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.

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.