The Best Beaches in Australia Have Been Named

Summer may have drawn to a close for 2026, but Australia’s best beaches are still delivering an endless supply of good vibes. As an island nation, we have no shortage of great destinations to indulge in a little sun and sand. Whether it’s Bondi, Bronte, Surfers Paradise or Scarborough, the nation’s most iconic beaches have captivated travellers from all corners of the globe, however, there is a new name to put on the list. For those asking, ‘what is the best beach in Australia right now?’, there is a definitive answer.

Tourism Australia has unveiled its annual Best Australian Beaches list, curated by veteran coastal expert Brad Farmer AM, and a hidden gem has topped the rankings. Bate Bay, a compact collection of 10 beautifully maintained, family-friendly beaches and four ocean baths has been named as the nation’s top outdoor spot, eclipsing its much-favoured contemporaries. It wasn’t the only upset, either.

Australia’s Best Beaches 2026

From Sydney’s newly crowned champion to remote Western Australian coves, this year’s list leans into slow travel, cultural depth and authentically Australian scenery. So, what is the best beach in Australia right now? Here’s your definitive guide to the best beaches in Australia for 2026, as voted by Tourism Australia‘s official beach ambassador, Brad Farmer AM.

1. Bate Bay Beaches, New South Wales

• Location: Sydney’s south, Sutherland Shire
• Amenities: 10 beaches including Greenhills, Wanda, Elouera and Cronulla, Four ocean pools + Gunnamatta tidal bath
• Best for: Variety

Bate Bay Beaches took out the top spot in this year’s ranking, courtesy of its remarkable diversity and extensive options. Essentially a collection of 10 beautifully maintained beaches including Gunnamatta, Wanda, Elouera and Cronulla, the region is a mix of surf beaches and calmer swimming spots all wrapped up in one sprawling scene.

Located less than 30 minutes from Sydney Airport, Bate Bay is close enough to the Harbour City for a day trip but with enough distance to feel like a real getaway. The region’s stunning coastline is among Sydney’s longest and least crowded, with Greenhills offering a 4.8-kilometre stretch of sand.

According to Farmer, who has spent decades researching and visiting thousands of Australia’s beaches, Bate Bay offers the kind of variety that few other destinations can. For travellers searching for the best beach in NSW, Farmer says Bate Bay’s mix of surf culture, accessibility and community atmosphere made it a clear winner.

“The community-minded Bate Bay Beaches are, quite simply, stunning with the vast 4.8 kilometre stretch of undeveloped sand at Greenhills, Wanda and Elouera (Sydney’s longest) and many other beaches such as Cronulla, Oak Park Beach and four more,“ Farmer said.

“In all, a collection of nine beaches, including four ocean pools and Gunnamatta Bay still water bathing enclosure made the final cut, ticking almost every box against an exhaustive 130-point evaluation criteria,“ he continued. “With glorious golden sands and a cosmopolitan vibe, this picturesque stretch of coastline feels like a hidden gem right under your nose but is easily accessible by train from the city centre.“

2. Pinky Beach, Western Australia

• Location: Rottnest Island, Western Australia
• Amenities: Snorkelling spots, Nearby boutique accommodation
• Best for: Snorkelling and calm swimming

Despite being just 17 kilometres offshore from Perth, Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) feels like another world. A place where quokkas roam free and the beaches feel cautiously untouched, the island destination is a favourite amongst locals and travellers alike. And with 63 beaches, 20 bays and around 36 kilometres of limestone coastline, it’s little wonder Rottnest Island wound up with an entry in this year’s ranking.

That esteemed honour went to Pinky Beach, a long and wide-set stretch of sand protected by a curved coastline. As a result, the waters are shielded from south, southwest, and west winds, making it ideal for swimming and beginner snorkellers.

Behind its dunes, you’ll find boutique accommodation options and a relaxed bar that is tailor-made for long afternoons. Of course, the best part is the stunning view of the Bathurst Lighthouse, which overlooks the bay’s shifting shades of turquoise and cobalt.

3. Beachcomber Cove, Queensland

• Location: 50km north-west of Mackay, Central Queensland coast.
• Amenities: Natural shade and bush surrounds, Limited facilities, so plan ahead
• Best for: Slow travel

The first of two Queensland entries to the best beaches in Australia list for this year, the aptly named Beachcomber Cove is a small, but rewarding destination for travellers. Surrounded by tropical flora and home to more than 170 bird species, the region is among the most ecologically rich in North Queensland. Whether you are a fan of hiking, swimming, birdwatching or relaxation, Beachcomber Cove and its neighbouring parkland, is an ideal destination.

“Gentle walking tracks overlooking the Coral Sea, rainforest pockets threaded with waterfalls, volcanic rock formations and tidal pools — Beachcomber Cove has a way of easing you in,“ Farmer said. “At sunrise, kangaroos often lounge along the sand, calm and unfazed by those out at dawn, setting the tone for what feels like a quietly special place. This small but remarkably rich beach is a classic reminder of what makes Queensland so distinctive.“

Located around 50 kilometres from Mackay, Beachcomber Cove is largely sheltered by a headland and nearby islands, making it a calm spot to stop and swim. There are also five walking trails nearby, including the Yuibera Plant Trail highlighting Indigenous bush foods, Turtle Lookout, and the Andrews Point Track, so you can explore the area.

4. Tallow Beach, New South Wales

• Location: South of Byron Bay, New South Wales
• Amenities: Beach access tracks
• Best for: Sunrise walks, Surfing

Just three kilometres south of Bryon Bay, Tallow Beach is a stunning patch of coastline that has seemingly gone untouched for decades. The main beach, which is part of Arakwal National Park, stretches around seven kilometres and offers light surf and typically calm ocean swimming.

Known locally as “Tallows,” it begins at Cosy Corner below Cape Byron Lighthouse and runs south toward Broken Head Nature Reserve. According to Farmer, the beach is slightly calmer than its more famous neighbours, such as Wategos, The Pass, Clarkes and Belongil, offering a break from the congestion and higher energy of Byron Bay.

“Once a sleepy surf and farming town home to hippies in Australia’s own countercultural revolution, Byron Bay has become heavily gentrified and is now one of the most blue-chip beachside postcodes in the country for its size,“ Farmer said. “Against that backdrop, Byron’s “back beach” Tallows feels refreshingly open. It’s a place to walk a dog (zoned areas apply), wander at sunrise or sunset, fish, throw a frisbee, share watermelon, or ease into softly peaking waves — or bodysurf carefully in the shallows. The pace is slower, the mood more relaxed, and conversations come easily. Beaches have always been a great social leveller.“

5. Hellfire Bay, Western Australia

• Location: Cape Le Grand National Park, near Esperance, Western Australia
• Amenities: Basic national park facilities, Picnic areas
• Best for: Calm swimming conditions

Arguably the most aesthetic beach in Australia, Hellfire Bay rounds out the top five for this year. Tucked along Western Australia’s remote south coast, about seven hours southeast of Perth, the region is among the most photographed in the country, offering a dazzling fusion of turquoise and gold.

“Hellfire Bay, despite its blazing namesake, is one of those places that can cool you down just by staring into its pristine waters,“ Farmer said. “Set within Cape Le Grand National Park, the bay is framed by stunning granite headlands that shelter a stretch of dazzling white sand and gin-clear water. The contrast between the pale sand, rounded boulders and shifting ocean colours is striking, and it changes with the light throughout the day. It’s the kind of beach you don’t want to rush at.“

One of the main reasons that Hellfire Bay has managed to keep its natural beauty is the no-vehicle policy. Cars are not permitted on the sand, which Farmer explained helps to preserve a sense of calm and natural integrity.

For locals, Hellfire Bay is a favourite for swimming and snorkelling, particularly as the bay is typically gentler than more exposed beaches nearby. If you are visiting Esperance, which is just 45 minutes away, make sure you put Hellfire Bay on your list. You won’t regret it.

6. Godfreys Beach – The Nut, Tasmania

• Location: Stanley, Tasmania
• Amenities: Beach access paths, Nearby township cafés and accommodation, Walking trail up The Nut
• Best for: Scenic coastal photography

If you have never laid eyes on The Nut before, consider this your formal invitation. The Nut (Munatrik) at Godfreys Beach is one of Tasmania’s most recognisable natural landmarks; a 143-metre-high volcanic plug rising sharply from the waters of the Bass Strait. According to Tourism Australia, when navigator Matthew Flinders passed by in 1798, he named it Circular Head, noting it as a “cliffy, round lump, in form much resembling a Christmas cake”.

Nowadays, the destination is known as Godfreys Beach and it offers a gently curved coastline protected from the prevailing westerly winds. Basalt boulders mark either end, adding textural contrast, while the historic village of Stanley, largely unchanged since colonial times, sits at its base.

If you are keen to do a bit of walking, you can actually make your way to the top of The Nut, where you will be met with sweeping coastal views. And if you’re really lucky, perhaps even a penguin sighting.

7. Inskip Point, Queensland

• Location: Fraser Coast, Queensland
• Amenities: Camping grounds, 4WD beach access, Boat ramps
• Best for: Camping and road trips

Fraser island (K’gari) is a destination many Queenslanders know and love, but just across, you’ll find an equally worthy outpost. Inskip Point is a narrow spit of sand lined with she-oaks and cypress pines that sits about 10 kilometres from Rainbow Beach. Most people know this spot only as the place where you catch the vehicle barge from, but there is a lot more to Inskip Point than just a departure.

Unpretentious and largely undeveloped, Inskip Point offers a wide-open sense of space. You’ll find a lot of campers and four-wheel-drives lined up ready to tackle the sandy region, and as a result, there are some restrictions here. While dog-friendly, the area isn’t suitable for people with access needs and camping permits must be booked online in advance, particularly during busy holiday periods.

8. Mount Martha, Victoria

• Location: Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
• Amenities: Nearby cafés and wineries, Colourful bathing boxes
• Best for: Weekend escapes from Melbourne

For the first time ever, the Mornington Peninsula has snagged a spot in the top 10 best beaches in Australia ranking, with Mount Martha emerging as a new hotspot. Located just over an hour’s drive south of Melbourne, Mount Martha Beach stretches for around two kilometres along the eastern shoreline of Port Phillip Bay.

Naturally divided into two equal sections by the mouth of Balcombe Creek, the coastal destination is framed by colourful bathing boxes and a vegetated bluff, creating one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most recognisable seaside settings.

As Farmer explained, one of the main reasons that Mount Martha stood out this year was its commitment to accessibility. The beach stands is one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most inclusive coastal
destinations.

“A strong commitment to accessibility ensures Mount Martha can be enjoyed by a wide range of visitors, and its approach has been widely recognised and adopted across the region,“ he said. “Volunteer surf lifesaving patrols operate on most weekends and throughout peak holiday periods, supported by the local Coast Guard and Life Saving base. This visible community presence reflects a long-standing culture of care for both visitor safety and the coastal environment.“

9. Smoky Bay, South Australia

• Location: Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
• Amenities: Oyster farms and seafood outlets, Caravan and camping facilities
• Best for: Seafood lovers, Boating and fishing

The only South Australian beach to make the list this year, Smoky Bay is the pride of the Eyre Peninsula. A small coastal settlement with big personality, the region is known for its oyster farming and strong fishing culture, both of which are fully embraced on the beach.

Like many Australian coastal settlements, Smoky Bay was named by early navigators. The original First Nations name, Wallanippie, referenced a nearby waterhole, though the European name endured through its years as a working port. Admittedly, Smoky Bay is not close to Adelaide, but for those plucky travellers who don’t mind a scenic drive, the coastal outpost offers an enchanting mix of activities, sun and sand.

“Beaches here come with a generous serving of salty solitude. Exploring beyond town can be especially rewarding, even along unsealed or unmarked roads, particularly around secluded Point Brown Headland,“ Farmer said. “Low tide reveals rock pools, while sheltered areas offer safe swimming, productive fishing and off-grid camping options for those properly equipped.“

10. Ellery Creek Big Hole, Northern Territory

• Location: West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory
• Amenities: Picnic areas, Camping facilities, Walking trails
• Best for: Inland swimming adventures, Cultural significance

One of the most photographed watering holes in the Northern Territory, Ellery Creek Big Hole is a national icon. Located around 80 kilometres west of Alice Springs in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, the tourist hotspot is framed by towering red cliffs and ghost gums. Known traditionally as Udepata, it sits on Arrernte Country and forms part of important Dreaming trails.

Admittedly, the permanent inland waterhole may not fit the typical ‘beach’ description, but it does offer an entirely memorable experience. Along nearby Namatjira Drive, a series of gorges, chasms and waterholes reveal dramatic geology carved by immense flood events over thousands of years, creating places of deep spiritual meaning.

Under a broader definition introduced by this researcher in 2019, Australia joined many landlocked cultures overseas in recognising that beaches are not limited to the sea,“ Farmer explained. “Lakes, rivers, creeks and waterholes—anywhere a shoreline meets water—have long served the same social and recreational role.“

“For First Nations Australians, these places have always been sacred gathering sites, central to culture, ceremony, food gathering and shared life over countless generations,“ he continued. “Ellery Creek Big Hole, around 80 kilometres west of Alice Springs in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, is one outstanding example.“

Methodology

Selecting the best beaches in Australia might sound like a simple job but there is a lot to the process. According to Tourism Australia, the yearly ranking is compiled using data gathered over a full 12 months. Each beach is assessed using Farmer’s stringent 130-point measurement system, which takes into account factors such as safety, conservation measures and traffic management. Most importantly, every state and territory must be represented with the project’s overarching goal to promote coastal conservation at all 12,500 plus beaches.

“Our beaches are a key part of our international brand, and this year’s study brilliantly showcases the incredible diversity of our coastline and beaches,“ Tourism Australia managing director, Robin Mack said. “From the stunning sands of Bate Bay in NSW and Pinky Beach in WA to the iconic backdrop of The Nut in Tasmania and Ellery Creek Big Hole in the NT, these locations encourage both Australians and international visitors to explore more of Australia beyond the traditional hotspots.“

Tourism Interest

The announcement of Australia’s best beach comes at a time when the nation’s is enjoying some serious tourism interest. Summer may be over, but there is no shortage of travellers looking to make their way Down Under to enjoy the surf and sun of our most recognisable destinations. According to the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, a large majority of these travellers are visiting from regions such as the US and UK.

“Our beaches are more than just beautiful holiday spots, they are an important part of our tourism and visitor industry, which supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country,“ he said. “The flow of tourists between Australia and the US has never been stronger, with a whopping 745,000 Americans making the trip down under and spending over $2 billion in Australia last year.”

“We want to see more international tourists planning and booking an unforgettable holiday to Australia. Every dollar spent by tourists in Australia is new money for our economy, supporting local businesses and creating new jobs.“

Best Beaches Australia FAQs

More Travel Stories

Interested in reading more travel news, reviews and guides? MADE Journal has you covered. In addition to our hotel and experience features, we publish regular content focused on sustainable and mindful travel, encouraging tourists to lighten their footprint and work with local communities. Check out some of our other travel coverage:

• 12 Travel Trends That Will Shape 2026, According to the Experts
• Inside Gilay Estate, Australia’s ‘Most-Loved’ Airbnb
• What the Qantas Frequent Flyer Update Actually Means for Travellers
• 10 Volunteers, 10 Days: The Fight to Save Patagonia’s Most Iconic Hiking Trail
• International Travel Requirements 2026: 14 Updates You Need to Know
• Inside the World’s First Regent Spa & Wellness
• The $50 Million Plan to Save Australia’s Premier Conservation Resort