The 20 Best Beaches in Australia

Australia is a land unlike any other. From its incredible cities to its mindblowing scenery, everything feels a little bit bigger and a lot more breathtaking in Australia. And that’s before we even get to the 2,800 hours of sunshine. So let’s get into it. With over 300 days of seemingly endless sunshine, more than 16,000 miles of sprawling coastline, and three oceans surrounding it, it’s no surprise people flock to Australia to soak up their fair share of sun, sand, and sea. And while it’s true that you can’t find a bad beach among the over 12,000 crowding Australia’s shores, we’ve narrowed it down for you to the 20 best beaches in Australia to experience the sun and sand and everything in between.

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Which Side of Australia Has the Best Beaches?
What Is the Prettiest Beach in Australia?
The 20 Best Beaches in Australia
Escape to the Sunny Coasts of Australia with Next Vacay

Which Side of Australia Has the Best Beaches?

Both the East and West Coasts of Australia have some incredible beaches. Some might argue the East Coast easily outshines the West, as Queensland, Australia, is home to beaches consistently voted the best, from the near-constantly crowned Whitehaven Beach to the woodland-surrounded Nudey Beach. However, one could just as easily argue that the West Coast deserves the title of best beaches, with fewer people and wider expanses promising quieter beaches, more pristine shorelines, and healthier reefs.

Either way, it’s impossible to go wrong choosing one side or the other for your Australian beach adventures!

What Is the Prettiest Beach in Australia?

Ask an Aussie on a stroll in Australia or do a quick scroll on socials, and you’ll hear a recurring name for the prettiest beach in Australia: Whitehaven Beach. Australians have consistently voted this beach as the most beautiful in the whole country. And in a place that claims nearly 12,000 beaches, being a consistent reigning star says a lot—but not nearly as much as a picture of Whitehaven Beach. With its crystal clear azure waters and sparkling sands that are as white as snow, it’s easy to see why it constantly beats out all others for the top spot.

The 20 Best Beaches in Australia

Incredible beaches are a given in Australia. But with the sheer number of beaches at one’s fingertips, how can one tell which sandy shores should have a spot on their coveted must-see list? Grab your surfboard and get ready to paddle through the 20 best beaches in Australia.

The Best Beaches in Australia to See and Be Seen

If bustling beaches are your scene, look no further than these popular gems that see crowds come out to mingle, surf, and soak up some Australian sun.

Bondi Beach, Sydney

This city beach sports gorgeous scenery, great surf, and lively Sydney culture. As far as beaches in Australia go, this one tops many a traveler’s list thanks to its bustling social scene—perfect for people who want to meet other travelers and locals alike. The gold sand and turquoise waters make it a picturesque place to admire the view or snap hundreds of pictures to share with all your friends and family when you return.

A big draw for people visiting Bondi Beach is the food and, more specifically, the beachside bars come sunset. Understandably, sitting in a chair overlooking the rippling waters, with the sun fading in the background and a cocktail in hand as you chat with other beachgoers, is a popular pastime—just make sure to get there before sunset if you want a seat.

Cottesloe Beach, Perth

Cottesloe Beach, called Cott by the locals, is home to powdery soft sand the color of pale gold. Add in the clear, emerald-turquoise waters, and it starts to resemble a king’s prized jewels more than a beach. But a beach it is, and the best place in Perth to kick up your feet and drink in the sun. As one of the prettiest beaches on the West Coast, it’s little surprise that Cottlesloe Beach is a bustling haven of beauty and art. Coastal walks boast breathtaking views, while the water promises countless delights, from gentle surf to hidden reefs.

On top of all that, Cottesloe Beach may just be the best beach in Australia for art lovers. Come March, the beachfront transforms into a wonderland of art with Sculptures by the Sea, hosting around 100 sculptures by Australian and international artists and bringing in over 200,000 visitors.

Surfers Paradise Beach, Queensland

Surfers Paradise may be touted as the capital of the Gold Coast, but with its pristine beach and backdrop of high-rise apartments, Surfers Paradise Beach might just be its crown jewel.

Despite the fact that this moniker may have come from a real estate company and not a group of surfers, have no fear. The name still fits. Surfers Paradise Beach is indeed a paradise for surfing, with over a mile of soft golden sand and rolling surf. It’s here that surfers and spectators alike congregate to try out the swells and enjoy the epic views.

The Best Beaches in Australia to Surf the Waves

In a country known for its surf, narrowing down which beaches in Australia are the absolute best for surfing may seem insurmountable, but get ready to hang ten. We’ve rounded up some of the best beaches in Australia for surfing, from beaches carved out by ancient volcanos to sand shores rich with surfing folklore and verdant cliffs.

Bells Beach, Victoria

Bells Beach has a touch of magical surrealism. With its surfing folklore and waves that come in the shape of stairs leading to the great blue beyond, you may feel like you’re slipping into another world.

Perhaps that’s why so many surfers are drawn to the waters, like answering the call of a siren. Six to eight-foot swells commonly curl up from the sea, sometimes reaching as high as 15 feet, daring surfers to come along for the ride. With not much beach to speak of, the surf does all the talking. And if you’re curious about the tales told along the beach, you’ll have to visit for yourself to hear the stories of ghosts made of sea salt and dreams.

Blinky Beach, Lord Howe Island

The towering green cliffs of Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower welcome visitors to this stunning island paradise. And while the verdant green pastures and jutting trees entice hikers to explore, it’s the trails leading to golden sands, brilliant blue waters, and great swells that beckon to surfers.

Among the many great beaches in Australia, Blinky Beach is the ideal spot for surfers hoping to escape the crowds. While Blinky is notorious for its sporadic swells, when it’s just right, the surf is fantastic, making it the perfect mix of fun and tranquility, with playful waves and uncrowded shores. And it doesn’t hurt that this beach is easy on the eyes, with some of the most pristine and unspoiled shores in Australia.

Burleigh Beach, Queensland

Some places are so outstanding and special that they must be protected and preserved for future generations. That’s Burleigh Beach in a nutshell. Part of Australia’s iconic Gold Coast, Burleigh Beach is one of just 12 World Surfing Reserves recognized globally. And once you get a peek at it, it’s not hard to understand why, as this beach has been years in the making—literally.

Formed millions of years ago by ancient lava flows, Burleigh Beach is a fascinating blend of blue waters and volcanic rock backed by a vibrant city and countless adventures in its backyard, from a national park to river cruises and even hot air balloons. But the first love for many is the water. Burleigh Beach is known for its fantastic surf. In contrast to the fitful swells at Blinky Beach, the point break at Burleigh Beach is reliably consistent, with dependable waves to get people off the sand and out on the swells.

The Best Beaches in Australia for Exciting Wildlife

Animal lovers are in for a treat with these incredible beaches and their wonderful wildlife. From colorful fish to sun-soaked kangaroos and even Australia’s wild Dingo dogs—these beaches are full of exciting creatures to capture on camera.

Lucky Bay, WA

What’s a beach visit in Australia without a little wildlife spotting? In the case of Lucky Bay, you can sunbathe with Australia’s most famous animal: kangaroos. These kangaroos frequent the beach, and if you’re hoping to get close, it’s best to stand near the dry seaweed on the sand, where the kangaroos can often be found enjoying a bite.

But the kangaroos aren’t Luck Bay’s sole claim to fame. It also lays claim to the “whitest” sands in the country. With its gorgeous white sand, sparkling blue waters, and cute marsupials, you’re sure to feel like the luckiest traveler in the world at Lucky Bay.

Ned’s Beach, Lord Howe Island

Is that a kaleidoscope swirling around your feet? No, it’s a swarm of fish eagerly awaiting to be fed. Ned’s Beach is home to an array of colorful sea creatures, from the silver drummer to the spangled emperor and from the narrow garfish to the vivid wrasse. Suffice it to say, the rainbow of colors is an enchanting sight to see, and you don’t even need to snorkel to experience it.

But if you love snorkeling, Ned’s Beach is the perfect beach in Australia to do it. On top of the fish that make swimming here feel like swimming in an aquarium, the verdant cliffs juxtaposed against vibrant corals add even more to the allure of Ned’s Beach.

75 Mile Beach, Queensland

Unsurprisingly, 75 Mile Beach got its name for, you guessed it, being 75 miles long. But that’s far from the only impressive thing about this beach. While it’s popular for fishing sports and picturesque walks during the day, the real stars come out at sunrise and sunset. No, we’re not talking about actual stars; we’re talking about dingos. The dingo is a wild dog with an ancient lineage in Australia, and 75 Mile Beach is an ideal place to spot them.

When not out dingo spotting, another popular activity is renting a jeep and cruising down the long, sandy beachfront, taking in the views with the wind in your hair. It’s best to take the drive during low tide, when the beach basically becomes a highway. Don’t get any ideas about speeding down the empty shoreline, though, or you may have a run-in with the traffic cops stationed along the beach!

The Best Beaches in Australia for a Remote Getaway

Australia is home to gorgeous beaches, which is a given, but which ones are perfect for those looking for something a little more secluded than the hustle and bustle of spots like Bondi? From beaches surrounded by forests to hidden gems, we’ve got these shores covered.

Resolute Beach, New South Wales

Resolute Beach isn’t exactly a deserted island, but it’ll likely feel that way once you’re standing on its golden sands nestled between lush forests. At the very least, it’ll feel like your own little slice of paradise.

Getting to Resolute Beach requires a bit of resolve, perhaps how the beach got its unique name, and a roughly one-and-a-half mile walk there and back. Once you arrive, prepare to settle in. The peaceful shore is usually empty and an excellent spot for an afternoon picnic, while the calm blue-green waters are perfect for taking a dip. And if not for Palm Beach in the distance, you might think you’ve been dropped in the middle of nowhere!

Nudey Beach, Cairns

Don’t worry—no one is shedding their clothing at Nudey Beach. But with its white coral shore and the dazzling blue sea, you’re sure to shed your woes.

Voted the Best Beach in Australia in 2018, the beautiful shores, granite boulders, and chill atmosphere make for a lovely little escape. Tucked away on Fitzroy Island, Nudey Beach and Fitzroy Island Resort offer amazing relaxation and pretty sights. (Just be sure to bring your water shoes, as the coral pieces on Nudey Beach aren’t nearly as pleasant as the views.)

Silica Beach, Hidden Island

Of all the thousands of beaches in Australia and the thousand islands in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, it’s hard to argue Silica Beach isn’t one of the best beaches around. Between the squeaky white sand underfoot and the dazzlingly clear blue waters beyond the shore, you could be forgiven for mistaking Silica Beach as some dream-like wonder your mind conjured up. But it’s very much real.

Aptly located on Hidden Island, Silica Beach is a breathtaking getaway in Western Australia, and so remote, you’ll need either an expedition cruise or a private yacht to get to it. But you’ll likely find the extra effort to be worth it when you’re slipping into the cool waters for a relaxing swim or kicking back on the powdery sand to work on your tan.

The Best Beaches in Australia for Unbelievable Sunsets

Whether you’re a photographer looking for unbelievable shots or someone who loves observing sunsets, we’ve rounded up the best beaches for catching striking sunsets.

Cable Beach, Broome

The dark silhouettes of camels cut across the shallow waters while everything from the sky to the shore is painted in fiery colors. With sunsets ranging from heavenly oranges to whimsical purples and pinks, the view at Cable Beach is truly a sight to see, and watching the play of colors across the ocean waters is a magical experience, whether sitting on the beach or swaying on the back of a camel.

Before the sun puts on its show, consider exploring the striking rock formations around the beach or cooling off in one of the rock pools—yes, you read that right, pools—that dot the area. Maybe even book a beer and sunset drinks tour, to toast the sun’s blazing final farewell show with a drink in hand.

Mindil Beach, Darwin

Mindil Beach is renowned for its tropical sunsets, so much so that the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are held on the beach during the dry season. The market hosts over 200 specialty shops and food vendors, and each gathering is dedicated to enriching the community of Darwin and showing visitors Darwin’s carefree and welcoming vibe firsthand. But whether you visit Mindil Beach during the market or alone, you’re sure to be treated to a striking sunset as dazzling oranges and reds give the appearance of flames lapping at the blue waters. It’s definitely a shot you’ll want your camera for.

Eighty Mile Beach, WA

Western Australia’s longest uninterrupted beach is also a place where some of the most beautiful sunsets occur. From crimson-colored skies that turn the sand and sea red to fiery orange hues that set the land ablaze, these sunsets might have you thinking you’ve woken up in a sci-fi movie. Either that or the picture-perfect 80s postcard, as the occasional pastel-hued sunsets turn the world over Eighty Mile Beach into a cotton-candy sky. Whatever the hues, when it comes to sunsets, Eighty Mile Beach cannot be missed.

Add in birdwatching, collecting shells along the shore, and fishing in the turquoise waters, and it quickly becomes apparent why Eighty Mile Beach is a neverending stretch of paradise.

The Best Beaches in Australia for Natural Beauty

If you want beaches bursting with unparalleled beauty, these are the shores for you. Prepare to be dazzled by sparkling white sands, lush greenery, and stunning waters at some of Australia’s most gorgeous beaches.

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays Island

A beach in Australia or watercolors poured across a page? If you’re looking for natural beauty, look no further than arguably the prettiest beach in Australia and easily one of the best, Whitehaven Beach. Upon first glance, it may appear that those white whorls are sea foam, but in actuality, they’re airy wisps of curling sand interspersed along the beautiful blue-green sea.

If you thought it couldn’t get any more magical than that, the sand doesn’t get hot despite being constantly sun-soaked. That’s thanks to the sand’s makeup of silica beads, which, on top of giving the sand its stark white coloring, don’t retain heat. And thanks to that handy little quirk of science, Whitehaven Beach is officially the best place to go for a barefoot beach stroll without having to worry about burning the soles of your feet.

Wineglass Bay, Tasmania

Wineglass Bay looks like a painter dipped their brush in sparkling white, emerald green, and deep blue before dragging the tip along the canvas in an arc. One can scale the granite cliffs to get a better look at this sprawling marvel, but if hiking isn’t your idea of fun, Wineglass Bay is just as beautiful at eye level. Head down for a walk along the beach or kayak out on the water to take in the surrounding cliffs, rocks, and greenery, offering up a veritable feast for the eyes.

And if you want a truly spectacular experience of Wineglass Bay that’ll take your breath away, consider taking a helicopter tour to enjoy the jaw-dropping sights from above.

The Best Beaches in Australia for a Paradisaical Escape

With beaches such as these, running away to paradise has never been easier. These mesmerizing shores will have you feeling like you’ve escaped to another realm, or at the very least, will have you playing hideaway from the rest of the world.

Palm Cove, Queensland

Picture this: towering palm trees backing a honey-colored shore, verdant hills dotting the horizon, and crystal-clear blue waters lapping at the shore. Sounds like paradise, right? And Palm Cove is the perfect little slice of it. You’ll likely spend as much of your time weaving in and out of the leaning palms and photographing the stunning scenery as you will soaking up the sun and swimming among the gentle swells. In Palm Cove, you can shrug off your worries and escape into a relaxing wonderland that’s as beautiful as it is serene.

Murray Bay, Queensland

Picturesque and full of enchantment, Murray Bay doesn’t get half as much love as its more popular cousin, Horseshoe Bay, but admittedly, that’s half its charm. Fringed by palm trees and dotted with rocky formations, sandy Murray Bay is the quintessential tropical escape. Thanks to its secluded location at the end of a narrow track, Murray Bay remains largely unbothered, the pristine sands just waiting for its next visitor to settle in and bask in the solitude. Whether snorkeling among the fringing reef or sunbathing on the shore, Murray Bay is a magical spot to lose yourself and enjoy the beauty of one of the best beaches in Australia.

Cossies Beach, Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Psst. Want to know a secret? The Cocos (Keeling) Islands might be one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. The remote region is home to 27 islands, and Cossies Beach is one of its best. Here, travelers will find nothing short of tropical perfection: coconut palm trees backing the white shore, sloping sands leading to gentle waves, and shallow waters teeming with marine life. Oh, and did we mention the year-round summer?

It’s little wonder you’ll find green turtles gliding through the waters or crabs darting across the sandy expanse. Everyone wants a little bite of this magical paradise. Cossies Beach serves as the perfect escape from the everyday. And with how remote it is, this coastal gem might just have you playing cast away.

Escape to the Sunny Coasts of Australia with Next Vacay

Ready to make your trip down under to soak up some sun, sand, and good vibes like only Australia delivers? We figured as much. With beaches for days, Australia is the perfect place to discover your new sandy favorite, and Next Vacay can help. You could spend a ridiculous amount on your plane tickets or let our deal hunters find you cheap flights that’ll have you saying g’day mate in no time. It’s time for your next adventure in the land down under. It’s time for your Next Vacay.

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