Cable Beach, Manly Beach make TripAdvisor best beaches in the world for 2023

Australia’s famous Bondi Beach didn’t make the cut in ‘the world’s best beaches for 2023’ list, with two other surprising spots representing the county.

Australia is renowned for having some of the best beaches in the world.

And when tourists first come to Australia, they automatically flock to Bondi Beach, one of the country’s most stunning stretches of coastline.

But, it doesn’t always represent us on a global scale. In fact, it surprisingly didn’t make the cut in TripAdvisor’s Top 15 Beaches in the World for 2023.

It didn’t make the list last year or the year prior, however it did rank eighth in the South Pacific in 2019.

Meanwhile, Cable Beach in Broome, Western Australia, famous for its sunset camel rides, was high on the list in third place, while Sydney’s Manly Beach secured spot 13.

While this is not the first time they’ve appeared in the list, it is the highest both beaches have ranked on the world list:

Manly Beach was 18 in the world in 2019 and 16 in world in 2018, while Cable Beach ranked 22 in the world in 2014.

Baia do Sancho, Brazil revealed as world’s best beach in Travellers’ Choice Awards 2023. Picture: TripAdvisor

“Cable Beach is an iconic place in Broome and with pristine white sand that stretches for many kilometres; it is easy to see why,” one traveller wrote online.

“It is popular with locals and tourists who can enjoy a range of activities from swimming and sunbathing to walking and running. It is a perfect place to relax. The sunsets are very special too.”

Baia do Sancho – Fernando de Noronha in Brazil took the top gong. It is one of the many paradise beaches on that island which is located about 350km from the coast of Brazil.

Coming in second was Eagle Beach, Aruba in the Caribbean. The neighbourhood is famous for its many low-rise resorts and wide public beach. It is the widest beach of Aruba, and has soft white sand.

Eagle Beach Aruba in the Caribbean came second on the list for 2023. Picture: TripAdvisor

Cable Beach in Broome is known for sunset camel rides. Picture: News.com.au

TripAdvisor analysed tens of millions of reviews submitted by millions of global travellers over the past 12 months.

Looking at the quality and quantity of ratings for beach experiences, TripAdvisor said it was able to determine travellers’ absolute favourite beaches of the year.

A new entry to the world list for 2023 is the dramatic Reynisfjara Beach in Vik, Iceland at number four.

Manly Beach in the Northern Beaches secured spot 13. Picture: iStock

With its world famous black sands and imposing rock formations towering over the shore, some may recognise it as a striking backdrop from Game of Thrones.

But with waves of up to 40m and freezing waters, it is a beach best admired from the safety of the coast.

Meanwhile, TripAdvisor also released its Top 10 Beaches in the South Pacific for 2023, with seven Aussie spots dominating the list.

In that list, Cable Beach in Broome took first place, followed by newcomer to the list, Manly Beach in Sydney.

It attracts praise not only for its stunning natural beauty but proximity to world-class restaurants, shopping and recreation.

As one TripAdvisor reviewer said, “Bondi takes all the credit and attention but Manly is equally good.”

Meanwhile, Emily Bay, Norfolk Island came in third followed by Mooloolaba Beach on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Four Mile Beach, at Port Douglas, Queensland, took out the sixth spot while another Queensland beach – Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island – came in seventh.

Turquoise Bay in Exmouth, Western Australia was the final Aussie beach on the list. It came in ninth.

Sarah Firshein, the head of editorial at TripAdvisor, said there was some “delightful surprises” on the list this year.

“As a huge beach fan myself, I know the impossible-to-resist allure of sunshine and turquoise water, and certainly, there’s plenty of that on this year’s list,” she said.

“But there are some delightful surprises as well. In addition to the much-loved beaches of the Caribbean, the South Pacific and Hawaii, our community is really looking to kick up their experiences, even exploring cooler destinations like Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland.

“So whether you’re looking to pack a windbreaker or a swimsuit, our list has something for a wide range of travellers – and it might even convince the most ardent beach sceptics to embrace some time on the sand.”