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Three Aussie beaches just made the world’s 50 best list

Credit: Tourism Western Australia

Taylah Darnell Taylah Darnell
 The World’s 50 Best Beaches list is out – and three Aussie beaches have made quite the splash.

With white sand, impossibly clear water and more hidden havens than you could ever hope to tick off, Australia’s coastline has long been in a league of its own. The proof is in the pudding, too; close to 87 per cent of the country’s population live along our coasts, shaping a culture that’s deeply connected to sea, sand and surf.

So when the annual World’s 50 Best Beaches list dropped, it was hardly surprising to see us featured not once, but three times. While two are making a return appearance (in higher positions, no less), one is joining for the very first time.

The ranking is decided by an extensive panel of well-travelled experts against a range of criteria, from accessibility and isolation to weather conditions and wildlife presence. Here’s where made the cut.

Wharton Beach, WA

Wharton Beach, WA
Wharton Beach is officially among the top five beaches in the world. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)

Wharton Beach in Western Australia’s Duke of Orleans Bay came in third place this year, impressively climbing from 21st in 2025. Widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the state, this local gem is loved for its tranquil atmosphere, crystalline waters and sand so fine it squeaks underfoot.

Whales off Western Australia's coastline
Whales migrate along WA’s coast from May to December. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)

Thanks to its relative isolation (the nearest town is around an hour away), visitors rarely have to fight for a spot on the sand. But while the crowds are few, you won’t have the place entirely to yourself. Wharton Beach is home to an abundance of wildlife, from kangaroos lounging along the shore to pods of dolphins dancing in the waves. It’s also one of the country’s best whale-watching spots come migration season, with pods of humpback and southern right whales often sighted.

Turquoise Bay, WA

Turquoise Bay, WA
Turquoise Bay is hidden within Cape Range National Park. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)

Coming in 15th this year is one of WA’s lesser-known beaches. And while it’s down a few spots from 11th place last year, it continues to hold a prominent place in the list among the world’s best. Situated near Exmouth on the North West Cape, Turquoise Bay wears its main asset on its sleeve – or should I say, in its name.

Turquoise Bay, WA
Admiring marine life from a distance ensures they remain protected. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)

Known for boasting crystal-clear waters, gentle currents and plentiful marine life, the bay has become a natural playground for snorkellers. Its close proximity to Ningaloo Marine Park allows for easy spotting of fish, turtles, rays and coral reefs, as well as dolphins, sharks and whales – if you’re lucky. Set within Cape Range National Park, Turquoise Bay lends itself perfectly to a weekend of swimming, fishing, hiking and camping under the stars. 

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Wineglass Bay, Tas

Wineglass Bay, Tasmania
Wineglass Bay has made its debut on the World’s 50 Best Beaches list for 2026. (Credit: Lauren Bath)

Making its debut on the World’s 50 Best Beaches list this year is Wineglass Bay, claiming 21st place, and cementing every Aussie inclusion comfortably within the top 25. Located on Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula, it’s part of the Tasmanian Wilderness UNESCO World Heritage Area – and for good reason.

Saffire Jewel in Freycinet, Tasmania
Saffire Jewel will open later this year, just a 10-minute drive from Wineglass Bay.

Wineglass Bay is a place of striking contrasts, where rugged natural beauty meets refined luxury. Sandy shores quickly give way to verdant rainforests. Pink granite peaks rise over cerulean waters. A quiet stillness brings a true sense of calm. Better yet, you can take it all in from the comfort of five-star stays like Saffire Freycinet and its ultra-luxe private sister villa, Saffire Jewel, set to open later this year.

The world’s top 10 beaches for 2026

1. Entalula Beach, The Philippines
2. Fteri Beach, Greece
3. Wharton Beach, Australia
4. Nosy Iranja, Madagascar
5. East Beach, Fiji
6. Shoal Bay East, Anguilla
7. Dhigurah, The Maldives
8. Playa Balandra, Mexico
9. Koh Rong, Cambodia
10. Donald Duck Bay, Thailand

See the full World’s 50 Best Beaches list here.

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Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
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This surprising regional town is making its mark on the culinary world

(Image: Visit Griffith)

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

    It might feel surprising to learn that Griffith is one of Australia’s leading food destinations. In-the-know Italians have understood this for generations, drawn to the Riverina region’s fertile soils that reminded them of the terrain they’d left behind more than a century ago. These days, Griffith supplies much of the nation’s pantry: 95 per cent of Australia’s prunes come from the region, it’s the country’s largest citrus-growing area, and it’s a leading producer of almonds and walnuts. Even the pickles in every McDonald’s burger nationwide are produced in Griffith. This is not just a farming town; the Griffith food scene is leading the way.

    Here, culinary confidence is rooted in migration. Italian families began arriving from 1913, with a second wave settling after the Second World War. Today, Griffith has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry of any Local Government Area in Australia. Add to that more than 60 nationalities represented across the community and you have a town where food is driven not by trends, but by tradition. Griffith’s motto, ‘Taste our culture’, isn’t marketing spin; it’s the reality.

    Where the vines tell a story

    A hand pouring wine into a glass, with a table filled with food.
    Uncover the stories behind every glass. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The Riverina has long been dubbed the food bowl of Australia, but it’s also a wine region that remains largely under the radar. What sets Griffith apart is that every one of its wineries is family-owned, many spanning generations.

    Calabria Family Wines is one of the region’s standard-bearers. The Calabria story began in 1945 when Francesco Calabria planted his first vines; today, the family continues to shape the region’s identity while also stewarding the historic McWilliam’s Wines brand. McWilliam’s was the first winery to plant vines in the area, and its barrel-shaped cellar door – complete with a soaring stained-glass window – remains one of the most distinctive in regional NSW.

    Yarran Wines, run by the Brewer family, showcases estate-grown fruit across Mediterranean varietals that thrive in the warm climate. Expect bold reds and textured whites that reflect both heritage and innovation.

    Set inside the old ambulance station, Harvest HQ is owned and operated by the Riverina Winemakers Association and pours a rotating selection of local wines under one roof. It also features spirits from The Aisling Distillery, reinforcing the region’s collaborative approach to craft.

    At the table

    A flat lay of a steak.
    Dine where tradition meets a bold new generation. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    If the vineyards tell one story, the dining rooms tell another. Griffith’s restaurants are where tradition and next-gen confidence meet.

    Zecca Handmade Italian occupies the former Rural Bank building, an imposing Art Deco landmark from the late 1930s. ‘Zecca’ means money print, and the name is a nod to the Zecca di Venezia in Venice. Here, find the Riverina’s only producer of dried artisan pasta and traditional Italian recipes. Importantly, the growers and producers supplying the kitchen are listed on the menu as a transparent expression of the region’s farm-to-table ethos.

    Established in 1977 and still run by the Vico family, La Scala puts authentic Italian cuisine on centre stage. Expect handmade pasta, traditional wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces and dishes that follow recipes guarded like family heirlooms. For something more contemporary, Bull & Bell in Gem Hotel is a shrine to the Euro-style steakhouse that works closely with local farmers and artisans to showcase Riverina produce.

    And then there are the institutions. Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, now in its third generation, draws locals daily for cannoli, biscotti, crostoli and house-made gelato, alongside classic sausage rolls and potato pies. La Piccola Grosseria feels like stepping into an Italian alimentari, its shelves lined with continental goods that wouldn’t feel out of place in Puglia.

    Meanwhile, Limone celebrates local and seasonal produce across breakfast and lunch menus, enriched by the produce and stories of Piccolo Family Farm. Find pastries and sourdough baked daily, and pop into the onsite retail pantry for products from regional producers – including the Piccolo family’s own wine range, Caro Piccolo.

    From the source

    A plated Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod dish.
    Taste world-renowned Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, straight from its source. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    Behind every menu is a producer. Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod is perhaps Griffith’s most high-profile export; the brand’s Murray cod and Aquna Gold Murray Cod Caviar have achieved global recognition. In October 2024, Aquna presented its products to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ in Parramatta. Impressed by the producer’s sustainable farming practices, the King requested the cod be sent to Buckingham Palace – not bad for a fish farm in regional NSW.

    Mandolé Orchard champions almonds grown on a family-run farm, transforming them into almond milk and value-added products. At Morella Grove, olives are pressed into premium olive oil and pantry staples that speak to Griffith’s Mediterranean heart. These producers are not peripheral; they are central to the town’s culinary ecosystem. Learn about local sustainable farming practices during a farm tour.

    Mark your calendar

    A woman walking past a food mural, something you can spot during A Taste of Italy Griffith.
    Plan your visit around A Taste of Italy Griffith. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    For a town that helps stock Australia’s supermarkets, Griffith has remained curiously absent from the national dining conversation. That’s beginning to change. If you’ve been searching for a regional food destination with substance, heritage and a clear sense of identity, you’ll find it here in the Riverina, right under your nose.

    Time your visit to the Riverina region to coincide with A Taste of Italy Griffith, held every August. This week-long celebration of Italian heritage and culture offers a wide range of Italian-inspired events and experiences to enjoy. Expect long-table lunches, wine tasting experiences, cooking classes and a Makers in the Piazza market. The headline event is a ticketed long lunch – Festa delle Salsicce (Salami Festival) – where winners of the best salami are announced.

    Start planning your foodie getaway at visitgriffith.com.au.

    Three Aussie beaches just made the world’s 50 best list – Australian Traveller