Australia’s best secret beaches, swim spots: How to find them, photos
There’s a reason our nation is considered home to some of the world’s best beaches. Problem is, even we don’t know where to find them all.
Looking for a secluded spot on one of Australia’s best secret beaches?
Now that the weather is warm, it’s the ideal time to discover Australia’s top secluded swimming holes, for those of us who can travel.
From NSW to Queensland and Western Australia to Tasmania, these summer favourites offer clear water, fine sand, and (mostly) perfect conditions from dawn to dusk.
There’s a reason that our nation is considered home to some of the best beaches in the world. If you take the time to wander a little off the beaten track, you’ll uncover some of our country’s most underrated swimming spots.
And if you can’t travel to some of these places right now because of the pandemic, that’s OK – they’ll be waiting for you when you can.
LAKE MCKENZIE, FRASER ISLAND, QLD
Fraser Island isn’t all gorgeous blue water and white, sandy beaches. It has a white, sandy lake, too. Head a little inland to bathe in this wondrous location.
HAMERSLEY GORGE, WA
It takes a 4WD to access this part of Karijini National Park. But you’ll be glad you made the effort once you see the tranquil pools, lush waterfalls, and myriad of earthy colours.
DIAMOND BAY, VIC
Sandstone cliffs, turquoise water and a local favourite for surfers, Diamond Bay is perfect for a day trip with the family.
REDHEAD BEACH, NSW
Slide down the sand dunes, go rock jumping, and avoid the bustling crowds at Redhead Beach.
MALABAR OCEAN POOL, NSW
Watch the sunrise over Long Bay from the Malabar Ocean Pool for a stellar start to your day.
YAMBA BEACH POOL, NSW
This tiny coastal town has one of the prettiest beach pools around. In fact, just one of the prettiest beaches in general.
ALTONA BEACH, VIC
Altona Beach is worth heading out of the city for. Just a half-hour drive out of Melbourne’s CBD, you’ll feel a world away.
SERENITY FALLS, QLD
The name of Serenity Falls says it all. This oasis in the Buderim Forest is well worth the rugged walk.
MUSHROOM REEF, VIC
Skip the sand and explore this stunning sanctuary instead. In low tide you’ll find rock pools and coves to explore, as well as marine life like sea stars and anemones.
TRIGG BEACH, WA
Calling all surfing buffs: Trigg Beach belongs on your bucket list.
RAINBOW BEACH, QLD
With a population of 1500, Rainbow Beach is the place to visit if you’re after a quiet getaway with a beach so exquisite you’ll never want to leave.
EDITH FALLS, NT
Home to many endangered and protected flora and fauna species, this spectacular Jawoyn-owned part of Nitmiluk National Park is the perfect place for people who truly appreciate nature.
FLORENCE FALLS, NT
With crystal clear water and spectacular views, you won’t know whether to bathe in the waterfall, or wistfully gaze at it.
CURRIMUNDI LAKE, QLD
Whether you lounge on the sand or paddle upstream, be sure to soak in the sights of this naturally diverse destination.
MINDIL BEACH, NT
Although Darwin locals are familiar with this beautiful location, for those who are visiting, the breathtaking sunsets of Mindil Beach are a must-see.
HALF MOON BAY, VIC
This crescent shaped beach is ideal for swimming, surfing and boating.
TWILIGHT BEACH, WA
SALMON HOLES BEACH, WA
If secluded beaches are your thing, head to Salmon Holes. Pack a blanket and beach umbrella, and prepare yourself for some extraordinary scenery.
AVALON BEACH, NSW
GREENS POOL, WA
Visit this heavenly sheltered beach for rock jumping and cool, calm, and oh-so-clear waters.
LONG JETTY FORESHORE RESERVE, NSW
Hire a paddle boat and take in the tranquillity of this spectacular lake on the Central Coast.
METTAMS POOL, WA
Head to this natural rock pool in summer for a blissful atmosphere and calm conditions.
CAVES BEACH, NSW
Located in Swansea, NSW, these picturesque caves are best explored when it’s low tide.
THISTLE COVE, WA
With silky sand and glistening waves, Thistle Cove can only be described as pure luxury. Don’t be surprised if you end up sharing the beach with a few kangaroos.
LAKE BURBURY, TAS
If you prefer a little water action rather than lying on the beach, Lake Burbury is the place visit. This man-made lake is an underrated hot spot for water sports.
ELEPHANT COVE, WA
WA, you’ve been hiding your glorious beaches from us for far too long. Get to Elephant Cove by walking down a staircase tucked away between large rocks. The view on the way down is just as awe-inspiring as sitting on the beach itself.
WINEGLASS BAY, TAS
To photograph or to swim? The eternal question of beach lovers everywhere. Wineglass Bay is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful locations in Tasmania.
NANDROYA FALLS, QLD
Is there anything more beautiful than rainforests and waterfalls? Not that we know of.
THE BOGEY HOLE, NSW
MAUROUARD BEACH, TAS
With tumultuous waves and sandy dunes covered in marram grass, Maurouard Beach will inspire you to write your next gothic romance novel.
This article originally appeared on Delicious and was reproduced with permission
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