With over 10,000 beaches scattered around Australia’s immense coastline, the country certainly has more than its fair share of incredible beaches and exploring them all would take a lifetime.
While its fabulous beaches each have something unique to offer – whether it be sunset camel rides, whale-watching or scuba diving – they are united by their dazzlingly white sands and inviting warm waters.
In addition to the spectacular scenery at the beaches themselves, Australia is renowned for its amazing surf spots and, of course, the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef which lies just offshore.
With so much to see and do, Australia’s best beaches are a gateway to exploring all the sights that this amazing country has to offer.
10. Main Beach, Byron Bay[SEE MAP]
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole of Australia for locals and foreigners alike, Byron Bay is renowned for its fantastic surf spots, laidback, alternative lifestyle and beautiful beaches – with Main Beach being the diamond in the crown.
While ambling peacefully along the beach, you’ll come across people going through their fitness routines, swimming in the warm waters, or having barbecues upon the golden sands. It is a lively place with lots going on.
Byron Bay is a very trendy holiday spot, and there are many great restaurants and bars for visitors to choose from. You can also sample some of the local life by taking a yoga class or stopping by some of the little art galleries that can be found around town.
With whale-watching, longboarding and meditation classes also on offer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
9. Turquoise Bay, Exmouth[SEE MAP]
Due to its remote location in Cape Range National Park, aptly named Turquoise Bay’s bright white sands are pristine. It is the perfect place to kick back, relax and take in some rays.
The glittering turquoise waters are almost impossible to pass up. Swimming or splashing about in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean is a lovely way to spend the day, and you’ll hardly see another soul such is the secluded nature of this part of Western Australia.
The beautiful Ningaloo Reef lies just offshore, and snorkeling above its colorful coral reefs and multitude of fish is a fantastic experience. One of the best things to do at Turquoise Bay is to plunge into the inviting waters at the southern end of the beach and float with the current to the northern end, gazing at all of the incredible marine life below as you go.
8. Bell's Beach, Great Ocean Road[SEE MAP]
If surfing is what you’re after, look no further: Bell’s Beach is where you want to head to. Lying on the Great Ocean Road that stretches along Australia’s southeastern coastline, this beautiful beach is renowned for its incredible surfing. Huge waves pound the shoreline, and every year, it plays host to the famous Rip Curl Pro surfing contest, where the victor wins the prestigious ‘Bell’ trophy.
As such, Bell’s Beach is one of the main places in Australia that surfers head to. The rugged cliffs overlooking its wild waters make for an impressive setting. While it is certainly a surfer’s paradise, just as many people come to lounge on its golden sands. Its proximity to Melbourne makes it a popular day trip with people looking to escape the city.
7. Noosa Main Beach[SEE MAP]
One of the most popular beaches on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Noosa Main Beach certainly has a lot to offer and is a very family friendly holiday destination. Its golden sands are bordered by delightful palm trees, which themselves look out over inviting turquoise waters perfect for swimming and bathing in.
While the scenery is breathtaking, the town of Noosa Heads also has loads going for it; there are more than enough restaurants, bars and accommodation options for visitors to choose from. As well as the fantastic amenities, the town also lies right next to Noosa National Park, where you can see koalas in their natural habitat.
Noosa Main Beach has long been a popular tourist destination and is also well known for its array of great surf spots, with Noosa Heads hosting the Noosa Festival of Surfing every year.
6. Bondi Beach, Sydney[SEE MAP]
Famed around the world, visiting Bondi Beach is a must when in Australia, as it offers up a quintessential Ozzie experience. While it is perhaps not the best beach in the country and does get very crowded, it is iconic for a reason; the spectacular scenery, laidback vibe, and eclectic beachgoers combine to make it a charming and welcoming place.
Located just a short trip from the center of Sydney, the area around Bondi Beach is just as enjoyable to visit. There is tons going on and loads of trendy bars, fashionable restaurants, and cute cafes.
With its golden sands, great surf spots and accepting atmosphere, Bondi Beach is an Australian gem.
See also: Where to Stay in Sydney
5. Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay[SEE MAP]
Lying just three hours south of Sydney, Hyams Beach is yet another of Australia’s fantastic beaches. It is a very popular place to visit, which means it can get a bit crowded during the high season.
Protected by the huge Jervis Bay, the beach is excellent for swimming. You can also go whale-watching, and fishing if you feel like it, while the white sands make Hyams Beach as picture-perfect as they come.
The seaside resort town makes for a great getaway if you want to escape Sydney for the weekend, and there are some lovely walks to be had in the nearby nature parks.
4. Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas, Port Douglas[SEE MAP]
Port Douglas and its beautiful Four Mile Beach are the complete package when it comes to holiday destinations. The Great Barrier Reef lies just offshore, the incredible wilderness of Daintree National Park is just a stone’s throw away, and some of the nation’s best beaches are scattered along its coastline. It is the real deal.
In addition to all of this, visitors have a wealth of activities to choose from, with kitesurfing, scuba diving and sailing all proving to be particularly popular. Its lively town also has a plethora of fantastic bars, restaurants and accommodation options.
Even amongst all the natural wonders on show, Four Mile Beach still manages to hold its own – the beach is absolutely stunning.
3. Cape Tribulation, Daintree National Park[SEE MAP]
Located on Australia’s northeastern coastline, Cape Tribulation’s wild and remote location means that its fabulous beach is often deserted, so visitors can enjoy its white sands in peace. With a population of fewer than 500 people, it is a quiet and laidback place to visit and feels a world away from Queensland’s more popular beaches.
Since it is located within the Daintree National Park, there are loads of fantastic treks you can do into the rainforest. While hiking through the splendid scenery, you’re sure to catch a glimpse of some of the abundant wildlife. In addition to this, you can also go mountain biking or horseback riding amidst the dense foliage, and even take a tour to see the local crocodile population.
Although many people head to Cape Tribulation for its fantastic beach and natural setting, its main draw is the world-famous Great Barrier Reef that lies just offshore. The rich marine life and incredible reefs can be visited by boat from the town; snorkeling above the shimmering shoals of fish and graceful turtles is an amazing experience.
2. Cable Beach, Broome[SEE MAP]
Stretching for over twenty kilometers, Cable Beach is gorgeous. Its dazzlingly white sands look incredible contrasted against the deep blue water. It’s no surprise that it is regularly voted amongst the best beaches in Australia.
Despite its picturesque appearance, Cable Beach receives relatively few visitors; this may be because it is quite far away from Australia’s main population centers. In any case, it is a lovely beach to chill out on. It is also home to one of the country’s most famous nudist beaches if you want that perfect all-over tan.
While swimming in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean is delightful, be sure to first check with locals that it isn’t box jellyfish season before diving in. If you visit at the right time of year, you may catch a glimpse of dolphins or whales passing just offshore.
With its peaceful, laidback vibe, Cable Beach is well worth visiting. Taking a camel ride along the endless sands while watching the sun go down is just one of the highlights on offer.
1. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays[SEE MAP]
Stunning to behold, Whitehaven Beach is without a doubt one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia and is regularly voted amongst the best in the world. As such, it definitely warrants a visit.
Located on the largest island in the Whitsundays Island chain, it is as idyllic; the views of the beach from the surrounding hills are astounding. With the purest sand in the world, the beach is blindingly white, and exploring its interesting landscape made up of little coves and lagoons is a delightful way to spend the day.
To get to Whitehaven Beach, you can take a boat tour from Airlie Beach on mainland Australia. You will need to bring any food or drink you want for the day with you, as there is nothing to be found on the island. In addition to the wonderful scenery, there is some great snorkeling to be had at the numerous coral reefs that border its white sands.
You possibly haven’t seen the beautiful Birubi Beach, Port Stephens, NSW, only 2.5 hours drive from the city of Sydney with no crocodiles or box jelly fish.