Australia’s best beaches

Lucky Bay

Down in Western Australia’s southwest corner, Lucky Bay is a stunningly beautiful crescent of white sand and turquoise water, sitting untouched within the protection of Cape Le Grand National Park. Views of the islands of the Recherche Archipelago, and sharing the beach with sunbaking kangaroos, make a trip to Lucky Bay an unforgettable experience.

Cable Beach

In Broome, located on the northern border of Western Australia, you’ll find Cable Beach. This beach is famous for its 22 kilometres (14 miles) of soft white sand, where visitors can enjoy the serene surrounds and calm blue water. Cable Beach is also known for its camel trains, where guests traverse the beach on the backs of camels for a memorable way to watch one of Western Australia’s epic sunsets.

East Point Reserve

The Northern Territory is known for its remarkable red dirt, but it also boasts some beautiful beaches. While many of the state’s beaches aren’t recommended for swimming because of their marine life, you’ll find a lovely saltwater lake at East Point Reserve, located just 15 minutes from Darwin. Lake Alexander is a popular spot for paddleboarding and swimming as well as beachside yoga and reading. Nearby, you’ll find a paved nature walk that takes you along the coastal cliffs.

Wagait Beach

On the opposite side of Darwin’s harbour, you’ll find Wagait Beach. The quiet, secluded beach is often considered one of Darwin’s local secrets, offering stretches of sand and green forest walks. Wagait Beach is a 90-minute drive or 15-minute ferry from Darwin.

Glenelg

Glenelg is perhaps Adelaide’s favourite family-friendly beach. Here, you’ll find a tree-lined beach with calm, blue waters. Take a walk down the nearby Jetty Road to find busy cafes and bustling shops.

Sellicks Beach

Near the relaxed wine country of McLaren Vale you’ll find beaches that seem to stretch forever. Spend a morning at Sellicks Beach where you can swim, surf and fish. Or take a drive over to Goolwa Beach to spot dolphins from the sand, cast a line out in the water or dig for cockles with your feet.

Stokes Bay

If you’re keen to get out of the city, don’t miss the incredible experiences at Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island, about 3.5 hours from Adelaide. Stokes Bay Beach may have an unusual entrance through a natural rock tunnel, but visitors are rewarded with a secluded stretch of stunning white sand. But the scenery isn’t all you’ll enjoy at Stokes Bay. Atop the grassy cliff, you’ll often find kangaroos enjoying a meal. Stay at the Waves & Wildlife Cottages to see native wildlife right outside your door.

Gunyah Beach

Gunyah Beach, located on the Eyre Peninsula, is known for its spectacular surfing, showcasing some of Australia’s biggest rips. But the surf isn’t the only thing that makes this beach famous. Just off the beach lies the amazing Gunyah sand dunes, which stretch as far as you can see.

Cape Hillsborough

About 1.5 hours south of the Whitsundays lies a beach with bountiful wildlife. Cape Hillsborough plays host to kangaroos and wallabies each day at sunrise, when the sand reflects the golden sky. Wake up early and bring your camera to capture the spectacle.

Burleigh Heads Beach

The Gold Coast, just over an hour south of Brisbane, is another hot spot for beautiful beaches. Burleigh Heads Beach, simply called Burleigh by the locals, is a favourite for a surf, swim and barbecue. Find calm, sheltered waters just out from the sand, or great surf waves when you move to the other side of the seaside cliffs. Step off the sand to find a shady spot for a picnic or barbecue.

For a beach experience of the adventurous sort, start off in Noosa and spend four days on The Great Beach Drive. Along the way you will take your 4WD on the sands of Rainbow Beach and Fraser Island as you spot whales, dolphins and even dingoes en route.

Palm Beach

Drive along the coast north from Sydney and you’ll find a chain of beaches aptly named the Northern Beaches. Palm Beach, located just over an hour from Sydney, is known for its clean golden sand and great bush walks. Beyond the beach, you can play a few holes at Palm Beach Golf Club, take a Hidden Treasures cultural tour or dine at acclaimed restaurants like Jonah’s.

Main Beach

In New South Wales’ beachy city of Byron Bay, you’ll find several world-class beaches. Main Beach stretches straight out from the town, offering soft golden sand and crystal clear water. Other local favourites include Wategos Beach and Seven Mile Beach.

Coalcliff Beach

If you’re headed south along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive, don’t miss Coalcliff Beach in Wollongong, less than two hours from Sydney. Surrounded by rocks and cliffs, the beach is a great spot for swimming, surfing and fishing. Head to the southern tip of the beach to find a calm saltwater pool perfect for a relaxing dip. Coalcliff faces east, so arrive at sunrise to witness some spectacular colours reflected on the water.

South Broulee Beach

Huskisson is also a frequented area where you can find stunning white sand beaches perfect for spotting dolphins from shore. South Broulee Beach offers nearby sand dunes that are great for a picnic, while Guerilla Bay provides sheltered waters, dramatic rock cliffs and a secluded spot of sand.

Ninety Mile Beach

Further from the city, escape to secluded beaches in Gippsland, a region in southeast Victoria boasting forests, mountains, rivers and villages. One of the most stunning beaches in Gippsland is Ninety Mile Beach, a 145-kilometre (90-mile) stretch of sand that separates the Gippsland Lakes from the Bass Strait. Meander down the coastline, keeping an eye out for dolphins and whales that may pass by.

Bells Beach

If you’re driving Victoria’s striking Great Ocean Road, you’ll pass one of the state’s best surf beaches. Bells Beach, located an hour and a half from Melbourne, is the arena for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, which draws some of the most impressive surfers from around the world. The beach is enveloped by rock cliffs, giving visitors a sweeping view of the sand below.

Wineglass Bay

Wineglass Bay is one of Tasmania’s most famous beaches, and it won’t take long for you to discover why. Located about 2.5 hours from Hobart among the wild beauty of Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay is a perfectly curved expanse of white sand bordered by incredibly clear blue water. Although you can walk to the beach itself, one of the most beautiful ways to enjoy the beach is from a lookout above the bay. Set off on the 3-kilometre (1.9-mile) return hike from the Wineglass Bay carpark to see the vibrant colours from a new perspective.

Bay of Fires

Some of the most unique beaches you’ll find in Australia lie within Tasmania’s Bay of Fires, located a 2.5-hour drive from Launceston. Famous for its brilliant white beaches, turquoise water and bright orange rocks, the Bay of Fires is as stunning as it is secluded. Nearly 30 kilometres (18 miles) of white sand stretches the coast. Head to Binalong Bay to dive into the crystal sea.