Australia is famous for a litany of natural wonders. But perhaps one of our best-known attributes is our abundance of dreamy, picturesque beaches.
In fact, it’s estimated that we have a whopping 12,000 beaches and bays lining Australia’s coastline. While it may be impossible to visit every single beach in Australia, there are a handful of beaches that are unmissable. Tourism Australia recently announced its “Best Australian Beaches” for 2026, curated by their “beach connoisseur” Brad Farmer AM. Some surprising locations topped the list.
And so, here are some of the best beaches around Australia you need to see in your lifetime.
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Bate Bay Beaches
New South Wales
What could arguably be described as one of the most surprising winners to be crowned in Tourism Australia’s best beach list, Bate Bay Beaches, has taken the top spot for 2026.
Awarded number one for its incredible variety, Brad Farmer says Bate Bay Beaches offer “just about everything a savvy beachgoer could want,” calling it “Sydney’s longest, least crowded and most beautiful stretch of sand”.
The best part? Bate Bay is only a 30-minute trip from the Sydney airport, meaning this winner is incredibly accessible, not only to Sydney locals but also to the millions of tourists who visit each year.
Credit: Getty
Pinky Beach
Western Australia
While you may not recognise Pinky Beach, you most definitely recognise the adorable furry residents of Rottnest Island. Home to the iconic quokka, this island sits just off the coast of Perth.
While most of the beaches that wrap around the small island seem worthy of a spot on the list, Pinky Beach has something special. According to Brad, the short walk from the ferry terminal, sunny north-eastern aspect, calm waters, shallow reefs, several upmarket accommodation options, and a relaxed bar overlooking the bay make it stand out from the rest.
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Beachcomber Cove
Queensland
Number three is a modest reminder of the characteristics that make Queensland special.
Beachcomber Cove is located in Cape Hillsborough, about 50km from Mackay. Brad Farmer credits its “gentle walking tracks overlooking the Coral Sea, rainforest pockets threaded with waterfalls, volcanic rock formations and tidal pools” as the reason for this exceptional location’s inclusion in this year’s top 10.
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Tallow Beach
New South Wales
For those looking to enjoy the quieter side of the incredibly popular coastal destination of Byron Bay, Tallow Beach is just that.
Located to the south of the heritage-listed Cape Byron Lighthouse, this is where the locals surf at sunrise and walk the dog at sunset.
“The pace is slower, the mood more relaxed, and conversations come easily,” writes Brad.
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Hellfire Bay
Western Australia
If you ever find yourself approximately seven hours south of Perth, don’t skip Hellfire Bay, located within Cape Le Grand National Park.
Take in the granite headlands along with the stark white sand, striking waters, and rounded boulders. Closed off to cars, Hellfire Bay is a truly undisturbed oasis.
“It’s simple, unspoilt, and quietly spectacular — exactly what many people come looking for, and rarely forget”, shares Brad.
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Godfrey’s Beach
Tasmania
Nestled at the base of The Nut in Stanley, Godfrey’s Beach has come in at number six.
The Nut is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Tasmania, and the remnants of an ancient volcanic plug.
For visitors, a 20-metre walking track makes it possible to climb the dramatic attraction for breathtaking views of the fishing village below.
Brad writes that Godfrey’s Beach gives him a “strong sense that life here still moves at an older, steadier pace”.
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Inskip Point
Queensland
A second candidate in the top 10 for Queensland is the “straightforward and unpretentious” Inskip Point.
This mostly undeveloped and vast area is more commonly known as the point at which vehicles can cross on a barge to the K’gari Island.
Inskip Point is a fantastic spot for avid campers looking to perch up for a few days and enjoy a large slice of paradise, mostly undisturbed by others.
Credit: Visit Melbourne
Mount Martha Beach
Melbourne
Sitting at number eight, Mount Martha’s inclusion welcomes the Mornington Peninsula to the prestigious ranks of the Best Australian Beaches for the first time.
Mount Martha’s accessibility and inclusivity are the reasons for its placement on the list this year, ensuring it can be enjoyed by all.
“Vibrant without feeling busy, calm without feeling remote…a genuinely restorative escape from the city”, writes Brad Farmer.
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Smoky Bay
South Australia
Named by early navigators for the smoke seen rising from Aboriginal fires, Smoky Bay boasts easy access to some of the most naturally remote coastline of South Australia.
While it is a bit of a journey from major cities such as Adelaide, Smoky Bay is the perfect oasis for those looking for a quiet and spacious coastal adventure.
Ellery Creek Big Hole
Northern Territory
Moving away from the coast, number 10 sees an orange sandy shoreline meet a deep waterhole.
Found 80 kilometres west of Alice Springs in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, Ellery Creek Big Hole is a great example of an inland location that can now be classified as a beach. Surrounded by dramatic gorges, chasms and ghost gums, waterholes provide generational relief from the excessive temperatures.
For those looking to visit and swim, please be mindful of its cultural significance, remain quiet and respectful and remember that for sacred sites such as these, a strict leave-no-trace approach is taken.
The best beaches around Australia 2025
Keep scrolling to see which beaches were in the top spots in 2025.
01
Bay of Fires
Tasmania
In a move that shocked many, Tourism Australia named the Bay of Fires in Tasmania as Australia’s Best Beach for 2025. The location is undoubtedly stunning with its white sand beaches and orange-hued rocks that lend the area its name. However, it is its unique look that pushed it over the edge for the judging team:
“They say the colder water is good for you,” said Brad Farmer AM. “It’s a location made for photography or painting, fishing and surfing.”
02
Lucky Bay
Western Australia
Voted one of the world’s best beaches in 2023, Lucky Bay can be found in Esperance, WA. It’s no surprise that this beach is revered. From crystal white sands to dazzling turquoise waters, Lucky Bay is the picture-perfect beach spot. In fact, not only was it named one of the world’s best beaches, but it was also named one of the whitest sand beaches in Australia.
03
Bell’s Beach
Victoria
As you drive along Victoria’s famed Great Ocean Road, you’ll be sure to spot Bell’s Beach. Approximately a 1.5-hour drive outside of Melbourne, Bell’s Beach is enveloped between towering, majestic cliffs. It is home to Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach — the longest-running event in competitive surfing.
04
Mindil Beach
Northern Territory
Mindil Beach is one of Darwin’s most prominent and picturesque beaches. Despite its dreamy sands and stunning waters, it’s not recommended for swimming. That’s thanks to its abundance of crocodiles and venomous box jellyfish. However, it’s a great spot for boating and fishing. The beach is also home to the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market. Here you can indulge your taste buds in some of the Top End’s best street food.
05
Perlubie Beach
South Australia
Situated in South Australia’s stunning Eyre Peninsula, Perlubie Beach is a two-kilometre stretch of stunning sands and crystal clear waters. While it’s a great spot for canoeing and fishing, it’s best known for beach camping.
06
Murrays Beach
New South Wales
Known as the jewel in the Booderee National Park, Murrays Beach is nestled in the heart of Jervis Bay on the south coast of New South Wales. The beach is found in a protected bay which is also sheltered by Bowen Island, making this a great beach for families. The crystal clear blue waters also make Murrays Beach a great snorkelling spot, too.
07
Whitehaven Beach
Queensland
Though it’s hardly off the beaten path, Whitehaven Beach is a must-visit spot when in Queensland. This breathtaking beach is found in the Whitsunday Islands. It is home to creamy white sands that swirl in and around impossibly blue waters. Though it’s a gorgeous location, it’s only accessible by boat, seaplane & helicopter.
08
Wineglass Bay
Tasmania
Wineglass Bay is one of the most photographed spots in all of Tasmania, and it’s easy to see why. Situated amid an outcrop of wild, pristine coastal land, Wineglass Bay backs onto an incredible national park and camping ground.
