10 Best Beaches in Australia

Named the most photographed beach in Australia, it’s no wonder this magical stretch of sand is on the list of ten best beaches in Australia. Located in the Whitsundays, Whitehaven Beach is literally postcard perfect.

Stretching over 7km, this beach is made up of 98% silica sand, crystal clear water, and thousands of fish swimming. With so many to see and do, Whitehaven Beach is a must-do while in Australia. Accessible only by boat, helicopter, or plane, Whitehaven Beach is excellent for a day trip or even a few days camping.

Also, make sure to walk up the Hill Inlet to get an all-encompassing view of this beautiful beach.

Unlike most of the beaches in Australia, Cable Beach sits on the Indian Ocean. Located in Broome, this 22km stretch of beach is not only beautiful but is also the best place to watch spectacular sunsets every night.

As well as spending time in the water, you can also ride camels (yes camels!) along the beach, and it’s even more enjoyable while the sun goes down!

If you visit the beach between March and October, you’ll be lucky enough to see the Staircase to the Moon natural phenomena.

With many beaches stretching over 50km of coastline in the Gold Coast, Burleigh Heads is definitely the best of the lot.

Located near the headland, Burleigh (as the locals call it) provides a safe space for swimming and further out, surfers can ride the waves near the headland.

As well as being a perfect place to lay in the sun and enjoy the beautiful saltwater, you can also walk around the headland to Tallebudgera Beach. Along the way, you’ll get fantastic views of the Gold Coast skyline.

Named as the beach with the whitest sand in the world by Guinness World Records, Hyams Beach is not one to miss.

Located three hours south of Sydney in Jervis Bay, Hyams Beach is the perfect place to go snorkelling in crystal clear water, stroll along the pristine white sand, and even go exploring in the bushland!

If you sit down on the sand and look closely, you might be able to spot dolphins and whales on the horizon!

This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is located two hours north of Cairns and is where you can see the ancient Daintree Rainforest meet the underwater world that is the Great Barrier Reef.

You can spot the coral nearly touching the sand on the beach at low tide, but don’t be tempted to go in the water as Cape Tribulation Beach is a crocodile-infested area, so swimming is restricted at all times.

However, one incredible thing you can do at Cape Tribulation Beach is admiring the rainforest that is older than the Amazon to your left and gaze and the marvellous Great Barrier Reef to your right.

Literally a surfer’s paradise, Byron Bay is a favourite for surfers in Australia.

What used to be a small hippy town, Byron Bay, has grown with its tourists and expanded to accommodate the thousands of people visiting each year.

If you aren’t a surfer, that’s okay. With a couple of beaches to choose from, Byron Bay is also an excellent place for swimming and admiring the surfers catch their waves from the Cape Byron Lighthouse.

If you’re feeling lucky, head to this fantastic beach in Western Australia.

Unlike other beaches on this list, Lucky Bay is a bit of a hidden gem.

Located in the Cape Le Grande National Park near Esperance, this beach boasts stunning turquoise water, shimmering white sand, and a few friendly animals to play with.

That’s right; Lucky Bay is one of the only beaches in Australia where you can interact and sunbathe next to kangaroos!

Located on the eastern side of Lord Howe Island, you’ll find the magical Ned’s Beach.

Famous for feeding fish, this crescent-shaped beach is also home to white sand and beautifully clear water.

At the north end of the beach, you can feed mullet, wrasse, garfish, spangled emperor, and bluefish up close!

If you want to take it a step further, Ned’s Beach is also a fantastic place to go snorkelling off the beach.

Since the beach is on the eastern side of the island, there are always strong currents, so be careful if you decide to swim.

A 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns, Nudey Beach is a must-see while visiting or staying on the beautiful Fitzroy Island.

Although the beach may be small, its spectacular beauty makes up for it.

Not only is this beach great to look at and swim at, but it’s also situated on the Great Barrier Reef, so you can go snorkelling in the tropical waters and marvel at the fish and coral beneath the surface.

Unlike the name suggests, this gorgeous beach on Fitzroy Island isn’t for nudists, so remember to pack your swimmers!

Lastly, this list wouldn’t be complete without one of Australia’s best-kept secrets.

The Bay of Fires located in Tasmania is where two worlds of colour collide.

Not only do you have the stunning crystal clear ocean in front of you, but all around, the orange rocks create the perfect contrast and make for an epic scenery shot.

You can swim here, but if you do, be prepared for a shock as the water in the south of Australia is a lot colder than the rest of the country’s beaches!