Australia reigns supreme on Lonely Planet’s best beaches list for 2025, thanks to these two unexpected winners…
When it comes to the world’s best beaches, Australia has over 10,000 glorious ones – both famous and hidden ones – that the rest of the globe has to compete with. And according to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 roundup of the world’s 10 best beaches, not one, but two Australian beaches have topped the list. The Aussie winners beat out iconic contenders from Hawaii, Milos, Mexico and even the Seychelles. Update your 2025 travel plans – these two beaches are must-sees.
Second Place
Forget the obvious choices of Bondi and Byron Bay. These beloved New South Wales beaches may have topped the previous year’s lists, but 2025 is shining a light on two other states.
Second place goes to Squeaky Beach in Victoria’s Gippsland region nestled in the southernmost point of mainland Australia. This wild and pristine beach is located in the state’s largest marine park (Wilsons Promontory) and gets its name from the high-pitched squeak made when you press your feet into the perfectly rounded quartz sand grains.
Squeaky Beach is framed by an impressive backdrop of colossal granite boulders. The beach contains a multitude of picturesque rock pools where you can safely splash or relax in. Feeling adventurous? Bring your surfboard and catch a wave in this surfing haven.
First Place
Claiming the coveted crown of world’s best beach is none other than Whitehaven Beach on Queensland’s Whitsunday Island. There are multiple reasons this piece of paradise takes top spot – one being the distinctive swirl pattern created by the impossibly white sand combined with the turquoise water. But the beach is more than just easy on the eyes – the average water temperature sits at a perfect 26 degrees year-round, making it a dream for swimming and snorkelling.
And that dazzling Colgate-commercial-level white sand? An ultra-fine, soft silica that doesn’t retain as much heat from the sun, meaning you can comfortably walk on it barefoot. In short, it’s not too hot, not too cold, just right.
Lonely Planets Best Beaches 2025:
- Whitehaven Beach, Queensland, Australia
- Squeaky Beach, Victoria, Australia
- Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles
- Sunset Beach, Trang, Thailand
- Sarakiniko Beach, Milos, Greece
- Haukland Beach, Lofoten Islands, Norway
- Playa Balandra, Baja California Sur, Mexico
- Pfeiffer Beach, California, USA
- Hanalei Bay, Hawai‘i, USA
- Platja Illetes, Formentera, Spain
