Australia has more beaches than any other country in the world, with more than 10,000 beaches from coast to coast. The best beaches in Australia include Whitehaven Beach to Wineglass Bay, Bondi to Cottesloe, and dozens of others – and with thousands of beautiful beaches to discover all over Australia, competition is fierce! The best part about so many of the best beaches in Australia is that they can be reached easily from the major cities – in fact, several major cities have their own beautiful beaches! Yes, we’re a country full of incurable beach snobs. I’ve rounded up the best beaches in Australia below, to inspire your next beach break.

Dreaming of a trip to Australia? Check out my Australia Travel Guide and my Itinerary for One Month in Australia

Cottesloe Beach, Western Australia

One of Perth’s most enviable natural assets, Cottesloe Beach is the most beautiful city beach in Australia. It’s hard to believe that this pristine beach is just a 15 minute train ride from the heart of the heart of Perth! It was easily the highlight of my first trip to Perth, and I am definitely going to spend more time here as soon as I move back to Australia.

How to get there:

Fly to Perth, and take a 15 minute train from the city to Cottesloe. It’s around a 10 minute walk from the train.

Whitehaven Beach, Queensland

Bright white sand, sparkling turquoise water & not a scratch of development in sight? You’ve got the most beautiful beach in Australia. Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays is one of the cleanest beaches in the world, and the brightest. It’s made of sparkling white silica sand that stays bright white but never burns in the sunshine. Whitehaven is the crown jewel in the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays archipelago, and is regarded by many as the best beach in Australia.

How to get there:

Whitehaven Beach is located in northern Queensland, can be visited via a tour with Cruise Whitsundays, from any of the neighbouring Whitsunday islands, or from Airlie Beach on the mainland.

Wineglass Bay, Tasmania

Wineglass Bay is one of the most spectacular beaches in Australia. Located on the east coast of Tasmania, in Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay’s remote location means it’s not over-crowded with tourists. This pristine beach can only be reached by hiking through Freycinet National Park, which significantly reduces the crowds. Luckily, those who aren’t able to hike can still enjoy Wineglass Bay’s beauty by visiting on a cruise into the bay, although you won’t be able to disembark onto the beach. It will be too cold to swim, but it’s easily one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia to visit.

How to get there:

Wineglass Bay is on the east coast of Tasmania in Freycinet National Park. Launceston is the closest airport, or you can fly into Hobart and drive from there. Stay at Freycinet Lodge or in Coles Bay.

Explore More: 3 Days in Tasmania – Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park & Tamar Valley

Bondi Beach, New South Wales

Australia’s most famous beach is the poster child for the enviable Australian beach lifestyle, in the chic Sydney suburb of Bondi. I stayed in Bondi on my last trip to Sydney and saw a totally different side to the city, and for the first time could understand the appeal of living in Sydney.

Bondi is always busy, but that’s part of the charm. Along the beach, a long brick wall has been converted into an open air art gallery, and the waterfront is lined with healthy cafes and buzzing bars, making it easy to go from beach to brunch. Along one edge of the beach is the famous Icebergs swimming pool and restaurant, which is an iconic Sydney spot.

How to get there:

I loved staying in Bondi when I visited Sydney. Otherwise, the best way to get to Bondi Beach is to catch an Uber from where you’re staying in Sydney.

Burleigh Beach, Queensland 

I’m always going to have a soft spot for Burleigh, because it was one of my favourite beaches to spend the day with friends when I was a teenager. It’s just a little farther south than Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, and used to be a lot quieter than it is today. These days, there are more cafes, restaurants and bars popping up in the street behind the water, but the beach is still one of the loveliest beaches on the Gold Coast.

How to get there:

Burleigh Beach is in the southern Gold Coast, so it’s very easy to get to. Fly to the Gold Coast or drive from Brisbane. Stay in Burleigh, or catch the Gold Coast tram to Burleigh.

Explore more: Gold Coast Travel Guide

St Kilda Beach, Victoria

St Kilda is Melbourne‘s most famous neighbourhood and the buzzing beachfront is one of the main drawcards. It’s just minutes from the heart of the city centre, but has a carnival-like, beachside atmosphere. St Kilda Beach is one of the most lively beaches in Australia, and it’s a great spot to enjoy a beachside picnic while watching the sunset over the water. You can swim here, but I prefer not to, because it’s bayside water and is still quite close to the city.

How to get there:

St Kilda Beach is in the heart of Melbourne, so it’s easy to get to! Take the 96 Tram from Melbourne’s CBD to Ackland Street in St Kilda. St Kilda Beach is a 5-10 minute walk from Ackland Street.

Read more: 15 Best Things to Do in St Kilda

Main Beach, Queensland

Main Beach in Surfers Paradise is the Gold Coast’s most famous beach and tourist hotspot, but it can’t be denied that it is a great patch of sand. As long as you’re happy to put up with the crowds, the beautiful beach at Surfers Paradise is a great place to start or end the day.

How to get there:

Main Beach is in the heart of the Gold Coast, so it’s very accessible! Fly to the Gold Coast and stay in Surfers Paradise to be close to Main Beach.

Broadbeach, Queensland

Surfers Paradise is the most famous beach on the Gold Coast, but I prefer Broadbeach, which is just next door. As the name suggests, the beach is enormous, which means it rarely feels too crowded, even in the height of summer. It’s easily one of the most beautiful beaches on the Gold Coast. A morning or sunset walk from one end to the other is one of my favourite things to do when I’m on the Gold Coast.

How to get there:

Broadbeach is on the Gold Coast, so you can get there easily from anywhere on the Gold Coast using the Gold Coast tram. Fly to the Gold Coast, or fly to Brisbane International Airport and drive for 1 hour to the Gold Coast.

Dendy Beach, Victoria

Dendy Beach in the affluent bayside neighbourhood of Brighton is one of the most iconic beaches in Melbourne. It’s famous for the brightly-coloured Brighton Bathing Boxes which line the beach and attract hordes of tourists year-round. The lucky few who own one of these multi-million dollar beach shacks use them throughout summer, which is a great time to see the huts in action. They’re private property, so you can’t enter, but you can take a peek from the beach.

The historic bathing boxes make it one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, and quite unlike anywhere else! You’ll find bathing boxes in other parts of the country (and the world), but I’ve never seen such a colourful collection anywhere else.

How to get there:

Dendy Beach is in Melbourne, in the bayside suburb of Brighton. Take the train to Middle Brighton and walk, or catch an Uber to Dendy Beach.

Coogee Beach, New South Wales

One of Sydney‘s most beautiful beaches, Coogee is a booming beach neighbourhood. Lucky residents can start or end the day with a swim, and spend the weekend lounging between the beach, the parkland behind the beach or bar hopping while enjoying beach views. It’s also the end point for the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, which I highly recommend on your first trip to Sydney.

After your swim, enjoy the view of the beach from Coogee Pavilion, a casual yet glamorous beach bar and restaurant.

How to get there:

Coogee Beach is in Sydney. You can stay in Coogee or nearby beachfront neighbourhoods like Bondi and Bronte. Otherwise, take an Uber from where you’re staying in Sydney.

Cylinder Beach, Queensland 

North Stradbroke Island is a sleepy islands just off the coast of Brisbane, accessible by ferry. “Straddie”, as the locals call it, has lots of beautiful beaches, but Main Beach is the most popular. Stradbroke is the world’s first Slow Island, which means the locals decided to join the global Slow Movement, to preserve a slower pace of life and to resist the forces of the modern world which demands we live faster and faster every year. This is part of what makes Main Beach so beautiful – there’s a slowness in the air which makes it just that much more relaxing.

How to get there:

Cylinder Beach is on North Stradbroke Island in southeast Queensland. You can take the ferry from Brisbane to North Stradbroke Island, and catch a bus or bring your car on the ferry.

Green Island Beach, Queensland

Floating in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef, Green Island is easily one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. You can snorkel the Great Barrier Reef straight off the beach, in the warm, shallow waters surrounding the island. You can stay at the resort on the island, or visit for the day from Cairns. 

How to get there:

Visit Green Island on a day trip from Cairns, or stay overnight at the resort.

Catseye Beach, Queensland

Hamilton Island is one the most popular holiday destinations in the Whitsundays, a dazzling island archipelago off the coast of north Queensland. Catseye Beach is one of the main beaches on Hamilton Island, which is set alongside one of the island’s main resorts. Set in a wide bay, the waters are clear, calm and warm, which makes it the perfect place for lazing about in the water and soaking up the Queensland sunshine.

How to get there:

Catseye Beach is on Hamilton Island, in the Whitsundays. You can fly directly to Hamilton Island, and stay on Hamilton Island. Otherwise, you can fly to Proserpine, stay in Airlie Beach on the mainland and visit on a day trip to Hamilton Island with Cruise Whitsundays.

Squeaky Beach, Victoria

Squeaky Beach is tucked away in Wilsons Promontory National Park, in southeast Victoria. It’s remote location means that it’s rarely crowded, even during peak season when the park is full of campers. The vivid contrast between the white sand, bright blue water, dense forest and red boulders that line the beach make it one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.

How to get there:

Squeaky Beach is in Wilsons Promontory National Park, in southeast Victoria. Wilsons Promontory is a 3.5 hour drive from Melbourne, so it’s best visited as a weekend trip.

Read about visiting Wilsons Prom

Loch Ard Gorge, Victoria

The Great Ocean Road is Australia’s most famous scenic drive, and while the crumbling Twelve Apostles are the star attraction, there is so much more to see. Not far past the Twelve Apostles is a lovely swimming beach, Loch Ard Gorge. It’s sheltered gorge setting makes it one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia! Like the Twelve Apostles, it’s still part of Port Campbell National Park. Its remote location means that its somewhere you’ll probably only visit once or twice, but it’s undeniably gorgeous. Note that this beach isn’t patrolled, so swim with caution.

How to get there:

Loch Ard is on the Great Ocean Road, in southwest Victoria. The closest town is Port Campbell, which is a 10 minute drive away. Loch Ard Gorge is a 3 hour drive from Melbourne, so it’s best visited as a 2-3 day trip to the Great Ocean Road.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland

Cape Tribulation, in the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region, is the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites collide. At Cape Tribulation’s beach, the Great Barrier Reef meets the Daintree Rainforest. It’s a remarkable place to visit, but don’t swim here! The water is home to saltwater crocodiles, and you won’t see them coming in the water.

When you visit, make sure you take an eco tour of the Daintree Rainforest and also check out the charming tropical beach town, Port Douglas. Cape Tribulation can be reached on a day trip from Cairns.

How to get there:

Cape Tribulation is in Far North Queensland. It’s a 1 hr 45 minute drive from Port Douglas and a 2 hr 40 minute drive from Cairns. It’s ideal to stay in Port Douglas, but otherwise there are day tours available from Cairns which include Cape Tribulation.

Read more: One Week in Queensland (Whitsundays-Cairns)

Four Mile Beach, Queensland

Four Mile Beach is the quintessential tropical postcard backdrop. It’s the main draw to chic Port Douglas, a tiny tropical beach town in far north Queensland with luxury resorts and accommodation (and a popular wedding destination). It’s an easy day trip from Cairns, and it’s also close to the Daintree Rainforest.

How to get there:

Four Mile Beach is in the beautiful coastal town of Port Douglas, which is a 1 hour drive from Cairns airport.

Noosa Main Beach, Queensland

Backed by Noosa National Park, Noosa’s Main Beach on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is one of the most popular beaches in Australia. It’s perennially busy, but it’s to be expected in such a sweet setting!

How to get there:

Noosa Main Beach is in the heart of Noosa, a town on the Sunshine Coast in southeast Queensland. Fly to Brisbane, and drive to Noosa for a day trip or spend a few days in this popular Australian beach town.

Bells Beach, Victoria

Bells Beach in Victoria is home to one of the most famous surfing tournaments in the world, the Rip Curl Pro. It might have the perfect condition for surfing mammoth waves, but the chilly Victorian climate along the southeast coast of Australia makes it wetsuit territory. This is still a great place to stop and admire the view if you’re driving to the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne.

How to get there:

Bells Beach is in Torquay, at the start of the Great Ocean Road in southwest Victoria. Torquay is a 1.5 hour drive from Melbourne, so it is best visited as an overnight trip to the Great Ocean Road.

Mooloolaba Beach, Queensland

Popular Mooloolaba Beach is the safest swimming beach on the Sunshine Coast, and is super popular with locals and visitors alike because of it’s great swimming conditions, deep, wide sandy beach and the beautiful backdrop of the Glasshouse Mountains in the background.

How to get there:

Mooloolaba is a 1 hr 20 minute drive from Brisbane.

Read more: The Most Beautiful Beaches on the Sunshine Coast

Watego’s Beach, New South Wales

Byron Bay is Australia’s most famous beach town, and despite the year-round tourist crowds and influx of sea-changing Sydney-siders, Watego’s Beach is still a dreamy place to spend the day. Watego’s Beach is huge, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia that’s so easily accessible.

How to get there:

Byron Bay is in New South Wales, but it isn’t near Sydney. The closest airport to Byron Bay is Gold Coast airport, which is a 1.5 hour drive. You can also fly to Brisbane, and drive for 2 hours to get to Byron Bay.

Safety Beach, Victoria

Located on the Mornington Peninsula, Safety Beach in Dromana is a popular day trip or weekend getaway from Melbourne. Because it’s in Port Philip Bay, the water is always pretty chilly, even on a scorching summer’s day. However, the bright white sand, unbelievably clear water and the row of colourful beach boxes make it one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.

How to get there:

Safety Beach is in the small town of Dromana, on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Fly to Melbourne and drive for 1 hour to get to Dromana. While you’re here, check out the best wineries on the Mornington Peninsula.

Bronte Beach, New South Wales

Sydney is famous for its city beaches, but charming Bronte Beach sees more locals and less tourists than Bondi Beach and Coogee. Bronte Beach is one of the loveliest beaches in Australia, fringed by a laidback Sydney neighbourhood. Head straight there, or drop in as part of a hike from Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.

How to get there:

Bronte Beach is in Sydney, so you canstay in Bronte, Bondi or Coogee to be close by. Catching an Uber from Sydney CBD is much faster than catching public transport.

Read more: Sydney Travel Guide

Grange Beach, South Australia

Grange Beach in Adelaide is a beautiful and wide white sand beach just 10km from the city. It’s near the popular Henley Beach, and has a long jetty that’s popular with fishermen. Grange Beach is easily the most beautiful beach I’ve visited in Adelaide, and it’s so close to the city!

Shelly Beach, New South Wales

A pleasant ferry ride from Sydney Harbor, Shelly Beach in Manly reminds me of the rocky, pebbly beaches of the Italian riviera. It’s a narrow beach, but the water is clear and the handsome setting makes it very memorable. Even better, once you’ve finished with the beach, you can make your way to Manly Wine, a Sydney institution with water views.

How to get there: Shelly Beach is in Manly, in Sydney. Catch the famous Manly Ferry from Circular Quay in Sydney to Manly. Shelly Beach is a short walk from the Manly Ferry terminal.

My Aussie Beach Bucket List

I’ve still got so many beaches that I’d love to visit in Australia, mostly outside Victoria and Queensland, because I’ve lived in both states and have had more time for beach hopping there already.

• Queensland: Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island, all over Fraser Island, and a return to Moreton Island
• Western Australia: Esperance, Mandalay, Albany, Exmouth, Rottnest Island, Busselton
• New South Wales: Hyams Beach, Lord Howe Island, Jervis Bay
• South Australia: Sellicks Beach, Kangaroo Island

What’s your favourite beach in Australia? Let me know in the comments!

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