Did you know that Australia has over 7,000 beaches? There are around 100 in Sydney alone and Australia has more stretches of sand than any other nation in the world. The country's coastline is some 15,000 miles long and 75% of all Aussies live within an hour's drive of the beach. No wonder they’re all so fit and healthy with golden tresses and bronzed bodies! It’s unsurprising that places like Australia and the Indian Ocean are such popular destinations for us Brits when looking for some glorious sunshine and world-class blue waters, particularly in the chillier months!
With so many beaches to choose from, this is by no means a definitive guide, but rather a snapshot of the best beaches in Australia.
What is the most-known beach in Australia?
Bondi Beach, Sydney
We thought we’d kick off with one of the most famous and iconic Australian beaches: Bondi. Located just outside of Sydney's city centre, Bondi is the stretch of sand that everyone’s heard of. It’s popular with tourists and is usually very crowded. It became so beloved thanks to all the bars and restaurants surrounding the beach. Not only that, but it was also the first beach to have a Surf Life Saving Club. Bondi may be busy and touristy, but it’s well worth a visit, and great for a spot of people-watching.
What part of Australia has the best beaches?
Noosa: see Byron Bay
Nestled on the Sunshine Coast, Noosa has a beach for everyone – from surfers seeking a rip curl or five, to families taking an extended vacation. Byron Bay is the Noosa main beach, and alongside Jervis Bay, is one of the best-known beaches in New South Wales. Backpackers have long been attracted to the laid-back vibes and the abundance of cafes and bars for years, and more recently a number of luxury hotels, bars and restaurants have popped up, catering to those looking for a more indulgent break. There’s also some great surf and unique places to stay… and of course the turquoise waters aren’t bad either.
What beach has the clearest water in Australia?
Lizard Beach, Queensland
It’s hard to narrow down the beaches on Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef because they’re all spectacular, but Lizard Beach does have something extra special. Think crystal-clear, blue waters and impossibly soft silica. In fact, there are actually 23 dazzling white beaches on Lizard Island, so you won’t find any huge crowds or rowdy backpackers here.
What is the prettiest beach in Australia?
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays
The postcard-worthy image of Whitehaven Beach – in The Whitsundays – is often the picture that attracts people to the beaches in Australia. Arguably one of the best beaches in the world and the perfect Insta inspo for relaxing holidays in paradise, the sand is so fine and pure on Whitehaven Beach that it actually squeaks beneath your feet. Fun fact: it’s actually thought to be brilliant for cleaning jewellery, due to the purity.
The best of the rest
75 Mile Beach, Fraser Island
Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, so it’s no wonder the beaches here are all incredible. 75 Mile Beach is, rather unsurprisingly, 75 miles long, but it’s perhaps most famous for the multi-coloured sands that stretch along those miles. You’ll find ochre sand and bright white sand and everything in-between, including a huge range of oranges and yellows. There are also the bright blue freshwater lakes that have made 75 Mile Beach so famous.
Cable Beach, Broome
Up in Broome, Western Australia, Cable Beach has to be one of the most incredible places in Australia to watch the sunset. That’s a bold statement, I know, but it doesn't get much better than this. It’s the perfect beach that seems to stretch on for as far as you can see, making it the perfect canvas for the sun’s daily show. Add camels to the scene and you've got the picture-perfect scene right there.
Turquoise Bay, Exmouth
It’s a crying shame that Exmouth isn't as popular with tourists as the east coast of Australia because it is one of the most stunning beaches on the Coral Coast, and in the country. Not only will you find pristine stretches of sand, but they’ll be almost deserted; there’s no fighting for a sun lounger around here. It’s the kind of place where the sea is so calm, clear and quiet that you barely need a snorkel and mask to see the fish. But if you’re the snorkelling type, you won’t be disappointed by the coral coastline.
Lucky Bay, Esperance
Lucky Bay makes it into our list of the best Australian beaches thanks to the sunbathing kangaroos, who like to kick back and relax on these perfect white shores. And who can blame them? With unspoilt stretches of coastline and that sapphire sea, we wouldn't mind chilling out here for a few days ourselves.
Palm Beach, Sydney
Palm Beach is in Northern Sydney, 25 miles outside of central Sydney. Not only is it a gorgeous beach but it has been attracting visitors, particularly British backpackers, for a very specific reason. Palm Beach is used as the filming set for Summer Bay from the Australian soap opera, Home & Away. So, if there are any daytime TV fans out there, you can’t miss a chance to see this beach; you never know, you might even bump into Alf Stewart.
10 - ?
We’re leaving the 10th best beach in Australia up to you. Can you tell us which is your favourite beach down under? Let us know via Instagram, Facebook or Twitter!
