Key Takeaways
|
Australia has more than 10,685 beaches, so choosing the right beach can be harder than it looks.
The best beach in Australia depends on what places you like to visit and the activities you look forward to.
Some beaches are right next to major cities like Sydney’s beaches, where travellers can take a local train from the city centre and reach the beach in under an hour. These are perfect if you want cafes, restaurants, and shopping nearby.
A few other beaches are inside Cape Range National Park, like Turquoise Bay. It is a 62 km drive from Exmouth town. Then there are remote spots like South Australia’s Kangaroo Island. You need a 45-minute ferry or a short flight to get there, and at least three days to experience its wild coastlines and spot local wildlife like kangaroos and sea lions.
Whether it’s a family or a honeymoon vacation, these beaches in Australia offer activities to keep every kind of traveller satisfied.
Best Time to Visit Australia for a Beach Holiday
Australia does not have just one beach season. Instead, it has two different weather zones: the warm southern summer and the northern tropical dry season.
- December to February: Visit southern beaches like Sydney and Noosa, offering hot, sunny days perfect for swimming.
- May to October: Visit northern tropical places like the Whitsundays and Broome, with clear skies and dry, comfortable weather.
- Rainy Months to Avoid: Skip the tropical north from November to April when there are heavy storms and cyclones.
Best Beach Towns in Australia to Visit
|
Cities/Towns |
State |
Time to Visit |
| Sydney | New South Wales | December to February |
| Jervis Bay | New South Wales | December to February |
| Noosa | Queensland | December to February |
| Gold Coast | Queensland | December to February |
| Airlie Beach | Queensland | May to October |
| Exmouth | Western Australia | April to October |
| Esperance | Western Australia | December to February |
| Broome | Western Australia | May to October |
| Coles Bay | Tasmania | December to February |
| Torquay | Victoria | December to February for beach holidays; April to October for surfing |
10 Best Beaches in Australia
Australia’s beaches are spread across the country. Below are some of the best beaches; choose based on the location and the activities you want in Australia, and add them to your itinerary.
1. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland
Whitehaven Beach is world-famous for its 98% pure silica sand and turquoise waters. Movie fans will also recognise it from scenes in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.
Visitors can reach Whitehaven Beach only by a boat, seaplane, or helicopter. It is better to take a tour from Airlie Beach or a nearby island resort. Morning tours depart around 7:00 AM, while afternoon tours leave around 11:30 AM. Tours include transfers, activities, and a guide who helps you out throughout.
You can cruise through the Whitsunday Islands, sip wine or beer while taking in views of Pentecost Island or hike Passage Peak on nearby Hamilton Island.
Do not leave without visiting Hill Inlet, where shifting sand and tidal water create the swirling patterns Whitehaven is known for.
Nearby attraction:
- Hill Inlet Lookout
2. Bondi Beach, New South Wales
Bondi is the beach to choose if you want to combine a beach day with Sydney sightseeing. It is one of Australia’s most famous beaches, with lifeguards patrolling year-round. You can surf, swim, cafe-hop, and visit the Bondi Icebergs ocean pool.
Wake up early in the morning to walk the iconic 6 km Bondi to Coogee cliffside coastal trail, passing Tamarama and Bronte beaches with amazing ocean views.
Bondi is also a good place to stay in Australia for a beach vacation with easy access to hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops around the beach.
Nearby Attractions:
- Bondi Markets, open Saturdays and Sundays (350 m).
- Marks Park (1 km).
- Bondi Pavilion, Cultural centre (right on the beach).
3. Hyams Beach, New South Wales
Hyams is one of Australia’s most beautiful white-sand beaches. Located in a quiet coastal village, this crescent-shaped bay has gentle, shallow waves, making it a peaceful spot for family swimming, snorkelling, and stand-up paddleboarding.
From Sydney, Hyams is around a 2-hour 40-minute drive, so it works better as a South Coast road-trip stop. Holiday rentals, cottages, and camping options are available in the area. If you drive, parking fills up quickly on summer weekends, so arrive early in the morning and watch the sunrise. Mornings are also ideal for joining a dolphin cruise.
It is good to combine Hyams with Huskisson town, which is around 10 kilometres from Hyams Beach, because that’s where you will find dolphin cruise operators.
Hyams Nearby Attractions:
- Booderee National Park (5.6 km).
- Huskisson (10 km).
- Jervis Bay Maritime Museum & Gallery (11.5 km).
4. Turquoise Bay, Western Australia
Turquoise Bay is for travellers who want to see Australia’s marine life without spending the whole day on a boat. Located within Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Marine Park in Exmouth, it is known for swimming and snorkelling.
Turquoise Bay is not a beach you should add casually to a Sydney or Melbourne itinerary. It is in Western Australia’s Ningaloo region, so plan to stay around Exmouth or Coral Bay and give the area at least two or three days.
The beach has two main snorkelling areas. The Bay Loop area is better for snorkelling away from the stronger currents around the southern sandbar. The Drift Loop is known for drift snorkelling, where the natural current carries swimmers over the reef. However, currents can be strong, so follow local warnings and do not enter the water if conditions are unsafe.
Turquoise Bay Nearby Attractions:
- Cape Range National Park coastal areas and other Ningaloo snorkelling spots around the Exmouth peninsula.
5. Lucky Bay, Western Australia
Lucky Bay is inside Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance and is known for its white sand and kangaroos that are often seen on the beach. It is a very different experience from Bondi or the Gold Coast because the beach is surrounded by a national park rather than a typical beach town.
Do not approach or feed the kangaroos. They are wild animals, even when they sit quietly close to the sand.
You can swim, walk along the beach, take photographs, and visit the surrounding national park. Cape Le Grand also offers bushwalking (hiking in nature), fishing, and camping.
Things to Cover Along Lucky Bay:
- Frenchman Peak
- Hellfire Bay
- Thistle Cove
- Whistling Rock
6. Wineglass Bay, Tasmania
Wineglass Bay is inside Freycinet National Park on Tasmania’s east coast. The beach is known for its curved white sand, clear water, and the granite Hazards Mountains range.
The walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout is a 2.6 km return track (approx. 1.3 km each way). The walk has a steep section and steps, but you get the view without going all the way down to the beach.
If you prefer not to hike, an alternative option is to book a 4.5-hour tour with Wineglass Bay Cruises. The boat leaves from Coles Bay and takes you right into the waters of Wineglass Bay, where you can look out for sea eagles, dolphins, and migrating whales.
Stay around Coles Bay and plan a full day to experience Freycinet National Park. The park is about 2.5 to 3 hours by road from Hobart or Launceston.
Wineglass Bay Nearby Attractions:
- Wineglass Bay Lookout
- Honeymoon Bay
7. Cable Beach, Western Australia
Cable Beach in Broome is popular for its 22 km stretch of white sand, Indian Ocean sunsets, and camel rides.
The most recommended activity to try is the camel ride. Tours are available at different times of day, including sunset and pre-sunset rides. If you are travelling with children, check the operator’s age and weight restrictions before booking.
You can also swim, take photographs or simply watch the sky change colour. There are restaurants and accommodation around Broome, so stay in town and reach the beach without changing hotels.
Cable Beach Nearby Attractions:
- Broome Historical Museum (6.8 km).
- Broome Courthouse Markets, open 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday & Sunday (5.7 km).
8. Noosa Main Beach, Queensland
Noosa Main Beach is one of the options considered for families because it is north-facing, sheltered from some of the stronger coastal winds, and patrolled throughout the year.
When you are on the beach, go to Hastings Street just behind the beach. You can combine swimming, surfing, and dining at beachfront restaurants, cafes, and shops without needing to drive between places.
Families can spend the morning at the beach and then walk towards Noosa National Park. The area also has walking trails and access to Noosa River, giving you more to do than simply spend the day on the sand and relax.
Noosa Main Beach Nearby Attractions:
- Nissarana Galleries Noosa (250 m).
- Laguna Lookout (2.5 km).
- Noosa National Park (900 m).
9. Burleigh Heads, Queensland
For a combination of beach, surfing, walking trails, and restaurants in the same area, Burleigh Heads is a good spot. The main beach is suitable for swimming between the red and yellow flags, while the headland has surf breaks that attract more experienced surfers.
If you don’t know how to surf, take a surf lesson. Alternatively, explore the rainforest walking trails in Burleigh Head National Park.
The area around James Street and the beachfront has cafes, restaurants and bars, so stay in Burleigh for better facilities.
If you are choosing between Burleigh and Surfers Paradise, Burleigh suits travellers who want a beach holiday with a more local coastal stay, while Surfers Paradise has high-end hotels and nightlife. You can simply experience both because they are just around 10 kilometres away.
Burleigh Heads Nearby Attractions:
- Burleigh Head National Park (300 m).
- Paddock Bakery (1 km).
- Paint Juicy – Paint and Sip & Entertainment (1.2 km).
- Miami Marketta, night street (3.1 km).
- David Fleay Wildlife Park (3.9 km).
10. Bells Beach, Victoria
Bells Beach is for surfing rather than simply a swimming spot. It is near Torquay on the Great Ocean Road and is well-known for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, which attracts professional surfers during Easter.
Travellers not into surfing can still visit the coastal area and watch the waves from the cliffs.
Stay around Torquay if surfing is a priority. It gives you easier access to Bells Beach and other surf spots along the coast.
If you are into photography, there are a few viewpoints and famous surf breaks worth checking out, such as Rocky Point Lookout and Winkipop.
Bells Beach Nearby Attractions:
- Bellbrae Estate, Winery (6.2 km).
- The Chocolateries Great Ocean Road, chocolate factory (8 km).
- Torquay Farmers Market (10.1 km).
Conclusion
If you are planning a beach holiday from India, do not try to cover beaches on opposite sides of Australia in one short trip. Australia is too large, so choose one region, spend a few days on the coastline and then add nearby attractions.
The best beaches in Australia depend on what you want from the holiday. Bondi and Noosa have restaurants, hotels and city attractions, while Whitehaven and Turquoise Bay are better for island and reef experiences.
For white sand and wildlife, head to Hyams Beach and Lucky Bay. If surfing is your priority, visit Bells Beach and Burleigh Heads. Wineglass Bay and Cable Beach are better suited to travellers who are looking for an Australia road trip.
For help planning the route, hotels, and activities around these beaches, contact Dimaak Tours.
FAQs on the Best Beaches in Australia
1. Can you recommend the best Australian beaches for surfing, snorkelling, and family days?
- Surfing: Bells Beach and Burleigh Heads are good options. Bells Beach suits experienced surfers, while Burleigh offers surf schools.
- Snorkelling: Turquoise Bay is a go-to because the Ningaloo Marine Park reef is close to shore. Whitehaven is also great when paired with Whitsunday and Great Barrier Reef tours.
- Family holiday: Noosa Main Beach, Bondi, and Burleigh Heads are easier because they have lifeguard patrols, nearby food, and accommodation.
2. What are the top beachfront resorts in Australia for a family vacation?
For a family beach holiday, Paradise Resort Gold Coast is best to consider with its water park, ice rink, and extensive kids’ club. Nearby, Sea World Resort offers direct theme park access and an aquatic playground. For a mix of luxury and nature, Cable Beach Club Resort in Broome features mini-golf and camel rides.
3. How many beaches are there in Australia and which ones are the most famous?
Australia has more than 10,685 beaches. This includes beaches on mainland Australia and surrounding islands. Some famous beaches in Australia include Bondi Beach, Whitehaven Beach, Hyams Beach, Cable Beach, Lucky Bay, Wineglass Bay, and Bells Beach.
4. What is the best time of year to visit the beach towns in Australia?
For beaches in southern and eastern Australia, December to February is summer and offers warm weather for Sydney, Jervis Bay, Noosa, the Gold Coast and Esperance. It is also Australia’s peak season, so flights and accommodation can be more expensive.
For tropical northern destinations such as the Whitsundays, May to October is the dry season, with lower rainfall and a more suitable climate for outdoor activities.
5. What should you pack for an Australian beach vacation?
Pack swimwear, quick-drying clothes, comfortable sandals, shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and high-SPF sunscreen. Also pack a light layer for evenings, especially if you are travelling along the southern coast. Then take extra jackets depending on the season you are visiting.
6. What are the top beaches in Australia for a summer trip and why?
December to February is summer in Australia, and some of the best beaches for a summer trip include Bondi Beach, Hyams Beach, Noosa Main Beach, Burleigh Heads, and Lucky Bay.
