12 Best Beaches In Australia

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

There's a reason why Australia is globally renowned for its stunning coastline. With over 50,000 km of it, from secluded bays to bustling seaside towns, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience the immense beauty firsthand. In my travels along the coastlines, I discovered gems that truly stand out as the best beaches in Australia - so join me as we dive into these magical shores.

1. Whitehaven Beach

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Whitehaven Beach, located on Whitsunday Island in Queensland, and it truly lived up to its reputation as one of the most spectacular beaches in Australia. This beach in the Whitsundays is known for its pure, snow-white sand, which is made almost entirely of silica, giving it a unique texture that feels almost like walking on flour.

One of the most striking things about Whitehaven Beach is the color of the water. The sea is an incredible shade of turquoise, and the contrast with the white sand is simply breathtaking. It's no wonder that the beach is such a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

In addition to its natural beauty, Whitehaven Beach is also a great place for activities like sailing and snorkeling. The Whitsunday Islands are located near the Great Barrier Reef, which means that there are plenty of opportunities to see some of the incredible marine life that Australia is famous for.

2. Bondi Beach

I have to say, Bondi Beach in New South Wales is one of the most iconic beaches in Australia. Located in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, it is a popular beach on the sunshine coast for both locals and tourists visiting Australia.

This famous beach is known for its pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and reliable surf, making it a perfect spot for surfing enthusiasts. Families can also enjoy a day at the beach, as there are plenty of activities to keep children entertained.

Apart from the sandy beach itself, Bondi is also famous for its laid-back coastal lifestyle, boutique shops, and thriving cafe culture. Visitors can take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean. This city beach is also lined with restaurants and cafes such as Bondi Icebergs, offering a variety of cuisines to choose from.

If you're driving to Bondi Beach, there are plenty of parking options available. However, it can get quite busy on weekends and holidays, so it's best to arrive early to secure a spot.

3. Turquoise Bay

As for Turquoise Bay, it's no surprise that it consistently ranks among the top three best Australia beaches. Situated in the Cape Range National Park, about 45 minutes’ drive from the town of Exmouth in Western Australia, Turquoise Bay boasts crystal clear waters and pristine white sandy shores.

The area is aptly named for the amazing turquoise waters that are home to a plethora of marine life, including coral gardens and abundant sea life. Snorkeling in the bay is a must-do activity, with the opportunity to spot dolphins, turtles, and a variety of colorful fish.

The waves at Turquoise Bay are gentle, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. The remote location of the beach adds to its charm, with fewer crowds and a peaceful atmosphere.

For those looking for an adventure, boat tours are available for coral viewing and snorkeling in the nearby Coral Bay. The Ningaloo Marine Park, which Turquoise Bay is a part of, is known for its incredible coral reefs and diverse marine life.

4. Cable Beach

Cable Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia that I have ever visited. Located in Broome, Western Australia, this stretch of beach is famous for its 22 km stretch of sand and turquoise waters.

One of the best things about Cable Beach is the Indian Ocean sunset. It is a breathtaking sight to see the sun go down over the horizon and the sky turn into shades of pink, orange, and purple. I highly recommend taking a camel ride along the beach during sunset to experience this amazing view when you visit the beach.

Apart from the sunset, there are a lot of other activities to do at Cable Beach. You can go swimming, fishing, or simply relax on the beach. The water is crystal clear and perfect for a swim.

If you are interested in exploring the coast, there are several tours available that will take you to some of the most beautiful spots in the area. You can also rent a car and explore the coastline on your own.

5. Bells Beach

Bells Beach, situated on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, is one of the most famous surf beaches in the world and is a must-visit for beach lovers and surf enthusiasts. The beach is known for its fantastic views, crystal-clear water, and incredible waves that attract surfers from all over the globe.

This surf beach has gained worldwide recognition for being the location where the famous movie "Point Break" was filmed. This beach is where Patrick Swayze's character, Bodhi, surfed to his demise in a big storm at the end of the film.

The beach is just a quick 10-minute drive from the nearby town of Torquay, a hip surf town with tons of surf shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy a day of surfing, swimming, or simply relaxing on the soft sand while taking in the breathtaking views of the ocean on one of the best surf beaches.

This top beach hosts the world's longest-running surfing event, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, held every Easter. This classic competition attracts the world's best surfers who compete in the surging waves that come straight off the mighty Southern Ocean.

Bells Beach is not just a surfers paradise, but it is also a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. The beach is enveloped by rock cliffs, giving visitors a sweeping view of the ocean and the coastline.

6. Wineglass Bay

I have been to many beaches in Australia, but none have left me as mesmerized as Wineglass Bay in Tasmania. This stunning beach is located on the east coast of Tasmania, in the Freycinet National Park. The beach is named after its unique shape, which resembles a wineglass.

The crystal-clear waters of Wineglass Bay are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. The beach is surrounded by granite mountains known as the Hazards, which provide a beautiful backdrop for photos. The beach is also a popular spot for hiking, with several trails leading to the lookout point overlooking the bay.

To get to Wineglass Bay, you can drive to the town of Coles Bay and then take a short hike to the beach. Alternatively, you can take a guided tour that includes transportation and a knowledgeable guide to show you the best spots.

Wineglass Bay is truly one of Australia’s best beaches to visit. Its unspoiled beauty and crystal-clear waters make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Tasmania.

7. Noosa Main Beach

Noosa Heads Main Beach is one of the most popular and picturesque beaches in Queensland. The beach is located in the town of Noosa Heads on the Sunshine Coast. This beautiful beach is known for its crystal-clear water, pristine sand, and perfect waves, making it an ideal destination for surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers.

One of the unique features of Noosa Main Beach is that it faces north, which means that it is sheltered from the prevailing winds, making it a great spot for families and picnics. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards, making it safe for swimming and other water activities.

Noosa Beach is also a popular spot for sunbathing, with plenty of space to relax and soak up the sun. The beach has a range of facilities, including showers, toilets, and changing rooms, making it a convenient place to spend the day.

If you're looking for things to do, Noosa Main Beach is a great place to start. There are plenty of water activities available, including surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. You can also take a leisurely stroll along the beach or explore the nearby shops and restaurants.

8. Hyams Beach

I have to say that Hyams Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever visited in Australia. Located in Jervis Bay in New South Wales, this beach is famous for its pristine white sand that stretches for miles. In fact, Hyams Beach has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for having the whitest sand in the world.

The crystal-clear water of the sea is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. The beach is also surrounded by a picturesque village that offers a range of accommodation options, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors can take a walk along the shore or hike through the nearby Jervis Bay National Park to enjoy the scenic beauty of the coast.

Hyams Beach is easily accessible by car, and there is ample parking available. Travelers can also take the White Sands Walk from Greenfield Beach or Vincentia, which offers a scenic route to enjoy more than one of Jervis Bay's spectacular white sand beaches.

9. Twilight Beach

Last year I had the pleasure of visiting Twilight Beach, situated just 10 minutes west of Esperance in Western Australia.

This beach in Western Australia boasts incredible views of a rock formation just offshore, which makes for a picturesque backdrop during sunset. The white sand is soft and inviting, and the azure waters are crystal clear, making it a popular spot for both swimmers and surfers.

Twilight Beach is also conveniently located with two large car parks, making it easy to pull over and enjoy all that this beach has to offer. The beach is sheltered on one end, providing a calm swimming area, while the Southern end of the beach offers more waves for surfing enthusiasts.

During my visit, I couldn't help but notice how immaculate the beach was. The water was clean and clear, and the sand was free of debris. It's no surprise that Twilight Beach has been rated as one of the best Australian beaches.

10. Mindil Beach

As an avid beach lover, I can confidently say that Mindil Beach in Darwin is one of the most stunning beaches in Australia. The beach is just a 5-minute drive from Darwin City, making it easily accessible for tourists and locals.

What sets Mindil Beach apart from other beaches in Australia is its great sunset views over the ocean. The palm-filled, grassy reserve is a popular spot for watching the tropical sunsets. The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets take place here every Thursday and Sunday evening throughout the dry season (April to October), making it a great place to enjoy some local culture and food.

Although swimming is not recommended at Mindil Beach due to the presence of jellyfish, you can still enjoy the water by taking a stroll along the beach or dipping your toes in the sea. If you're looking for a safer spot to swim, Casuarina Beach is just a short drive away and has plenty of sand and shallow water.

Aside from the beach itself, Mindil Beach is also known for its vibrant cultural scene. The Sunset Markets are a great place to experience the local culture and pick up some unique souvenirs, including authentic Aboriginal artwork and handmade jewelry.

11. Four Mile Beach

Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas is located in Tropical North Queensland, and stretches for four kilometers from Island Point to the rocky mangrove reef of Mowbray River.

With crystal waters and soft white sand, Four Mile Beach is the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The beach is patrolled, and there are full life-saving facilities available for visitors. You can also hire umbrellas, beach chairs, and enjoy free change rooms and showers.

One of the best things about Four Mile Beach is that it's not too crowded, even during peak season. This makes it an ideal spot for a peaceful day out with family or friends. The beach is also surrounded by lush greenery, which adds to its natural beauty.

If you're looking for adventure, you can take a walk along the beach and explore the surrounding area. Port Douglas is the gateway to Far North Queensland, including the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and Cape Tribulation. You can also go fishing, sailing, or take a scenic helicopter ride to get a bird's eye view of the North Australian coastline.

12. Vivonne Bay Beach

As a frequent beach-goer, I have to say that Vivonne Bay Beach on Kangaroo Island is truly one of the most breathtaking Australia beaches. Located in South Australia, this six-kilometer-long, U-shaped beach was once voted Australia's best beach, and it's not hard to see why.

The clear waters at Vivonne Bay Beach are perfect for swimming, wading waist-deep, or simply enjoying the sun on its white sandy shores. The calm seas and shallow depth make it a safe spot for families with children to enjoy a day at the beach.

Aside from the natural beauty of the beach, Vivonne Bay is also the only safe harbor on the southern coast of Kangaroo Island. From November to May, you can see crayfishing boats anchored in the bay, which adds to the charm of the area.

For those who love wildlife, Kangaroo Island is home to a variety of animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas. So keep an eye out for these unique creatures as you explore the island.