The best beaches in Australia
18 January 2024
By Allie Voyage
Escape to paradise with our guide to Australia's best beaches. From white sands to crystal waters, discover the coastal gems that define Down Under's beauty.
Did you know that if you visited one beach in Australia every day it would take you 32 years to see them all? We’re truly the lucky country when it comes to incredible coastlines and impeccable ocean views. But if you don’t have 32 years to spare, here’s a list of some of Australia's best beaches – well-known and more hidden – for you to dip your toe in.
Lucky Bay, WA
Best for: Kangaroo spotting and pristine white sands
Located in Cape Le Grand National Park on Wudjari land, Lucky Bay has arguably the whitest sands in Australia. Perfect for swimming, fishing and boating, you can also bushwalk through the national park and along the shoreline while setting up camp only meters away.
Enjoy eternal stretches of paradise at Lucky Bay while you mingle with the kangaroos who also love soaking up the sunshine.
Aerial view of Lucky Bay, near Esperance. Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Cable Beach, WA
Best for: Camel rides at dusk and instagramable sunsets
Have an experience like never before and take in a different perspective of the Indian Ocean and the Australian coastline atop a camel train at Cable Beach. If you’re not a fan or just a little less adventurous, the perfectly flat sands make long walks a dream and the surrounding dunes and red cliffs provide a backdrop like no other.
Just a 10-minute drive from Broome (Rubibi), this beach is a must see for travelers and locals alike.
Camels at sunset on Cable Beach, Broome. Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Cossies Beach, Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Best for: Tropical splendour and world class diving
For those of us looking to get further remote and dive (literally) into uncharted (figuratively) waters, you can’t go past the Cocos Keeling Islands and Cossies Beach. The beach is 300 metres of sparkling sand, lined by coconut palms and protecting a clam vista of vibrant coloured water.
The ocean is teeming with sea life so while you can dive all around the islands, even just taking goggles and a snorkel will get you up-close with the thousands of species who call these waters home.
Cossies Beach. Credit: ATDW
Second Valley Beach, SA
Best for: Unique rocky coastlines and calm swimming
If you’re not one for surf conditions and prefer a relaxing float in the ocean, Second Valley Beach is the place for you. Located about 90 minutes south of Adelaide, this secluded swimming spot is perfect for everybody.
Take a fishing pole and fish off the jetty, go exploring along the rocky reefs, bring your pup for a run (yes, it’s pet friendly), or bring along a picnic and enjoy the dedicated picnic area along the shoreline. With so much on offer, this little beach can offer a whole family day out.
Second Valley, Fleurieu Peninsula. Credit: Wanida Raksakaew
Agnes Water Beach, QLD
Best for: Surfing for all skill levels
Agnes Water beach is six kilometers of great surfing on the northern east coast of Australia. With so much space and surf to choose from, it’s great for all ages and surf skills and even does well with longboards. Some stretches of sand are even dog-friendly if you want to bring your pooch along with you.
As a bonus you might see dolphins, sea eagles, large schools of fish and even turtles at this beach. The locals around Agnes Water and 1770 are no strangers to the hard-shelled sea dwellers who make their nests on the beach shore.
Why not stay at Agnes Water Holiday Park where My NRMA members can save 10% off all bookings.
Agnes Water Main Beach. Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Whitehaven Beach, QLD
Best for: Snorkeling, rafting, and viewing from above
You’ll find Whitehaven beach on almost all lists of Australia’s best beaches and there are thousands of good reasons for that! But as well as its pristine aqua waters, white, sparkling sands, and abundant sea life for diving and snorkeling, Whitehaven offers one of the most spectacular views from above.
Whether you want a bird's-eye or fisheye view, check out the benefits your My NRMA membership offers in this area.
Whitehaven Beach. Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland.
Cylinder Beach, QLD
Best for: Beachside camping
Find yourself off the mainland, but only two hours from Brisbane, at Cylinder Beach. The perfect spot for a weekend away with friends or family. Though away from the hustle and bustle, there’s no lack of amenities at Cylinder Beach. Campers will find hot showers, toilets, and a coin operated laundry. For everyone visiting, there’s cafes, restaurants and convenience stores nearby.
The swimming on the island is calm with rolling waves and clear waters. The inlet is protected naturally by from the winds making it a perfect spot for relaxing without worrying about sand whipping your face. Grab a book and spend all day in this picturesque spot.
Cylinder Beach. Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Bariŋura / Little Bondi Beach, NT
Best for: Having the beach all to yourself
For total seclusion, head to Bariŋura at the very tip of the Northern Territory. You’ll need a 4WD to get there and be prepared to drive on sand, but once you’re there, you’ll be transported to a different world.
Surfing and swimming are popular here but keep an eye out for crocs, sharks, and jellyfish – all of which have been known to frequent the warmer waters of East Arnhem Land. After a swim, you can also spend the night camping on the beach with your own bonfire in the elements.
Bariŋura/Little Bondi Beach. Credit: Northern Territory
Red Rock Beach, NSW
Best for: Exploration on a family holiday
Forty kilometres north of Coffs Harbour, you'll find yourself in Red Rock. Named for the stunning rock formations lining the coast, Red Rock beach is perfect for a day expedition while on a family holiday on the New South Wales coast.
The area boasts shaded picnic spots, a playground, and is a patrolled beach so you can be sure the kids are swimming safely. Get active on the water and explore the river in a kayak or even stand up paddleboarding. Dogs are welcome on leash so there’s no reason to leave anyone at home.
For the more adventurous, Red Rock is the starting point for the four-day Solitary Islands Coastal Walk.
Red Rock beach. Credit: Coffs Coast
Bells Beach, VIC
Best for: Advanced surfing and natural bluffs
Victoria is not known across the country for having the best beaches but if you’re a skilled surfer, you’ll know all about Bells Beach. The birthplace of Australia surf culture, this is the place to be if you’re seriously about hanging ten.
Sadly, it’s not for beginners and it’s not a beach that is suitable for swimming, but that doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyed by those who don't surf. Bells Beach is a prominent stop along the Great Ocean Road and with the stunning landscapes and cascading bluffs, it’s a beautiful sight to behold even from the clifftop carpark.
Bells Beach, Great Ocean Road. Credit: Visit Victoria
Inland oasis - Penrith beach, NSW
Best for: When you can’t get to the coast
The newest place to enjoy a dip is the inland oasis of Penrith Beach. Located on the edge of the Nepean lagoon, this “beach” opened in late 2023 and has become an instant icon for western Sydney locals.
Providing some much-needed space to take a dip and cool off on a hot day, the man-made beach has been affectionately labelled 'Pondi', as it is similar in size to Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach.
A great spot for the family, be sure to book in a free car spot before visiting.
