What comes to mind when you hear about Australia? Probably the idea of white sandy beaches as far as the eye can see, a turquoise blue sea and a few surfers enjoying the fantastic waves Australia has to offer. Isn’t it? And you’re right! With nearly 35,000 km of coastline, Australia is a true paradise on earth and has a number of beaches to its credit. Did you know that there are more than 10,000 beaches on the land of kangaroos? From quiet white sandy coves to rugged, wind-swept wild beaches, there’s something for everyone. Discover in this article, my Top 15 of the most beautiful Australia’s beaches.
Top 15 of the most beautiful Australia’s beaches
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays islands, QLD
This beach, located in the Whitsundays archipelago, is only accessible by boat. Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, its sand is so white (98% pure silica) and so fine that it creaks underfoot. And it is apparently possible to polish one’s jewellery with it.
Access and tips: To get there, take a cruise from Airlie Beach for a day or more and discover the splendour of the Whitsundays Islands and its seabed. If you’re not too much of a boat person, you can also see this beach from the air by booking a scenic flight. This Australia’s beach is a must-see during your stay on Australia’s east coast.
Lucky Bay, Esperance, WA
Do you dream of seeing kangaroos? And if they were on a heavenly beach, wouldn’t that be the perfect Australian combo? Welcome to Lucky Bay, one of Australia’s beaches that I love!
It is located in the beautiful Cape Le Grand National Park in South West Australia. The park itself is a must-see on the west coast. This Australian beach is the perfect postcard: a white sandy beach, incredibly blue water with kangaroos basking in the sun.
Access and tips: the nearest town is Esperance. From there, head towards Cape Le Grand National Park. Access to the park costs AUD $12 per vehicle. I recommend you stay a night or two in this national park and enjoy relaxing in this paradise setting.
Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay, NSW
The famous Hyams Beach is well known as the whitest sandy beach in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records. Only 3 hours from Sydney, Jervis Bay region is popular with locals for family holiday.
Access and tips: victim of its own success, it is best to visit during the week if you have the opportunity and especially outside school holidays. In that way, you’ll avoid the crowd.
Cape Tribulation, Daintree Rainforest, QLD
Two hours north from Cairns, this UNESCO World Heritage site is located where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. This beach looks like the end of the world and will make you feel alone on earth. But beware, on this beach, no swimming is allowed. Unless you like crocodiles 😉
However, there are some nice walks in the surrounding area to admire the view of this beach and rainforest.
Access and tips: From Cairns, head to the Daintree Rainforest. You will need to take the ferry with your vehicle to cross the Daintree River. The fare is per vehicle and is approximately AUD $30. Once you arrive in this beautiful rainforest, drive all the way to the end where you will arrive on this fascinating lost beach.
Wineglass Bay, TAS
If you are planning to visit Tasmania during your Australian holiday, Freycinet National Park is a must. Especially its famous beach, Wineglass Bay. My great regret during my stay in Australia: not having been able to visit Tasmania and this majestic beach in the shape of a glass of wine, hence its name.
Access and tips: this beach is not accessible by car. A 6 km hike will take you there. If you wish to have a panoramic view of this magnificent beach without doing the 6km, you can stop at the viewpoint (2.6 km) on top of the pink granite hills and admire the view.
Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW
Certainly Australia’s most popular beach! Nestled in the heart of Sydney, this beach is unlike all the other beaches listed above, because she is constantly crowded. But that doesn’t stop it from being a mandatory stopover when you pass through Sydney.
Access and tips: if you have the opportunity, it is best to come during the week to avoid the crowds. Also, take the legendary “Bondi to Coogee” walk (6 km) on the cliffs overlooking the sea to discover the many small coves along the way.
Main Beach, Byron Bay, NSW
Byron Bay, one of my favourite places in Australia! This beach is as its named, the main beach of Byron Bay and the most popular. The waves are also present there to the enjoyment of the surfers.
Access and tips: Don’t forget to walk to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse for a great view of the beach. You may also spot dolphins or whales during the migratory season.
Noosa Main Beach, Noosa Head, QLD
This beach on the Sunshine Coast is ideal for relaxing for a few days. Enjoying a consistently pleasant climate facing north, this golden sandy beach with turquoise water and palm trees is very popular with surfers. In fact, they can surf here all year round. It is a very good beach for learning to surf, as the waves are moderate.
Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast, QLD
Always one of Australia’s best surfing beaches, Burleigh head is one of the many beaches on the Gold Coast. But unlike Surfers Paradise, this one is a much more family/local beach with a relaxed atmosphere. And the view of the tall buildings that characterise Surfers Paradise is superb from here.
Access and tips: Located 25 minutes south of the vibrant town of Surfers Paradise, don’t forget to also visit Coolangatta, a little further south, well known for its surfing spot, Snapper Rocks.
Bells Beach, Torquay, VIC
This Australian beach is known to be one of the best surfing spots in Australia. Surf enthusiasts will surely not say otherwise, as this beach is also one of the mythical stages of the international surfing competition organised by the WSL. From the top of the cliffs, you can contemplate the impressive swell creating spectacular waves.
Access and tips: The beach is only 10 minutes from Torquay town centre. From Melbourne, it takes 1.5 hours. And if you don’t like surfing, no problem! Bell’s beach, with its golden sand, is also perfect for sunbathing and admiring the beautiful scenery.
Turquoise Bay, Exmouth, WA
If you are looking for rest and relaxation, Turquoise Bay is the beach for you. Situated in Cape Range National Park on the west coast, this pristine white beach is almost always deserted, making you feel like you are in your own private paradise. And if you’re a snorkelling enthusiast, you’ve come to the right place too. This beach is located on Ningaloo Reef, home to over 500 species of fish.
Access and tips:This beach is located in the Cape Range National Park, 50 minutes from Exmouth. This small town will be the nearest, so make sure you have everything you need before you leave to visit this part of the coast. I recommend that you plan to spend several days in this park (entrance will cost you $10 per vehicle.) and enjoy snorkelling at Turquoise Bay, but also at the many other beaches in the surrounding area. During the season, you can also book a boat tour to swim with the whale sharks, one of the best experiences I have had in Australia.
Cable Beach, Broome, WA
This 22km long beach with its red ochre cliffs as a backdrop is undeniably one of Australia’s most spectacular beaches. Located in the Kimberley region, it is relatively uncrowded. Well kept secret by the people of Western Australia 😉
Access and tips: on a road trip on the West Coast, don’t forget to stop a few days in Broome to enjoy the sublime sunsets that this beach offers. You can also take a camel ride along the beach.
Mission Beach, Cairns, QLD
Situated halfway between Cairns and Townsville, this East Australia’s beaches is the perfect stop for a rest on your road trip to the east coast. A 14km golden beach, clear, peaceful water and stunning views of the surrounding islands.
Access and tips: Situated 2 hrs south of Cairns and 3 hrs north of Townsville, this is the ideal stopover on the way. It is also an ideal base for visiting the Great Barrier Reef. It is also known as one of the best spots for skydiving.
75 Mile beach, Fraser Island, QLD
This beach is the emblem of Fraser Island (the largest sand island in the world). And for good reason, it is the “highway” of the island. It is covered by 4X4, the only means of transport to explore Fraser Island. Although it is not an invitation to swim because of the strong currents, its water is no less magnificent, like the waves that roll in when the swell rises. There are also a number of viewpoints all along the beach to admire the grandeur of this beach.
Access and tips: the only way to access this island and therefore 75 Mile Beach is by 4×4. You can go directly by an organised tour that will take you around the island in a 4×4 and you can even drive it. Tours are available from Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay. Please be aware that it is not recommended to go on your own if you are not used to driving on sand. The tide also has to be taken into account. Many 4x4s get stuck every year so caution is advised.
Shell Beach, Coral Bay, WA
Shell Beach is a billion of tiny shells and is located in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area (Western Australia). This beautiful snow-white beach is made up of only billions of tiny shells, reaching a depth of 10 metres and stretching for over 70 kilometres. There is no sand, only shells.
Access and tips: Shark Bay is located at 8 hours 45 north from Perth. During your visit to this beautiful bay, visit the stromatolites of Hamelin Pool. This is the oldest and largest living fossils on earth. And if you’re lucky enough to own a 4×4, head out to discover the beautiful Francois Peron National Park.
So, which of these Australia’s beaches listed above is your favourite? Tell me in the comment!
Justine
Do you like this article? Pin it on Pinterest!
2 comments
Very inspirational. I will have a deeper look again when the world opens and I get the chance to visit this great part of the world. I used to study in New Zealand but it was in 1994🙂. So it is about time to return.
Thank you ! The NZ gov just announce its plan for opening our border ! Hopefully you can come visit soon 😉