19 Best Beaches in Australia You Must Visit

The ongoing battle for consensus on Australia’s best beaches is a debate without end and highlights Australia’s overabundance of sandy riches. With nearly 12,000 different stretches of beach to choose from, we have come up with a “debate starting" list of 19 of the best beaches in Australia.

Asking an Australian to pick their favourite beach is a bit like asking an Italian to choose their favourite pasta dish – they will name their regional classic but in reality, they love them all, and almost equally.

When Australians passionately argue about the exact location of our best beaches, we somewhat smugly know that of the nearly 12,000 beaches in Australia, 6,000 would be tourism icons in any other country – such is our luck.

Australian Traveller’s Quentin Long has compiled his ultimate list of the “three best beaches" per state – plus one for the NT – to reignite Australia’s best beaches debate.

NSW’s best beaches

1. Parsley Bay Beach, Sydney

The magnificent beaches of Sydney Harbour are often overshadowed by the bigger names of Bondi and Manly (although lifeguards at Bondi probably wish a few more backpackers would take to the calm waters of the harbour).

Vaucluse’s Parsley Bay Beach is spoken about in hushed tones by those in the know; a vain attempt to stop the word from getting out. The park, bushwalk and small protected beach are a hit with families. The cherry on top? The picturesque pedestrian suspension bridge, built in 1910, that connects both sides of the narrow inlet.

Parsley Bay beach walkway — This hidden gem is one of our favourite beaches. (Image: 24hourslayover.com )

2. Seven Mile Beach, Gerroa

Seven Mile beach is everything most of us want from a beach. At the northern end, under the dozey watch of Gerroa, you will find long languid gentle waves, the mouth of the Crooked River and a flat stretch of squeaky sand. For something different, grab a lilo and mosey down the river to the gentle beach break.

As you head south towards Shoalhaven Heads 12 kilometres away, the waves increase in size and the bush pushes all signs of humans into the hinterland.

Seven Mile also has some history. Sir Kingsford Smith’s record-breaking trans-Tasman flight in 1933. The long relatively flat beach gave Smith’s heavily laden Southern Cross enough runway to lift off.

3. Zenith Beach, Port Stephens

The beaches of Port Stephens are probably the single biggest victims of our embarrassment of riches. In any other country, Port Stephens would be the eighth Wonder of the World.

So it is fitting the pick of them is called Zenith… stroll with a coffee bought from the Shoal Bay cafes in hand through a short stretch of Aussie bush to be greeted by a gently curving crescent beach protected by two peaks standing guard at either end of the beach. Tomaree Headland, great for a stroll and magnificent views, at the northern tip and Stephens Peak at the southern end create a sense of sheltered oasis. Just remember this is an unpatrolled beach so only experienced strong beach swimmers should have a dip.

High shot of Zenith Beach in Port Stephens - one of the best beaches in Australia — Zenith Beach is one of the many incredible beaches in Port Stephens. (Image: Destination NSW)

Vic’s best beaches

4. Smiths Beach, Phillip Island

It’s Southern Ocean facing sure, but the variety of waves on this idyllic slice of the penguin-peppered island is deceiving (we have our own guide to just the beaches of Phillip Island). Salted surfers and green novices all find a great wave while the non-board riders can frolic on the shoreline or in rock holes.

To sum it all up, Phillip Island is a sublime slice of Victoria filled with sweet holiday homes and luxury villas, emerging producers and foodie outlets and of course those penguins (and a surprising military museum).

People enjoying Smiths Beach on Phillip Island — Smiths Beach is perfect for all types of beachgoers.

5. Fairhaven Beach, Aireys Inlet, Great Ocean Road

Between Anglesea and Lorne on the Great Ocean Road, Fairhaven is known for having the best waves on the Great Ocean Road after Bells Beach. Don’t think this is a wax head zone only – Fairhaven is six kilometres long and the best waves are on the eastern end.

The other drawcard is at the height of summer, Fairhaven remains relatively crowd-free.

The vvastness of Fairhaven Beach at Aireys Inlet — Fairhaven is known for having some of the best waves on the Great Ocean Road.

6. Norman Bay Beach / Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory

Ask any Victorian for the best beaches in the state and Norman’s would be mentioned first or second for a reason – when anyone says how beautiful Wilsons Prom is they visualise Norman Bay, its beach and the mouth of Tidal River.

The shallow aquamarine water with gentle waves, and the meandering flow of the Tidal River all based on endless stretches of fine sand make for the perfect family beach. Kids will spend hours and days snorkelling, beach cricket, body surfing, and building sand castles in what is the magic pudding of beaches; every time someone lays down a towel, an identical-sized stretch of beach seems to appear making it impossible to crowd.

Sunrise at Norman Bay Beach - one of Australia's best beaches — Norman bay Beach is next level.

Qld’s best beaches

7. Noosa Main Beach, Noosa

Noosa Main beach is a magnificent spot for both aquatic sandy leisure and people-watching.

The soundtrack of the rhythmic lapping of gentle waves on Queensland‘s only northerly facing beach is rather soothing for the exhausted elites who are drawn to this beachside destination that delivers probably the single greatest holiday mix of sun, surf, food, wine and all-round “counting your blessings" relaxation.

Sure the Noosa Main Beach boardwalk is rammed with more activewear than Lorna Jane’s attic and there is a steady stream of the influencer class (as you bob in the water you can see their felt hats bob along Hastings St). But that is part of the allure of the destination.

The perfect Noosa day is to combine a run, walk or stroll through Noosa Headland National Park with a swim, snorkel or paddle board on the beach followed by a lunch and shop on Hasting St, snooze swim and dinner back on Hastings St or Noosaville or Sunshine Beach if one can be inspired to leave the indulgent milieu.

Aerial shot of paddleboarders at Noosa Main Beach - one of the best beaches in Australia — You won’t regret a trip to Noosa Main Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

8. Lake Mackenzie, K’gari (Fraser Island)

Surprise! A beach that is not on the coast.

A perched lake (so it sits above sea level on the sands of K’gari) it is fed only by rainwater. Lake Mackenzie is pinch-yourself beautiful. Not even the millions of over-saturated Instagram shots do it justice.

Ringed by talcum-soft white sand, you dive right into cool iridescent green water that becomes coffee stained as you move deeper.

And for an extra touch, at the shoreline rub your valuables in the wet white silica for a free jewellery clean.

Woman sitting under umbrella on sand at Lake McKenzie. — Lake Mackenzie is pinch-yourself beautiful. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

9. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, Qld

It is no wonder that any self-respecting list of the best Australian beaches must have Whitehaven on it. It is a non-negotiable for a reason.

In the dictionary under perfect beach, just stick in a photo of Whitehaven: turquoise water and blinding white fine sand that stretches for more than six kilometres. The sand is in fact 98 per cent silica giving its pure whiteness. And forget the hot sand jig, the pure white colour reflects the heat so it never gets too hot for your feet.

And as if that was not enough, Whitehaven is protected by the Whitsundays Islands National Park making it not just an incredible wilderness area, but one of the cleanest beaches in Queensland (for example smoking is banned to avoid stray butts ending in the sand or water).

Stand up paddleboarder on Whitehaven beach - one of the best beaches in Australia — Whitehaven is the ultimate non-negotiable. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Tassie’s best beaches

10. Wineglass Bay, Freycinet Peninsula

Tasmania’s most famous beach makes global lists of top 10s with such regularity that we can become a little blasé about its beauty and let’s be honest, perfection. Until of course, you walk to the top of The Hazards, the spectacular mountain range that climbs steeply from the water to form the northern edge of Wineglass Bay, to peer down on this ridiculously exquisite beach.

If the relatively easy walk to the lookout is not floating your boat, then join a cruise to explore the entire remarkable Freycinet Peninsula.

And, hate to break it to you, but the name Wineglass Bay comes from the water being stained by whale blood at the beginning of the 19^th century when it was a major whale processing beach.

High shot overlooking Wineglass Bay - one of the best beaches in Australia — Wineglass Bay is Tassie’s most famous beach. (Image: Lauren Bath)

11. Boat Harbour Beach

Ask locals (particularly if they are from the northern section of Tasmania) their favourite beach and without hesitation, they will respond Boat Harbour Beach.

The north-easterly facing beach is protected from the wind by rocky headlands on both edges of the beach. A gentle slope and north facing provide a gentle wave. And some serious rock-hole exploring is an option in the remarkable geology of the headland.

Scenic shot of Boat Harbour Beach in Tasmania — Boat Harbour Beach is protected from the wind by rocky headlands. (Image: S. Group)

12. Cosy Corner, Bay of Fires

Picking the best Bay of Fires beach is the greatest exercise in futility, no one usually tries. When international lists of best beaches in the world are released they don’t even bother and collectively name Bay of Fires which in fact covers more than 15 different beaches.

Collectively the beaches of the Bay of Fires have the mandatory remarkable white sand and aquamarine water but these Tassie gems like to up the ante with a big dollop of dazzling orange thanks to the lichen that is found over the boulders in the area.

We went with Cosy Corner as the top pick for purely pragmatic reasons; it is the stunning selection of beaches (like a Babushka doll, even Cosy Corner has three different sections) most accessible from the Binnalong Bay township.

Pink sunset over Cosy Corner beach in Bay of Fires Tasmania — The Bay of Fires covers 15 beaches and Cosy Corner is our fave. (Image: Kathryn Leahy)

SA’s best beaches

13. Long Beach, Robe

Such is the fabulousness of Robe’s Long Beach that it should be a national icon. There are several ramps to drive your car onto the beach and the surf break from the third ramp onwards is most loved by those with waxy hair.

The beach itself is very deep from the shoreline to land and, stretching for more than 14 kilometres, it is always easy to find a slice for yourself and to renew old rivalries in the annual family beach cricket grudge match.

Make the most of it, take the 4WD (although some 2WD handle it perfectly fine) and set up camp for a day. The fishing is pretty good as well so you can even catch a lunch of whiting and perhaps flathead or snapper.

People canoeing at Long Beach in Robe — Long Beach should be a national icon. (Image: Mark Fitzpatrick)

14. Stokes Bay Beach, Kangaroo Island

Stokes Bay beach is confusing to the uninitiated. Arriving at the car park you will be very let down; the shoreline is a craggy mix of rocks and pebbles. Follow the signs through a few rocks and caves and, like the wardrobe in the Lion the Witch and Wardrobe, you merge into a hidden paradise.

The north-facing beach is all the prerequisite white sand and turquoise water. Being northerly facing it avoids any of the big waves from the Southern Ocean and the rockpools are a winner for exploring with the kids. For more Kangaroo Island beaches – check out our guide.

Person floating in the water at Stokes Bay Beach — Stokes Bay Beach is so worth finding its hidden location. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

15. Maslin Beach, Fleurieu Peninsula

The first time you sight Maslins is a wondrous thing. It happens as you crest a hill headed for McLaren Vale and then this magnificent beach and the burnt-red striated cliffs of Blanche Point appear.

The southern end of Maslins (as locals call it) towards the cliffs is Australia’s first legal “clothed optional beach", handy for the many wine buffs who depart Adelaide without swimmers expecting a full day of tasting who are then seduced by the beauty of the beach and emboldened by the tasting to have their first ever birthday suit dip.

Child dancing on Maslin Beach at sunset — Maslin Beach is a breathtaking sight. (Image: Kristy Billing)

WA’s best beaches

16. Cable Beach, Broome

Ok ok ok, this is a legend and deservedly so. The remarkable beach stretches in all directions as far as the eye can see – it is 22 kilometres long and at low tide, as the water recedes, it feels that wide.

Add the famous pindan red cliffs, camel rides and the sunset that is unrivalled around the world and you have an experience that has such an intense sense of place it is the beach equivalent of standing in front of the Eiffel Tower.

The huge expanse of the beach has plenty of space for everyone to swim, surf, fish or just loll around. Being so remote, you may not have brought all your beach accoutrements, they can be hired from the Broome Beach Hut.

Camels on cable Beach in Broome at sunset - one of the best beaches in Australia — Cable Beach is nothing short of iconic.

17. Little Salmon Bay, Rottnest Island

Oh Rotto, you had me at quokka. Sure we all love a selfie with the misnamed ‘rodents’ but it is the incredible beaches of Rotto that really take the cake.

And Little Salmon Bay is by far the greatest beach on Rotto. The relatively small beach is so picturesque, your lizard brain sees the quintessential paradise causing you to be almost teary at the sheer beauty of the place. Being a small beach at the end of a long narrow bay, the snorkelling area is next level big. This also explains why it never feels crowded.

People snorkelling at Little Salmon Bay on Rottnest Island — Little Salmon Bay is by far the greatest beach on Rotto. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

18. Eagle Bay, Margaret River Region

Low-key luxury homes meet that incredible luminescent WA turquoise water and fine white sand.

Almost at the tip of Cape Naturaliste, the beach in fact faces northeast and is well protected from the Indian Ocean swells, add the long gentle sandy beach and you have an oversized sea pool.

The beach is interspersed with the occasional rock outcrop that gives kids endless entertainment.

Drone shot of Eagle Bay in WA — Eagle Bay mustn’t be missed. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

NT’s best beaches

19. Mindil Beach, Darwin

Let’s be honest, the NT is full of incredible beaches that are torturous to us Aussies – so seductive yet unsafe to swim; how can they tempt us so?

Mindil is an icon of Darwin for its outrageously beautiful sunsets and of course the eclectic Mindil Beach markets . Clothing, nik naks and whip stalls mingle with food outlets serving up cuisine from more than 20 different countries to create a must-do of the NT.

The sun setting on Mindil Beach in Darwin - one of the best beaches in Australia — Nothing beats a Mindil Beach sunset.

The Great Ocean Road has captured the hearts of Australians with its astounding scenery since 1932, but going off-course can enrich your experience with untouched nature, foodie delights and charming towns.

It’s a chilly 16 degrees. My husband pulls on a steamer and jogs – as all seasoned surfers do – into the water. We’re at Bells Beach , the legendary break on Victoria’s Surf Coast that’s home to the Rip Curl Pro, the world’s longest-running event in competitive surfing. Each year, over the Easter long weekend, up to 40,000 people descend on the region for the event. Today, though, we have the beach almost to ourselves, and the less-than-favourable temperature doesn’t deter my husband from surfing this famous break.

Torquay to Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

The red dome of Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The nearby surf town of Torquay marks the starting point for the Great Ocean Road . Unfolding our map, which we have marked out with a highlighted route for our children to follow, we set off for lesser-known Anglesea, a chilled-out town 20 minutes south of here. Its wide, sandy beach is a gentler swimming option for our young family. Groms can learn to surf here with Go Ride a Wave, which also runs stand-up paddle boarding on the Anglesea River.

Split point lookout — The lighthouse overlooks the Shipwreck Coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

After a couple of nights in Anglesea, we hit the road again, first stopping at Aireys Inlet. Here we stretch our legs at Split Point Lighthouse, which was made famous by the 1990s television series Round the Twist, before driving under the Memorial Arch that welcomes us, officially, to the Great Ocean Road.

This 243-kilometre coastal road was built by returned First World War servicemen and serves as a permanent memorial to those who fought and died during the war. Carved into rock using hand tools and horse-drawn carts, it was a huge engineering feat and provided much-needed access to isolated coastal communities.

Lorne to Birregurra

Lorne is a delightful beachside stop for lunch and browsing boutique stores. It’s also the gateway to Great Otway National Park , which comprises a varied landscape of old-growth forests, cool-temperate rainforests, heathy woodlands and rugged coast. With the highest rainfall in Victoria, the region is home to many waterfalls – 10 of which are within 10 kilometres of Lorne.

Turning slightly off the main drag, we wind along a gum-shaded road to Erskine Falls. Here, our son leads the way through the hyper-green rainforest and down 200-plus stairs to the cascade that drops 30 metres into a lush fern gully. We hop over large boulders to get closer to the falls, enjoying the entire place to ourselves; it’s worth the return climb.

From Sheoak Falls Picnic Area, there are walking trails to Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, Won Wondah Falls and Kalimna Falls, some of which follow an old timber tramway from forest-logging days, which only came to an end in 2008.

You can follow your appetite north to the town of Birregurra, which is part of the Otway Harvest Trail that connects farm gates, markets, wineries, breweries and distilleries. It’s home to three-hatted modern Australian restaurant Brae , helmed by celebrated chef Dan Hunter, set among native gardens and an organic farm, and Otways Distillery, which produces small-batch spirits using local produce and botanicals.

Brae restaurant — Brae is a three-hatted restaurant in Birregurra. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Apollo Bay to The Otways

Back on track, the cliff-hugging stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay is breathtaking. At Teddys Lookout, we overlook the winding road ahead and St George River spilling into the ocean. We spend languid days in Apollo Bay, a buzzy seaside town that boasts a three-kilometre-long, crescent-shaped beach with a backdrop of rolling green hills. One evening, as the sun sets, we take the steep 10-minute walk to Marriners Lookout, which affords panoramic views of the ocean, hinterland and town.

A 15-minute drive along the road, Maits Rest is a lush rainforest gully that has been protected since the early 20th century. Wandering along the 800-metre boardwalk, we inspect the delicate moss-covered forest floor and the gnarled roots of 300-year-old myrtle beech trees, then crane our necks to see their canopies, some 50 metres above us. It’s therapy in nature.

Cape Otway to the Twelve Apostles

The southernmost tip of Cape Otway is a delightful detour, home to the 1848-built Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. We climb the narrow winding staircase to the gallery deck, explore the keepers’ quarters and telegraph station, and enjoy a coffee and some ‘famous’ scones at the charming onsite cafe.

It’s a pinch-me moment to finally see the Twelve Apostles in person. This unmistakable cluster of limestone stacks rising abruptly from the sea were never 12, however. When coined this in the 1890s as a marketing ploy, there were only nine; today, only seven remain after two collapsed in 2005 and 2009. We admire these Aussie icons from the viewing platform, in awe of Mother Nature’s ever-evolving artwork.

The Grotto is another natural attraction within Port Campbell National Park. (Image: Carmen Zammit)

Edging the wild Southern Ocean, this part of the coast – dubbed Shipwreck Coast – is made up of many sea-carved natural wonders including London Bridge, The Grotto and Gibson Steps. After exploring the lookout trails of Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool – its English name taken from the site of the 1878 shipwreck – we nestle into the sandy beach encircled by towering sandstone cliffs, as our children splash about on the water’s edge, and soak it all in.

Port Campbell to Timboon

Timboon Fine Ice Cream is part of a regional foodie trail. (Image: C McConville)

Just north of Port Campbell National Park, the region of Timboon is part of the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail, filled with purveyors of delicious foodstuffs such as Timboon Fine Ice Cream , Timboon Railway Shed Distillery and Apostle Whey Cheese. As an antidote to the indulgence, the 20-kilometre Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng Trail is a self-guided ride or walk between Port Campbell and Timboon through tall forests, over historic bridges and past sparkling lakes and farmland with grazing cattle.

Warrnambool to Port Fairy

Warrnambool building — A 19th-century building in Warrnambool. (Image: Peter Foster)

In Warrnambool, a town rich in maritime history, we take the four-kilometre Thunder Point Walk that traces the coast. The kids squeal when an echidna shuffles out from beneath the wooden boardwalk, and we stop to admire a seal lazing on a rock at the port.

Further along, the streets of quaint fishing village Port Fairy are lined with 19th-century cottages, old stone churches and Norfolk pines. Follow the historic walking trail to see some of the 60-plus National Trust buildings. Port Fairy is also home to Port Fairy Folk Festival (6-9 March), one of the country’s longest-running music and cultural festivals. You could time your road trip with the event for a fittingly celebratory end to any journey.

The Great Ocean Road can easily be done in three days, but we’ve spent a week on the road. The highlighted line on our now creased and well-worn map doesn’t follow the famous route precisely. It has sprouted branches in many directions, leading us to untouched rainforest and charming rural towns filled with culinary delights, and where we experienced some of our most memorable moments on the Great Ocean Road.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

The Monty is a highly anticipated, newly refurbished motel with a chic Palm Springs-inspired aesthetic set across the road from the Anglesea River. Basalt Winery in Port Fairy grows cool-climate wines such as pinot noir and Riesling in rich volcanic soil. Stay among the vines in its tiny home, complete with a kitchen, lounge area and outdoor firepit.

The Oak & Anchor Hotel has been a Port Fairy institution since 1857. Cosy up by the bar in winter or bask in the sunshine of the Lawn Bar in summer. The rooms are beautifully boutique with considered details, such as luxe baths for sinking into post-road trip.

Eating there

The Coast in Anglesea is a modern Australian restaurant focused on local ingredients. Grand Pacific Hotel has been a local landmark in Lorne since 1879 and recently underwent a restoration. It serves a mix of traditional pub and Italian fare alongside ocean views.

Graze is a cosy 40-seat dining room in Apollo Bay with a modern Australian menu complemented by regional wines. Apollo Bay Distillery offers tasting flights, a gin blending masterclass and serves woodfired pizzas.