Beaches and islands

Go beyond well-known destinations to discover Australia’s beach and island gems. You’ll soon learn why the sand and sea hold such a special place in our national identity.

From city beaches to secluded spots where you’ll share the sand with more wildlife than humans, there are gorgeous beaches and islands across the country. Sail through the Whitsundays, marvel at a sea of red crabs on Christmas Island or embark on a coastal drive in search of the perfect spot for a surf. It won't take long to find.

Discover Australia’s best beaches and islands

Rowley Shoals, Australia's North West, WA © Tourism Australia

Things to do

Australia's best beaches

Picnic Bay, Magnetic Island, QLD © Tourism and Events Queensland

Things to do

Australia's most beautiful islands

Heart Reef, Great Barrier Reef, QLD © Tourism Australia

Things to do

Australia's reefs

Rottnest Island, WA © Tourism Australia

Places to go

Guide to Rottnest Island

qualia, Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Islands, QLD © qualia

Places to go

Guide to Hamilton Island

Shark Beach, Nielsen Park, Sydney, New South Wales © Andrew Gregory / Destination NSW

Places to go

Sydney's secret beaches

Plan your perfect island getaway

Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island, SA © Andrew McIntosh, Ocean Photography

Trips and itineraries

5 luxurious days of Kangaroo Island and Adelaide

Think the only way to see Australia is on a guided tour? Not on this trip. The only thing you’ll need to be guided by is your...

Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island © Cocos Keeling Islands Tourism Association

Trips and itineraries

14 incredible days on Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Island hop between these extraordinary locations on an unforgettable 14 day adventure.

Neck Beach, Bruny Island, TAS © Tourism Tasmania

Places to go

Island hopping around Tasmania

Tasmania's islands boast sweeping beaches, dramatic coastlines and abundant wildlife.

Encounter incredible marine life

Snorkelers swim alongside a turtle in the Great Barrier Reef © Tourism Australia

Things to do

Swim with Australia’s marine life

From snorkelling with whale sharks to getting up close to turtles and sea lions, plenty of “pinch me” moments await in Australian...

Turtle swimming by Lady Elliot Island in the Great Barrier Reef © Sean Scott, Tourism and Events Queensland

Things to do

Where to encounter marine animals on the Great Barrier Reef

Here's how to get up close with local marine life on the Great Barrier Reef.

Snorkellers see dolphins while on a Temptation Sailing boat tour at Glenelg in South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission

Things to do

Where to swim with wild dolphins

Australia's magnificent oceans offer one of the world's ultimate wildlife encounters: swimming with wild dolphins.

Australia's incredible beaches and islands

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*Product Disclaimer: Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator and were correct at the time of publishing on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

*Product Disclaimer: Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator and were correct at the time of publishing on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

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