The 13 best beaches in Australia

Lucky Bay was named the best beach on Earth in 2023, and for good reason. This tiny slice of paradisal coastline is tucked away in the Cape Le Grand National Park on the south coast of Western Australia's coastline. Known for its blindingly white sand and bright turquoise water, this hidden beach is a wildlife sanctuary and a dreamy swimming spot. 

Good for: Snorkelling, swimming and getting away from it all. 

If you're looking for maximum-level Australia, here it is. This remote South Australian bit of coast took out Tourism Australia's award for best beach in Australia in 2023, and we are still fully behind this decision. Home to hundreds of diverse Aussie wildlife species (yes, you will probably see kangaroos on the beach), Stokes Bay is family-friendly, stunningly beautiful and free from crowds, so you can enjoy a swim in peace.

Good for: Wading, swimming, snorkelling, strolling and seeing native Aussie animals in their natural habitat. 

If Australia's 12,000 beaches had one, reigning star, it would probably be Whitehaven in the shimmering, azure waters of the Whitsundays. The traditional lands of the Ngaro people, Whitehaven is set within a world-heritage listed national park, and regularly features at number one on 'best beach in the world' lists – and for good reason. This pristine paradise has sand that's 98 per cent silica (which means that it's whiter and softer than pretty much anywhere in the world), the warm turquoise waters of the Coral Sea, and a general kind of stunning beauty that normally isn't seen outside of postcards.

Good for: Kids, swimming in crystal clear water, exploring rainforest bush paths and snorkelling through the rainbow coral displays of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Not to be dramatic, but Rottnest Island may be one of the most beautiful places on Earth. This tiny island an hour off Perth is host to a bunch of fluffy, legitimately smiling marsupials called quokkas (who aren't found anywhere else in the world), pure white sand and numerous tiny, perfect beaches that you can bike ride between in one day. The Basin is the most popular beach, and we've popped it on here because you can walk here pretty quickly from the main port once you arrive. It's got some of the clearest water we've ever seen, and is near food. What more can you ask for? 

Good for: Sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, seeing quokkas in the wild. 

Hyams Beach is kind of a big deal. It won 'World's Whitest Sand' in the Guinness World Records 2018, and regularly tops 'world's best beaches' lists every year. Located just over two hours from Sydney's CBD, Hyam's is an incredibly special cove with crazy clear water, an abundance of dolphins and (as you may have gathered) the whitest sand you've ever seen. 

Good for: Sunbathing, exploring beautiful bush trails, snorkelling, swimming and eating an ice cream from the nearby general store.

You have to walk for a bit to get to this remote beach tucked away in the Tasmanian wilderness, but take it from us – it's worth it. Considered one of the world's best beaches, this curvy cove is the ancient land of the Pydairrerme people, who lived here for thousands of years. Boasting vibrant blue water, secluded serenity and soft white sand, Wineglass Bay is surrounded by protected wilderness and bursting with incredibly diverse wildlife, including sea eagles, dolphins and whales. Once you see this place, you'll find it hard to forget. 

Good for: Hiking, strolling, wading, swimming (but be wary, this one's unpatrolled), sea kayaking and contemplating the  universe.

It’s quite likely that you’ll let out an audible gasp after catching your first glimpse of Cable Beach in Broome. This sparkly 22km white sand beach earned bragging rights as the third best in the world, according to TripAdvisor’s 2023 Travellers’ Choice Awards. Rise early and hike the 7.7 kilometres from Cable Beach up to Gantheaume Point, where you can take in the most spectacular vistas in Broome. However, a camel ride or cocktail on the beach does the trick too.

Tucked away in the rather terrifyingly named Coffin Bay National Park, Almonta is one of those spectacular, life-altering beaches that'll stay with you for a very long time. It will cost you $11 to enter from National Parks and Wildlife Services (your money goes to wildlife conservation FYI), but unlike many other remote beaches in SA, you don't need a 4WD to get to this sparkly jewel of a beach. Once you get there, expect untouched wilderness, pristine water and blindingly white sand (you can also expect very little shade, so come prepared). 

Known as 'Freshie' to locals, Freshwater Beach is probably the best beach in Sydney – forget Bondi. Located on Sydney's Northern Beaches, this sheltered, turquoise-hued cove is right next to its famous sister, Manly – but we reckon it's so much better. Offering up amazing surf, but also plentiful calm bits for swimming and wading, Freshie has wildly clear water, super-white sand and is about 40 minutes from the CBD (just not in peak hour traffic). Plus, there are plentiful amazing restaurants, cafés, bars and boutique shops just moments away, meaning that it's a crowd-pleaser for pretty much everyone.

Good for: Swimming, surfing, sunbathing, drinking amazing coffee from Pilu and walking along the Northern Beaches' many incredible coast walks.

Whether you love Cott for its delectable fish and chippies, as a place to race your mates to the pylon and back, or for a sneaky skinny dip after a Sunday session at the Ocean Beach Hotel, there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly Perth beach. It's truly a postcard-perfect symbol of WA's endless summer.

Lord Howe Island is a tiny, incredibly beautiful island off the coast of NSW. A protected wilderness area, Lord Howe only allows 400 visitors on the island at a time – so if you get in, you know you're going to treasure it. Ned's Beach is just one of the magnificent beachy spots in a place National Geographic has called one of the world's best – but Ned's is special. This family-friendly cove has golden sand, crystalline waters, and hundreds of tropical fish that you can wade in and feed by hand. Just note, this isn't an accessible beach for people with access needs.

Good for: Kids, people who like being surrounded by hundreds of shimmering rainbow fish, swimming.

The crown jewel of Wilsons Promontory National Park, Squeaky Beach is a picturesque coastal spot located about a three-hour drive from Melbourne's CBD. Surrounded by mountains, the beach's 700-metre shoreline boasts crashing waves, crystal clear waters and colourful granite boulders. But most notably, it has a unique element that draws visitors to experience for themselves – the sand is, well, squeaky. This Victorian gem recently claimed the crown of the best beach in Australia for 2024, chosen by Tourism Australia's official beach ambassador (what a cool job), Brad Farmer.

There was a time when the Farm felt like Byron Bay’s well-kept secret; a long, secluded pocket of sand and surf ninety minutes south of Sydney, home to a reliable break and a grassy headland looking out across the waves. That time, it seems, is over – Tourism Australia has crowned this sandy stretch the second-best in the country, and the crowds will no doubt ensue.