Endless stretches of pristine white sand, views that match cutouts from the glossiest travel magazines, and a host of adventure activities – Australia’s beaches deliver on all fronts, and how! From snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef to spotting dolphins and whales in some of the most secluded beaches, the country’s coastline offers something for everyone. If you want to add more beaches or islands to your travel plans, you could even combine your Australia beach holiday with a trip to New Zealand or Fiji.
Australia is home to more than 10,000 beaches, and choosing which ones to visit can be overwhelming. Which is why we’ve curated our list of top ten beaches in the country. Read on, and let us know which ones catch your fancy.
75 Mile Beach
Not shockingly, 75 Mile Beach on K’gari (Fraser Island) is 75 miles (120 km) long. Sink your feet into the sand on this long and rugged beach or explore the region’s rainforests and freshwater lakes. While fishing is an all-year-round activity here, the season from August to October is special for the renowned Tailor Run, where enthusiasts from across the world congregate to catch tailor fish. The beach may not be a safe place to swim but you can catch a glimpse of the Maheno shipwreck, the striking volcanic rock formation of Indian Head, or enjoy a swim at Champagne Pools.
Whitehaven Beach
Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Islands, is known for its pristine environment and swirls of turquoise, blue and green water. It has been ranked among the world’s best beaches consistently. The seven-kilometre stretch of gorgeous white sand comprises 98 percent pure white silica, giving it a brilliant, near-luminescent white glow. The beach may be accessed from Hamilton via helicopter or seaplane.
Lizard Island
Lizard Island was given its name by British explorer James Cook, who passed through its shores in the late 18th century. It was deemed a sacred place by the Dingaal Aboriginal people, who referred to the island as Dyiigurra. Today, Lizard Island is known for a number of heritage sites, including Mrs Watson’s Cottage, a famous house ruin at Lizard Island National Park, Shire of Cook, Queensland. Hollywood star, Kate Hudson, once called the destination “the most romantic place on earth” and you can see why as you step on its incredible white sand beaches and take in the stunning ocean vistas.
Cable Beach
Cable Beach is named after the telegraph cable between Broome, Western Australia and Java, Indonesia. Its distinct white sand beach stretches for 22 kilometres along the eastern Indian Ocean. The Gantheaume Point, situated at the southernmost tip of the beach, provides an ideal vantage point to see dolphins and whales during the migratory seasons (May to November). During low tide, you may even spot dinosaur footprints dating back 130 million years on the rocks. Minyirr Park abuts the southern portion of the beach and is famous for walking trails behind red ochre dunes. Box jellyfish (stingers) may be present in the water between November and April, with swimmers being advised to exercise caution during that time. Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park is another star attraction here.
Wineglass Bay
A two-and-a-half hour drive from Hobart and Launceston on the east coast of Tasmania, Wineglass Bay is among the world’s most stunning beaches. Here, you’ll find pink granite mountains rising from the sea to form spectacular sheltered waterways. Visit the picturesque coastal town of Coles Bay and follow scenic hiking trails in Freycinet National Park. Bask in golden sunset views, or if you’re feeling adventurous, try fishing, kayaking or rock climbing.
Noosa
A beachside suburb located in Queensland, Noosa paints a pretty picture. With beautiful beaches, sparkling lakes and a verdant national park, Noosa promises a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. The foamy waves of the Noosa Beach are ideal for experienced as well as amateur surfers. Kayak through the Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglade systems in the world. The Noosa National Park presents a set of secluded beaches and walking trails. If you’re lucky, you might see dolphins and sea turtles swimming along the coast.
Elephant Cove
Situated in William Bay National Park, Denmark, Western Australia, Elephant Cove conjures a picture of an elephant herd frolicking in shallow coastal waters. The cape opens out to a magnificent view of the Elephant Rocks partially submerged in blue-green waters. Some of the most popular activities here include fishing, diving, bushwalking, snorkelling, canoeing and surfing. Between the months of June and October, you might spot migrating humpbacks and southern right whales. For camping enthusiasts, Parry Beach (on the western end of the national park) provides a dedicated area with toilets, solar-powered showers, barbecues, picnic spots and walking trails. Neighbouring Denmark has a host of wineries, bakeries, delicatessens and cafes to satiate your food and beverage cravings.
Turquoise Bay
Consistently ranked among the top three best beaches of the country, Turquoise Bay is a key highlight of Exmouth’s Cape Range National Park in Western Australia. The pristine waters of the Ningaloo Reef Lagoon beckon, with the coral gardens mere metres from the white sand of the bay. Snorkel in the waters to unearth its marine biodiversity in the form of bright reef fish, sea turtles, benign reef sharks and stingrays.
Hyams Beach
Hyams Beach in Shoalhaven, New South Wales, is bordered by Jervis Bay National Park to the north and Booderee National Park and Botanic Gardens to the south. The Jervis Bay park along with its encompassing trails and forests serve as additional attractions. The beaches and surrounding conservation park make it an ideal tourist spot for swimming, fishing, snorkelling, diving and whale watching (in the winter season). Hyams Beach is also renowned for bush and coastal walks that provide panoramic views of the bay. Keep your eyes peeled for birds such as the white-faced heron, the white-bellied sea eagle, the sooty oystercatcher and the little pied cormorant, among others that are endemic to the region.
Mandalay Beach
Named after the Norwegian shipwreck of 1911, Mandalay Beach in Western Australia is one of the region’s most stunning beaches. You could catch a glimpse of the Mandalay wreck if the choppy waters of the Southern Ocean are in low tide. The beach offers breathtaking views of Chatham Island and the surrounding waters. It is especially popular with anglers, who can expect to catch skippy, herring and whiting all year round. Multiple whale watching platforms are perched high on the limestone cliffs, and the best time to spot these majestic creatures is between September and June. Spend your time swimming, surfing, bird watching or bushwalking, and visit the D’Entrecasteaux National Park, while you’re here.
Plan Your Australia Beach Holiday
If you’ve been dreaming of a holiday in Australia, why not travel to some of its most scenic beaches? With rainforests, lakes, national parks and more, there’s much to do and see in the country’s rugged coastline. Reach out to our experts today and get one step closer to going on your dream holiday to Australia! We’re sure it’ll be one to remember.
Check out these sample itineraries
Western Australia Tour
Gold Coast Australia Holiday
Australian Wildlife Panorama
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