Top 12 Stunning Beaches to Visit in Australia

With a remarkable 60,000km (37,282 miles) of coastline, selecting a single favorite among Australia’s approximately 12,000 beaches poses an almost insurmountable challenge.

Nonetheless, this extensive range provides ample options. Whether your inclination is towards snorkeling, surfing, seeking respite from crowds, or simply enjoying a refreshing dip, Australia offers the ideal stretch of sand waiting for discovery.

Presented below are 12 of our most recommended beaches from coast to coast.

1. Bells Beach, Victoria

Premier beach for surfing

Located on the southern coast of Victoria within the Great Ocean Road region, surfers assemble in the beach parking area, arms folded and sunglasses in place, observing the waves as they crash around the point. Some decide to leave, while others anticipate the arrival of the right waves. As the tides fluctuate, a few take their boards and descend the weather-worn steps to paddle out at one of Australia’s premier surf breaks: Bells Beach.

There are no swimmers present—only the clifftop bluffs where enthusiasts gather, eager to witness Australia’s finest surfing break and those who navigate it.

Planning advice: The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach competitive surfing event occurs annually during the Easter holiday period. Reservations should be made well in advance to ensure accommodation availability.

2. Lucky Bay, Western Australia

Ideal beach for observing kangaroos

Most visitors find it hard to believe until they witness it: kangaroos leaping along a pristine white sand beach. Located a short drive from Esperance, Lucky Bay presents an iconic slice of Australian culture. Early risers awakened at dawn experience Lucky Bay at its finest. With minimal visitors, early mornings reveal heightened kangaroo activity. Moreover, the stunning turquoise waters offer a refreshing alternative to a shower.

Planning advice: Access is available solely via 4WD; caution is advised to prevent getting stuck in the fine white sand.

3. Mindil Beach, Northern Territory

Best location for sunsets in Australia

As the sweltering heat of the Top End subsides in the late afternoon, locals, travelers, and tourists converge at Darwin’s Mindil Beach for the sunset markets. Here, visitors explore arts and crafts stalls, while locals pick up take-out meals before heading to the beach. During low tide, families stroll along the exposed sand flats; conversely, during high tide, they position themselves on the sand dune overlooking the water, watching the sun descend into the Timor Sea.

Planning advice: The markets operate from 4 pm to 9 pm on Thursdays and Sundays during the dry season (late April to late October).

4. The Pass, New South Wales

Ideal beach lookout

Renowned for its long rolling waves, Byron Bay’s The Pass has been a cherished surfing location since the sport was introduced in Australia in the early 1900s. Proceed down the boat ramp and pass the ancient shell midden, where generations of Indigenous families once shared the seafood caught on this beach. Cross over to the lookout; a dedicated platform overlooks the bay towards Wollumbin/Mt Warning. This spot is perfect for spotting dolphins and whales, while surfers can also assess if the waves are less crowded compared to the nearby Watego’s.

Local advice: Visit The Pass at sunset when the crowds subside, allowing you to enjoy the view of the sun setting behind Wollumbin/Mt Warning.

5. Bondi Beach, New South Wales

Ideal beach for observing people

At one of Australia’s most recognized beaches, families establish their spot at the northern end known as Cozy Corner. Day-trippers and backpackers occupy the center area. Surfers dominate the southern end, while lifeguards in beach buggies oversee the activity, occasionally accompanied by a camera crew filming the TV series Bondi Rescue. Despite its overexposure, hype, and bustling atmosphere, Bondi Beach remains a vibrant location where outdoor living thrives, captivating all who visit with its appealing lifestyle.

Planning advice: Bondi is one of the busiest beaches in Australia; however, it is important to be aware of the dangerous rip currents. Always swim between the designated flags.

6. Shelly Beach, New South Wales

Optimal beach for snorkeling

Just a short distance from Sydney’s Manly Beach lies the expansive Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, covering 20 hectares (49 acres), where visitors have the opportunity to encounter seahorses, tropical fish, and even the elusive green sea turtles. This shallow and protected swimming area near Shelly Beach offers an inviting space for snorkelers, divers, and families.

Planning advice: Parking is limited near Shelly Beach; consider taking the ferry to Manly, from where a manageable 1 km (0.6 mile) walk along the waterfront leads directly to Shelly Beach.

7. Tangalooma Beach, Queensland

Top beach for exploring shipwrecks

Equip yourself with fins and a mask and gently glide towards the 15 shipwrecks located just 30 m (98 ft) offshore at Tangalooma Beach. Found on Moreton Island in Queensland, these vessels were intentionally sunk in the 1960s to create a protective anchorage. At dusk, a family of dolphins frequently visits the jetty, and at night, the waters surrounding the shipwrecks exhibit a blue glow from bioluminescence.

Planning advice: Tangalooma Island Resort is one of the few locations in Australia where wild dolphins can be fed, yet this experience requires prior arrangements. While it is strictly regulated, the practice has faced criticism as it can disrupt the dolphins’ natural feeding behaviors. Visitors should refrain from attempting to touch or pat the dolphins.

8. 75-Mile Beach, Queensland

Premier beach for off-road driving

This represents perhaps Australia’s most distinctive highway; a wide, desolate expanse of beach extending along the island of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). The haunting beauty of 75-Mile Beach captivates visitors. The rusting remains of a shipwreck serve as a navigational landmark along the shore, while the tide influences daily travel limits. Here, one can experience the ocean fizzing at Champagne Pools—natural spa baths—as well as enjoy the soothing sounds of the wild ocean, only to wake up to discover dingo tracks around the camp.

Planning advice: Swimming in the turbulent ocean along 75-Mile Beach is not advisable. Instead, consider visiting the freshwater Eli Creek located midway along the beach.

9. Brighton Beach, Victoria

Top beach for historical experiences

Located a mere thirty minutes from central Melbourne lies one of Australia’s most iconic beach scenes at Brighton Beach, characterized by a row of vividly colored historic bathing boxes. The excitement of summer is palpable as the doors of the bathing boxes swing open, while nearby children play in the sand with buckets and spades. Despite its trendy reputation on social media, Brighton Beach is fundamentally about enjoying the simple pleasures of a seaside day.

Planning advice: Brighton Beach is conveniently accessible via public transport. Simply take the Sandringham line from Melbourne directly to Middle Brighton Train Station.

10. Stokes Bay, South Australia

Hidden beach gem

Visitors, towels and flip-flops in hand, wade into the shallow waters, following the guiding arrows and their sense of adventure as they navigate through rocky terrain. Gliding past boulders, ducking beneath low-lying cliffs, and squeezing through narrow crevices, they finally reach Stokes Bay. This secluded beach escapes the world’s gaze—or at the very least, from the roadside—at the northern end of Kangaroo Island. It embodies an untouched, idyllic retreat.

Planning advice: Time your visit during low tide and remain mindful of sea conditions for safety.

11. Wineglass Bay, Tasmania

Best beach accessible via hike

Reaching Wineglass Bay, one of Tasmania’s most photographed beaches, requires some effort. Navigate down 9km (5.6 miles) of gravel road, fasten your hiking boots, and embark on a journey through the bush until you arrive at the pink granite formations situated between Mt Amos and Mt Mayson. From this vantage point, you will acquire the most spectacular view of Wineglass Bay, a postcard-perfect crescent of white sand. The beach, once reached at sea level, is equally delightful, accessible by descending a series of about 1000 stairs.

Planning advice: Prefer a leisurely approach? Consider a scenic cruise from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay instead.

12. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland

Australia’s most picturesque beach

When observed from a distance, the Whitsundays’ Whitehaven Beach undeniably captivates with its glimmer. The inlet’s creamy blue water transforms with the tides, enchanting all who approach. Yachts anchor; seaplanes touch down on the waves; pleasure boats ease onto the shore; and crowds disperse onto the sandy expanse. Underfoot, the white silica sand produces a gentle squeak, almost as if protesting the disturbance to this pristine location.

Planning advice: The journey to Whitehaven may be bumpy depending on sea conditions; prepare by bringing motion sickness medication.

This article was originally published on November 28, 2012, and underwent updates on December 2, 2023.