Secluded beaches in Australia
Looking for some solitude this summer? Those in the know share the best underrated swimming spots across the country.
Australia is home to over 34,000km of mainland coastline, and even more when you include islands and offshore territories. That might sound like there’s plenty of space to avoid the crowds, but how many times have you arrived at the beach, only to find you now have to share the sands with countless others?
This summer, we implore you to get outside of the capital cities and explore some of the great regional coastal towns and their quiet beaches. Each state and territory boasts a special section of coastline with once-hidden nooks and crannies that are each well-worth seeking out for a swim.
We reached out to those in the know — including an acclaimed coastal photographer and restaurateurs with venues in Noosa, Newcastle and Byron Bay — to seek out the best secluded swimming spots around the nation. On the right day, you might just have these quiet coves all to yourself.
1. Garie Beach, NSW
Just an hour drive from Sydney in the southern side of the Royal National Park is Garie Beach. A quiet, secluded spot that is shrouded on one side by the trees, Garie Beach is an ideal spot not just for swimming and fishing, but also for keen birdwatchers. Keen spotters (with binoculars) might be able to get a glimpse of an albatross, sea eagle, or even the rarer peregrine falcon.
2. Ghosties Beach, NSW
Just south of popular surfing beach Catherine Hill Bay lies Ghosties Beach. Visitors undeterred by its name (no, it’s not haunted) will find a pristine spot that’s sheltered by the towering cliffs. There is also a small network of nearby caves that are well worth exploring at low tide.
3. Golden Beach, VIC
Golden Beach is just one section of the 90-mile beach in Gippsland, Victoria — so there’s little chance you’ll run into anyone if you’re prepared to walk further down the stretch of sand. Blessed with calm waters, Golden Beach is perfect for stand-up paddle boarding, if you’re so inclined.
4. Ned’s Beach, NSW
Lord Howe Island is almost isolated enough as it is. The small island in the Tasman has only a handful of visitors each year, but if you really want to be alone, seek out the small hamlet of Ned’s Beach. As Eugene Tan, acclaimed aerial photographer, serial traveller and founder of Aquabumps gallery, describes, “this little patch of paradise is the place to go if the winds are on the other side of the island. Flanked by a beautiful headland and the most beautiful tropical oasis as you ride by pushbike — It feels as magic as it looks.”
5. Red Bluff Beach, WA
You’ll know you’ve reached this beach when you see the hulking red bluff on the horizon, a sight that is spectacular at sunset, when it changes colour from a mesmerising orange-red to deep lilac. Located 126 km north of Carnarvon in Western Australia, this spot rarely sees crowds, so you’re more than likely to have the beach to yourself. For those looking to stay the night, it’s also possible to camp on a section just back from the shoreline.
6. Store Beach, NSW
Once upon a time, Store Beach was where ships would unload provisions for the nearby Quarantine Station on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Now, the secluded 200-metre long cove is only accessible by boat or kayak and takes between 20 and 30 minutes to paddle from nearby Manly Wharf.
7. Workman’s Beach, QLD
Workman’s Beach is a small cove near the seaside town of Agnes Waters in Central Queensland. Known for its calm tides, soft sand, and tropical surrounds, it is a great stopover on a Northern Queensland road trip. Just nearby, and well worth visiting, is the town of Seventeen Seventy, the only place in Australia that has a number as its name.
8. Killen Falls, NSW
While not technically a beach, Killen Falls was a hot pick selected by photographer Eugene Tan and Light Years restaurateurs Kim Stephen, and James Sutherland. Secluded and out of the way, Killen Falls is a hidden gem located just outside of Byron. Tan reveals, “Tucked in the beautiful area of Tintenbar on Friday hut road about 10 minutes from Byron you will find this little patch of paradise. It’s about a 1km walk from the very small car park and a beautiful walk-through rainforest that makes the journey just as special as the destination.”
9. Rainbow Beach, QLD
Rainbow Beach is one of the main entry points to sprawling 41 thousand hectare Cooloola National Park, as well as the southern entrance point to World Heritage listed Fraser Island. Endless sand surrounded by tropical rainforest to one side and endless ocean to the other, Rainbow Beach has plenty of space to keep you away from other visitors. If lying and relaxing on the sand isn’t enough, there are diving trips with Grey Nurse Sharks that occur year-round with the local diving centre, as well as horse riding trips along the sand.
10. Hamersley Gorge, WA
Hamersley Gorge is a tranquil natural swimming hole that is well away from the crowds. Waterfalls, naturally-formed pools, and clear water make this one of the ultimate secluded swimming spots.
11. Whites Beach, NSW
“The back beaches aren’t so secret anymore, but Whites Beach in Broken Head is great for a day trip,” says Light Years’ restaurateurs Kim Stephen and James Sutherland of White Beach, just north of Byron Bay. “There’s more than a few stairs to get down (and up), so if you’re going to commit to Whites make sure you’re going for a decent amount of time … which means pack your umbrellas, sunscreen, snacks, and water.”
12. Memory Cove, SA
Located around 15km southeast of Port Lincoln, Memory Cove is a quiet beach at the end of the Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area. Heavenly white sand and azure-blue waters make this a stunning escape from nearby more populated beaches. A rocky outcrop on one side surrounding the bay is an excellent fishing spot for those inclined.
13. Wagait Beach, NT
A local secret up in the Top End, Wagait Beach is located just a short distance from Darwin. Enjoy the community spirit that runs through this area as you walk the dog-friendly beach, comb for shells, or just relax in the nearby treeland. For history fanatics, pay a visit to the wreckage of the Milady, which was US bomber that crashed in the Second World War.
14. Binalong Bay, TAS
The easygoing coastal village of Binalong Bay is the perfect starting point to explore the surrounding Bay of Fires. The unique combination of snow-white sand, turquoise-blue water, and fiery orange lichen on the rocks makes Binalong Bay one of the most scenic parts of Tasmania. Abalone can be collected when snorkelling off the nearby gulch, with the correct licence.
15. Castle Rock Bay, WA
Just on the eastern tip of Cape Naturaliste is Castle Rock bay, a protected area where there is little-to-no swell. Castle Rock Bay exemplifies the stark natural contrasts that can be found all throughout the state, where thick bushland meets bright blue water. It’s perfect for barbecues, snorkelling and simply relax
What is the best secluded beach in your state? Join us in the comments below.
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