From the powder-white silica of Whitehaven to the fiery sunsets of Cable Beach, Australia is home to some of the world’s most jaw-dropping coastal escapes. Whether you’re dreaming of snorkeling along coral reefs, watching surfers take on world-class breaks or simply soaking up the sun in a quiet cove, Australia’s diverse coastline delivers. With over 16,000 miles of shore to explore, there’s a perfect beach for every traveler.
The best beaches in Australia include Whitehaven Beach in Queensland, Bondi and Hyams Beach in New South Wales, Turquoise Bay in Western Australia, Wineglass Bay in Tasmania and Squeaky Beach in Victoria. From family-friendly shores to hidden snorkeling gems, here’s where to find the ultimate beach experience across five unforgettable regions.
Best Beaches in New South Wales
Bondi Beach – Best for Iconic Surf Culture and People-Watching
Just minutes from Sydney’s city center, Bondi Beach is an Australian icon. Its wide golden sands, rolling surf and buzzing boardwalks make it the perfect place to experience beach life in the big city. Whether you're taking a surf lesson, swimming at the Icebergs ocean pool or walking the scenic Bondi to Coogee trail, this beach is an essential stop.
Hyams Beach – Best for the Whitest Sand in the World
Located in Jervis Bay, Hyams Beach is famous for having some of the whitest sand on Earth. Its soft, powdery shoreline and tranquil, turquoise waters create a peaceful setting ideal for swimming, snorkeling and family picnics. Arrive early in the day to enjoy its serene beauty before it gets busy.
Byron Bay Main Beach – Best for a Laid-Back, Bohemian Vibe
In Australia’s far northeast, Byron Bay is a favorite for travelers seeking sun, surf and soul. Main Beach is the town’s social heart—where surfers catch mellow waves and beachgoers lounge in front of grassy parks and local cafés. The nearby Cape Byron walking track leads to the easternmost point of Australia, offering epic coastal views.
Best Beaches in Queensland
Whitehaven Beach – Best for Picture-Perfect Views and Silica Sand
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays is one of the most stunning beaches on the planet. Its fine white silica sand and swirling turquoise shallows look like they’ve been painted by nature herself. It’s a must-see stop on any Great Barrier Reef adventure.
Noosa Main Beach – Best for Calm Waters and Resort Vibes
Nestled between national parkland and a lively beachfront promenade, Noosa Main Beach offers a gentle surf break, golden sand and clear, calm water. It’s ideal for families, beginner swimmers or anyone looking for a relaxing beach day with easy access to dining and boutique shopping.
Nudey Beach – Best for Snorkeling Near the Reef
Just off Cairns on Fitzroy Island, Nudey Beach is a postcard-worthy strip of coral and sand framed by rainforest. Despite its name, it's not a nudist beach—it's known instead for crystal-clear waters and excellent off-the-shore snorkeling. Expect colorful coral, reef fish and the occasional turtle.
Best Beaches in Western Australia
Cable Beach – Best for Sunset Camel Rides and Wide Open Sands
In the remote town of Broome, Cable Beach stuns with 22 kilometers of soft sand and Indian Ocean sunsets that light up the sky. Its most iconic experience? Riding a camel along the shoreline at golden hour. This wide, peaceful beach feels like a world away from city life.
Turquoise Bay – Best for Drift Snorkeling and Coral Reefs
Turquoise Bay in Exmouth is one of the best places in Australia to snorkel straight from the shore. Located next to the Ningaloo Reef, this beach is famous for its gentle currents that carry swimmers over vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life. It’s perfect for first-timers and seasoned snorkelers alike.
Lucky Bay – Best for Kangaroos on the Beach
In Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance, Lucky Bay is known not just for its powder-white sand and turquoise water, but also for the kangaroos that frequently hop along the beach. The bay’s calm waters are great for swimming, while its photogenic wildlife makes it one of the most unique beaches in the country.
Best Beaches in Victoria
Squeaky Beach – Best for Unique Sand and Scenic Hikes
Squeaky Beach in Wilsons Promontory National Park gets its name from the fine quartz sand that squeaks as you walk across it. Framed by rounded granite boulders and lush hiking trails, this beach offers both natural beauty and a sense of playful wonder.
Bells Beach – Best for Watching World-Class Surfing
Near the surf town of Torquay, Bells Beach is a legendary spot on the international surfing circuit. It hosts the annual Rip Curl Pro, attracting top surfers from around the globe. While its waves are best left to the pros, the surrounding cliffs offer great views and photo ops.
Apollo Bay – Best for a Relaxed, Coastal Escape
Set along the Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay combines the charm of a small seaside town with a sheltered, family-friendly beach. Its calm waters are great for swimming or kayaking and nearby rainforests and waterfalls add even more to explore after a beach day.
Best Beaches in Tasmania
Wineglass Bay – Best for Scenic Seclusion and Wildlife
Located in Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay is often considered Tasmania’s most beautiful beach. The bay’s graceful curve, soft white sand and deep-blue waters create a picture-perfect setting best reached by a hike over a scenic saddle. Keep your eyes peeled for wallabies and sea eagles.
Bay of Fires – Best for Rugged Coastlines and Fiery Rocks
Stretching along Tasmania’s northeastern coast, the Bay of Fires features white sand beaches framed by granite boulders covered in bright orange lichen. This wild, remote stretch is great for long walks, peaceful swims and stunning photography. It’s an under-the-radar treasure worth the detour.
Boat Harbour Beach – Best for Crystal-Clear Water and Tranquil Vibes
On Tasmania’s north coast, Boat Harbour Beach offers clear, aquamarine water and a relaxed local feel. With shallow, sheltered conditions and calm surf, it’s one of the most family-friendly beaches on the island and a perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon.
Best Beaches in Australia by Traveler Type
- Whitehaven Beach – Best for photography and couples
- Bondi Beach – Best for surfing and vibrant beach culture
- Hyams Beach – Best for families and calm water
- Turquoise Bay – Best for snorkeling near coral reefs
- Cable Beach – Best for sunsets and peaceful vibes
- Noosa Main Beach – Best for all-day relaxation with dining options
- Squeaky Beach – Best for scenic hikes and unique sand
- Nudey Beach – Best for snorkeling near the Great Barrier Reef
- Lucky Bay – Best for spotting wildlife and solitude
- Wineglass Bay – Best for hiking and scenic seclusion
FAQs About Australia's Beaches:
1. What is the most beautiful beach in Australia?
Whitehaven Beach in Queensland is often considered the most beautiful beach in Australia thanks to its ultra-fine white silica sand and swirling turquoise water. Its setting in the Whitsunday Islands and limited access by boat or seaplane give it an untouched, postcard-perfect feel that frequently lands it on global “world’s best beaches” lists.
2. Which beach in Australia has the whitest sand?
Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay, New South Wales, is widely known for having some of the whitest sand in Australia. The bright, powdery sand is highly reflective, giving the beach an almost glowing appearance on sunny days and contributing to its reputation in record books and travel guides.
3. Where can I snorkel off the beach in Australia?
Top snorkel-from-shore spots in Australia include Turquoise Bay near Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia and Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island in Queensland. Both beaches offer coral reefs just metres from the sand, calm conditions on good days and easy access for beginners who want to see marine life without a long boat trip.
4. What’s the best beach in Australia for families?
Noosa Main Beach in Queensland is one of the best family-friendly beaches in Australia, thanks to its gentle waves, regular lifeguard patrols and proximity to restaurants, shops and facilities. Hyams Beach in New South Wales is another good option for families seeking calmer water and a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.
5. Are there any quiet, hidden beaches in Australia?
Yes, Squeaky Beach in Victoria and Turquoise Bay in Western Australia are great options for quieter, more secluded beach time. They offer natural scenery, space to spread out and a more tranquil atmosphere than many of the country’s busier city beaches.
