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38 of the Best Beaches in Australia To Set Foot On

By Craig Makepeace | May 10, 2019 | This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Read our Disclosure.

Thought I’d start off the new year by sharing what we feel are the best beaches in Australia to get you inspired for your own trip Down Under.

It’s the middle of summer in Oz after all and Australia is all about the beaches.

Little Salmon Bay, Rottnest Island, Western Australia

Sure we have the Outback, cosmopolitan cities and charming country towns, but it’s the beach lifestyle that sets us apart.

It’s the smell and taste of salt water. The sun’s rays on your back. The sand between your toes. The smell of sunscreen being applied to your face. The cool breeze that blows on a hot day. Beach side BBQ’s and picnics on the grass. Reading a book or listening to tunes. Thongs (flip flops) board shorts and a singlet. A towel over the shoulder. A morning walk or a sunset drink. Building sandcastles with the kids. Body surfing and beach cricket. Smiling faces and tanned skin.

In case you didn’t know, Australia’s coastline stretches for 50,000 kilometres and is linked by over 10,000 beaches. That’s a lot of beaches in Australia.

Whilst I have barely put a dent in that number, after traveling around Australia for the past 15 months I think I’ve set foot on many of Australia’s best beaches.

So it got me thinking what beaches I would recommend if you were visiting Australia?

To be honest this list could be HUGE and it’s difficult to narrow down. I haven’t visited South Australia yet and still have the bottom half of Western Australia to go (they will be added later).

But, if I had to suggest my favourite beaches in Australia so far that I have personally visited, here they are state by state.

Table of Contents

  • Best beaches in Western Australia
    • 1. The Basin, Rottnest Island
    • 2. Cottesloe Beach, Perth
    • 3. Pinky Beach, Rottnest Island
    • 4. Coral Bay
    • 5. Sandy Bay, Exmouth
    • 6. Turquoise Bay, Exmouth
    • 7. Cable Beach, Broome
    • 8. Town Beach, Broome
  • Best beaches in the Northern Territory
    • 9. Mindil Beach, Darwin
  • Best beaches in Queensland
    • 10. Cape Tribulation, Daintree National Park
    • 11. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands
    • 12. Agnes Water Beach
    • 13. Seventy Five Mile Beach, Fraser Island
    • 14. Noosa Main Beach, Sunshine Coast
    • 15. Mooloolaba Beach, Sunshine Coast
    • 16. Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast
    • 17. Coolangatta Beach, Gold Coast
  • New South Wales
    • 18. Byron Bay
    • 19. Wategos Beach
    • 20. Red Rocks Beach, Coffs Coast
    • 21. Palm Beach, Sydney
    • 22. Bronte Beach, Sydney
    • 23. Bondi Beach, Sydney
    • 24. Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay
    • 25. Green Patch Beach, Jervis Bay
    • 26. Greenfield Beach, Jervis Bay
    • 27. Pebbly Beach, Murramarang National Park
  • Victoria
    • 28. Squeaky Beach, Wilsons Promontory National Park
    • 29. St Kilda Beach, Melbourne
    • 30. Elwood Beach, Melbourne
    • 31. Bells Beach, Great Ocean Road
    • 32. Gibson Steps, Great Ocean Road
    • 33. Loch Ard Gorge, Great Ocean Road
  • Tasmania
    • 34. Hazards Beach
    • 35. Bay of Fires
    • 36. Binalong Bay
    • 37. Wineglass Bay
    • 38. Bicheno Beach
  • Planning a Trip to Australia
    • Pin to Save on Pinterest:

Best beaches in Western Australia

1. The Basin, Rottnest Island

The Basin, Rottnest Island, Western Australia

No words needed. I mean, just look at that scene below. And no it’s not the Great Barrier Reef. Rottnest Island is located 18 kilometres off the coast of Perth, and if you only visit one beach on “Rotto” make it THE BASIN.

Bring your snorkeling gear!

Read More: Why Rottnest Island should be on your Australian bucket list

2. Cottesloe Beach, Perth

Cottesloe Beach, Perth - Western Australia

As far as city beaches go, Cottesloe Beach in Perth is a good one.

Great place to have an early morning swim, or later on grab some fish & chips and a bottle of wine and take in the sunset. Very popular with locals, parking can be horrendous, but on a sunny day it’s a top spot to be!

Read More: 15 things to do in Perth

3. Pinky Beach, Rottnest Island

Pinky Beach, Rottnest Island, Western Australia

Another stunning beach on Rottnest Island. Pinky beach is easily accessible from the main town on Rotto and Bathurst Lighthouse makes for a lovely backdrop.

Read more: How a snake improved our bike ride around Rottnest Island 

4. Coral Bay

Coral Bay, Western Australia

Coral Bay is one of WA’s favourite holiday spots and now I know why.

Grab your snorkeling gear, step off the beach and immerse yourself in the natural beauty just metres from shore. It’s part of the Ningaloo Reef region, and the town is pretty laid back too!

Read More:

  • Falling in love with Coral Bay, Western Australia
  • Swimming with manta rays, Ningaloo Reef

5. Sandy Bay, Exmouth

Sandy Bay, Exmouth, Western Australia

This beach is pure paradise.

Endless white sand, crystal clear water, dark blue skies. The shallow waters make it an excellent beach for kids. Also located within Ningaloo Marine Park.

6. Turquoise Bay, Exmouth

Turquoise Bay, Exmouth, Western Australia

Dive into the waters of Turquoise Bay and your swimming within metres of famous Ningaloo Reef.

Torquoise Bay in the Cape Range National Park is brilliant beach for swimming, snorkeling or just relaxing.

Try your hand at the popular drift snorkel on the southern end of the beach, then letting the current wash you north.

Read More: 3 natural wonders of Exmouth, Western Australia

7. Cable Beach, Broome

Cable Beach, Broome - Western Australia

Cable Beach regularly ranks as one of the top 5 best beaches in Australia. No arguments from me!

Long, flat, picturesque and perfect for beach cricket and the legendary sunset camel rides. Go ride a camel or sip on a cocktail and watch the sun go down.

Things to do in Broome – a destination on the rise for 2016

8. Town Beach, Broome

Town Beach, Broome, Western Australia

Not a great beach for swimming or walking or much else.

But I simply loved sitting here of a morning at the cafe whilst the kids played in the playground. I mean, look at the VIEW!! And this is the location for the famous “staircase to the moon”.

Read More:

  • Finding my happy place in Broome
  • 50 things to do in Western Australia
  • 21 best beaches in Western Australia

Best beaches in the Northern Territory

9. Mindil Beach, Darwin

Mindil Beach, Darwin, Northern Territory - Australia

One of the best places in Darwin to see the sunset, as you can see from the amount of people sitting on the beach.

Not a place for swimming due to crocs, but the Mindil Beach markets are also legendary so when in town, don’t miss this spot. It’s one of the best beaches in Australia for sunsets.

Read More:

  • Highlights of a Northern Territory road trip from Darwin
  • 34 experiences to have in the Northern Territory

Best beaches in Queensland

10. Cape Tribulation, Daintree National Park

Cape Tribulation, Daintree National Park - Queensland, Australia

When you have two World Heritage places smack bang against each other (Daintree Rainforest and The Great Barrier Reef) you know it’s going to be something special.

Take a walk or go kayaking in paradise!

Read More: Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation road trip

11. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands

Hill Inlet - Whitehaven Beach, Queensland, Australia

Whitehaven Beach is probably my favourite beach in Oz, and has been ranked 3rd BEST beach in the world on Trip Advisor.

It shot to fame when Oprah Winfrey dug her toes into the pure white silica sand on her trip down under.

The view from Hill Inlet of the swirling patterns of turquoise water and white sand is picture postcard perfect.

Read More: Whitehaven beach: one perfect day 

12. Agnes Water Beach

Agnes Water Beach - Queensland, Australia

The tiny laid back beach town of Agnes Water is next door to the super laid back Town of 1770. Loved this beach surrounded by nature with gentle waves for the kids and pretty sunsets at night – yep on the east coast!

Read More: Adventure in the Town of 1770 – LARC tour

13. Seventy Five Mile Beach, Fraser Island

75 Mile Beach - Fraser Island, Queensland, Australia

Had so much fun four wheel driving on 75 Mile Beach, located on famous Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world.

It’s wild and rugged, apparently good beach fishing, and you’ll see wild dingos roaming AND a shipwreck.

Read More: 12 things to do on Fraser Island

14. Noosa Main Beach, Sunshine Coast

Noosa Main Beach, Queensland, Australia

There’s no doubt about it. There’s a reason thousands flock to Noosa each year to surf, swim or walk along Main Beach.

Another family friendly beach and on a sunny day it’s one of the best places to be on the Sunshine Coast.

Read More: Things to do in Noosa, Sunshine Coast

15. Mooloolaba Beach, Sunshine Coast

Mooloolaba Beach, Queensland, Australia

We lived in Mooloolaba for 18 months and fell in love with this beach.

As a beach town, Mooloolaba is hard to beat with great swimming, cafes, restaurants, parks, BBQ areas, playgrounds, and one of the best beach-side promenade walks anywhere.

Read More: 3 coastal towns on the Sunshine Coast to explore

16. Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast

Sunrise at Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

We also lived in Burleigh Heads for 18 months and early morning sunrise at Burleigh Point watching the surfers ride the waves was one of my favourite moments on the Gold Coast.

Burleigh has it all like Mooloolaba – great beach, cafes, bars and promenade.

Read More: Best of Burleigh Heads – 8 local finds!

17. Coolangatta Beach, Gold Coast

Coolangatta Beach - Queensland, Australia

Ever since Caz and I got engaged on Coolangatta Beach in 2001 it has been special in our hearts.

Everywhere you turn people are out and about surfing, cycling, jogging, doing yoga in the beachside parks, hanging in the cafes and children racing around the playgrounds.

Great beach AND town and sunset views over Surfers Paradise!

Read More:

  • I could live at the Coolangatta Mantra
  • 50 things to do in Queensland

New South Wales

18. Byron Bay

Byron Bay, NSW, Australia

Byron Bay is that legendary beach side town on the NSW North Coast famous for surfing and an alternative lifestyle.

Byron has 5 great beaches to choose from, but it’s Main Beach which sees most of the visitors walking, swimming and enjoying a beach side BBQ.

Read more: 12 reasons Byron Bay is a great family destination

19. Wategos Beach

Wategos Beach, Byron Bay, NSW, Australia

Just around the corner from Byron Bay, is beautiful Wategos Beach.

Wategos is protected by the headland making it an awesome beach for swimming AND riding a long-board with the gentle waves. There’s a BBQ area to enjoy or make yourself up a picnic and sit on the beach.

Read More:  Doing the coastal walk to Byron Bay lighthouse

20. Red Rocks Beach, Coffs Coast

Red Rocks Beach - Coffs Harbour, Australia

We have done the Sydney to Brisbane road trip many times but up until last year had never been to Red Rock Beach.

One of those hidden gems tucked away. Beautiful sweeping beach with an impressive headland and red coloured rocks that lead you into to the crystal clear water.

Read More: Best things to do in Coffs Harbour

21. Palm Beach, Sydney

Palm Beach, Sydney, Australia

Palm Beach is Sydney’s most northern beach and possibly our favourite beach in Sydney.

You don’t have the crowds you get at say Bondi or Manly Beach, and in winter it’s the perfect place to spot migrating humpback whales.

Read more: Is this one of the best beaches in Sydney?

22. Bronte Beach, Sydney

Bronte Beach, Sydney, Australia
image via Shutterstock.com

There are many great beaches in Sydney, but another fave is BronteBeach.

A beautiful beach with a small main street giving it a great vibe. We always stop here when we do the legendary Bondi Beach to Coogee coastal walk.

The rock pool is awesome for the kids and the HUGE grass and BBQ area is great for gatherings.

Read more: What to do in Sydney in 48 hours

23. Bondi Beach, Sydney

Photo - Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

I hesitate to put Bondi Beach on any list because it’s not one of my favourite beaches in Australia, but hey it’s Bondi and one of Australia’s most famous beaches – go there at least once.

I don’t think you could get any more Australian than learning to surf at Bondi. And the views from Bondi Icebergs as you sip on an afternoon beer are spectacular.

Read more: 18 free things to do in Sydney

24. Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay

Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay, Australia

Hyams Beach is in the Guinness Book of Records for having the whitest sand in the world.

It’s fine, soft and WHITE. Located in the Jervis Bay region just 180km south of Sydney, it’s a great family beach and doesn’t have the highrise development like many north coast beaches.

Read more: The sensational white sands walk in Jervis Bay

25. Green Patch Beach, Jervis Bay

Green Patch Beach, NSW, Australia

When I first set eyes on Green Patch Beach I was blown away and felt it just as spectacular as Hyams in nearby Jervis Bay.

The water was clean and clear and the sand soft and beautiful to walk on. We spent two nights camping in the campground right on the beach.

Read more: 11 best beaches in South Coast NSW

26. Greenfield Beach, Jervis Bay

Greenfield Beach, Jervis Bay - NSW, Australia

Greenfield Beach is another pristine beach in the Jervis Bay region with that beautiful white powdery sand.

Another family friendly beach perfect for swimming with clear aqua water and small waves, and it’s a top spot for a beach side BBQ.

Read more: 8 things to do in Jervis Bay

27. Pebbly Beach, Murramarang National Park

Pebbly Beach in Murramarang National Park - NSW, Australia

Located in Murramarang National Park on the NSW south coast, Pebbly Beach is most famous as the place to see wild kangaroos hopping around on the sand.

They are used to human interaction and there’s a chance you can get up close and personal. Our kids loved it.

Read more: Wild kangaroos on the beach

Victoria

28. Squeaky Beach, Wilsons Promontory National Park

Squeaky Beach, Wilsons Promontory National Park - Victoria, Australia

I’d never heard of Squeaky Beach until last year, but let me tell you it’s all pristine, mind blowing goodness.

Located in equally mind blowing Wilsons Promontory National Park, a highlight of our visit to Victoria and one of our best finds!

29. St Kilda Beach, Melbourne

Sunset at St Kilda Beach, Melbourne, Australia

I know, it’s not that great of a beach, but it’s a Melbourne beach and on the tram line and close to the CBD and good for people watching, penguin spotting and cooling off on those scorching summer days.

At least go for the sunsets and the AMAZING cake shops!

30. Elwood Beach, Melbourne

Elwood Beach, Melbourne, Australia

My favourite beach in Melbourne and a popular bayside beach and great for families.

Not as accessible from the city as St Kilda (you need a car) but the water was clean and popular for windsurfing, cycling, playing cricket and walking.

31. Bells Beach, Great Ocean Road

Bells Beach, Great Ocean Road, Australia
Bells Beach – credit Clogwog

One of Australia’s most famous and best surfing beaches. Bells Beach holds the annual Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition and is the powerful point break of folklore.

Heard of the movie Point Break? That’s our Bells! Must visit on the Great Ocean Road.

Read more: 5 Towns to visit on the Great Ocean Road

32. Gibson Steps, Great Ocean Road

Gibson Steps, Great Ocean Road, Australia

I have no idea if this beach even has a name, but when you drive the Great Ocean Road to go see The 12 Apostles walk down Gibson Steps to get up close and personal with mother nature.

Just be careful of the tides so you don’t get trapped.

33. Loch Ard Gorge, Great Ocean Road

Loch Ard Gorge, Great Ocean Road, Australia

Again, I don’t know if this beach within the Loch Ard Gorge has a name, and the water was COLD and not the safest place for swimming, but it was a highlight of visiting the Great Ocean Road.

Pretty huh?

Read more: Travel posts on Victoria

Tasmania

34. Hazards Beach

Hazards Beach, Tasmania, Australia

Located in Freycinet National Park (our favourite place in Tassie), we fell in love with Hazards Beach.

Base yourself in Coles Bay and combine it with the walk to Wine Glass Bay. Or, do it in style and take a sea plane from Hobart.

35. Bay of Fires

ay of Fires, Tasmania, Australia

The Bay of Fires is situated on the north east coast of Tasmania, and is a region of white beaches, blue water and these incredible rock formations made of orange-hued granite.

36. Binalong Bay

Binnalong Bay, Tasmania, Australia

Situated at the southern end of the Bay of Fires (can that place get any better?). Take a walk here then finish off with a great coffee and view from the Binalong Bay Cafe.

37. Wineglass Bay

Wineglass Bay, Tasmania, Australia

You must visit Freycinet National Park, the home of Wineglass Bay, it’s our favourite place in Tasmania.

Make the effort to get up at first light to do the walk and you’ll will find yourself all alone on famous Wine Glass Bay. Imagine having this place to yourself? We did.

38. Bicheno Beach

Bicheno Beach, Tasmania, Australia

I wish we spent more time in Bicheno instead of just a lunch break on one of our driving days. Located on the east coast of Tasmania this beach and small town was very inviting and hard to leave.

Need more tips for Australia travel?

Check out these posts:

  • 25 National Parks in Australia
  • How to travel Australia on a budget
  • The Best of Australia

Planning a Trip to Australia

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38 of the Best Beaches in Australia To Set Foot On!
38 of the Best Beaches in Australia To Set Foot On!
What do you feel is the best beach in Australia? Share in the comments below!
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you might also enjoy

  • Waterfall Beach, Albany, Western Australia 21 Best Beaches in Western Australia to Set Foot On
  • Greenfield Beach, NSW, Australia 11 of the Best Beaches in NSW to Set Foot On
  • Freycinet Lodge - lovely place to stay in Freycinet National Park, Tasmania, Australia 6 Beaches in Tasmania you must set foot on

About Craig Makepeace

Craig Makepeace is the co-founder of yTravel Blog. He's been traveling and living around the world since 2002 and believes that life is all about accumulating memories and moments with his family, not just possessions.

He's a travel addict, sports fanatic, beach lover, and passionate craft beer drinker!

Questions & Comments

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  1. Tanya

    5 years ago

    WOW WOW WOW…. that’s an awesome list. There is an amazing beach at Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island which I just know you guys will love. Enjoy

    Reply to Tanya
    • Caz

      5 years ago

      Excellent Tanya. We’re planning on Kangaroo Island in South Australia 🙂

      Reply to Caz
  2. Melissa

    5 years ago

    South Melbourne is my beach of choice. Definitely not the best but it’s also accessible by public transport. Tram #1, last stop. I avoid St. Kilda during the day but will go for the sunsets at night.

    Reply to Melissa
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Didn’t make it to South Melbourne Beach Melissa. But we did enjoy a bottle of wine and takeaway pizza on St Kilda Beach as the sun went down!

      Reply to Craig
  3. Britt

    5 years ago

    Love that Squeaky Beach made the list! I just actually wrote a post about how much I love Wilson’s Promontory and I love to see it getting the attention it deserves!

    Reply to Britt
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Squeaky Beach has been one of our better finds in the last 12 months Britt. And Wilsons Prom is amazing. Just wish I had my DSLR with me that day and not taken photos on my phone.

      Reply to Craig
  4. Amanda

    5 years ago

    Aren’t we just blessed when it comes to beautiful beaches in Australia? Some of my favourites are Boat Harbour Beach and Carlton Park Beach (great for older kids with a long wave perfect for boogie boarding) in Tasmania. Apollo Bay in Victoria is just delightful and Smiths Beach on Phillip Island is great too. Too many to mention really. Keep enjoying them on your amazing journey.

    Reply to Amanda
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Blessed indeed Amanda. Yep Apollo Bay and Smiths Beach were two other nice beaches we’ve visited. Thanks for the tips on those Tassie beaches!

      Reply to Craig
  5. Kathy Marris

    5 years ago

    Wow! There are so many amazing beaches in Australia.I absolutely loved the beaches in the south of Western Australian around Esperance, Albany and Denmark. They were very picturesque and in most cases completely untouched and unpopulated. Take a look at my recent post on Australian Beaches: North West Australia http://www.50shadesofage.com/2015/01/08/australian-beaches-north-west-australia/

    Reply to Kathy
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Really looking forward to exploring the beaches around south west Australia Kathy to add to this post later on! Will check out your post now!

      Reply to Craig
  6. Renuka

    5 years ago

    Incredible list! I have been to only Bondi beach in Sydney. I missed that beach at Great Ocean Road. I think this list will help me on my next Australian trip. Thanks so much!

    Reply to Renuka
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      You only have 37 left to go 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  7. daz

    5 years ago

    WTF there is no South Australia what a shame……….no ones know more about South Australia which have a beautiful many differents beaches so S.A. is best to live in Australia

    Reply to daz
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Hi Daz,

      Did you even read the beginning of the post? I clearly mention that I haven’t visited South Australia yet! This list is only of beaches I have been to. Once I visit SA I will add my favourite SA beaches after that.

      Reply to Craig
      • Lorraine

        5 years ago

        please dont forget SA we have some beautiful beaches here and on Kangaroo Island 🙂

        Reply to Lorraine
        • Craig

          5 years ago

          We will be in South Australia in March Lorraine 🙂

          Reply to Craig
  8. Amanda

    5 years ago

    Awesome list Craig! I’ve just bookmarked it for future trips to Aus 🙂

    Reply to Amanda
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Glad you found it useful Amanda!

      Reply to Craig
  9. Chris

    5 years ago

    Wow, I want to visit each and every one of these beaches, literally stunning!

    Reply to Chris
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Come on down under, if you aren’t already, one beach at a time!

      Reply to Craig
  10. Hanne Hellvik

    5 years ago

    What an awesome list. Thank you so much for publishing it, Craig! Looks like some of the best beaches in the world. I will keep it for when I will visit Australia 🙂 Which is up on top three on my bucket-list.

    Reply to Hanne
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      We have an endless supply of beaches Hanne. Hope you make it to Oz soon 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  11. Tim M

    5 years ago

    Was Down in Tassie over the Xmas break, so wonderful to get back Dow there. We did the walk at wineglass Bay down do the beach and it was out of this world! Amazing (but very refreshing!) swim once down there.

    Great post! Hope you’re both well, have a super 2015

    Reply to Tim
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      It’s a great walk to Wineglass Bay Tim, and then over to Hazards Beach. We didn’t swim though, good for you! Yep all the best for 2015

      Reply to Craig
  12. Andrew Mosey

    5 years ago

    Freshwater beach in Sydney for me; waves are almost always ideal for body surfing, and it’s not too crowded (for a Sydney beach)

    Reply to Andrew
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Yep, that’s a great Sydney Beach Andrew. But, I did get a parking fine there “bugger”

      Reply to Craig
  13. Amanda

    5 years ago

    HOLY COW. Australia certainly is not lacking in amazing beaches! Wow.

    Get me to Rottnest Island, ASAP! That looks incredible!

    Reply to Amanda
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      You betcha Amanda. “Rotto” is incredible. Total of 18 beaches just there I think 🙂

      Reply to Craig
  14. Casey de Bruin

    5 years ago

    Hi Craig, we did a four month trip few years ago and we saw some amazing beaches but not as many as you,awsome
    our pick of the crop was Horse Shoe bay in Bowen a must see.

    Reply to Casey
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      We missed that one Casey. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply to Craig
  15. Sally

    5 years ago

    great list guys & whilst they are all very beautiful beaches the photographer it’s too bad either. Congrats on capturing them all so well. Can’t wait to see the next list with SA included.

    Reply to Sally
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Thanks. I’m sure we will be adding a few from South Australia!

      Reply to Craig
      • louisa klimentos

        4 years ago

        You should both be professional photographers

        Reply to louisa
  16. Michela of Rocky Travel Blog

    5 years ago

    Have been to 34 out of these 38 Australian beaches! Fabulous photos and colours!

    Reply to Michela
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Awesome Michela. Hopefully we can both see many more in 2015

      Reply to Craig
  17. Hannah Wasielewski

    5 years ago

    Ahhh I have so much work to do! I’ve only been to Gold Cost and Sydney so far, but I think Byron Bay is next on the list for me. Thanks for the list!

    Reply to Hannah
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Byron Bay is a good place to be Hannah!

      Reply to Craig
  18. bek

    5 years ago

    I live in one of the best places in aus. You have got to visit Esperance western Australia. We have some of the most pristine beaches and the whitest sand I’ve ever seen. We are very lucky to live somewhere so spectacular

    Reply to bek
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      We will be in Esperance in about 3 weeks Bek. Can’t wait 🙂

      Reply to Craig
      • Bek

        5 years ago

        Great to hear. Make sure you get to lucky bay, twilight cove and the duke of Orleans. The list is endless. Hope u enjoy our beautiful town you won’t be dissapointed 🙂

        Reply to Bek
        • Craig

          5 years ago

          Thanks for the tips!

          Reply to Craig
  19. Frenchie

    5 years ago

    That is an impressive list – I still remember my tourism teacher saying ‘never sell overseas beaches to an Australian’ and I think you have proved her point. Luckily I have been to a small number from your list and will agree that Squeaky Beach one of my favourites – Also love 90 Mile beach in Vic which I don’t think you had time to visit – Wineglass Bay another favourite. Exmouth beaches look amazing hmm WA might be winning here…

    Reply to Frenchie
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Hmm, yeah, I think WA wins overall 🙂

      Next time in Vic with have to check out 90 Mile Beach. Thanks.

      Reply to Craig
  20. Jill

    5 years ago

    Wow! Some of the beaches in Western Australia look absolutely awesome. We must get over there at some stage. Don’t forget the beautiful north facing Elizabeth Beach (a lovely family beach with an adjacent rainforest walk) and Shelly Beach next door (for those who like a little less clothing) in the quaint little town of Pacific Palms in NSW. We have been to quite a few beaches in our travels but Elizabeth beach is still my favourite. Perhaps it can make it into your top 50.

    Reply to Jill
  21. leysha

    5 years ago

    You have picked some great beaches however a notable exclusion are the magnetic Island beaches including balding bay and radical bay
    Cheers
    Leysha

    Reply to leysha
  22. Christine Beasley Singing Teacher

    5 years ago

    What a wonderful selection of Australia’s beautiful scenic coastline. We have the best looking beaches in the world, and our Sydney beaches are great. You’ve captured some wonderful photos”

    Reply to Christine
  23. Marta Kulesza

    5 years ago

    I am not really a beach bum, but you just turned me into one! Your photos are absolutely amazing! you made me so excited about visiting Australia! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    Reply to Marta
    • Craig

      5 years ago

      Hope you make it to Australia Marta!

      Reply to Craig
  24. Kat - The Organised Housewife

    5 years ago

    STUNNING PHOTOS !!!!!! I really enjoyed this post, thank you so much for sharing these stunning places. Wow i ave never been to Perth but i can honestly say it is now on my list of things to do! The beaches are absolutely BEAUTIFUL.:)

    Reply to Kat
  25. josephine minerva

    5 years ago

    bumped into ur site happily at d wee hrs aftr midnight..moving to AU in June…so extremely excited with ur list..i hope i get to visit many if not all in this lifetime..thx for sharing!!! 🙂

    Reply to josephine
  26. Andreas Athens

    5 years ago

    Very nice list! According to my personal experience, number 4 the Coral Bay, is my favorite!

    Reply to Andreas
  27. Rhiannon

    4 years ago

    You’ve chosen some beautiful beaches for your list, many I’ve visited on travels. I hope you like our SA beaches. Berry Bay on the Yorke Peninsular is one of my favorites, definitely worth a visit. Port Willunga beach is beautiful local beach too. You guys take beautiful photos. Looking for info on Turkey with young kids and have been looking at so many of your other posts. Keep up the great work! Where are you on your travels now?

    Reply to Rhiannon
  28. Craig

    4 years ago

    Obviously South Australia does not have a coastline, as it is the only state to miss out!

    Reply to Craig
    • Caz

      4 years ago

      Obviously, you did not read the post properly as we clearly stated we hadn’t yet visited South Australia which is why the beaches were missing from the list.

      Reply to Caz
  29. Cassie

    4 years ago

    Loving all the attention WA is getting in this post!!! Might have to take a trip to Rottnest, it looks to die for!

    Reply to Cassie
  30. Pam

    4 years ago

    We just spent a year in Australia on a teaching exchange, and we were able to make many of these beaches. However we have many more to visit. Thanks for your recs.

    Reply to Pam
  31. Kathy Marris

    4 years ago

    Great selection of Aussie beaches. It’s good to see a couple of Gold Coast beaches made the grade! The beaches at Cape Range Exmouth are pretty hard to beat but I would also add the beaches around Esperence in South East WA. They were pretty awesome.

    Reply to Kathy
  32. Louise neave

    4 years ago

    Cave beach Jervis Bay

    Reply to Louise
  33. Michelle

    4 years ago

    Awesome photos and locations – but I would add Rainbow Beach AND Double Island Point, QLD – home the the famous Coloured Sands and Carlo Sandblow.

    Reply to Michelle
  34. Anni

    4 years ago

    Lucky bay 🙂

    Reply to Anni
  35. Laura Fernandes

    3 years ago

    Our simply stunning these places more also like to add beach Jervis Bay

    Reply to Laura
  36. Yolande

    3 years ago

    Where are your best South Australian Beaches!?

    Reply to Yolande
    • Craig

      3 years ago

      Haven’t been to any South Australia beaches yet, as I mentioned in the article 🙂

      Reply to Craig
      • Yolande

        3 years ago

        Darn, never pays to skim read does it?!☺️

        Reply to Yolande
  37. Lesley

    3 years ago

    Very pleased to see that Bicheno Beach was on your list. It’s one of my favourite places in the world (I know, big call) but I love Tasmania and Bicheno has it all with its wonderful little township, white sands and those extraordinary orange rocks and boulders – truly fantastic.

    Reply to Lesley
  38. David Laurie

    3 years ago

    “38 ‘best’ beaches” ???

    What a load of rubbish..

    Australia has over 11,000 beaches !

    You haven’t even listed the best beaches in NSW — so how can you claim to have “38 of the best” in the country ?

    The Hunter coast, Central Coast, and Lower North Coast ALL have superior beaches to anything found around Sydney;
    While the far South Coast of NSW has it all over anything found around Jervis Bay..

    As for the Far North Coast/Northern Rivers region — you barely touched on what is actually up there !

    Keep trying, though — maybe some day you will be lucky enough to experience some of the hidden gems around Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie and Gosford..

    Reply to David
    • Caz

      3 years ago

      And you’re so upset because? It’s all opinion isn’t it. We’ve experienced a lot of the beaches in Australia, and in our opinion, these are what we feel is the best. Don’t waste your time and energy getting upset over our opinion. By all means, share what you think is great too and add to the list, but save yourself some upset about it.

      Reply to Caz
    • Garth Henderson

      3 years ago

      Well said David, Celito beach in Smith’s Lake comes to mind instantly!!!

      Reply to Garth
  39. Stef

    3 years ago

    Great post. I am really amazed you visited and took photos of all of them. Most of similar posts are more of a list with “borrowed” photos. Big kudos.

    PS I can’t really understand haters…they don’t even read the post and they start complaining about a missing state or a missing beach. The sense of beauty is so subjective. Just take this post and any similar one as a personal opinion….

    Reply to Stef
  40. Garth Henderson

    3 years ago

    Hmmm, did you even get near Cronulla, just south of Sydney? South Cronulla, North Cronulla, Alleura, The Alley, Wanda, and Green Hills beaches to start with. Then add Voo Doo, Boat Harbour, and ALL the Kurnell beaches. Oh! did I mention, the little known and secluded Blackwoods beach? Or Shelly, Oak Park and ‘Bass and Flinders’? Perhaps I didn’t. Then there is the jewel in Cronulla’s crown, Salmon Haul Bay! Why go anywhere else? But wait there’s more. Darook Park beach, and the nudist beach around the corner. Gunnamatta Bay beach just north of that. Then a short ferry ride on the Port Hacking to Bundeena gives you Bundeena beach, Mayian Bar beach and sand spit, the little known nudist beach at Jibbon point, and most incredibly, the nicest little secluded and protected beach of all, Jibbon beach itself. You have to get out more and come see. Oh, and did I mention, Swallow Rock?

    Reply to Garth
    • Craig

      3 years ago

      Hi Garth, thanks for your suggestions. Sounds like some nice beaches in that area. With over 10,000 beaches in Australia it’s hard to see them all personally.

      Reply to Craig
      • Garth Henderson

        3 years ago

        Hi Craig, I apologise if I sounded a little condescending in my tone, but I am continually amazed at how many people I meet for hear of that travel to see Sydney beaches and MISS THE BEST ONES! People hardly know of Cronulla and it world class beaches in it’s surrounding areas. Yes I am biased, but I have travelled extensively and I can tell you my assessment of these beaches is substantially correct. Yet tourism NSW does little to promote this area well, or at all. You could easily cover a visit to all those beaches in one day and have often done so with friends and visitors. They re amazed at how close to Sydney they are and how accessible, yet so unknown. A trip to Sydney with looking some of them up is criminal! LOL. So next time you’re about here, look me up for a free tour. Don’t forget to look further afield in your travels and take David Laurie’s advice to seek out the northern beaches in NSW. Especially around the Forster/Tunncurry and south around Smith’s lake, Blue’s Beach, area. An absolutely stunning location. If you have a small boat or tinny You’ll be assaulted by the endless options of beaches in the region. See an aerial over view of that part of the country to understand the size of the problem. Cheers . G.

        Reply to Garth
        • Craig

          3 years ago

          No worries. We do have more beaches in Oz than probably any other country worth visiting. And most people only fly into Sydney for 2-3 days so tend to stick to the obvious. As mentioned in my blog post I’ve only listed beaches I’ve personally visited and there are many in each state that could be added to my list I’m sure. Cheers.

          Reply to Craig
    • Caz

      3 years ago

      Thank you for all your wonderful suggestions. We haven’t explored that way so couldn’t put any on the list. We’re keen to check them out now!

      Reply to Caz
  41. Candace

    3 years ago

    I have only visited Western Australia, but the Beaches around Albany, a beautiful harbor town are stunning, Little Beach and Two Peoples Bay are spectacular.
    My favorite may have been Green Pools and Elephant Rock between Walpole and Denmark, a must see. bring the snorkel gear and sneakers to walk the beautiful rock formations.

    Reply to Candace
  42. Lara

    3 years ago

    Hi there Craig, this post is just awesome.

    Now I exactly know where to go in Australia… it’s just going to take more time 🙂 to visit all those wonderful beaches, but I think I can manage it.

    Cheers,
    Lara Sein

    Reply to Lara
  43. Charissa

    2 years ago

    You missed all the stunning coastline of Newcastle and the Central Coast! Some absolute beauties there. Merewether has an amazing beach, with baths for swimming in, Catherine Hill Bay has great swimming, surfing and diving, Terrigal is a great spot for families with swimming, surfing and the rock pools. If you haven’t been to any of these beaches yet, you should! The Nelson Bay Area shouldn’t be forgotten either! Stunning beaches and some great walks.

    Reply to Charissa
    • Luke Chopra

      1 year ago

      I agree

      Reply to Luke
  44. Mark

    1 year ago

    A great list! I’m surprised Bulcock Beach isn’t listed on here.

    Reply to Mark
  45. Luke Chopra

    1 year ago

    What about shoal bay in the Port Stephens region of NSW

    Reply to Luke
  46. Derek

    1 year ago

    My fav beaches and scenery r on kangaroo island. We spent one week there and wished we did two weeks instead. Island is very untouched, isolated, raw natural beauty. When there, also check out the koala bear night walk, rapture bird show (wild birds, they r not captured), incredible rocks at flinders park, and views at seal beach. For swimming, best beach were Stokes beach and the beach that my rental wood cabin was located on (I forget name but it is near flinders park and near the koala night walk,) which this beach also had wild kangaroos and a very secluded safe beach with no waves. We stayed on east and west coast of island and preferred the west, but suggest staying on both sides so the drive is shorter if u plan to c the whole island (half and half). Driving speed is slow cuz it is dirt road and lots of wallibies so u don’t want to hit them and no street lights. From your list, I know u would enjoy kangaroo island (very pricy but worth every penny).

    Reply to Derek
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