The Best Beaches In Australia

Key Takeaways: Where Are The Best Beaches in Australia?

If you’re looking for great beaches in Australia, check out these top spots:

• New South Wales: Bondi Beach, Byron Bay Beach, St. Kilda Beach.
• Western Australia: Lucky Bay, Cottesloe Beach.
• Queensland: Whitehaven Beach, Burleigh.

Whether you’re exploring popular hotspots or little-known hangouts, you’re sure to find some of the best Aussie beaches on a Royal Caribbean Australia cruise.

Bondi Beach, Sydney

As the most popular beach in Australia, Bondi Beach has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the liveliest beaches in the world. It’s an accessible destination if you’re cruising to Sydney or departing from the city.

What It Is
The beach itself is a crescent of golden sand cloaked in colorful towels, and the rental stands hire out soft-top surfboards for travelers in search of their first wave. Inland, a string of souvenir shops, surf shops, cafés and restaurants cater to every craving.

Where It Is
Bondi Beach is east of downtown Sydney. The most accessible cruise ports here are:

• Overseas Passenger Terminal.
• White Bay Cruise Terminal

Highlights
Grab a meal to go and enjoy it on the large grassy lawn on the southern end of the beach, next to the skate park. Public restrooms, lifeguards and playgrounds make it a popular pick for families and solo travelers alike.

Lucky Bay, Esperance

After traveling around Australia for nearly a decade, few beaches have left as large of an impression on me as Lucky Bay.

What It Is
Lucky Bay is a gorgeous white-sand beach known for incredible views, easily one of the best Australia beaches.

Where It Is
Lucky Bay is in Cape Le Grand National Park, southeast of Esperance and the nearest cruise port.

Highlights
Bask in the sun on picturesque beaches, put your toes in the turquoise waters and grab some pictures with the family of kangaroos hopping along the shoreline.

Byron Bay Beach, New South Wales

Byron Bay is a unique cultural destination, shaped by people from all around Australia who formed a surf-forward community.

What It Is
Byron Bay Beach is a surfing hotspot with an air of its original 1960s identity, including:

• Tarot card readers.
• Crystal shops.
• Art boutiques.

Where It Is
Byron Bay Beach is in Byron Bay in the northeastern part of New South Wales. The most convenient cruise port is likely in Sydney.

Highlights
For full-fledged beach culture, you can:

• Sunbathe on the golden sands just in front of town.
• Kayak to see dolphins and whales out in the open ocean.
• Stroll along Byron Bay's streets to drop in at organic cafés or shop for locally made artwork.

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island

Whitehaven Beach is well worth the 1.5-hour ferry ride from Arlie Beach.

What It Is
Sometimes called the most beautiful beach in the Land Down Under, Whitehaven Beach, Australia is over 4 miles of gorgeous white sand and aquamarine water.

Where It Is
Whitehaven Beach is on Whitsunday Island off the coast of Queensland. The closest cruise port is in Airlie Beach.

Highlights
Snorkel and plunge underwater to see residents of the Great Barrier Reef like sea turtles and manta rays. Journey over on a seaplane or helicopter tour for a bird's eye view of the blue and green hues of the water.

Cottesloe Beach, Perth

Cottesloe Beach stands out as one of the best Perth beaches with its facilities, activities and scenic splendor.

What It Is
Cottesloe Beach is home to an eggshell-colored shore backed by green lawns and delicious dining options.

Where It Is
This beach is located in a Perth suburb in Western Australia. The closest cruise port is in Perth.

Highlights
During the summer months, the main beach of Cottesloe is protected by lifeguards and flagged for swimmers only. Come wintertime, it's one of Perth's best surf spots — and longboarders head to the eastern side of the jetty in search of peeling, friendly waves.

St. Kilda Beach, Melbourne

If you're in search of an urban-meets-beach Australian vacation, head to St. Kilda for buzzing boardwalk fare and beachy eats.

What It Is
There’s no better spot for snacking and surfing than St. Kilda Beach, known for its energetic atmosphere and immersive culture. From top-tier dining to souvenir shopping, you can do it all just minutes from Melbourne.

Where It Is
St. Kilda Beach is a short tram ride south of the city center. You’ll find a cruise port conveniently located in Melbourne.

Highlights
Windsurfers and kitesurfers head to the water to take advantage of St. Kilda's consistent winds. Tuck into one of St. Kilda's iconic bathing boxes, colorful beach huts perched on the beach's golden sands. If you've come hungry, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants ranging from casual to upscale dotted along the shoreline, with top-tier eats found near the main pier.

Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park

While you’ll find plenty of the top Australia beaches on the mainland, the island of Tasmania also has scenic stretches of sand to share.

What It Is
Wineglass Bay is a half-moon bay of golden sands that separates cobalt blue waters and wild bushland.

Where It Is
Pass through Coles Bay and into Freycinet National Park to find Wineglass Bay. Depending on where your cruise adventure takes you, Melbourne might be the closest cruise port.

Highlights
Spot some of Australia’s wildest wildlife in Wineglass Bay, including:

• Bottlenose dolphins.
• Australian fur seals.
• Bennet’s wallabies.
• Bush possums.
• Quolls.
• Echidnas.
• Wombats.
• Tasmanian devils.

Other Top Australian Beaches

If you want to add more variation to your tour of great beaches in Australia, check out these locations:

• Queensland: Noosa Main Beach.
• Western Australia: Little Lagoon, Shark Bay; Cable Beach; Turquoise Bay.
• New South Wales: Woolgoolga, Hyams Beach.
• Tasmania: Bay of Fires.

Plan Your Cruise To The Best Australia Beaches

From highly popular Byron Beach to other incredible spots like Bay of Fires, Australia, there’s no shortage of great beaches in the Land Down Under. From great views and gorgeous shoreline to swimming, surfing, dining, shopping and wildlife spotting, there’s something for everyone. Just remember to plan ahead so you’re visiting at the best time of year.

Grab your swimsuits, sunscreen and surfboard and explore Royal Caribbean Australia cruises today!