Whitehaven Beach

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.