It might not be peak beach season in Australia right now, but with the winter solstice behind us, each day brings us a little closer to the season of sun, surf and sand. While everyone has their favourite stretch of shoreline they’re looking forward to hitting up this summer, one Australian beach continues to outshine the rest. It’s just been named by National Geographic as one of the most iconic beaches in the world – the kind of place you need to visit at least once in your lifetime.
You can probably guess the beach from its swirling white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Yep, Whitehaven Beach, tucked away in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands, just earned a spot on Nat Geo’s list of the 14 best beaches of all time.
Located off the coast of Queensland, this slice of paradise is surrounded by one of the country’s most revered national parks and the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. The publication said: “Within this internationally recognised archipelago of coral cays, mangrove forests, lush mountains and barrier reefs of uncommon biodiversity, Whitehaven Beach is the islands’ most celebrated destination.”
Time Out Australia’s Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, had the chance to visit Whitehaven Beach last year and agrees it’s a must-see at least once in your life. She recommends hiking to the top of Hill Inlet to admire the ever-changing tidal patterns from above, then following the trail down to the beach to sink your toes into that famously soft silica sand and cool off with a swim (stinger suits are recommended from November to April).