The Best Beaches in Australia: 16 Shores to Explore

Travelers love Australian beaches for their stunning variety and natural beauty. Australia boasts an impressive nearly 30,000 miles of coastline, famous for its picturesque turquoise waters and untouched sandy beaches that evoke a postcard-perfect image.

Whether you’re watching kangaroos hop along Lucky Bay, surfing world-class waves at Bells Beach, or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters off the Great Barrier Reef, each shore offers something unique. With year-round sunshine, vibrant coastal towns, and a laid-back beach culture, it's easy to see why Australia’s coastline tops so many travel wish lists.

16 of the Best Beaches to Explore in Australia

To help with your planning, we've compiled a guide to the best beaches in Australia, featuring both well-known locations and hidden treasures. Each of these gorgeous locations offer the ideal blend of beauty, adventure, and tranquility, making Australia a dream destination for surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers alike.

1. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland

Whitehaven is pure paradise, often topping lists of the best beaches in Australia, Located in the Whitsunday Islands, its silky sand is made up of 98% silica, giving it a dazzling white glow. Accessible by boat or seaplane, and an easy day trip from Hamilton island, Whitehaven provides an untouched and remote feel for travelers, perfect for a day of relaxation or a bucket-list helicopter flight over Hill Inlet.

2. Bondi Beach, New South Wales

An icon of Sydney’s coastal lifestyle, Bondi Beach is one of the best beaches in Australia. Known for its golden sand, lively surf culture, and vibrant energy, Sydney’s most famous beach is more than just a spot for surfing and swimming. Just minutes from downtown Sydney, it’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors to partake in aquatic adventure or simply relax on the sand. Beyond the waves, Bondi offers trendy cafés, coastal walks, and the iconic Bondi Icebergs pool.

3. Wineglass Bay, Tasmania

Wineglass Bay in Tasmania is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Curved like its name, Wineglass Bay is tucked inside Freycinet National Park. The bay features a perfect crescent of soft white sand framed by pink granite mountains and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Secluded and pristine, it’s the perfect destination for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.

4. Cable Beach, Western Australia

Famous for its sweeping 13 miles of soft white sand, turquoise waters, and unforgettable sunsets over the Indian Ocean. Located in Broome, the fiery skies at sunset make Cable Beach one of the best beaches in Australia for travelers seeking both natural beauty and a touch of adventure.

5. Hyams Beach, New South Wales

Seeking some of the whitest sand in the world? Hyams Beach, located along the shores of Jervis Bay in New South Wales, is often celebrated as one of the best beaches in Australia. With famously soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s a paradise for swimmers and snorkelers alike. The surrounding Jervis Bay area also offers dolphin and whale watching tours, making it an unforgettable coastal escape.

6. Noosa Main Beach, Queensland

As one of the few north-facing beaches in Australia, Noosa is a must-visit on the Sunshine Coast, which means calm, gentle waves and ideal swimming conditions year-round. Golden sands, clear waters, and nearby Hastings Street lined with boutiques, restaurants, and cafés, make it an ideal spot for a full-day outing.

7. Bells Beach, Victoria

Powerful swells and rugged cliffs make Bells Beach one of the most iconic surfing destinations in the world. Bells Beach is home of the legendary Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition, the longest-running professional surfing competition, as well as dramatic coastal scenery and walking trails. A stop at Bells Beach can be included on a Great Ocean Road day tour or by self driving from Melbourne.

8. Lucky Bay, Western Australia

Just picture kangaroos lounging on snow-white sand. Visit Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park, one of the best beaches in Australia for a glimpse of adorable kangaroos lounging along the shoreline. Beyond these unique wildlife encounters, Lucky Bay provides a peaceful mix of relaxation and adventure.

9. Byron Bay, New South Wales

A vibrant coastal town with a relaxed, bohemian vibe and stunning natural beauty, Byron Bay is a haven for both adventurers and those seeking a peaceful escape. Whether swimming, surfing, whale watching, or strolling the town’s charming cafés, boutique shops, Byron Bay perfectly blends laid-back charm with breathtaking coastal scenery.

10. Burleigh Heads, Queensland

Located on Australia’s Gold Coast, Burleigh Heads is a perfect blend of natural beauty and surf culture. With scenic walking trails overlooking gorgeous ocean views and a golden beach perfect for surfing or sunbathing, the surf breaks here are world-class, making it a hotspot for wave riders.

11. Cottesloe Beach, Western Australia

Just outside Perth, Cottesloe Beach, is one of Western Australia’s most iconic shores. Golden sands, clear turquoise waters, and stunning sunsets over the Indian Ocean, make it a favorite spot for swimming, snorkeling, and beach strolls. Summertime brings lively outdoor events, and the beach's relaxed atmosphere offers a perfect escape to enjoy coastal beauty.

12. Palm Cove, Queensland

Heading to the Great Barrier Reef? Palm Cove, Queensland is a must stop! A tropical paradise on the northern coast of the Great Barrier Reef is famous for its palm-lined esplanade, calm lagoon waters, and luxury resorts. Visitors can stroll along the beach, enjoy waterfront dining, or take day trips to explore the nearby Daintree Rainforest and the reef.

13. Manly Beach, New South Wales

A short ferry ride from Sydney, Manly Beach boasts coastal charm, golden sands, city vibes, and consistent surf, attracting swimmers and surfers. Though Manly’s Corso promenade is vibrant and buzzing with cafés and shops, it’s a relaxed alternative to Bondi.

14. Vivonne Bay, South Australia

Vivonne Bay is an untouched gem for travelers seeking solitude and for anyone looking to experience South Australia’s coastal charm. Located on Kangaroo Island, Vivonne Bay is a secluded haven with pristine white sand and clear waters. This peaceful environment offers swimming, picnicking, relaxation, and adventurous activities.

15. Four Mile Beach, Queensland

Four Mile Beach, stretching along Port Douglas, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and accessibility to two of Australia's most iconic natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Its tranquil, palm-lined shores and gentle waters are ideal for leisurely strolls, refreshing morning swims, or simply relaxing in a stunning tropical setting.

16. Ninety Mile Beach, Victoria

Popular for fishing, beachcombing, and camping, Ninety Mile Beach is a place where you can truly escape the crowds and reconnect with nature. Stretching nearly 90 miles (hence the name!) along the Gippsland region, this coastal gem offers a sense of serenity and escape. Its vast horizon is especially stunning at sunrise or sunset, when the sky and ocean merge in a palette of warm colors.

Let’s Plan Your Trip to Visit the Best Beaches in Australia

As Australia travel specialists, we're here to help you discover both iconic and hidden coastal gems all over the island.

Unforgettable experiences along Australia’s coastline are waiting for you — let’s connect so we can bring you closer to the sun, sand, and surf in Australia!