Australia has some pretty amazing beaches. We’re talking about over 25,000 kilometres of coastline with beaches that will blow your mind.
From super white sand that looks like it came from a fairy tale to waves that surfers dream about, Australia’s got it all.
You might be wondering which beaches are actually worth your time. Well, you’re in luck. We’ve put together a list of the best beaches in Australia that locals love and tourists can’t stop talking about.
These aren’t just pretty spots to take photos – they’re places where you can swim, surf, relax, and have the time of your life.
Some of these beaches are perfect if you have kids. Others are great for people who want to catch some waves. Some are so beautiful, they feel unreal. Let’s explore what makes these 15 beaches truly special.
Discover the 15 Best Beaches in Australia
1. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland
Known for: Soft white sand and clear turquoise waves
The Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach is one of the cleanest beaches in the world, and the brightest. The sand is whiter than it should be, yet it is all real.
You can go there either by boat or helicopter, which may sound modern, but in fact, it is not that costly when you have a look around.
Many visitors say this is the most beautiful beach they have ever seen. It is easy to understand why when you see the white sand and blue water blending.
2. Bondi Beach, New South Wales
Known for: Surf culture and colourful beach life
Bondi Beach is likely to be the most well-known beach in Australia, and with reason. This golden sand beach is only 7 kilometres away in the city centre of Sydney, and it is a popular place among locals and tourists who have been visiting it for more than a century.
The beach is also ideal for swimming, and lifeguards are on duty throughout the year. The surf culture is also known in Bondi. Surf lessons can be taken here, or you can just sit and watch competent surfers paddling.
Another mandatory activity is the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, which has amazing scenery of the coastline.
You can spend a day at the bondi beach, and then you can go to the various cafes, restaurants, and shops along Campbell Parade.
3. Hyams Beach, New South Wales
Known for: World’s whitest sand and calm, family-friendly waters
It is due to its unique sand that Hyams Beach has always been listed among the whitest in Australia. Hyams Beach has been referred to as having one of the whitest sands in the world.
This beach is at Jervis Bay, around three hours south of Sydney, and it is a quieter alternative to the busier city beaches.
The sand is so white that it nearly looks like snow, and this makes the bright blue water a great contrast. This is a sheltered bay and the water is therefore normally good to swim, snorkel and kayak.
The children can play freely in the shallow waters, and the parents sit on the soft sand, which is why families love this beach.
4. Cottesloe Beach, Western Australia
Known for: Stunning sunsets and clear Indian Ocean waters
Cottesloe Beach happens to be the most popular beach in Perth, and so you can understand why. It is a pretty white sandy beach that borders the Indian Ocean and some of the most breathtaking sunsets in Australia. It is an ideal place to swim, and the waters are secured by a reef.
The good thing about swimming is that there is a reef that keeps the big waves off. Heaps of shade from the big pine trees, too. This year, they had this art thing in which they set sculptures on the beach, which is quite cool to see.
5. Bells Beach, Victoria
Known for: World-class surfing and rugged coastal scenery
Bells Beach is a famous surfing spot in Victoria, about 100 kilometres southwest of Melbourne. It is known for its big waves and stunning cliffs.
In 2024, Lonely Planet ranked it as the best surf beach in Australia. Every Easter, the Rip Curl Pro, the world’s longest-running surf contest, takes place here.
You will be amazed to see professional surfers on the big waves here, even if you are not a surfer. The bells beach has a scenic bushland, and the cliff walk to the sand further increases the adventure.
6. Vivonne Bay Beach, South Australia
Known for: Pristine wilderness and diverse marine life
Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island is often called one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. This quiet beach shows the coastline in its most natural form, with long stretches of sand, dunes, and native plants.
The area is full of wildlife. You might see kangaroos on the beach, echidnas in the dunes, or dolphins in the waves.
The clear water is perfect for swimming, and the beach stays peaceful since Kangaroo Island is away from busy main roads. Vivonne Bay is a beautiful and unique place to enjoy nature.
7. Maroubra Beach, New South Wales
Known for: Excellent surfing conditions and local beach culture
Sydney locals prefer to visit Maroubra Beach because they desire to avoid the tourist crowd. This is a long, golden sandy stretch with great surfing and a less-stressful feel than some of the better-known beaches throughout Sydney.
The beach is directed towards the southeast, and therefore, it receives good waves for surfing.
Maroubra is a very local community and has a surf competition and beach activities regularly. Surf lifesavers are guarding the beach, so swimming is safe.
Good amenities are also found in the area, such as parks, cafes, and stores located on Maroubra Bay Road.
8. Bronte Beach, New South Wales
Known for: Family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful park setting
Bronte is smaller than Bondi, but stocks all you require. The tranquility of the water, there is a large park just behind the beach with free barbecues, and playgrounds that kids can enjoy.
Here, parents are able to sit down and relax. And at one end is this cool rock pool where you can swim without having to deal with waves. The cafes are good too. It resembles a local beach, yet it is free to everyone.
9. Cabarita Beach, New South Wales
Known for: Consistent surf breaks and laid-back coastal town atmosphere
Cabarita Beach, in the most northern part of New South Wales, bordering Queensland, is a surfer’s dream. The beach has good year-round waves, which makes it ideal for learning how to surf or for experienced surfers.
The atmosphere of the town is relaxed, hippie, and appealing to visitors who would like to experience the beach in a more alternative manner.
The beach is several kilometres long and can hardly be crowded even in the high season. Surf schools are somewhat numerous, and the local community is extremely welcoming towards the visitors.
The surrounding town features organic cafes, yoga studios, and alternative health practitioners, which make it a distinctive part of Australian beach towns.
10. Dreamtime Beach, New South Wales
Known for: Secluded location and pristine natural beauty
Dreamtime Beach is a secret place that is situated in the south of Fingal Head on the New South Wales coast.
This is a remote beach that can only be approached by walking through bushland, and this aspect helps keep the beach quiet and peaceful. The beach is superbly surfing and has natural scenery.
The beauty of Dreamtime Beach is that it has an undisturbed natural habitat. This is a beach with little development and supported by a coastal forest.
This makes it ideal among the visitors who wish to have an experience of the coastline in Australia in its pure form. The water is clear and pure, ideal to swim and snorkel.
11. Culburra Beach, New South Wales
Known for: Long stretches of sand and excellent fishing opportunities
Culburra Beach is on the Shoalhaven Coast, about two and a half hours south of Sydney. The beach provides the sightseers with long white sandy beaches and very favorable conditions in which numerous water activities can be carried out.
The region is especially frequented by fishers due to its rich marine diversity. The beach faces east, which means it has good waves for surfing and bodyboarding. There are also a number of rock pools at low tide – these are fun for families to explore.
The town of Culburra Beach is laid back with a holiday mood and good facilities such as shops, restaurants, and accommodation options.
12. Coolum Beach, Queensland
Known for: Consistent surf and relaxed Sunshine Coast atmosphere
Coolum Beach is a favorite destination in Queensland- Sunshine coast. Its waves are constant throughout the year, and these are fun for all types of surfers. There are lifesavers around the beach, and visitors have access to good facilities.
There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops in the town. The old volcano of Mount Coolum, walking tracks, and spectacular views are located behind the beach.
Other Sunshine Coast attractions are also near Coolum Beach and hence make the place an ideal destination to stay when exploring the area.
13. Balmoral Beach, New South Wales
Known for: Calm harbor waters and upscale Sydney atmosphere
It is located in Sydney, on the North Shore, where Balmoral Beach has serene harbor scenery rather than the ocean waves. Its sheltered waters are excellent to swim, kayaking, and paddleboarding, and have beautiful sights of Sydney Harbor.
The neighbourhood is stylish with quality cafes and restaurants around it. It is also a leading neighbourhood in Sydney.
Visitors have the option of enjoying a historic sea bath and have a rest under tall Norfolk Pine trees. Balmoral Beach is an idyllic small beach to spend the day.
14. Lady Bay Beach, New South Wales
Known for: Clothing-optional beach and secluded harbor location
Lady Bay Beach is a small, quiet beach in Sydney Harbor, Watsons Bay. It is the only official clothing-free beach in Sydney, and visitors visit to get a natural beach experience.
Behind the cliffs, the beach is hidden, and it feels secret. It boasts of serene, clean water to swim in and stunning harbor scenery.
You access it with the help of a steep path, which keeps it calm and not full of people. Lady Bay Beach is ideal for people who desire to be relaxed and not on the hectic beaches of Sydney.
15. Wineglass Bay Beach, Tasmania
Known for: Stunning views and crystal-clear waters
Wineglass Bay is a famous beach in Freycinet National Park, Tasmania. It has white sand in a perfect curve and clear blue water, making it very popular for photos. People can swim, kayak, or walk to lookouts with great views.
You can see wildlife like wallabies and seabirds nearby. The park also has longer trails for more adventure. With its beauty, fun activities, and peaceful setting, Wineglass Bay is a special place to visit on Tasmania’s east coast.
Why These Beaches Are Special
These famous beaches in Australia aren’t just pretty – they’ve all got something that makes them special. Some have animals you won’t see anywhere else.
Others have waves that surfers dream about. And some are just so beautiful you could sit there all day and do nothing.
Many of these beaches are protected so they remain natural. You can see dolphins, whales, or seals. At night, there are even some small penguins on some beaches.
Planning Your Beach Adventure
When you’re considering a visit to the best beaches in Australia, work out what it is you want to do first. Some are great for families. Others are better for surfing or exploring Australia. A few require some planning to get there, but it’s worth it.
Do not forget sun protection like sunscreen, hats, and light clothes. The Australian sun is very strong in summer. Always swim only in areas marked by lifeguards. And check what the conditions are like before you go in the water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which beach in Australia has the whitest sand?
The whitest sand in the world is claimed to be found in Hyams Beach, New South Wales. Tourists are fond of its gentle white sand and clear water.
How many beaches are there in Australia?
The Australian coastline has an excess of over 11,000 beaches. Even in the event you found yourself on a new beach every day it would take you a span of 27 years before you had seen them.
Where can I find a map of the best beaches in Australia?
Online and at visitor centres, you can get maps that tell you the best beaches in Australia. These maps will assist in the planning of trips and the exploration of hidden gems of beaches.
What is the most famous beach in Australia?
The most renowned Australian beach is Bondi Beach in Sydney. It is famous because of its golden beaches, surfing culture, beach walk, and vibrant beach life.
Which beach is best for surfing in Australia?
Surfing at Bells Beach is very popular in Victoria. It contains international surf competitions and bears huge, strong waves that draw surfers from all parts of the globe.
Conclusion
Australia has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and no two are alike. From the famous Bondi Beach to the natural wonders of Vivonne Bay, there is something for everyone.
You can surf, swim with family, or explore quiet natural spots. These 15 beaches illustrate the reason Australia is a real beach paradise with unforgettable memories and endless adventures.
