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.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .