25 beaches every Australian needs to visit
From hidden gems to hyped hotspots and local treasures, these are our favourite Australian beaches.
Australia is best known for its beautiful beaches, and for good reason. Boasting more than 12,000 across 60,000-plus kilometres of glorious coastline, we have no shortage of sandy shores to explore. We've collated some of your favourites—a challenge considering the abundance of options worth travelling to across the country.
From hidden gems and secluded stretches to tourist hotspots and local treasures, every Australian will have an opinion on their favourites. To help ease the decision-making process, we’ve collated a list of tried and tested locations that fit the bill.
The Pass, Byron Bay, NSW
Stretching between Clarkes Beach and Watergos in Byron Bay, The Pass is an expansive, white beach, great for surfing depending on the swell at the time. If you’re looking to chill, make sure you look out for the occasional dolphin or whale.
Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas, QLD
One of Port Douglas’ biggest attractions, Four Mile Beach celebrates the Tropical North Queensland coast, nestled between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Look out for Yoga every day from 8-9am near the northern end of the beach.
Emu Bay Beach, Kangaroo Island, SA
Expect a long shoreline and clear waters at Emu Bay Beach on Kangaroo Island. It’s one of only a few of the island’s beaches with direct vehicle access, and rarely gets too crowded, even in the hotter months.
Balding Bay, Magnetic Island, QLD
Escape the crowds and make the hike to Balding Bay, only accessible by foot. While the walk isn’t easy, you’ll find yourself at an incredibly secluded beach where bathers are optional.
Emerald Beach, NSW
Emerald Beach is about 15 minutes from Coffs Harbour and offers a quieter beach experience. Positioned close to Look At Me Now Headland, it is also a popular local surfing spot, with a southern left-hand reef break.
Blinky Beach, Lord Howe Island, NSW
On the eastern side of idyllic Lord Howe Island, Blinky Beach is celebrated for its crowd-free waves, which break on a pristine stretch of golden sand. If you’re planning to travel to the island, it’s worth checking in your surfboard to oversize luggage.
Manly Beach, NSW
As one of Australia’s most famous beaches, Manly should be at the top of the list for those yet to visit Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Frequented by surfers, it’s renowned for its waves, spectacular sunsets and the various competitions hosted on its shores.
Cottesloe Beach, WA
Halfway between Perth and Fremantle, Cottesloe Beach is loved by locals for its soft sand, playful marine life and an assortment of establishments offering dining by the water. Home to the endangered leafy sea dragon, it also plays host to an annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition.
Hyams Beach, NSW
With its clear turquoise waters and famously white stretch of sand, Hyams Beach is a popular choice for holidaymakers. Located just three hours’ drive south from Sydney, and adjacent to Booderee National Park, the area is excellent for gentle bush walks. Being part of Jervis Bay Marine Park, Hyams gives beachgoers the chance to spot bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins.
Bells Beach, VIC
Bells Beach hosts a number of surfing competitions throughout the year, courtesy of the large swells that roll in from the Southern Ocean. If you’re up for the challenge, be sure to visit this stretch of coastline near Torquay in Victoria’s Great Ocean Road region.
Turquoise Bay, WA
Named Turquoise Bay for good reason, the waters of the beach within Exmouth’s Cape Range National Park are beautifully clear. It adjoins the world-famous Ningaloo Reef, providing snorkellers the chance to see coral gardens filled with colourful fish, turtles, reef sharks and stingrays.
Wategos Beach, NSW
Located on the western side of Cape Byron, Wategos Beach is a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a picnic, surfing or swimming, it’s loved by Byron Bay locals and tourists alike. There’s a good chance you’ll spot one of the many bottlenose dolphins that call this stretch of coast home.
Noosa Main Beach, QLD
There’s so much more to Noosa than fine dining and chic boutiques. First-timers to the holiday hub should head straight to Main Beach. This north-facing arc boasts gentle waves that make it ideal for year-round swimming.
Milk Beach, NSW
For a picture-perfect view of Sydney’s beautiful skyline, visit Milk Beach at the base of Hermit Bay in the eastern suburb of Vaucluse. Small and secluded, it’s ideal for a family picnic or a snorkel and is also accessible by boat.
The Basin, Rottnest Island, WA
Another must-visit destination for snorkelling and diving, The Basin on the northeast side of Rottnest Island is a hotspot for local marine life. It’s also renowned for its white sand and rock formations that create a natural swimming pool.
Bondi Beach, NSW
Yes, Bondi Beach can be incredibly busy but the vibrant atmosphere is what makes it perfect for people-watching. A short trip from Sydney’s CBD, it attracts visitors from far and wide. They soak up the sun, play in the waves, and gather in venues for great food, top-notch coffee, fresh juices or a drink at one of the watering holes.
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, QLD
This iconic beach is world-renowned for it’s fine white sand and turquoise water. Located within the extraordinary Great Barrier Reef, it’s one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations and is frequented by Hollywood’s elite.
Cable Beach, WA
Twenty-two picturesque kilometres of sand make up Broome’s Cable Beach, which looks out over the Indian Ocean. The coastline is also backdropped by red ochre cliffs, best seen by seaplane.
Shelly Beach, NSW
If you’re visiting Manly, take the short walk to neighbouring Shelly Beach for a snorkel or scuba dive. Part of sheltered Cabbage Tree Bay, a protected marine reserve, it’s the ideal location to spot ocean life such as blue gropers.
Ned’s Beach, Lord Howe Island, NSW
The calm waters of Ned’s Beach are home to a plethora of protected marine life. Here, you can hand feed fish via the supplied food dispenser. Give it a try and watch as mullet, wrasse, garfish and silver drummer hurry in your direction.
Wineglass Bay, TAS
Named for its wineglass shape, this beach is a highlight of the must-see Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania’s east coast. The gleaming jewel of Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay is one of the most photographed destinations in the state.
Coral Bay, WA
Protected from the Indian Ocean by Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay welcomes a slew of sea life, including whale sharks, manta rays, dugongs, sea turtles and humpback whales during migration periods. The little town of the same name has a resort and a dive shop.
75 Mile Beach, QLD
On Fraser Island’s east coast, the long ribbon of 75 Mile Beach is where people head to see the Maheno shipwreck rusting in the sand, swim in the so-called Champagne Pools and check out the volcanic rock formations of Indian Head. It’s not safe to swim off the beach but visitors enjoy exploring by 4WD.
Bay of Fires, Tasmania
Known as a sacred location where Indigenous Australians gathered to light fires, this bay draws attention for its crystal-clear waters and the orange lichen-covered boulders that dot the shore.
Cossies Beach, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, off WA
The remoteness of these islands is part of their allure. Promising serenity in abundance, Cossies is accessible by boat and plane, and is a favourite among the yacht set. Having previously been voted the best beach in the country, it’s a must-visit for all Australians.
Have we missed any? Tell us your favourite Australian beach in the comments below.