Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © Jess Caldwell
Australia's best beaches
Bright blue waters, soft sand and incredible surf are just a few things you’ll enjoy at any one of Australia’s most iconic beaches.
South Australia’s Kangaroo Island is enveloped by picture-perfect beaches, with Vivonne Bay Beach often dubbed the most beautiful. There’s not a lot around this beach – but that’s what makes it so special. Picture an immaculate stretch of sand, crystal-clear waters home to playful seals and dolphins, and miles of unspoiled bush known as the Vivonne Bay Conservation Park.
Perhaps the most famous of Queensland’s spectacular beaches is Whitehaven, and it’s no mystery why. Located in the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands, the sand seems impossibly white as it swirls together with turquoise water. Visit the beach during a variety of Whitsunday cruises, or stay on Hamilton Island and take the 30-minute boat ride.
If you’re driving Victoria’s striking Great Ocean Road, you’ll pass one of the state’s best surf beaches. Bells Beach, located 1.5 hours from Melbourne, is the arena for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. This surf competition draws some of the most impressive surfers from around the world. The beach is enveloped by rock cliffs, giving visitors a sweeping view of the sand below.
When it comes to secluded, sugar-white beaches, Jervis Bay holds the crown of the New South Wales south coast. The remarkably white sand of Hyams Beach rivals even that of the Whitsundays. This patch of paradise is where pristine ocean, vivid national park and native Australian wildlife meet.
Wineglass Bay is one of Tasmania’s most notable beaches. Located among the wild beauty of Freycinet National Park, it's a perfectly curved expanse of white sand bordered by incredibly clear blue water. Although you can walk to the beach itself, one of the most beautiful ways to enjoy the beach is from a lookout above the bay.
You can’t go to Sydney without experiencing the buzz of Bondi Beach. Stretch out on the iconic sun-drenched sand, try a surf lesson or take a dip at the picturesque Icebergs ocean pool. Not into ocean activities? Don’t sweat – there’s no shortage of boutique shops and oceanside dining in Bondi.
The iconic Cable Beach is located in Broome, on the northern border of Western Australia. This beach is famous for its 22km (14mi) of soft white sand, where visitors can enjoy the calm blue water and show-stopper sunsets. Soak up the golden glow on a camel train, where you’ll traverse the beach on the back of a camel during sunset.
The Gold Coast, just over an hour south of Brisbane, is another city known for its beaches. Perched next to the bustling Surfers Paradise is Burleigh Heads Beach, or ‘Burleigh’ to the locals. A haven for surf and sunshine, Burleigh combines bohemian vibes with chic city life. Enjoy its shaded foreshore lined with towering pine trees, oceanfront dining and great shopping.
If your idea of a beach day involves hanging out with laid-back kangaroos on dazzling white sand, then Lucky Bay’s name rings true for you. Down in Western Australia’s southwest corner, Lucky Bay is a beautiful crescent of white sand and turquoise water in Cape Le Grand National Park. Views of the Recherche Archipelago islands and a beach shared with sunbaking kangaroos make a trip to Lucky Bay an unforgettable experience.
Mindil Beach, located in the Northern Territory’s Darwin, is much more than just a beach. Swimming is not recommended, but the beach festivities more than make up for it. There’s always something going on – whether it’s fun runs, festivals or the beloved Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, where you’ll find dozens of sizzling food stalls.
While many of Western Australia’s most impressive beaches lie in remote locations, you’ll find one of the state’s best just a short drive from Perth. Cottesloe Beach is a long-standing favourite spot for both locals and visitors. This sparkling stretch of sand plays host to art exhibitions – including the annual Sculpture by the Sea – exciting surf, family-friendly cycling trails and delicious eateries. Good vibes aren’t hard to come by here.
A swift flight from Perth will land you in a treasure trove of white sand beaches, tranquil bays and lush green rainforests on the Cocos Keeling Islands. One of the finest slices of paradise in the region is Cossies Beach on Direction Island, where green palms stretch out over a white sand strip and cast shadows into sparkling blue waters. A natural rip along the coastline carries marine life past the shore, creating the perfect spot for experienced snorkelers to drift under the guidance of a local skipper.
