With over 12,000 beaches, Australia is a beach lover’s paradise. From secluded coves to lively surfing spots, Australia’s coastline has something for everyone.
Here are some of the top beaches to check out on your next Australian vacation. Australia’s beaches give the country’s natural beauty. The clear waters, white sand, and laidback lifestyle draw visitors from around the world.
The beaches come in many varieties, from family-friendly bays to rugged, dramatic cliffs. If you are a travel lover, and love to write on travel, visit places, explore, vlog or doing fun solo, with family or friends, no matter what; Australia has an option for you.
Top Beaches
- Bondi Beach (Sydney) – One of Australia’s most famous beaches, with excellent surfing and people watching opportunities. Cafes and shops line the sand.
- Whitehaven Beach (Whitsunday Islands) – Pristine and postcard perfect, with silica sand that squeaks underfoot. A great place to relax.
- Bells Beach (Victoria) – Known for its world-class surf break, this is where pro surfers come to test their skills.
- Turquoise Bay (Western Australia) – Snorkel or dive in the protected bay full of diverse marine life.
- 75 Mile Beach (Queensland) – Drive along or take a scenic flight over this uninterrupted stretch of beach. Great for fishing and surfing.
- Wineglass Bay (Tasmania) – Admire the pink and white granite beaches nestled between mountains.
Things To Consider When Visiting These Beaches:
- Swim between the red and yellow flags. Lifeguards patrol there for your safety.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat – the Australian sun is strong.
- Watch for rips and undercurrents, especially on surf beaches.
- Visit in the Australian summer (December-February) for warm weather.
- Check for stingers (jellyfish) and stay out of the water if they are present.
Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is located just 7km from Sydney’s city center, making it easily accessible. This famous beach is about 1km long and receives over 2 million visitors per year. It is bordered by Campbell Parade’s hotels, hostels, apartments, and cafes.
Bondi is famous for its excellent surfing. The northern end of the beach has waves up to 5 meters high, attracting experienced surfers. The southern end has smaller waves perfect for beginner surfers and bodyboarders. There are several surf schools offering lessons.
Bondi is also one of the best beaches in Australia for people watching. With the sheer volume of visitors, you’ll see locals and tourists from all walks of life. The promenade is a great spot to relax and take in the action.
Visiting Tips:
- Go early to stake out a good spot – Bondi gets very crowded, especially on weekends.
- Stop by one of the many cafes for breakfast or lunch.
- Walk the Bondi to Coo gee coastal path for amazing views.
- Try surfing – you can rent gear from one of the shops near the beach.
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach is located in the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland. It is known for its bright white silica sand that squeaks when you walk on it. The 7km beach has brilliant blue, calm waters perfect for swimming and water sports.
This secluded beach is only accessible by boat, seaplane, or helicopter, limiting visitors and preserving its remote tropical paradise vibe. Hill Inlet sits at the northern end, providing excellent photo opportunities of the swirling sand and turquoise water.
Relaxation is key at Whitehaven. Visitors soak up the sun, go for nature walks, or enjoy a picnic on the soft sand. You can also snorkel and admire the diverse marine life including rays, reef fish, and sea turtles.
Visiting Tips:
- Visit Hill Inlet early before the tide comes in and covers the white silica shoreline.
- Bring your own food and drinks – there are no shops or restaurants.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen to avoid damaging the coral.
- Book a scenic flight or helicopter tour for aerial views of the beach and surrounding islands.
Bells Beach
Bells Beach is located along Australia’s famous Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Professional surfers know it as the home of the Rip Curl Pro surfing competition, held each Easter.
Large swells rolling in from the Southern Ocean give Bells Beach its perfect surf break. With different reefs, it provides options for surfers of all levels. However, the powerful waves should only be attempted by experienced surfers.
Aside from surfing, Bells Beach is also popular for walks along the coast. On a clear day, you can gaze out at the apparently never-ending ocean and appreciate the wild, natural beauty of the area.
Visiting Tips:
- Check ahead on surf conditions – large events are held when the surf will be pumping.
- Walk out to Bells Beach lookout for views without getting sand in your shoes.
- Explore nearby Split Point Lighthouse, built in 1891 on crumbling cliffs.
- Stay well clear of the water if you don’t have experience with large, tubing waves.
Turquoise Bay
Turquoise Bay lives up to its name, with crystal clear turquoise waters thanks to its bright white sand. The colour remains vibrant even in deeper sections. Located 60km north of Exmouth on Western Australia’s Coral Coast, it’s one of the top snorkelling destinations in the country.
A large reef runs parallel to the shore, providing a protective barrier for the bay. You can snorkel right from the beach and see coral gardens, sea turtles, manta rays, and tropical fish. The best spot is near the drift snorkel trail marker buoys. Just float with the current!
If you prefer to stay dry, you can relax on the beach under shady trees. Or hike on Cape Range National Park’s walking trails to take in sweeping views of the rugged coastline.
Visiting Tips:
- Follow the drift snorkel trail for the most diversity of marine life without having to swim far.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to avoid damaging the fragile coral ecosystem.
- Visit from April to November – jellyfish are more common in the summer wet season.
- Arrive early to secure a shaded beach spot.
75 Mile Beach
At 75 miles long, this aptly named beach holds the record for Australia’s longest uninterrupted stretch of sand. Located on Fraser Island in Queensland, the beach doubles as a highway for 4WD vehicles to traverse the length of the island.
Driving on the beach is a popular activity, yielding oceanfront vistas around every corner. You can also visit the decaying shipwrecks left marooned along the shore. 75 Mile Beach is considered one of the best land-based spots for fishing in Australia.
Another spectacular way to experience 75 Mile Beach is from above. Scenic flights and helicopter tours provide bird’s eye views of the seemingly never-ending beach and brilliant blue water. You’ll also spot mangroves, dunes, and the island’s rainbow-colored sand cliffs.
Visiting Tips:
- Drive or join a 4WD bus tour – don’t attempt the beach highway in a standard vehicle.
- Time your visit for low tide if you want to see shipwrecks.
- Bring a rod and tackle – shore-based fishing is fantastic with little crowding.
- Take a scenic flight for unique aerial photos of the beach.
Wineglass Bay
Wineglass Bay’s crescent shaped beach is routinely ranked one of Australia’s top beaches thanks to its white sands and turquoise waters framed by pink and white granite peaks. Located in Freycinet National Park, Tasmania, you can admire the stunning view from above by hiking or get a closer look by kayak or boat.
After taking in Wineglass Bay from overlooks, continue walking 10 minutes to Hazards Beach for a quiet shoreline to relax on. You can often see penguins, dolphins, and migrating whales from the beach. Guided kayaking and boating tours are also available, which get you right up to the majestic peaks.
The bay provides pleasant swimming, though the water stays pretty cool even in summer. You can also follow walking trails to secluded coves for a more private beach experience.
Visiting Tips:
- Hike up to Wineglass Bay lookout early to beat crowds.
- Bring a jacket – the wind off the water can be chilly.
- opt for kayaking over swimming to get closer to the pink granite peaks.
- Look for migrating whales from May to November.
So if you’re planning a trip to Australia, be sure to include some of these top beach destinations. With a little advance planning, you’re sure to have an amazing beach experience. Let us know if you need any other Australia travel tips!