – simply give the bag a shake as you’re leaving.
WHAT’S THE BEST SIZE FOR A BEACH BAG?
Well, that’s going to depend on you! Think about what you normally like to bring to the beach.
The best beach bags are roomy enough to fit a towel, water bottles, sunscreen, a hat and some snacks.
If you’re packing for kids or more than one person it pays to get out a measuring tape and check if the bag you’re eyeing up will fit everything you need to bring with you to have a good time.
HOW DO YOU GET SAND OUT OF A BEACH BAG?
The first step is making sure you keep as much sand out of your bag to begin with, so give your towel and other beach gear a good shake before you put them inside the bag.
When you get home empty the bag and give it a good shake – ideally somewhere that’s not going to make another mess you will have to clean up, like in the garden or over a bin.
If there’s wet sand stuck to the bag, turn it inside out and wipe the area down with a damp cloth (no soap needed).
Best summer content
More Coverage
Best beach towels to buy online in Australia in 2024
If you’re always on the hunt for a bargain, check out the news.com.au Coupons page for savings at The Iconic, ASKS and more of your favourite fashion retailers.
Finally, sign up to our free news.com.au checkout newsletter to stay up to date on all the latest shopping news and sales.
‘Gorgeous’ work bag that will ‘last forever’
With 5000 people on the waitlist, the viral work bag is “perfect” and has loads of compartments to fit absolutley everything.
‘Super roomy’: Best tote bags for carrying your essentials
Whether you're off to work, the beach or the grocery store, we've curated a list of the best tote bags to carry everything you need - including a popular style from ASOS that TikTok users are obsessed with.
Genius work bag with secret storage space
Whether you’re looking for the perfect commute backpack or something to fit all your gym gear, we’ve got you covered.
‘Perfect’ work bag that millions love
Widely regarded as the “best bag” for work, school, uni and everything in between, this classic style fits everything you could ever need (and then some).