Holidays in Australia are sure to include some breathtaking natural wonders, first-class cities and great bush-tucker. Visit the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Harbour and the red rock Uluru, and make sure you leave time to relax on one of the stunning sandy beaches.
If you don’t feel up to checking out all 10,000 beaches, here’s our shortlist of Top 10 beaches in Australia to narrow down the options!
1. Vivonne beach, SA
Vivonne Beach on Kangaroo Island is the best beach in Australia, at least according to a study by the University of Sydney. The beach is popular for surfing or you can fish from the jetty, relax on the beautiful sandy beach or go snorkeling in the clear blue water. Situated on an island known for its wildlife, views of the surrounding bushland make this the jewel in the crown of Australia’s beaches.
2. Whitehaven, NQ
Located on the idyllic Whitsunday Island, the 7km-long beach at Whitehaven is one of the most photographed in Australia. White sands lined with leaning palm trees are lapped by aquamarine waters. No wonder this stunning top beach is frequently used in tourism ads!
3. Lake McKenzie, NQ
Another scenic beach which frequently features on travel brochures is Lake McKenzie Beach on Fraser Island. Reached at the end of a 4WD trail, visitors emerge from the rainforest and are rewarded by the stunning sight of the gorgeous white sand beach and cobalt blue waters.
4. Byron Bay, NSW
Byron Bay is a popular beach with locals and visitors alike since being voted one of the Top Sexiest Beaches in the World by Forbes Traveller. The warm turquoise waters and teeming with swimmers and surfers during the summer, and the party goes on long after dark.
5. Wineglass Bay, Tasmania
How can you fail to fall in love with a beach with some of delightful name? Located on Tasmania’s East Coast, this beach is a wonderful end to a one-hour walk. Nicknamed the most beautiful spot on a beautiful island, this picture-perfect beach has pristine sands with a backdrop of green hills and dolphins frolicking in the bay.
6. Coral Bay, WA
Close to Exmouth, Coral Bay is a nature-lover’s paradise where you can share the waters with whale sharks, manta rays, turtles and shoals of gorgeous coloured fish and corals. Best of all, the reef comes almost to the water’s edge making it very easy to wade in and snorkel with some amazing marine life. Did I mention the beach is pretty too?
7. Hyams Beach, NSW
If you want whiter-then-white sand, head down to Hyams Beach near Jervis Bay. The ocean moves slowly and rhythmically making this the perfect beach to relax and snooze or take a romantic stroll. The secluded coves are perfect for swimming and sunbathing, with only the odd dolphin for company.
8. Mission Beach, NQ
Located on the quiet coast on North Queensland 86 miles south of Cairns, Mission Beach is where golden sands are all that separate the World Heritage rainforest from the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy sunbathing in glorious sunshine or take a boat across to beautiful Dunk Island. From October to June the ocean is wonderfully warm but you should swim within the stinger nets to avoid possible contact with jellyfish.
9. Cable Beach, WA
Great for swimming and exploring rock pools, Cable Beach at Broome is famous for its stunning sunsets over the ocean. It makes a great photo op as camel-rides are offered at sunset across the sands. Witness the monthly Staircase to the Moon, a natural phenomenon when the full moon reflects on the rippled mudflats at low tide giving the illusion of a staircase of tiny steps to the moon on the horizon.
10. Surfer’s Paradise, Gold Coast
Last but not least, those looking for the perfect wave should bring their surfboards down to this aptly named Surfer’s Paradise Beach. This is one of the most popular destinations for Aussies to spend their time off. After spending the day lying on the beach or surfing, the bars and nightlife jump to life once the sun goes down.
Choosing 10 beaches in Australia was a tough call, and there are plenty of also-rans. Feel free to let us know which your favourite beach is in Australia, and why!
