Exploring The Best Beaches In Australia 2025
Dreaming of the best sunsets? Want to admire incredible scenery and spot rare wildlife? An Australia Tour can make these dreams a reality! We strongly suggest you explore the best beaches in Australia to have the scenic experience you ever wanted!
From the laid-back vibes of the Gold Coast to the pristine shores of Western Australia, these beaches are more than just spots to soak in the sun. They’re gateways to breathtaking natural beauty and incredible experiences that will make your Australian vacation truly extraordinary!
Whether you want to enjoy swimming, surfing, snorkelling, and spot marine life up-close or have a picnic, you’re spoiled for choice in Australia. So, are you beach-ready yet? If not, these 15 beaches will leave you mesmerised!
1. Noosa Main Beach
Noosa Main Beach definitely is one of the best beaches in Australia to swim. Wondering what makes it special? It’s one of the few beaches that faces north! The waves here are just right, not too big, not too small —– which means you can swim here all year long. If you love water activities, you can kayak in the backwaters.
Also, lots of people come here to fish and catch waves. Just remember to be careful of the changing ocean currents! Besides water fun, you can take peaceful walks on the golden sand or grab some yummy local food at the beach shacks and restaurants nearby.
- Best Things To Do: Swimming, surfing, fishing
- Location: Noosa Heads, Queensland, Australia
2. Mindil Beach
You can find Mindil Beach in Darwin, North Australia. While you shouldn’t swim there, it is one of the best Australia beaches for other reasons. There’s always something exciting happening at Mindil Beach. People run races, throw festivals, and best of all —– there’s a fantastic market right on the sand. When the sun sets, the market comes alive with lots of food stalls serving delicious hot meals.
- Best Things To Do: Enjoy picnics, explore sunset markets, enjoy shopping
- Location: The Gardens, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
3. Rapid Bay
On the South Coast, you will find one of the best beaches in Australia to swim —- Rapid Bay! The water is crystal clear, making it perfect for watching little sea creatures like fish, crabs, snails, and starfish swimming below.
If you’re lucky, you might even see dolphins jumping in the distance! Swimming and fishing here are amazing. You can go snorkelling or scuba diving too! It’s the kind of beach that makes you want to stay all day. Everything feels so peaceful and you can chill on the hammock having local fresh juices.
- Best Things To Do: Marine life spotting, Scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming
- Location: Rapid Bay, The Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia(100 km south of Adelaide)
Suggested Read: Great Ocean Road In Australia: Ultimate Coastal Drive Guide
4. Lucky Bay
Lucky is one of the best Australia beaches to spot Kangaroos! This amazing spot in Western Australia has super white sand that looks like sugar and water so blue-green it doesn’t look real. The beach is situated inside Cape Le Grand National Park.
What makes it really special? Well, where else can you sunbathe next to friendly kangaroos who love hanging out on the beach too? Also, you can look out at beautiful islands called the Recherche Archipelago. A visit to this beach surely makes your trip to Australia a memorable one.
- Best Things To Do: Sunbathing, wildlife spotting, fishing
- Location: Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia, Australia
5. Turquoise Bay
Looking for the best beaches in Australia to swim? Turquoise Bay is a real gem in Western Australia. This stunning beach with crystal-clear water and soft white sand is perfect for everyone, from families to adventure seekers.
What makes it one of the most famous beaches in Australia is snorkelling. Just swim a few metres from the shore, and you will discover an underwater wonderland! You can see hundreds of colourful fish, sea turtles, and beautiful coral gardens. And the best part is the lifeguards keeping watch and experts being available to help visitors. It is located in Cape Range National Park, where you might even spot some kangaroos.
- Best Things To Do: Swimming, snorkelling, marine life and wildlife spotting
- Location: Ningaloo Coast, Western Australia
6. Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads Beach is definitely one of the best Australia beaches, which locals just call “Burleigh” for short. It’s a perfect mix of laid-back beach life and city style. When it comes to famous beaches in Australia, this spot truly stands out as surfers’ paradise, while others enjoy hanging out under the big pine trees by the beach.
You can grab a tasty meal at restaurants with ocean views, or go shopping nearby. It is basically where beach vibes meet city buzz!
- Best Things To Do: Surfing, relaxing or sunbathing, shopping
- Location: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Suggested Read: 30 Best Things To Do In Australia 2025 Guide
7. Wategos Beach
Wategos Beach—– Yet another one on the list of the best beaches in Australia to swim. This wonderful spot near Byron Bay is loved by both locals and tourists alike. This beach is perfect for anyone who loves the water. Whether you want to enjoy surfing, take a refreshing swim, or try something new like paddle boarding or kayaking, this beach has it all.
There is a great BBQ area where you can cook a tasty outdoor meal, making it perfect for family gatherings and picnics. The beach is well-protected and maintained, so you can feel safe while enjoying all these activities.
- Best Things To Do: Swimming, kayaking, beach parties and family picnics
- Location: East of the Byron Bay town centre, Australia
8. Cable Beach
As the most popular beach in Australia, it’s easy to see why people love Cable Beach.
Its soft white sand stretches for an incredible 22 km. The water here stays calm and blue, making it picture-perfect. And the best part? The most amazing sunset.
Want to make your visit even more magical? Join a sunset camel ride! Imagine sitting on top of a camel, walking along the beach while the sky turns golden.
- Best Things To Do: Camel rides, enjoying sunsets
- Location: Broome, Western Australia, Australia
9. Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is, without a doubt the most popular beach in Australia in eastern Sydney. It’s the kind of place that has everything you could want —– beautiful sand, lots of fun, and great places to eat. Even locals love to enjoy the golden sands of Bondi Beach, as it’s easy to get to the city.
Every morning, as the sun rises, you will find surfers catching the waves and people swimming in the ocean pools. When evening comes around, the beach bars get busy and people enjoy checking out the fancy shops.
- Best Things To Do: Dining, surfing, walk along the Bondi to Coogee coastal trail
- Location: Bondi Beach, New South Wales, Australia
10. Mooloolaba Beach
Looking for more best beaches in Australia to swim? Head to Mooloolaba Beach on the Sunshine Coast! This beautiful beach has earned its spot as the 6th best beach in the country.
For adventure lovers, the Sunreef Mooloolaba offers amazing scuba diving experiences where you can explore the underwater world. And when you’re done with swimming and diving, head over to the Boathouse restaurants for some mouth-watering seafood.
What can beat the feeling of enjoying your meal with stunning ocean views?!
- Best Things To Do: Swimming, scuba diving, sunbathing, dining
- Location: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
11. Apollo Bay Beach
This stunning beach was ranked as one of the 20 best Australia beaches in 2017! It’s perfect for all kinds of beach lovers —- whether you want to swim safely, catch some waves while surfing, or simply relax and admire the scenery. Apollo Bay Beach has a super friendly atmosphere that attracts both locals and travellers.
Adventure seekers will love Apollo Bay, as it is the gateway to the Otway Ranges, where they can explore treetop experiences and immerse in breathtaking natural beauty. It is the most popular beach in Australia.
- Best Things To Do: Surfing, enjoying scenery, and relaxing
- Location: Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia
12. Kirra Beach
Kirra Beach is a surfers’ paradise with stunning waters and an incredible laid-back atmosphere.
This beach isn’t just about surfing —– it’s a complete experience. Famous surfing champion Mick Fanning used to ride these waves, and now you can too! The beach offers perfect surfing conditions and is free from stinging jellyfish, making it safe and enjoyable.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins swimming alongside you while catching waves. Not a surfing fan? No worries! You can simply relax on the sand, and enjoy people-watching, or soak in the sun.
- Best Things To Do: Surfing, sunbathing, swimming
- Location: Coolangatta, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
13. Park Beach
Discover Coffs Harbour’s Park Beach —– a perfect coastal destination between Sydney and Brisbane! From fun to relaxation, this beach offers a perfect retreat for everyone. Park Beach is a fantastic surfing spot with endless opportunities for water sports and swimming.
From surfing and swimming to walking and people-watching, Park Beach is nothing short of a paradise that you won’t want to miss during your visit to Coffs Harbour.
- Best Things To Do: People-watching, surfing, swimming
- Location: Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
14. Cottesloe Beach
This beautiful sandy beach isn’t just about swimming and sunbathing. It’s also home to cool art exhibitions. The most famous one is “Sculpture by the Sea”, where artists display their work right on the beach!
You can also enjoy surfing, take the family for a bike ride on nice trails, or grab tasty food at nearby restaurants. What’s even more interesting is everyone’s always in a good mood at Cottesloe; it’s just a happy place to be!
- Best Things To Do: Sunbathing, swimming, enjoying picnics and art shows
- Location: Western Australia, Australia
15. Almonta Beach
Almonta Beach is a hidden treasure in South Australia in Coffin Bay National Park. It is one of the best beaches in Australia for a peaceful escape. You can try various fun activities like kayaking, and fishing or enjoy windsurfing, and explore underwater life while snorkelling.
If you want to explore more, the national park has other beautiful spots like Seven Mile Beach. You can drive here by car, just watch out for kangaroos and emus crossing the road!
- Best Things To Do: Fishing, kayaking, snorkelling, windsurfing, wildlife spotting
- Location: Coffin Bay National Park, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
Suggested Read: Exploring The Sydney Harbour Bridge In Australia
Best Time To Visit Australian Beaches
Australian summers from December to February, offer the perfect time to explore the country’s stunning landscapes and experiences. This season transforms the continent into a playground for several activities from beach and cliff walks to exploring national parks, vineyards, and golf courses.
What is the best time to visit Australian beaches?
The best time to visit Australian beaches is during the summer from December to February.
Which Australian beaches are best for surfing?
The most famous beaches in Australia for surfing include Bondi Beach, Wategos Beach, Burleigh Heads, and Noosa Main Beach.
What state in Australia has the best beaches?
Some of the most popular beaches in Australia are from New South Wales, Western Australia, and Queensland.
What side of Australia has the best beaches?
Some of the best beaches in Australia are in Western Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland.
Which beach is the prettiest in Australia?
Some of the prettiest Australian beaches include Apollo Bay Beach, Bondi Beach, and Cable Beach to name a few.