10 Best Beaches in Australia

Few beaches on the planet can claim to have captured the world’s attention like Bondi Beach. A stone’s throw from downtown Sydney, the beach combines big-city swagger with a chilled coastal vibe. Sydneysiders pack the sands here during the summer, but there’s always room to set up camp on the beach and relax with a smoothie or a cold beer at one of the many waterfront pubs and cafe bars.

Skilled surfers and confident swimmers enjoy the rough waves here, but it’s important to keep within view of lifeguards and only swim and surf in areas marked safe by the red and yellow flags. If braving the waves sounds a little too adrenaline-fuelled for comfort, you can just relax and enjoy the sandy beach, its saltwater baths and its grassy picnic area.

Cable Beach is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, and that’s no mean feat in a country blessed with almost 12,000 of them. Situated in Exmouth, Western Australia, the white sand beach stretches for 22km (14 miles), so there’s never any danger of overcrowding even at the height of Australian summer.

Nature lovers will be in their element here thanks to the rugged red ochre cliff face (brave swimmers often jump from rocky perches straight into the water) and the opportunity to spot dolphins at play in the water. The beach, which has a handful of cafes, restaurants and public bathrooms, is also famous for its camel rides, which are best enjoyed during the beautiful Cable Beach sunsets.

Swimmers and sunseekers from across Australia flock to the coastal town of Noosa Heads, Queensland, with Noosa Main Beach the most alluring attraction for visitors. The sheltered spot is one of only a few north-facing beaches in Australia, making for waters that are calmer and more transparent than many others in the country.

Lifeguards provide extra security during the summer, and there’s a good range of appealing shops, cafes and restaurants along the waterfront. But the real star of the show is the natural landscape, which takes in the verdant Noosa National Park in one direction, and the sandy sweep of Noosa North Shore in the other. You’re bound to want to linger a while, and accommodation options range from budget-friendly campsites to high-end resort hotels.

The scenic seaside town of Byron Bay, New South Wales, is a major holiday destination famous for its buzzing beach life. The first port of call for many visitors is Main Beach, a short stroll from the town itself. The well-equipped beach has a large playground and picnic spaces and takes in impressive views along the coastline to Cape Byron Lighthouse, perched high on a rocky outcrop.

Divers enjoy the calm waters and abundant sea life of nearby Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, while Byron Bay Surf Club can help novice and experienced surfers find their flow on the relatively gentle waves here. Busy during high summer, the beach town has plenty of accommodation options, and visitors can expect good deals during the off-season.

A scenic hike and steep flight of steps lead beachgoers through the outer reaches of Freycinet National Park to the clear waters and gleaming white sands of Wineglass Bay beach. One of Tasmania’s most recognisable beaches, Wineglass Bay curves around a sheltered stretch of azure waters, perfect for a cooling dip after the hike out here.

Visitors should bring their own supplies, and be sure to use the bathrooms at the car park marking the start of the trail, as Wineglass Bay is more about relaxing in wild nature than beach bars and high-rise hotels. The surrounding area remains blissfully undeveloped, and keen observers can spot whales and dolphins on the horizon during the migratory season.

It’s not without good reason that Kangaroo Island is often referred to as a ‘zoo without fences’. Separated from the South Australian coastline by a 15 km (9-mile) stretch of water, Kangaroo Island is famous for its lush vegetation and abundance of animal inhabitants. As the name suggests, kangaroos are among the animals to be found here, but visitors are also likely to spot koalas, sea lions, wallabies, waddling penguins and soaring seabirds.

Reached by plane from Adelaide or a 45-minute ferry ride from neighbouring Saint Jervis, Kangaroo Island is a perfect opportunity to switch off and reconnect with nature. Those who don’t fancy camping under the stars will find plenty of comfortable hotels and guest houses, as well as restaurants serving everything from ocean-fresh seafood to traditional pub grub.

A short stroll from the coastal town of Port Douglas, Queensland, Four Mile Beach is popular with families thanks to its soft sand, clear waters and gently lapping waves. A ‘stinger net’ protects swimmers’ limbs from jellyfish during the October to May ‘stinger season’, and it’s a popular spot for coastal walks all year round.

Backed by rugged mountains and swaying palms, the beach and its rocky headland feel like a real escape from busy city streets, but visitors can still enjoy their creature comforts. Hidden from view behind the trees, busy pubs and cafes serve ice-cold beers and piping-hot chips, and Port Douglas has accommodation and dining options in every price bracket.

As the name suggests, Seven Mile Beach stretches for some seven miles (just over 12 km) of glorious sandy coastline. Located in Tasmania, the beach curves around from Shoalhaven Heads in the south to Gerroa in the north, and is known for its wild dolphins, excellent surf conditions and endless opportunities for sunbathing.

Early risers heading to Seven Mile Beach will be well rewarded with some of the most glorious sunrises in the region, while those who prefer a leisurely start to the day should stay to watch the sun dip over the water in the evening. The beach itself is located within Seven Mile Beach National Park, with picnic and barbeque facilities, as well as showers and toilets, to be found at Beach Road and Gerroa.

Scenic Manly Beach has acquired legendary status among surfers the world over. Around 25-minutes’ drive from the city centre, the beach hosted the world’s first surf contest in 1964, attracting the attention of big wave riders around the world.

The famous waves are created by a bombora, or submerged reef, on a coastline that stretches from Queenscliffe and North Steyne to South Steyne. Surf-loving Sydneysiders flock here to enjoy the waves, but non-surfers can enjoy relaxing in the sun before enjoying hot fish and chips right on the sands or heading to the many nearby bars and cafes to raise a glass as the sun sets.

Much loved by experienced surfers, Bells Beach famously hosts the annual Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition, which sees professionals from around the world take to the rough and tumble waters to showcase their talents.

While swimming and surfing are best left to those with serious skills, the beach is a photo-worthy spot to enjoy an afternoon’s sunbathing, with steep rocky cliffs making a dramatic backdrop to the breaks and swells. The famous surf spot is located in Victoria, and visitors will find eating and drinking options, beach facilities, and more manageable waves in nearby Torquay.