15 Best Beaches in Australia For Fun

There are many beaches in Australia. The country is well known for its stunning beaches. From the unspoiled golden sands of Cable Beach in Western Australia to the glistening waters of Byron Bay in New South Wales, there are many beautiful beaches to choose from.

Here we look at fifteen of the best Australian beaches based on factors such as beauty, accessibility, and available facilities. With miles of coastline and beaches that feature crystal-clear water and soft sand, there’s something for everyone. So whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or an action-packed beach with plenty of things to do, you’re sure to find the perfect one here!

Beaches in Australia

1. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland

Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsunday Islands along Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is not only one of the country’s top stretches of beach, but it often scores a place on lists of the best beaches in the world. ​ The seven-kilometer arc of sand on the southern end of the island is composed of silica, making it perfect for countless tropical watercolors and the emerald-green headlands. In addition, this is located amid a national park, so you can be certain that your visit will remain pristine for many years, no matter how many times you go.

2. Turquoise Bay, Western Australia

The pristine waters of Emerald Mask Bay in Cape Range National Park paint an exquisite picture with the beautiful blue waves lapping against the golden beaches. This picturesque bay is a favorite beach destination for tourists to Turquoise Bay, located about sixty kilometers south of Exmouth. Turquoise Bay is also a beautiful beach where you can see a lot of different corals and fish up close.

The World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, Australia’s largest fringing reef, is only a short walk from the beach, where you may encounter close to 250 kinds of coral and 500 types of fish, such as starfish, loggerhead turtles, and stingrays.

A very popular thing to do is drift snorkel here. You can go out onto the southern part of the reef and swim the drift to the left, to a sandbar. This spot’s vibrant colors and soothing sand make it an excellent location to sunbathe, lay back, and enjoy the sights. It is highly recommended to pack a picnic when outdoors. Unfortunately, there are no restrooms in the area.

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3. Cossies Beach, Cocos Islands

Imagine a pristine South Pacific Island beach: coconut palms waving above a pristine stretch of sand and clear turquoise water gently lapping at the shore. This is the idyllic beach on Direction Island in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The beach is bordered by a seductive coconut palm tree, which curves into the waters of the tropical turquoise aura surrounding it-you can snorkel in coral gardens and diverse fishes underwater! It’s not difficult to see why the locals in this remote Australian territory have come to love and call this place home.

 Located about a 4.5-hour flight from Perth, Cossies has pristine beaches fit for days spent lounging around reading a good book or rappelling deep into an underwater abyss while exploring marine life. There are no man-made facilities in the park or on the beach. Instead, wilderness toilets made from materials like logs, bush leaves, and stones are provided, and you must bring equipment to protect yourself from biting insects. Camping on the beach is allowed, but you must bring your own firewood and water.

4. Wineglass Bay

On a sunny day, Wineglass Bay offers an unbeatable perspective on Freycinet National Park in Tasmania. Dive into this breathtaking site from several perspectives, and you’re sure to fall in love at first sight with its charming setting, serene waters, and white sand. Those drawn to sea kayaking and other waterborne activities favor Wineglass Bay. In Wineglass Bay, sea kayaking and boating are popular activities. In addition, you’ll find that bushwalking is a great way to stay in shape!

A popular 4-day trial that’s among the top trail walks in Australia, the Freycinet Experience Walk, passes around the entire peninsula of Tasmania and stops at some of its most scenic national parks. It’s also home to many endangered species, such as wallabies, wombats, and quolls. Wineglass Bay is a great place to visit if you’re looking for something different from Hobart’s tourist spots. It’s a bit more out of the way and very beautiful.

5. Cable Beach, Western Australia

If you’ve ever seen a photo of people silhouetted against a fiery sunset on an Aussie beach, then Cable Beach is where you’ll find it! That’s because Cable Beach is one of the best things to do along this 22-kilometer stretch of creamy white sand and turquoise sea. And if you think that’s awesome, wait until you actually experience it yourself. Cable Beach is located in the town of Broome in Western Australia. It’s pretty incredible to imagine that this beautiful beach was once used as a platform for communication! In 1889, a cable was laid between here and Java across the Indian Ocean. As a visitor, you must visit the beautiful sunset beach at least once during your trip.

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6. Noosa Main Beach, Queensland

Noosaville Main Beach is a favorite among Aussies and is surrounded by palm trees. Swimmers love how crystal clear and clean the water is, and surfers just love to ride the waves paralleling this famous headland in Noosa during the annual March festival. Parents and children both love to explore the rocks at the east end of the beach, and people like to take long walks out there during sunset.

This place is also known for being patrolled, so it’s safe to visit all year. However, when you need a break from the sun, Hastings Street is located just steps away from the sand and will keep you coming back all summer long. Over here, you’ll find everything Noosa has to offer, including gourmet restaurants and cafés with outdoor seating. Summer and school holidays are the prime of the tourist season.

7. Twilight Beach, Western Australia

Having fun in the sun with friends is one of the best parts of summer, and it’s no different for The Twilight Beach Resort, a charming holiday park located in the state of Western Australia, where guests are sure to enjoy their time together relaxing and playing on the white sand beach or enjoying an ocean swim. The flat, broad shore and shallow sandbar offer an ideal place for families to spend the day safely in the water.

The sandy shoreline features beautiful granite rock formations on which visitors can climb to experience the area. In a striking location, the rocks are also a popular place to go jumping off. The park has restrooms, showers, and water fountains, in addition to a number of nearby sun shelters and picnic tables. However, make sure to bring your own sunscreen, because there is very little shade in this community.

8. Hyams Beach, New South Wales

Hyams Beach is located an hour and a half drive from Sydney, and is known for its soft sand and water that provide the beach with a captivating look. This beach is a popular weekend getaway for those living in Sydney. Sydney is one of the best beaches in New South Wales and is great for swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, and more!

 From here, you can really appreciate why this physical entity has been christened as one of the most beautiful spots in Australia.

Bushwalking is also a popular activity here. Interpretative signs will help you identify species of birds in the area. The White Sands Walk can take you along the powdery shoreline of this sublime stretch of coast here. On weekends and holidays, parking can be challenging.

9. Lucky Bay, Western Australia

About 70 kilometers to the south of Twilight Beach at Cape Le Grand National Park, Lucky Bay is one of Australia’s whitest beaches. There are plenty of reasons to visit Lucky Bay in Western Australia. For starters, the bay is absolutely stunning. It’s flanked by rocky cliffs and is home to crystal clear waters. It’s the perfect place to relax and take in the area’s natural beauty.

Another reason to visit Lucky Bay is the wildlife. The bay is home to a number of unique animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas. You might even spot a whale or a dolphin swimming by if you’re lucky.

Finally, Lucky Bay is a great place to enjoy some of the best sunsets in Australia. Whether you’re watching from the beach or from one of the many lookouts, you’re sure to be impressed by the colors of the setting sun.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Lucky Bay for an unforgettable experience.

10. Vivonne Bay, South Australia

Vivonne Bay is on Kangaroo Island, a land where serenity and comfort abound – a small place you can explore when your work schedule allows you to get away. You will always see the sparkling ocean here and, at times (usually just before dawn), seals that playfully jump in and out of the water and are occasionally visible on dry land as they play.

The waves near this pristine beach are often ideal for surfing or boogie boarding, but one has to be careful as the coast is unsupervised. Swimming here is best in the summer when the water warms up. This beach caters to those who love a true getaway into nature and all of its glory. That’s why it’s not uncommon to find everyone pitching in their time & resources in order to help keep it clean before heading into more civilized areas of town during the lunch hour.

Other popular activities you can look forward to include picnics, fishing, and sunbathing. If you enjoy surprises, then make sure to keep an eye on the jetty for when fresh fish arrives on a daily basis. Picnic areas are set aside near the jetty, but we highly advise that you bring your own food and drinks.

11. Surfer Paradise Beach

Tucked away to one side of affluent high-rise apartments is Surfers Paradise Beach, known for its beauty not only for its soft white sand and choppy waves but for its immensity. Walking, swimming, and refreshing oneself on the soft sands or the sidewalk of the beach are all satisfying here, and despite the large crowds, the beach remains surprisingly clean. Lifeguards prevent drowning the whole year.

Surfers Paradise is one of the best seaside cities in Australia. Even when the heat is there, you can still take pleasure in twittering or decompressing beside the shoreline, followed by trips to restaurants and bars that are nearby. It’s a great city to visit at any time of year, but definitely a must-visit place during summer!

12. Bondi Beach, Sydney

Bondi Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in Australia, and for a good reason. With its beautiful golden sand and stunning surf, Bondi is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun. And, of course, no visit to Bondi would be complete without a trip to the world-famous Bondi Icebergs swimming club, where you can take a dip in the icy waters of the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re feeling like relaxing on the beach, taking a swim, or just enjoying the incredible views, Bondi Beach is a must-visit for anyone visiting Australia.

But there’s more to Bondi Beach than just its good looks. The beach is also a great place to learn how to surf or to simply enjoy watching the surfers ride the waves. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you may even try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding.

But even if you’re not particularly interested in water sports, Bondi Beach is still worth a visit. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy, as well as a lively nightlife scene. And, of course, no trip to Bondi Beach would be complete without a dip in the ocean!

13. Manly Beach, Sydney

For a good reason, Manly Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in Australia. Situated just outside of Sydney, this beach is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its beautiful setting, great surfing, and vibrant atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some sun, sand, and surf, Manly Beach is definitely the place to be. The waves here are perfect for surfing, and the beach is also great for swimming, sunbathing, and simply relaxing. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars in the area, so you can always find something to do when you’re not in the water.

Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or simply looking to enjoy a day at the beach, Manly Beach is definitely worth a visit.

14. Burleigh Heads Beach, Queensland

The long, golden stretch of Burleigh Heads beach is one of the most popular beaches on Australia’s Gold Coast. And it’s easy to see why—the sand is soft and squeaks beneath your feet, the waves are perfect for surfing or boogie boarding, and the views are simply stunning.

But Burleigh Heads beach is more than just a pretty face.

 It’s also a great place to learn to surf, with plenty of surf schools offering lessons for all levels. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can hire a stand-up paddleboard or kayak and explore the coastline. And when you’re done playing in the waves, there’s plenty more to do in Burleigh Heads.

The village is full of cafes, restaurants, and bars, as well as shops selling everything from beachwear to souvenirs. Plus, there’s a playground and a skate park for the kids.

So whether you’re looking for a place to relax and soak up the sun, or a place to have some fun and explore, Burleigh Heads beach is the perfect spot.

15. Cottesloe Beach, Perth, Australia

Cottesloe Beach is one of the most beautiful and iconic beaches in Australia. Situated in the city of Perth, Western Australia, Cottesloe Beach is a haven for locals and tourists alike. With its turquoise waters, white sand and stunning views, it’s no wonder Cottesloe Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Australia.

Whether you’re looking to relax and soak up the sun, or you’re more of an adventurous type and want to try your hand at surfing or stand-up paddle boarding, Cottesloe beach has something for everyone. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area, so you can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink in between swims.

If you’re planning a trip to Perth, or even if you’re just looking for a new place to explore, make sure you add Cottesloe Beach to your list. You won’t be disappointed!

Final Thoughts on Beaches in Australia

If you’re looking for a beach that offers plenty of activities, stunning scenery, and a relaxed atmosphere, then one of the best beaches in Australia is waiting for you. While this list is certainly not exhaustive, it should give you a good starting point for planning your next beach vacation in Australia. We hope you enjoy these fifteen stunning beaches as much as we do! Please browse our website if you want more information on Australian beaches or want to explore some of our other blog posts. We have plenty of content to keep you entertained and informed while planning your dream trip.