The beaches in Australia are really stunning, and there are a great number of them. If there is one thing that Australia does well, it is the beaches. Considering that there are a staggering 12,000 beaches that surround our island continent, it would take you a crazy 32 years to visit all of them if you could only visit one beach per day. Assuming that your plan for the next 32 years does not only consist of beach hopping around Australia (although, of course, we can dream), we have compiled a list of the most beautiful and nicest beaches in Australia that you ought to visit in 2024, or at the very least, at least once in your lifetime.
The beaches that are included in this list have been chosen because of their exceptional beauty, the fact that they provide safe swimming conditions (read: you won’t find any beaches on this list that have saltwater crocs), and the fact that they are located in close proximity to other wonderful activities, so that your trip out doesn’t stop with just one dip. There are some of these selections that have received several accolades in the past, while others are not as well known; but, you can have peace of mind knowing that each and every one of them is very much worth their salt, in more ways than one. The only thing that is left for you to do now is to discover it for yourself.
This list includes 15 of our favorite beaches, ranging from coast to coast.
Whitehaven Beach, Queensland
The Whitsunday Islands’ Whitehaven Beach, which is located along the Great Barrier Reef, is not only considered to be one of the most beautiful pieces of coastline in Australia, but it is also often included on lists of the greatest beaches in the whole world.
The seven-kilometer stretch of powdered white sand that can be found here is really silica, a material that is so smooth and refined that it forms a remarkable contrast with the turquoise water and green headlands that are found in the tropical region. The beach is located in a national park on Whitsunday Island, which ensures that it is protected and unspoiled despite the large number of day-trippers that visit these beaches. This is the best part about the beach. At the southernmost point of the beach, residents are allowed to set up camp.
From Tongue Point, you can take a 10- to 15-minute climb up to the lookout for stunning views across Hill Inlet. As the tides change, beautiful colors of turquoise and blue blend with the snow-white sands, producing a marbled mosaic. Tongue Bay is a favorite berth for bareboats, and you can take advantage of this by hiking up to the viewpoint.
In the event that you have the time, you should not only trek to the first viewpoint; you may enjoy even greater views from the two additional observation platforms that are farther up the route, and there are often less people there. Every single one of them presents a unique point of view.
Whitehaven Beach is situated in the northern region of Queensland, and it may be reached by taking a cruise with Cruise Whitsundays, departing from any of the neighboring Whitsunday islands, or departing from Airlie Beach, which is located on the mainland.
Cottesloe Beach, Western Australia
Among the most remarkable natural features that Perth has, Cottesloe Beach is often considered to be the most magnificent city beach in all of Australia. It is difficult to think that this gorgeous beach is just a fifteen-minute train trip away from the center of Perth, yet it is really very close! It was without a doubt the most memorable experience I had on my first visit to Perth, and I am certain that I will be spending a greater amount of time here as soon as I relocate back to Australia.
The various allures that it has are what make it a favorite among the 19 breathtaking white sand beaches that Perth has to offer. With its shady Norfolk Pines, smooth terraced lawns, and clean beachfront, this location is one of the best places to spend a relaxing day or a day out with the family.
The location to be seen enjoying a seaside breakfast, lunch, dinner, sunset cocktails, or a boisterous Sunday session is a bustling promenade that is filled with restaurants, cafés, and bars.
The seas are crystal clear, and there is a continuous surge, which makes it a popular destination for surfers, body boarders, and swimmers. Additionally, the rocks and reefs encourage snorkelers to make their way into the ocean.
Additionally, throughout the month of March, you will be able to see Sculpture by the Sea being transformed into the most magnificent outdoor exhibition space.
You can get there by flying to Perth and then taking a train that takes fifteen minutes to get to Cottesloe from the city. It is about ten minutes on foot from the train station.
Bells Beach, Victoria
Bells Beach is an incredible location, whether you are either in the water or out of it, and it has earned a reputation on a global scale as one of the top surf beaches in Australia. Although there is not much of a beach at Bells, the majority of the area is a magnificent cliff face. The views from the cliff-top parking lot are breathtaking, making it an excellent location to observe local surfers out in the ocean.
On their journey down the Great Ocean Road, every traveler and surfer should make it a point to visit this beach at some point in their lives. However, in a nation that is well-known for its breathtaking beaches, why is this little strip of sand so well-known?
To put it more simply, Bells is the surfing capital of Australia, and the surfer culture is deeply ingrained in the local culture.
In the event known as the Rip Curl Pro, which takes place every Easter, Bells Beach plays home to the international professional surfing community. Surfers of the highest caliber from all over the globe go to the Surf Coast in order to take part in the renowned surf tournament.
The Pro is the oldest surfing competition of its sort anywhere in the globe, and it is a member of the globe Tour tournament series. Some of the most famous people in the world, like as Mick Fanning, Kelly Slater, and Stephanie Gilmore, have rang the winners bell.
What makes Bells Beach such a desirable location?
An absolute paradise for surfers, this untamed coastline is known for its rough waves and steep rocks. On the other hand, in order to enjoy the natural beauty of Bells, you do not need to be a knowledgeable board player. Even if you merely come to watch the beach and surf from the bluffs, it is definitely worth your time to get there. No matter where you stand, these vistas are really breathtaking.
A natural amphitheater is the beach, and the waves serve as the stage for the performance. Take a look at the most skilled surfers in the world as they paddle out and carve waves with their expertise. The local fauna is numerous, despite the large number of tourists that frequent the area. While you are exploring the coastal scrub, keep an eye out for echidnas, birds, and other wildlife.
Lucky Bay beach, Western Australia
There is a compelling reason why Lucky Bay in Esperance really lives up to the expectations that have been set for it. You have arrived at the correct website if you are seeking for information on going to the well-known beach or if you are interested in knowing what to anticipate while you are staying at the Lucky Bay campsite. Congratulations!
Lucky Bay is a crescent-shaped beach with white sand that is five kilometers long and has several rocky areas. It is located on the southern shore of Cape Le Grand National Park in Western Australia. A poll that was conducted in May 2023 and was based on the votes of more than seven hundred and fifty travel specialists proclaimed this beach to be the finest beach in the world. Additionally, the National Scientific Committee recognized this beach as having the whitest sand in all of Australia. It is also a favorite of Randall Kaplan, who is widely regarded as the most knowledgeable beach expert in the world and is nicknamed “Mr. Beach.”
The beach is located in a protected inlet and features a stunning backdrop of dunes, coastal vegetation, rocky headlands, and one-of-a-kind granite boulders that are scattered around the bay. These boulders have been shaped into intriguing shapes by wind and water, and they provide incredible views of the Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve and the Pacific Ocean.
The beach is located inside Cape Le Grand National Park, which is dedicated to protecting the delicate ecology of the area. This park protects coastal landscapes, woods, heathlands, and the natural species of the environment.
Some Things to Do
This is the ideal location to take in the sun, waves, and beautiful landscape. It is possible to go swimming, snorkeling, fishing, or kayaking in the crystal clear water. Additionally, you may take a scenic fly over Lake Hillier, which is a bubblegum-pink lake that stands in stark contrast to the blue sea.
Discover the rocky coastal region by following the bushwalking paths and hiking tracks that link Lucky Bay to other beaches and granite outcrops. If you are in the mood to explore, these trails and tracks will allow you to see the area.
There is a possibility that you may come across some animals along the journey, including birds, whales, dolphins, and sea lions. You may take pictures with the famed friendly kangaroos that roam the beaches and hang out with them, but you should be sure to heed the warnings that warn you not to feed them.
Wineglass Bay, Tasmania
Among the beaches in Australia, Wineglass Bay is considered to be among the most breathtaking. The rural position of Wineglass Bay, which is found in Freycinet National Park and is situated on the east coast of Tasmania, ensures that it is not overrun with visitors. This unspoiled beach can only be accessed by trekking via Freycinet National Park, which provides a considerable reduction in the number of people that are attending.
It is fortunate that individuals who are unable to trek are still able to appreciate the beauty of Wineglass Bay by taking a cruise into the bay; however, you will not be allowed to unload onto the beach during this excursion. Even though it will be too chilly to swim, this beach is without a doubt one of the most stunning beaches in Australia that you should go to.
Are you planning on taking it easy?
If you want to avoid the trek, you may take a boat that takes you from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay instead.
DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO GET THERE:
Wineglass Bay may be found in Freycinet National Park, which is located on the east coast of Tasmania. Additionally, you may fly into Hobart and then drive from there. Launceston is the nearest airport to the city. Spend your day at Coles Bay or at the Freycinet Lodge.
Bondi Beach, New South Wales
near one of the most well-known beaches in Australia, families pitch up camp near the northern end in the area known as Cozy Corner. No one is excluded from this unique experience. Day trippers and backpackers make up the majority of the population. The southern end is dominated by surfers, and lifeguards in their beach buggies keep a watchful eye on everything that goes on there. Sometimes, a camera team that is recording the television program Bondi Rescue may follow after them. In spite of the fact that it is overcrowded, overhyped, and overexposed, Bondi Beach in Sydney is a location where people live their lives outside, and those who come there can’t help but be captivated by the way of life that is prevalent there.
Despite the fact that Bondi Beach is one of the busiest beaches in Australia, this does not imply that it is safe from potentially hazardous rip currents. Never swim in the space between the flags.
The Pass, New South Wales
Since the sport of surfing was first introduced to Australia in the early 1900s, Byron Bay’s The Pass has been a popular destination for surfers due to the famously long and rolling waves that it has. Proceed to the viewpoint by wading across the waterway after walking down the boat ramp and past the shell midden, which is a place where generations of indigenous families have enjoyed fish that was caught on this beach.
An exclusive observation deck provides a view of Wollumbin and Mount Warning across the bay. In addition to being an excellent location for seeing whales and dolphins, surfers may utilize this location to determine whether or not the waves are less crowded than those at Watego’s, which is located just around the corner.
At dusk, when the crowds are less and the sun is setting behind Wollumbin/Mt. Warning, you should make your way all the way to the Pass.
Turquoise Bay, Western Australia
The beautiful Turquoise Bay beach lives up to its name, since it is quite possibly one of the most breathtaking beaches in Western Australia. Within Cape Range National Park, this breathtaking bay is located around 60 kilometers south of Exmouth. The water in this bay has a brilliant blue-green color, and it laps against the powdery shoreline.
Additionally, Turquoise Bay is one of the few beaches on the mainland where you may snorkel on vivid coral reefs directly from the beach. Ningaloo Reef, which is located only a few feet away from the beach, is the biggest fringing reef in Australia and is classified as a World Heritage site. It is home to more than 250 distinct varieties of coral and 500 different species of fish, including whale sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles.
Snorkeling on drift is one of the most well-liked activities that may be done. A shallow sandbar may be reached by swimming out to the reef that is located at the southernmost point of the beach and riding the current that flows northward. As a result of the sparkling blue waves and the powdery white sand, this is an absolutely stunning location to relax on the beach and take in the breathtaking scenery.
Given that there are no facilities other than bathrooms, it is a good idea to carry shade protection, food, and beverages with you wherever you go.
