The Top 10 Beaches in Australia
All around the world, Australia is renowned for its beaches, and it isn't hard to see why: with some of the longest stretches of sand-covered coast line in the world, Oz's beaches are not only plentiful but also of an almost universally-high quality.
Aussies take care of our beaches, keeping them generally clean and pollution-free, but with so many to choose from, how is one to determine which beaches are a cut above the rest? Here's our list based on a detailed survey of customer and tour operator feedback from all over Australia, in reverse order:
10. Bondi Beach, Sydney
Bondi makes the list simply because no Australian beaches countdown is complete without having it on board. Less about the actual quality of the beach itself and more about the surroundings, atmosphere, history and people watching, like it or not Sydney's famous stretch of sand at Bondi is a long-time fixture and also something of an icon of Aussie beach culture.
While these days at Bondi you're likely to see more plastic than at a Barbie doll factory, it wasn't always the case - the beach is the home of the world's first Surf Life Saving club (founded over 100 years ago) and played a key role in the development of several safety techniques and equipment that are still in use today. Bondi was also the focal point of a series of bathing suit protests in the early 1900's, helping pave the way for the bikini to become the commonly-accepted piece of beach going attire that it is today (insert the sound of men around the world cheering here).
These days, Bondi is almost universally crowded except in the coldest months of the year, with its relatively clean shores coupling with extremely easy access from the centre of Australia's largest city making it a popular destination to relax and eat. The beach's popularity has lead to a huge number of dining options such as cafes and restaurants springing up nearby as a result, meaning it's quite possible to spend a full day lazing away in the sunshine while having a decent place to eat - although you should expect to pay "tourist prices" for any and all purchases, with parking fees in particular bordering on the ridiculous. Nonetheless, if you're visiting Australia from overseas or simply an Aussie travelling to Sydney for the first time, Bondi's cultural relevance and status make it a "must-visit" - if only once.
9. Lizard Island, Queensland
The entire Great Barrier Reef in general offers a cavalcade of amazing spectacles, not the least of which are beaches, however two destinations in particular stand out among the many choices as far as we are concerned (another of which you'll come across later on this list). In terms of islands, you'd be hard pressed to find a higher concentration of great-beaches-per-square-metre than on the stunning Lizard Island, which boasts 23 separate stunning white beaches over the relatively small area of just over 1000 hectares.
Lizard island sits on the eastern side of the Great Barrier Reef, and is a picture-perfect example of an amazing island getaway. There's only one thing standing in the way, however - as one of the most exclusive beach destinations in the country, you'll have to have deep wallets if you want to spend time here. With only one accommodation facility on the island - the aptly-named Lizard Island Resort - you can expect to pay a starting price of around $1,400 per night (minimum 2 nights stay) for the "entry level" Anchor Bay Room.
So what do you get for your money? Your own private villa, for starters, as well as access to one of the most secluded and relatively undisturbed sections of beaches in the country with multiple amazing diving and snorkelling spots right at your doorstep that are brimming with brightly coloured reefs teeming with various fish. If you're amongst the lucky few who are looking to travel to Lizard Island, your best bet is to fly to Cairns and then take a 1-hour hinterland flight transfer, which are held twice daily - and once you arrive, feel free to revel in the jealousy of the rest of us.
8. Byron Bay Beach, Northern New South Wales
"Byron" has come a long way in terms of development from its early days as merely a quaint "hippy town", with modern cafes and bars popping up over the years along with increasing interest from property developers, however one thing that has remained unchanged is the quality of its beaches. Sporting a long, typically uncrowded stretch of coast line that is easily reachable in a short trip from the nearby Gold Coast as well as other destinations on the Northern New South Wales coast has been a large contributing factor in the continued growth of Byron Bay's popularity.
As you've probably heard by now, Byron's main selling point for tourists is that it's "the easternmost point of mainland Australia", and its location makes the majority of its beaches conducive to some great surf breaks that draw surfers from all over the globe to take advantage of the generally sheltered conditions. Recent development has also seen the construction of additional beachfront esplanades and walking tracks that can take you along the beach on some pleasant walks around Byron Bay's famous headland, the highlight of which continues to be its historic lighthouse that characteristically overlooks the town's various goings-on.
As an added bonus, those looking to bring their pets for some exercise can visit both Belongil and Tallow Beach which are dog-friendly locations which, alongside their lovely powder-like sand make for a great day out for those visiting interstate or simply hopping across the border for a less-crowded alternative those beaches of South-East Queensland.
7. Mandalay Beach, Western Australia
When compared to the East Coast, Oz's Western Australia is relatively under-visited, and that's sometimes a shame as in many places it's no less beautiful or enjoyable as its eastern brother. A prime example of this is WA's Mandalay Beach, which lies several hundred kilometres to the south of capital city Perth amongst the greenery of the Walpole-Nornalup National Park.
The isolated location of the beach only helps contribute to its beauty, as the rugged, untouched nature of the so-called Rainbow Coast with its rocky headlands and untamed wilderness make for a wholly different - yet still wildly impressive - beach location that largely differs from many of the other entries on this list. The beach itself inherits its name from the wreck of the Mandalay - a Norwegian shipwreck that was beached back in the year 1911 and the skeleton of which is sometimes still visible when tides are at their lowest.
One of the highlights of Mandalay Beach that adds to the spectacle is nearby Chatham Island that lies just a few miles off the coast and sports a class 1A nature reserve, with the juxtaposition of the island's greenery with the crashing white crests of the waves at high tide forming quite the picturesque scene. If you're looking to make the hike to Mandalay Beach, you're going to have to work for it; the closest major settlement is Walpole which is isolated in itself, and around 17 kilometres to the west of the beach. Mandalay Beach has only two entry points that are suitable for regular "2WD" vehicles as well, but if you're looking for one of the most unique beach experiences in Australia (as well as bragging rights), it's well worth it.
6. Pirates Bay, Tasmania
Arrrggghh! Well, not quite. While Tasmania probably isn't the first state that springs to mind when you're trying to conjure up images of beautiful Aussie beaches (as it's definitely more widely known for its greenery reminiscent of England and Wales), there are definitely exceptions - one of the most impressive of which is the spectacular rocky coastline of Pirates Bay. A popular surfing destination in the region in its own right, Pirates Bay is home to a large grouping of holiday homes as those lucky owners who have property in the area often flock back to enjoy the scenery during the warmer months.
Unlike many other Australian beaches, Pirates Bay offers good sea conditions (it was recently named as one of Australia's 101 best destinations for these reasons) while also blending the rare combination of vivid blue waters with not only pristine sands but also rocky, rugged cliff faces that surround it in most directions.
The cliff faces and their rugged surrounds are an adventure destination in themselves, with some of the highest marine cliffs in the country dotted with a range of ravines, rocky crags and deep caverns riddling the shoreline. Several shipwrecks also populate the waters and make for excellent highlights for experienced divers travelling to Pirates Bay (to this date, no chests of golden doubloons have yet been found). Those looking to venture to Pirates Bay can expect to embark on a roughly 1 hour drive south from Hobart, with plenty of accommodation options that quickly fill up during the peak season, so if you're planning to stay during this time then booking your hotel well in advance is strongly advised.
5. 75 Mile Beach, Fraser Island
It's only fitting that the World's Largest Sand Island (™) should also play host to one of Australia's best beaches, and 75 Mile Beach does a great job of carrying the card while serving as the unofficial face of Queensland's Fraser Island. As you might expect, the beach gets its name from its approximate length, and the number '75' should tell you all you need to know about just how expansive this huge stretch of coastline truly is.
75 Mile has much more going for it than simply its size however, as its various stretches of multi-coloured sands form a vivid mosaic of hues that range from the standard white to bright oranges to darker, ochre tones. The waters of the beach themselves are less of an attraction than one might think, with the relatively large number of Tiger Sharks that inhabit the shallows leading many to instead look inland from the beach for their cooling off and swimming experiences.
It's on this front that 75 Mile Beach truly shines, with a myriad of crystal-clear freshwater lakes that lie within walking distance of the shoreline. One section in particular - dubbed the "Champagne Pools" due to the effect of the foam of the ocean crashing into the rocks bordering the pools - is exceptionally popular with visitors, and adds a truly unique atmosphere to the swimming experience.
Perhaps the easiest way to get to 75 Mile Beach and Fraser Island in general is to depart from nearby Hervey Bay and - depending on if you're planning to bring your vehicle or not - either take one of the barges that make the trip from the 'Bay (takes around half an hour) or hop aboard a light plane and fly in - for a direct landing on 75 Mile Beach itself (ideal for those who like to make impressive entrances).
4. Noosa Main Beach, Sunshine Coast
Noosa Main Beach - the main highlight of the many quality beaches located in the greater Noosa area - is pretty much the perfect showcase of what theSunshine Coast has to offer: it's got picture-perfect sand, pristine water, waves that are ideal for swimming, is well-patrolled, easily accessible and rich in both marine and shore-dwelling wildlife. Pods of dolphins frequent the waters just off the beach's main strip, and whales can even be spotted during their annual migration season. The beach also boasts outstanding surfing conditions around the Noosa Park headland, serving as the home of the yearly Noosa Festival of Surfing each March.
Noosa Main Beach's north-facing direction means that conditions are far more sheltered than many other beaches in similar circumstances, helping take the sting out of the breeze in the colder months and making it basically a viable year-round option for those looking for some beach going fun. Fisherman and fishing enthusiasts also love this place, as it's not necessary to venture offshore to come away with a decent haul here; flathead, bream, dart, whiting and many other popular species are just a dangling of the bait away.
An added bonus that Noosa Main Beach has over other popular Aussie beach destinations like Bondi or Surfers Paradise is its large, FREE all-day carpark that makes getting a decent spot without having to pay through the nose a viable option - assuming you arrive early enough. Once you've successfully parked, it's a very feasible proposition to spend an entire day in the area as there are plenty of cafes, stores and restaurants just a stones' throw away.
Likewise, the Surf Life Saving Club that serves as home to the many dedicated lifeguards on the beach also offers reasonably-priced lunches for those looking for a decent value meal. About the only negative is for those looking for big waves will want to look for other options, as Noosa Main Beach is by far more of a "swimming" beach than a "surfing" beach.
3. Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast
Given its nature as a beach destination, it's only reasonable to expect the Gold Coast to have a fairly big range of contenders in the "best beach" category; however increasing crowds and the gaudily "touristy" atmosphere of some of its stretches of coastline takes some of the charm away from what are otherwise beautiful beach areas. One - quite amazing - exception to this, however, is Burleigh Heads beach, which combines a stunning outlook, outstanding surf conditions and numerous winding walking tracks along great stretches of headland into a single wonderful beach package.
It's fairly incredible that such a beautiful area sits basically alongside a major highway yet still remain relatively clean and unpolluted, but Burleigh Beach's tropical sands look just as untouched as you might expect from an island resort - a reflection on the respect that locals have always had for the area.
Multiple heavily patrolled swimming sections by vigilant lifeguards make taking a dip a pleasant option on most days, while surfers will be in their element as it's the site for numerous annual surfing competitions featuring some of the biggest names in the world, in large part due to the quality breaks that can often be found at Burleigh. A large, family-friendly and facility-rich parkland area rounds out the location making for a great day out either alone or with the kids (with plenty of dining and takeaway options nearby too), and those wanting to take a stroll along the 4km stretch of footpath will also get the chance to catch a glimpse of the many types of wildlife that inhabit both the land and sea, including the likes of brush turkeys, sea eagles, pods of dolphins and even passing whales during their migratory season.
2. Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia
Now we get to the high stakes end of the proceedings, with the "Top Two" having little separating them other than which "style" of beach you'd prefer. We gave #1 on this list its ranking just because the stunning nature of its sand most likely fits the majority of people's image of "the perfect beach", yet Broome's Cable Beach coming in at #2 is by no means any kind of dishonour. "Postcard perfect", "unforgettable", "no words to describe its beauty" are just some of the terms used to describe Cable Beach by first-time visitors, and upon stepping upon its shores, it's not hard to see why.
Although slowly gaining in commercialism due to the rave reviews it is starting to receive due to exposure on the Internet, Cable Beach is still basically an untouched stretch of shoreline that is especially famous for one particular reason - its sunsets. Being that, unlike many of the other beaches on this list, it sits on the Indian Ocean rather than the Pacific, the sunsets often appear as a bright red-orange ball in the sky that has been the subject of numerous skilled photographers' works.
The locals obviously are aware of its beauty as well, as two of the most popular ways to take advantage of the sunsets are provided by the both the "Sunset Bar" that allows visitors to kick back and enjoy a drink as they admire the view as the glowing orb descends over the water, and the so-popular-they-are-almost-cliche (yet still must-do) sunset camel rides. It's a common sight to see a long line of camels carrying their skittish tourists along the beach trying to grab the best possible photo of this amazing natural phenomenon. It's hard to blame them, however, as it's truly a wonderful spectacle - especially if you happen to be there between the months of March to October where the spectacular "Staircase to the Moon" effect when the moon is at its fullest creates its amazing optical illusion.
Lastly, it's within walking distance from the town of Broome itself, so if you're wanting to visit you'll have accommodation options at a location that were it not for the beach's popularity would otherwise be quite isolated. All in all, Cable Beach is truly a "bucket list" item for Aussies despite its distance from most of the cities on the East Coast.
1. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Whitsundays
If you've got a reasonable knowledge of Australian beaches, and noticed you hadn't seen Whitehaven yet on this list, then you probably knew it was coming. While by now it's probably bordering on the predictable, if you've ever actually seen Whitehaven Beach then you'd be hard pressed to come up with a reason why anyone should argue against it being the Most Beautiful Beach in Australia (™) - the sand is without a doubt the highlight here, although the stunning water and reef surroundings are certainly no slouch, either.You'll often see in brochures for Whitehaven Beach that they go out of their way to mention its "silica sand", which is all well and good, but to someone who's never visited, what does it actually mean? Siclia is a substance that is contained in an extremely high-purity form of sand, with extremely fine grains that make it very soft to the touch and also prevent it from getting too hot underfoot. Coupled with the endless sunshine, the colour of the sand is an almost pure-white colour that forms an amazing contrast to the vivid blue of the waters that lap at the beach and contributes to sheer magic of Whitehaven.
At first glance upon stepping into view of Whitehaven Beach, you'd think it was something put together in a studio for a magazine shoot - it's simply that "perfect" that it looks almost unnatural. This is not just some tiny little cove that happens to be ideal either; Whitehaven Beach stretches over 7km along the coast of its host, Whitsunday Island, meaning that even in peak seasons it will rarely be crowded enough to ruin the atmosphere. The myriad of coves, lagoons, and inlets that dot its surrounds only serve to add to the mystique and exploration options, with low tide being the best time for overall viewing experiences.
As the country's most photographed beach, it's also no surprise that Whitehaven is the target destination of numerous tour and cruise operators who aim to bring eager guests to catch a glimpse of its offerings - the majority of which depart from the relatively close by Airlie Beach. With issues such as climate change and overuse possible factors in the deterioration of its perfection in the future, it's highly recommended to visit Whitehaven as soon in the near future as you possibly can - Australia's most beautiful beach has certainly earned its ranking, but exactly how long it will last for is unknown.
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