Australia, a country as unique as it is captivating, draws travellers from far and wide with its many wonders. With diverse landscapes, Aboriginal culture and wildlife that includes koalas and kangaroos, there’s no dearth of marvels to discover. And, among this array of treasures, one gem shines brilliantly — the beaches in Australia.
The country is undoubtedly a haven for beach lovers, with a staggering 30,000 kilometres of coastline and over 10,000 glistening stretches of sand adorning its shores. Whether it is surfing on the turquoise waters, snorkelling around the Great Barrier Reef or getting a taste of the Gold Coast nightlife, there are endless possibilities that await at Australian beaches. So, get ready to dive into these beach experiences that you will find only Down Under.
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Add these best beaches in Australia to your beach bucket list
Cottesloe Beach
If you are looking for something much more than just a beach — a place with cycling trails, food outlets, art and sculpture exhibitions, along with the usual activities like swimming — then Cottesloe Beach, which is very close to Perth, is a must-visit. Though crowded most of the time, this is one of those beaches in Australia whose vibes are not to be missed.
Best time to visit: Any time of the year
How to reach: Perth Airport is the nearest airport, about 22 km away
Book your stay at Cottesloe Beach Hotel on Booking.com
Book your stay at Cottesloe Beach Hotel on Agoda
Lucky Bay
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Image credit: Nick Dunn/Unsplash
Fancy a day out with the kangaroos? Hit Lucky Bay early in the morning. Lying southeast of Perth, Lucky Bay is a crescent-shaped stretch in Cape Le Grand National Park. You can soak in the blues and greens owing to the breathtaking view of the Recherche Archipelago islands from here.
Best time to visit: December to March
How to reach: Port Lincoln Airport (PLO) is the nearest airport, about 175 km from Lucky Bay [/caption]
Book your stay at RAC Esperance Holiday Park on Booking.com
Book your stay at RAC Esperance Holiday Park on Agoda
Burleigh Heads Beach
Located in Australia’s unofficial holiday capital, the Gold Coast, Burleigh Heads is one of the most popular beaches in the country. The palm-fringed beach has numerous little isolated picnic spots, perfect for outdoor cooking. Add to it the magnificent views of the beach and the coastline from John Laws Park.
Best time to visit: Any time of the year (especially during summer)
How to reach: Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is the nearest Airport, about 15 km away from Burleigh Heads
Book your stay at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa on Booking.com
Book your stay at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa on Agoda
Wineglass Bay
Aptly named ‘Wineglass’ owing to its shape, this beach is close to some of the finest wineries in the country. Situated on the Freycinet Peninsula around the Freycinet National Park in Tasmania, it is known for its crystal-clear waters, striking white sands and granite rocks, which are bright pink in colour. Don’t forget to try the cruise tours here.
Best time to visit: December to March
How to reach: Hobart (HBA) Airport is the nearest airport, about 99 km away from Wineglass Bay
Book your stay at Freycinet Panorama on Booking.com
Book your stay at Freycinet Panorama on Agoda
Bondi Beach
There’s hardly any beach lover who hasn’t heard of Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach and its Bondi Beach Seafoods and Bondi Icebergs. Lined with a tiny main street, don’t miss the rock pool or the BBQ area for tourists. Since it is crowded most of the time, a weekday visit may give you space to explore and appreciate the beauty of the beach. Make sure to try fish delicacies with a refreshing drink during your stop.
Best time to visit: Any time of the year
How to reach: Sydney Airport (SYD) is the nearest airport, about 13 km from Bondi Beach
Book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney on Booking.com
Book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney on Agoda
Whitehaven Beach
Known to have the purest sand or 98 percent pure silica, Queensland’s Whitehaven Beach is a haven indeed for those looking to soak in pristine views. Its major attractions on Whitsunday Island include coves, lagoons and inlets. And, if you take a hike to Tongue Point, you can get mesmerising views from there too. Lying in the Great Barrier Reef, this is one of Australia’s must-visit beaches.
Best time to visit: September to March
How to reach: One of the most thrilling and fastest ways to reach Whitehaven Beach is from Hamilton Island Air Terminal in 30 minutes via a high-speed catamaran. You can also take a helicopter ride from there, which takes about 10 minutes.
Book your stay at InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, an IHG Hotel on Booking.com
Book your stay at InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, an IHG Hotel on Agoda
Cable Beach
If you wish to experience one of the most dramatic sunsets of your life, then hop on a camel and take a ride on Cable Beach in Western Australia. To make this whole experience captivating and vibrant, you also have the company of dolphins, migrating whales and the 130-million-old dinosaur footprint at the Gantheaume Point. And if you happen to visit between March and October, you will surely catch the ‘Staircase to the Moon’ phenomenon — the full moon’s reflection in the sparkling water after the tide recedes makes it look like a golden staircase leading to it.
Best time to visit: June to August
How to reach: Broome Airport (BME) is the nearest airport, about three km from Cable Beach
Book your stay at The Pearle of Cable Beach on Booking.com
Book your stay at The Pearle of Cable Beach on Agoda
Turquoise Bay
A tranquil and refreshing swim awaits you at Turquoise Bay, nestled in the secluded Cape Range National Park in Western Australia. Also, snorkelling here amid the turquoise waters is a one-of-a-kind experience. The bay is just a few minutes from the Ningaloo Reef, known as the home of 500 species of fish found in the region.
Best time to visit: Any time of the year
How to reach: Learmonth Airport (LEA) is the nearest airport, about 98 km away from Turquoise Bay
Book your stay at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef on Booking.com
Book your stay at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef on Agoda
Noosa Beach
The Sunshine Coast in Queensland is home to numerous beaches, but it is Noosa Beach that stands out. Multiple beach activities and the famous Hastings Street shopping and restaurant precinct are some of the best attractions. The weather is pleasant all year round, adding to its renown.
Best time to visit: Any time of the year
How to reach: Brisbane Airport (BNE) is about 135 km from Noosa Beach, but Maroochydore Airport (MCY) is the nearest airport, which is 30 km away
Book your stay at Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort on Booking.com
Book your stay at Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort on Agoda
75 Mile Beach
Immense length, rugged sands and azure waters, perfect for surfing, attract many tourists to 75 Mile Beach. Some of its other attractions include Rainbow Gorge, the Maheno shipwreck, Eli Creek and the popular freshwater Champagne Pools. This beach makes Fraser Island the largest sand island in the world.
Best time to visit: August to October
How to reach: Hervey Bay Airport (HVB) is the nearest airport, about 64 km from Fraser Island
Book your stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort Fraser Island on Booking.com
Book your stay at CoKingfisher Bay Resort Fraser Island on Agoda
(Hero and featured image credit: Azucena Stelzer/Unsplash)
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Related: 12 Best Beaches In Kauai For Sunsets, Snorkelling, And Swimming
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: Many Australian beaches are famous for their nightlife. Some of the best beach bars include The Bucket List in Sydney, Sebastian in Melbourne, The Moseley Beach Club in Adelaide and Clancy's Fish Bar in Perth.
Answer: Some of the best beaches in Australia to visit with family are Balmoral Beach, Shelly Beach, Glenelg Beach and Trinity Beach.
Answer: The adventure-filled beaches in Australia include Cottesloe Beach, Turquoise Bay, Whitehaven Beach and Burleigh Heads.
Answer: Some of the best beaches to party in Australia are Byron Bay, Airlie Beach and Gold Coast.
Answer: Yes, most beaches in Australia have public showers and restrooms. You can easily find places to change. Alternatively, you can use the restrooms of the beach-side restaurants and bars if you are dining there.
Answer: Yes, all the beaches that are regularly patrolled are safe for kids to swim and play. Always keep an eye on the signboards around for proper instructions.
Answer: Most Australian beaches can be visited all year round. However, spring is one of the best seasons to enjoy beach activities.
Answer: Some of the Australian beaches perfect for surfing are Byron Bay, Bells Beach, Rottnest Island and Snapper Rocks.
Answer: The popular beaches in Sydney include Bondi, Bronte, Pal, Balmoral, Manly and Watsons Bay.
Written By
Pyusha Chatterjee
A journalist, Pyusha has previously worked with media organisations including The New Indian Express and Hindustan Times. A solo traveller by choice, she loves exploring life more than anything else, after food of course. When she isn't gardening, writing, reading, cooking or singing out loud, you can spot her watching films and series, debating with ..Read More
