11 of the most spectacular beaches in Australia

If there is one thing that Australia does well, it is beaches! Australia is a huge island continent with more coastline than anyone could see in a lifetime.

Thanks to Australia’s mostly warm climate and diverse coastline landscapes, it is home to over 10,000 incredible beaches (Australia has more beaches than any other country in the world!).

There is a reason why Australians are given the stereotype of surfer dudes and beach bums and you are about to find out why!

From the bustling beaches of the sunshine coast to the tropical islands up north to the raw rugged beauty of Tasmania to the totally pristine beaches of Western Australia and everything else in between, there is an epic beach for everyone in Australia.

In this post, we are listing the most incredible beaches in Australia that you should be adding to your beach bucket list for your next trip down under.

1. Hyams Beach, New South Wales

Hyams Beach is a seaside village in the City of Shoalhaven, New South Wales on the shores of Jervis Bay located about 3 hours south of Sydney.

This stunning beach boasts white sand and beautiful clear blue water. This is a beach lover's paradise and also has a lovely settlement making it the perfect place to stop for a break.

Hyams Beach is also a lovely area for those who love hiking in nature as well as the beach as there are many trails to be explored nearby in the Dooderee National Park.

This part of Australia is simply breathing taking.

2. Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas

Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas is a picture-perfect tropical beach around 100km from Cairns.

Four Mile Beach is a gorgeous stretch of white sand surrounded by palm trees with beautiful mountains in the distance.

Make sure you don’t miss climbing up to the Trinity Bay lookout to enjoy amazing views of the beach before spending a day relaxing in the sand and sea.

Port Douglas is a favourite tropical holiday spot with amazing weather and vibes making this the perfect place to come to relax, unwind and enjoy all of the beauty that tropical North Queensland has to offer.

3. 75-Mile Beach, Fraser Island

75-mile beach is, you guessed it, a super long stretch of beautiful sand on Australia’s pristine Fraser Island.

Fraser Island is just off the Queensland coast about a 6-hour drive north of Brisbane. There is just so much to explore and enjoy on this beach let alone on the whole island.

We’d suggest taking at least a few days to fully soak up and enjoy this stunning island. It is also a popular place for camping, making it a true place to immerse in nature and hit the beach!

4. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands

Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsunday Islands is not only one of the best beaches in Australia but in the world!

In fact, it is one of our top 15 places you need to see before you die!!

This beach is truly breathtaking and needs to be seen and experienced to be truly appreciated. Making the trip to visit Whitehaven Beach will be an experience you will not forget.

The hues of the water, the sand and the green land swirl together like the most beautiful painting we have ever seen. You will be spoilt with perhaps some of the best swimming on offer in the world.

One of the best ways to explore the Whitsunday Islands is by boat. You will not be disappointed!

5. Byron Bay, New South Wales

Byron Bay is basically a cult classic when it comes to beaches in Australia so we just couldn’t miss this favourite hippy paradise off the list!

Byron Bay is a backpacker paradise and is a hot spot for spiritual seeks, yogis, nature lovers and those wanting to live a conscious and sustainable lifestyle, all of the shores of a simply stunning beach against the backdrop of the beautiful hinterland.

The town itself is chilled with a great vibe, amazing eco-friendly boutiques and awesome places to eat and hang out.The beach boasts white sand, clear waters and sweet waves, attracting surfers from all over the globe.

Byron Bay also has a lovely creek you can enjoy swimming in and a famous lighthouse to explore.

Byron Bay is super easy to get to at just a 45-minute drive from Gold Coast airport.

6. Turquoise Bay, Exmouth, WA

Turquoise Bay in Exmouth may seem to be on the other end of the Earth from Byron Bay perched on one of the tips of Western Australia.

But we all know the longer and harder the journey is to reach something, usually the more spectacular it will be!

That is the case for the special bay! Named aptly after its beautiful Turquoise waters. Turquoise bay is also home to some of the best snorkelling in Australia. Expect crystal clear waters, coral formations, sea turtles and much fewer crowds than you will find in Queensland.

This is an unspoilt paradise that is beaconing to be explored!

7. Fitzroy Island, Queensland

Another beautiful place on our list from Queensland is Fitzroy Island! Fitzroy Island is a small island off the coast of Cairns and is home to some pretty spectacular beaches and fewer crowds.

What makes Fitzroy Island so special is that it is in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and has been kept as a hidden gem by the locals in Cairns meaning it has remained relatively unspoiled and totally pristine!

Fitzroy Island is home to beautiful lush rainforest, pristine coral beaches and of course coral reefs, making this the perfect place to snorkel, sunbathe and even hike.

You can visit Fitzroy Island on a day trip from Cairns on a ferry or even hire a private boat to explore the island and anchor at whatever shoreline is calling you on this tropical island paradise.

8. Wineglass Bay, Tasmania

The island of Tasmania is like a world of its own, completely separate and different to mainland Australia. Tasmania is rough, rugged and has a raw beauty that is powerful and palpable.

While the entire coastline island is incredible one of the most impressive beaches in Tasmania is Wineglass Bay in the Freycinet National Park about 3 hour drive from Hobart.

Wineglass Bay is actually the poster child for Tasmania tourism so no doubt you have seen its picture splashed around the internet before!

A beautiful clam shell-shaped bay with blue ocean is surrounded by green bush and rugged pink granite peaks. This bay is simply striking, especially when you get to enjoy a view from a height.

There is a dedicated lookout which is a 1-hour hike to reach.

9. Noosa Main Beach, Sunshine Coast, Queensland

Noosa Main Beach is the quintessential Aussie beach, located on the iconic Sunshine Coast. It has absolutely everything you need for an epic beach holiday for the entire family.

Expect long stretches of white sand, clear blue water perfect for swimming and many other beach activities.

There is plenty to do and see in the surrounding area which will be buzzing with other holidaymakers making the most of one of Australia’s favourite beaches.

10. Loch Ard Gorge, Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Great Ocean Road is one of the most famous scenic drives in Australia and for good reason, it’s simply stunning!

The dramatic Twelve Apostles are the biggest drawcard to Great Ocean Road, but there is actually much more to see!

Loch Are Gorge is an epic swimming beach not far from the Twelve Apostles that is one of the best beaches Australia has to offer.

This beach is super remote, meaning there won’t be many other people there making this an even more special trip.

11. Lucky Bay, Esperance, Western Australia

The coastline of Western Australia is not as famous for its beaches as the East Coast, but boy are they breathtaking.

The West Coast of Australia is vast and there can be large distances between beaches and towns which makes it a more difficult place to explore for short trips, but if you do make the effort to explore the beaches in WA you will be completely blown away.

And as a bonus, it is only here that you will be able to enjoy spectacular sunsets on the horizon of the Ocean!

Lucky Bay is a 45-minute from the town of Esperance. This stunning beach has blinding white sand and outrageously gorgeous water but one of the things it's most well known for is the kangaroos that like to hop along right next to you.

Visit Lucky Bay for an incredibly memorable experience in Australia!