The top 10 Australian beaches of 2025 have been revealed

Tourism Australia has revealed the most idyllic beaches for those seeking pristine coastal beauty.

With over 30,000 kilometres of coastline, Australia is blessed to have what we would argue are the best beaches in the world. From the white sandy stretches of Whitehaven Beach to the picturesque shores of Cottesloe Beach, there’s no shortage of idyllic oceanfront escapes to fall in love with. When there are more than 12,000 recorded beaches, you’re spoilt for choice as to which to visit. But choosing the best is no mean feat.

Fortunately, the job is in competent hands, with beach expert Brad Farmer appointed Tourism Australia’s official beach ambassador to curate the annual best Australian beaches list. “Having to pick from almost 12,000 candidates is not an easy job and at times the selections create plenty of debate, which I welcome, and I look forward to the feedback on this year’s top 10," Farmer said.

Last year Squeaky Beach in Victoria took the crown, recognisable by the impressive, coloured granite boulders at either end. This year, we’re heading to Tassie.

1. Bay of Fires, Tasmania

While technically not just one beach, this 10-kilometre stretch of beaches in the southern portion of the Bay of Fires Conservation Reserve in Tasmania has taken the number one spot on the list this year. This stunning pocket of Australia features burnt orange lichen-dusted boulders, lucid blue waters, and squeaky, bone-white sands. The Bay of Fires represents Tassie at its most spectacular: rugged and unique.

2. Woolgoolga, New South Wales

Woolgoolga is somewhat of a hidden gem in New South Wales. Located 20 minutes’ north of Coffs Harbour, it has been judged Australia’s best mainland beach. The beach itself is a divine stretch of golden sand, ideal for swimming, surfing, and fishing, and is typically quieter than the region’s more famous beaches.

3. Emily Bay Lagoon, Norfolk Island

Charming Norfolk Island is home to a spectacular array of unspoiled and secluded beaches and bays. Renowned as one of the safest beaches in the world, Emily Bay Lagoon features sheltered reefs, calm horizons and aqua-azure waters reminiscent of the Maldives. Its gentle waters make it perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking.

4. North Kirra Beach, Queensland

Located on the southern end of the Gold Coast, this north-facing beach is bathed in white sand and crystal-clear water, providing tranquil swimming all year round. This stretch of beach is also a renowned surfing spot with three-time Men’s World Surf League Champion Mick Fanning being the marquee star of the Kirra Surfriders Club.

5. Little Lagoon, Western Australia

Western Australia is a haven for stunning beaches, with travellers utterly spoilt for choice. The most unique beach in the line-up, Little Lagoon is an inland saltwater lagoon situated near Denham in Western Australia’s Shark Bay region. This beach features shallow, turquoise waters surrounded by white dunes and coastal vegetation. It offers perfect conditions for swimming, paddleboarding, and boating.

6. Fishery Bay, South Australia

The Eyre Peninsula in South Australia boasts numerous pristine beaches. This secluded bay is a popular destination for both surfing, with several surf breaks, and fishing, as the name suggests. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, including snapper, whiting, and garfish. If you have a 4WD, you can drive onto the beach and settle in for the day.

7. 1770, Queensland

1770 beach — The sun-kissed shores of 1770. (Image: londonerinsydney.com)

The charming coastal town of 1770 in Queensland is located on the Discovery Coast, near the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. Its namesake beach boasts beautiful golden sandy shores and clear blue seas that are brimming with marine life, such as fish, coral, and turtles.

8. Scarborough Beach, Western Australia

Perth arguably boasts the best beaches of any Australian capital. Scarborough Beach is one of the local favourites, particularly with surfers and kite surfers who relish its impressive surf breaks and regular swell. Being on the west coast also means this pretty patch of sand is privy to some breathtaking sunsets.

9. Caves Beach, New South Wales

The aptly named Caves Beach on the Swansea peninsula is renowned for the caves that line its golden shores. When the tide is low, visitors can explore the spectacular sea caverns that are carved into the sandstone cliffs and make for stunning photo opportunities.

10. Cowes Beach, Victoria

Cowes Beach is one of Victoria’s only north-facing beaches and the most popular sweep of sand on Phillip Island. This small swimming beach has low winds and calm waves making it ideal for families or those wanting to take a relaxing dip. The jetty is a handy spot for fishing, while the esplanade with its cafes, restaurants, and shops makes for the perfect post-dip hangout.

Luxury meets hyper-local hospitality with an exclusive Christmas stay package and menu you’ll want to be present for.

An Aussie Christmas is like no other. December signals the start of summer, celebrations and festive cheer. While Mariah Carey might not have defrosted just yet, we’ve got less than 100 days left of the year. So it’s time to start planning. Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney is reimagined with a luxurious festive stay package. Celebrate with a curated summer tote, a special seasonal menu that captures the flavours of a Sydney summer and cocktails crafted to capture the spirit of a harbourside Christmas.

This is your sign to skip the end-of-year chaos and let Christmas be taken care of for you.

A stay at Park Hyatt

couple with champagne on the balcony of their park hyatt sydney room — Gaze out from your balcony to see Sydney’s icons.

If you love a room with a view, imagine waking up on Christmas Day to the sound of waves and a sunrise over the iconic Sydney Opera House. Step out to your private balcony to soak in the sun, and you’ll find you’re on the doorstep to the coastal cobblestone charm of Sydney’s very own Christmas boulevard, The Rocks.

Enter Park Hyatt Sydney, a 155-room harbour-side hotel, centered in the beating heart of a historic neighbourhood, seamlessly blending life’s little luxuries with living like a local. Spend long, summer days lounging by the rooftop pool with 360-degree views of this harbour city or indulge in tailored treatments at The Spa.

aerial of park hyatt sydney rooftop pool — Spend summer days by the rooftop pool.

Be seated in The Dining Room, overlooking sparkling waters, to taste the vibrancy of an Australian summer. Led by Executive Chef Tyson Gee, discover a lunch and dinner menu that heroes coastal ingredients.

The festive stay package

Park Hyatt Sydney has introduced a festive stay package to up the Christmas spirit. Guests will enjoy an overnight stay in a guest room or suite with uninterrupted views, valet parking and a full breakfast for two in The Dining Room.

The Summer Kit

branded tote bag of park hyatt sydney with the sydney opera house in background — Take home a branded tote bag.

Because it’s an Aussie Christmas, guests booking the package will also receive a curated, limited-edition Summer Christmas kit stocked with seasonal luxuries, including the hotel’s first-ever branded merch.

Think a signature Park Hyatt Sydney sun cap and Aesop sunscreen valued at $300, all in a branded luxury tote bag. This kit will also be available for purchase throughout December, if you’re in need of any gift ideas.

The details

The festive stay package applies to stays from 1 – 27 December, with a limited number of suites available. Guests can book using the exclusive offer code XMAS25 on parkhyattsydney.com . They can also call +61 2 9256 1234 or email sydney.park.accommodation@hyatt.com.

Christmas dining

christmas menu at the dining room restaurant in park hyatt sydney — Taste a special Christmas menu at The Dining Room.

For the gourmands who want to participate in the festivities but are unable to stay as an overnight guest, Park Hyatt Sydney can still be your Christmas go-to. Taste Chef Tyson Gee’s themed culinary creations throughout December .

From 1 – 24 December, diners can book a Christmas Afternoon Tea from $95 pp. Prepare for Christmas flavours like braised turkey pie with cranberry gel, plus gingerbread and salted vanilla bûche de Noël and a chocolate hazelnut bauble for dessert.

On Christmas Day, The Dining Room and The Living Room will both offer a five-course menu from $425 per person. Start with a glass of NV Taittinger Champagne on arrival – accompanied by Sydney’s finest seafood – and end with a reimagined mango pavlova, with rice pudding and pink peppercorn.

“Our vision was to capture the flavours of a harbourside Australian Christmas,” says Gee. “Guests will enjoy seafood at its best, from fresh oysters to cured ocean trout, paired with tropical fruit accents and festive touches like glazed Berkshire ham and roast duck. Every dish has been imagined for a harbourside Christmas celebration.”

Guests can also enjoy a range of seasonal cocktails crafted by Head Mixologist Kevin Botte, including the Christmas Negroni, Christmas Mulled Wine and a Christmas Cocktail/Mocktail.

Exploring Sydney

woman drinking festive cocktail in the dining room restaurant of park hyatt sydney — The best of Sydney is right on your doorstep.

For those planning a visit, Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney means you’re perfectly situated to explore the best of Sydney.

The hotel is mere steps away from the icons, from Sydney Opera House to the Harbour Bridge, along with the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Add open-air galleries full of murals and explore the nearby cobblestone streets.

Head to the charming Rocks Markets, where the streets transform with seasonal Christmas creations, of the artisan and foodie variety. Then head over to Dawes Point Park for a picnic under the bridge.

Find more 360-degree rooftop views at the Glenmore, or listen to live music at Brewhouse at Squire’s Landing from Wednesday to Sunday (times vary). There’s something for everyone.

For more details on Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney, visit parkhyattsydney.com or call +61 2 9256 1234.