The 10 Best Beaches in Australia
By Sarah Hemsley
Last updated: 11th December 2023
Love a gorgeous beach? Australia is no doubt the place for you! With almost 12,000 beaches it’s the perfect destination for your bucket list for snorkelling, surfing, fishing, swimming, sailing, the list goes on!
Australia’s shores are blessed with some of the most stunning beaches in the world. From coral-fringed bays in Western Australia to sugary sand beaches on the East Coast, plus, tropical beaches on its dreamy islands. There’s an endless amount you could spend forever exploring! So where do you start?
Here are Australia's best 10 beaches every traveller must visit:
1. Whitehaven Beach
Best Australian Beach for: Natural Beauty 🏝️
Nothing short of heaven on earth. It’s no surprise that Whitehaven Beach is top of the list! How its silky white sand swirls together with its crystal clear water is breathtaking. It’s one of those places everyone should visit once (or more) in their lifetime. It’s also very popular for its Great Barrier Reef marine life.
Sail around the dreamy Whitsundays on a luxurious yacht on Australia East Coast Adventure.
Location: Whitsunday Islands, Queensland
2. Lucky Bay
Best Australian Beach for: Sunbathing Kangaroos 🦘
If you love Kangaroos then you’re in luck! When visiting this beautiful wild bay you’ll share the sands with sunbathing kangaroos. Spend a few days here exploring Cape Le Grand National Park and snorkelling or swimming in the ocean's shades of blue.
Discover the best beach in Western Australia by hiring a campervan.
Location: Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia
3. 75 Mile Beach
Best Australian Beach for: Driving a 4WD 🚘
On the eastern coast of K’gari is the stunning 75-Mile Beach. Get a real sense of adventure by driving a 4WD along its endless sun-kissed shore. Journey up to the volcanic rock at Indian Heads and look out at sweeping views of the island. You might even spot dolphins and whales from the top if you’re lucky! If you plan to stay a couple of nights, delve into nature by camping in one of its many incredible campsites too.
Carve up the sand dunes in a 4WD on Epic East Coast
Location: K’gari, Queensland
4. Bondi Beach
Best Australian Beach for: Swimming & Seafood 🐠
One of Australia’s most iconic beaches that attracts backpackers from all over the world. It’s only a short car or bus ride from Sydney so make sure to visit and soak up all it has to offer. Learn to surf the perfect waves, dip in its iconic picturesque pool, and take a pit stop at the famous Bondi Icebergs Club to enjoy fresh seafood.
Live and work close to more iconic places in Sydney on Absolute Oz Jobs
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
5. Cable Beach
Best Australian Beach for: A Sunset Camel Ride 🌅
A hidden gem in Western Australia. This 13-mile stretch of pure white sand and turquoise sea is simply gorgeous. The best way to experience its serene landscape is on the back of a camel. Ride along the sands whilst admiring the fiery sunset over the Indian Ocean. It’s a blissful experience like no other.
Hire a campervan to explore the best beaches in Western Australia.
Location: Broome, Western Australia
6. Surfers Paradise
Best Australian Beaches for: Water Sports & Partying 🍹
Recommended Beaches: Surfers Paradise Beach, Broadbeach & Palm Beach
Say G’Day to Surfers Paradise! Surf the gentle waves by day and hit the city by night. This beach city is located on the popular Gold Coast and is every traveller's dream. It’s the perfect mix of adventure sports and partying Down Under. Enjoy surfing, scuba diving, kayaking, or paddle boarding, and grab a drink straight after at one of its many trendy bars.
Experience the best of Surfers Paradise with a group of new mates on Australia East Coast Adventure
Location: Gold Coast, Queensland
7. Coral Bay
Best Australian Beach for: Marine Wildlife 🐢
This one is for marine wildlife lovers! Its waters thrive with whale sharks, manta rays, and turtles which you can swim shoulder to shoulder with. It’s also a great location to snorkel over the rainbow-coloured Ningaloo Reef for an unforgettable experience.
Experience this on Western Australia Adventure
Location: Western Australia
8. Byron Bay
Best Australian Beaches for: Surfing Lessons 🏄
Reccommended Beaches: Main Beach, Belongil Beach & The Pass
Byron Bay has some of the best waves for beginner surfers so no wonder it's home to world-leading surf school Mojo Surf! Learn to surf like a real Aussie with a pro instructor and forget anything else exists. Connect with other like-minded travellers keen to master the skill of catching waves. Take in the views of Byron Bay from the water, you won’t miss its iconic lighthouse standing tall.
Surf lessons at Byron Bay are included on Epic East Coast
Location: Byron Bay, New South Wales
9. Jervis Bay
Best Australian Beaches for: White Sand and Dolphins 🐬
Reccommended Beaches: Hymas Bay (known for it's white sand), Murrays Beach & Greenfield Beach
Did you know Jervis Bay has the whitest sand in the world? The dolphins love it too. Soak up its incredible scenes from its crystal-clear water. Take a cruise to spot a pod of dolphins or choose to hire a kayak for your own ocean adventure around Jervis Bay.
Check out Jervis Bay on Sydney and Jervis Bay Adventure
Location: Jervis Bay, New South Wales
10. Wineglass Bay
Best Australian Beach for: Natural Landscapes ✨
A unique Tasmanian gem. This secluded bay is named after its wineglass-shaped curve. Who knew? For a beautiful spot above the bay head to Wineglass Bay Lookout. It's a 3km return hike and worth every step. You’ll be spoilt with views of the luscious landscape and its vibrant colours below.
Live a stone’s throw away from Tasmania, on Absolute Melbourne Jobs or hire a campervan.
Location: Tasmania
Check out our Australia group tours for more stunning Aussie beaches!
Share this article:
You might also like...
Want more stories like this?
Sign up to our newsletter to get the latest advice, inspiration, and news.