The Best Beaches in Australia
From north to south, Australia gives us 74 beaches spread over 7 distinct regions. You will find sandy beaches and a broadly wild character. Plan around March, when conditions peak for swimming.
The 10 Best Beaches in Australia
1AustraliaApollo Bay Beach
Great Ocean Road · Australia
2AustraliaBells Beach
Great Ocean Road · Australia
3AustraliaBondi Beach
New South Wales · Australia
4AustraliaBurleigh Heads Beach
Australian East Coast · Australia
5AustraliaCoogee Beach
New South Wales · Australia
6AustraliaCoolangatta Beach
Australian East Coast · Australia
7AustraliaFriendly Beaches
Tasmania · Australia
8AustraliaHazards Beach
Tasmania · Australia
9AustraliaHill Inlet Beach
Great Barrier Reef · Australia
10AustraliaLagoon Beach
Australian Pacific Islands · Australia
Best Beaches in Australia by Region
Australian East Coast
AustraliaBurleigh Heads Beach
Australian East Coast · Australia
AustraliaCoolangatta Beach
Australian East Coast · Australia
AustraliaMain Beach
Australian East Coast · Australia
AustraliaSurfers Paradise Beach
Australian East Coast · Australia
AustraliaWategos Beach
Australian East Coast · Australia
New South Wales
Great Ocean Road
Tasmania
Australian Pacific Islands
AustraliaLagoon Beach
Australian Pacific Islands · Australia
AustraliaOld Settlement Beach
Australian Pacific Islands · Australia
AustraliaTransit Hill Beach
Australian Pacific Islands · Australia
AustraliaBoat Harbour Beach
Australian Pacific Islands · Australia
AustraliaMalabar Beach
Australian Pacific Islands · Australia
Australian West Coast
AustraliaSurfers Point Beach
Australian West Coast · Australia
AustraliaYallingup Beach
Australian West Coast · Australia
AustraliaCanal Rocks Beach
Australian West Coast · Australia
AustraliaHamelin Bay Beach
Australian West Coast · Australia
AustraliaBoranup Beach
Australian West Coast · Australia
Best Beaches in Australia by Vibe
Family
Surf
Wild
Romantic
When to Visit Australia
Peak swimming conditions cluster around March.
- March — 68 beaches
- February — 67 beaches
- December — 55 beaches
- January — 47 beaches
Digital Nomad-Friendly Beaches in Australia
AustraliaLorne Beach
Great Ocean Road · Australia
AustraliaMain Beach
Australian East Coast · Australia
AustraliaCoogee Beach
New South Wales · Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Australia region has the best beaches?
Australian East Coast stands out for variety and access; Apollo Bay Beach is the headline beach there.
Are Australia beaches free to access?
Most public beaches in Australia are free to access; some managed or private-concession sections charge for facilities or sun-loungers.
What's the best month for Australia beaches?
Peak swimming conditions cluster around March. Aim for March, February, December, January for the warmest, calmest water.
Are Australia beaches sandy or pebble?
Coastlines in Australia are mostly sandy / mixed; check each guide's beach-type tag for the exact surface.