Tourism Australia’s ‘best beaches’ list a nod to coastal diversity

A Victorian beach boasting ‘musical sand’ has topped Tourism Australia’s annual list of best beaches, ahead of some other surprise inclusions.

Squeaky Beach in Wilsons Promontory National Park has been rated Australia’s best beach in 2024. Picture: Visit Victoria

Forget Bondi, Noosa or Burleigh. A little known beach in a state better known for its sporting events than sandy shores, has been crowned Australia’s best beach.

Squeaky Beach on Wilson’s Promontory in Victoria has taken top prize in Tourism Australia’s annual roundup of heavenly coastal havens, for its pristine appearance and musical sand.

A combination of compressed quartz and silica means Squeaky Beach lives up to its name to the delight of barefoot beach goers.

Beach expert Brad Farmer compiled the list for Tourism Australia, and said he rated Squeaky number one for its “pure and honest beauty” and the fact it was not a “Bondi, Brighton or Burleigh”.

“It’s a beach that stirs the soul. It’s as classical as a symphony even if it’s only the sounds of squeaky sand between your toes,” Mr Farmer said.

“The beaches of Victoria are often overlooked and underrated. Squeaky is a colourful masterpiece of coastscape.”

In second place was The Farm at Shellharbour in New South Wales followed by Cockle Creek in Tasmania; Madfish Bay in Western Australia came in fourth and fifth was Pulu Blan Madar in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Stunning Cylinder Beach on Stradbroke Island was rated sixth by Mr Farmer. Picture: Tourism Queensland

Controversially, no Queensland beaches made it in the top five with Cylinder Beach on North Stradbroke coming in sixth, and the crocodile-frequented Cow Bay Beach in far north Queensland ninth.

Mr Farmer said he wanted to present to prospective travellers a “fresh new menu” of beaches they may not have known existed, out of 10,654 in mainland Australia and 11,761 in total.

“I get tired of seeing the same old lists, with the same old suspects,” Mr Farmer said.

“People want to go to edgy locations, and immerse themselves in the beach culture.”

He said no other country could compete with the diversity of beaches Australia offered, from rough surf locations and resort-style beaches to tranquil coastal coves and endless stretches of sand.

The Farm at Shellharbour, south of Sydney, was rated Australia’s second best beach. Picture: Tourism NSW

“I’m recommending places you wouldn’t necessarily dive into, but you would dive into the culture,” said Mr Farmer.

“A beach experience should be more than wading into the water and taking a selfie.”

Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison said their research consistently showed beaches were one of the greatest drivers of international visitor demand to Australia.

“The majority of travellers enjoy our aquatic and coastal environments in some way when they are here,” said Ms Harrison.

“To maintain this strength, it is important we continue to show Australia has the best beaches in the world and Brad plays a key role in doing just that by compiling a list which showcases the breadth and depth of our natural offering.”

Federal Tourism Minister Don Farrell said Mr Farmer’s top ten showcased some “hidden treasures” to travellers here and abroad.

“With tourism to Australia continuing to rebound following the pandemic, it’s important we continue to make sure Australia is front and centre on the world stage, and showcasing the diverse range of beautiful beaches we have to offer is a great way to do just that.”