Australia‘s beaches offer something for everyone.
You can find a secluded place to relax, an exciting beach to surf, and everything in between.
Couples, families, and individuals make their way to the beach each year to enjoy the sand and surf.
Native Australians have a very strong beach culture that’s perfectly in keeping with their laid-back attitude.
If you are planning to visit The Land Down Under, check out these beaches you shouldn’t miss.
Contents
- The 12 Best Beaches in Australia
- 1. Vivonne Bay Beach, South Australia
- 2. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland
- 3. Wineglass Bay, Tasmania
- 4. Cable Beach, North Australia
- 5. Hyams Beach, New South Wales
- 6. Lucky Bay, Western Australia
- 7. Turquoise Bay, Western Australia
- 8. Bells Beach, Victoria
- 9. Twilight Bay, Western Australia
- 10. Noosa Heads Main Beach, Queensland
- 11. Bondi Beach, New South Wales
- 12. Cottlesoe Beach, Western Australia
- Australia Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
The 12 Best Beaches in Australia
1. Vivonne Bay Beach, South Australia
Vivonne Bay Beach makes the list because it offers cleanliness, privacy, and clear waters.
It’s located on the southern end of Kangaroo Island in South Australia.
You can enjoy sunbathing, picnics, and surfing.
There’s also plenty of fish in the waters.
You’ll encounter numerous boats at the jetty heading out in the morning and returning with a catch of crayfish throughout the day.
2. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland
Whitehaven Beach is located on Queensland’s Whitsunday Island.
The island is on the Great Barrier Reef.
In 2021, the beach was voted the #1 Best of the Best Beaches in the World by Tripadvisor.
Whitehaven is known as the cleanest beach in Queensland and is one of the most pristine in Australia because it’s in the Whitsunday Islands National Park.
You’ll find 7 kilometers of some of the whitest natural sand in the world because Whitehaven sand is 98% silica.
This gives it a brilliant white appearance.
It’s complemented by swirls of turquoise, blue, and green water.
3. Wineglass Bay, Tasmania
If you are looking for a Tasmanian adventure, you should visit Wineglass Bay.
The beach is part of the Freycinit Peninsula and near Coles Bay.
You’ll find accommodations ranging from camping to luxury resorts in Coles Bay.
It’s a short walk to the beautiful pristine beach of Wineglass Bay, which takes about 2 hours.
However, longer adventures are available and can take up to 4 days to complete.
If you want a more leisurely experience, you can take a short cruise to the bay.
It’s surrounded by pink granite mountains, known as The Hazards, and features sparkling white sands.
4. Cable Beach, North Australia
Cable Beach is located in North Australia, on the Indian Ocean.
You’ll find red ocher cliffs, luminous white sands, and strong tides.
Deck chairs and umbrellas are available for rent, and the beach isn’t crowded, even during the peak season.
The beach offers breathtaking sunsets.
You’ll find perfect photo opportunities as the sky lights up purple, gold, and red while the sun sinks.
Cable Beach is world famous for its camel rides.
Join the camel caravan for a unique view of the beach, and enjoy the uncommon experience.
In addition to the beach, you’ll encounter dunes and bush areas that you can hike.
5. Hyams Beach, New South Wales
Hyams Beach is located on the southern coast of Australia, in New South Wales.
The beach is part of the Jervis Bay Marine Park.
The beach features white sand and calm turquoise waters.
You can enjoy relaxing on the beach, or snorkeling in the gentle waters.
It’s a great spot for nature lovers.
You’ll find bottlenose dolphins, penguins, and whales in the water.
Take a hike through the park to see a multitude of birds, including rosellas.
6. Lucky Bay, Western Australia
Lucky Bay is a popular destination for tourists.
It’s located in Western Australia and is part of the Cape Le Grand National Park.
The beach features what many believe is the whitest sand in Australia, along with turquoise waters that are crystal clear.
The calm waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing.
Camping is allowed at the Lucky Bay Campground.
Adventurous hikers can take the 20-kilometer walk to the bay.
You will likely encounter kangaroos and dolphins along the way.
There are also many smaller trails that you can enjoy.
7. Turquoise Bay, Western Australia
Turquoise Bay is located in Western Australia, near Exmouth.
Tripadvisor named the beach #1 in the South Pacific, and #3 in the world in the 2022 Traveler’s Choice awards.
The Ningaloo Reef is located a few meters from the shore.
Moderate to strong swimmers can enjoy snorkeling, but weak swimmers are advised not to attempt it due to the moderate to strong currents you may encounter.
Simply drift out to the reef and enjoy the view.
8. Bells Beach, Victoria
Bells Beach is located on the southern Victorian coast.
It’s well known for surfing and hosts the Rip Curl Pro event each year.
The event brings surfers from around the world.
It’s part of the World Tour, which is the oldest surfing competition in the world.
While many visit the beach for its stellar surfing, you can also enjoy it without a board.
Inexperienced surfers should steer clear of the water.
However, you can fish, enjoy the local wildlife, or watch expert surfers from the incredible clifftop view.
9. Twilight Bay, Western Australia
Twilight Bay is near Lucky Bay. Esperance is only 10 minutes from Twilight Beach, making it closer than other beaches in the area.
At high tide, you can enjoy a swim to the granite island just off the beach, and dive back into the water.
At low tide, you can stroll on the sandbar.
Esperance has experienced some fatal shark attacks in recent years, which may leave you hesitant to get into the water.
However, Goldfields Surf Life Saving Club monitors the beach every weekend, so you are in good hands.
The Goldfields Surf Life Saving Club has stated that Twilight Beach is considered the safest in the area.
Beachgoers can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, fishing, cricket, or simply lounging on the beach.
The water is very clear and calm, making it a great destination for families and inexperienced swimmers, and snorkelers.
10. Noosa Heads Main Beach, Queensland
Noosa Heads Main Beach, as the name suggests, is the main beach in the town of Noosa, Queensland.
It’s a popular tourist destination and for good reason.
It’s one of a handful of north-facing beaches on the continent, which offers calm clear waters.
The beach is bordered by the Coral Sea. On the other side, you’ll find Noosa National Park.
The golden sands and gentle blue waters offer a great experience for families.
Adventurous souls can venture into the open water, and swim to the National Park Headquarters.
You’ll find everything from bar fare to fine dining along the boardwalk, as well as 5-star accommodations.
11. Bondi Beach, New South Wales
Bondi Beach is located in New South Wales, in East Sydney.
It’s one of the best-known beaches in Australia.
You’ll find unique events happening year-round, including the Festival of Winds in September, and a farmer’s market each Saturday.
It’s family-friendly, with lifeguards on duty every day.
There’s also a children’s pool at the southern end of the beach.
There are plenty of amenities, including cafes, beachside bars, and shopping.
You can enjoy picnics, swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
You can even learn to surf at the beach by attending an accredited surf school.
The beach features golden sands and bright blue waters.
If you enjoy hiking, you can take the Bondi to Coogee Walk.
It’s 6 kilometers long and typically takes about 2 hours.
However, you can stop at a cafe along the way for a refreshing drink.
12. Cottlesoe Beach, Western Australia
Cottesloe Beach is on the Indian Ocean, in Perth, Western Australia.
You’ll find shade underneath Norfolk Pines, which is a rarity at Australian beaches.
You’ll also find luxurious green grass, which can give you a break from the hot sand of the beachfront.
The white sands and clear azure waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
In March, you can check out Sculpture by the Sea.
This free event features sculptures from local artists, peppered along the beach.
Surfing is very popular at Cottlesoe.
It’s considered the birthplace of surfing.
It features areas for new and experienced surfers.
Australia Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Australia Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to swim at Australian beaches?
Most beaches in Australia offer safe swimming.
Some waters do have strong currents and aren’t recommended if you aren’t a strong swimmer.
Many beaches have lifeguards, who can update you on the conditions.
Other beaches may only have signs, so pay close attention to these.
Can you swim at Sydney beaches?
Unfortunately, ocean Sydney is often unsuitable for swimming due to pollution.
Before diving in, check for debris and water discoloration.
What should I know before visiting an Australian beach?
Follow all signs and the advice of any lifeguards.
Stay within the flags.
This is the area that is patrolled and considered safe.
Stay on patrolled beaches, particularly if you are a tourist or not a strong swimmer.
Most beaches are free, but you can rent beach chairs and other equipment.
Coin-operated barbecues are also common.
Why are Australian beaches so popular?
Australian beaches are popular due to their natural beauty.
Most feature white fine sand, thanks to the high silica content, and crystal clear blue or turquoise waters.
The beaches are typically pristine and very clean as well.
