By Chantae Reden | Published on July 26, 2023
A sun-soaked continent with over 21,000 miles of coastline, Australia reigns as the best beach destination in the world. From hidden enclaves of alabaster sands to golden beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, Australia has it all. Its wild coastline hosts iconic waves, technicolor coral reefs and whale migration paths. Family-friendly beaches with barbecues and play areas are often found within city limits. As someone who's spent the past decade traveling Down Under, this is my guide to experiencing the best Australian beaches on your next cruise to Australia.
Australian summer spans from December to February, though the best time to visit depends on where in the country you're going to go. For tropical Australian beaches, which are north of the Tropic of Capricorn, the best time to visit is during this region's dry season, from April to November. If you'll be heading to Australia's central coast and southern coast beaches, plan for September to April. This will give you the best shot at blue skies and warm water.
Most of Australia's city beaches have facilities like public restrooms, lifeguards during the summer months, free barbecue use and children's playgrounds. Remote beaches may have a few of these facilities, however, they're unlikely to be staffed by lifeguards. Pack a towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, bathing suit and a cover-up. A wetsuit or rashguard is a wise choice for extra warmth and sun protection.
The most popular beach in Australia, Bondi Beach has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the liveliest beaches in the world. The beach itself is a crescent of golden sand cloaked in colorful towels, and the rental stands hire out soft-top surfboards for travelers in search of their first wave. Inland, a string of souvenir shops, surf shops, cafés and restaurants cater to every craving. Grab a meal to-go and enjoy it on the large grassy lawn on the southern end of the beach, next to the skate park. Public restrooms, lifeguards and playgrounds make it a popular pick for families and solo travelers alike.
If you want to see the best of Sydney, Australia, beaches, take a 3-mile walk (one-way) from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach along a coastal path. You'll pass the protected ocean pools of Bondi Beach, called the Bondi Icebergs. Stop at Bronte Beach for a swim in an ocean pool, Gordon's Bay for snorkeling and Coogee Beach for a more mellow version of Bondi Beach.
Western Australia's long coastline is rife with beaches unlike anywhere else in the world largely thanks to its remoteness. The whole state is nearly four times the size of Texas, but home to just a little over 2.5 million people. This means once you leave the towns and cities, there's a strong chance you'll find a beach all to yourself.
In the 1960s, longboard surfers ventured to the small town of Byron Bay in search of waves. By the 1980s, people from all around Australia flocked to the region and formed a surf-forward community centered around art, music and surfing. Today, the town has grown in size and prestige, but there's still an air of its 1960s identity with tarot card readers, crystal shops, art boutiques and a thriving surf scene.
For full-fledged beach culture, sunbathe on the golden sands just in front of town, kayak to see dolphins and whales out in the open ocean, or simply stroll along Byron Bay's streets to drop in at organic cafés or shop for locally made artwork. Catching a wave at the Pass on my surfboard was one of my most memorable moments in New South Wales. There's something nostalgic about riding the same waves that spurred the advent of one of Australia's iconic beach towns.
From above, Whitehaven Beach looks like swirls of white sand painted on an aquamarine canvas. Flanking the warm waters of Whitsunday Island, this beach is well worth the journey it takes to get there (a 1.5-hour ferry ride from Arlie Beach). Whitehaven Beach spans over 4 miles long, so you're bound to find a spot to yourself. Put on a mask and snorkel and plunge underwater to see residents of the Great Barrier Reef like sea turtles, manta rays, stingrays, reef sharks, eels and more.
To go all out on its beauty, journey over on a seaplane or helicopter tour. You'll get a bird's eye view of the blue and green hues of the water, the outline of the coral bommies below and admire the wispy white sands of the Whitsunday Islands. It's no wonder Whitehaven Beach is frequently voted the most beautiful beach in Australia.
Cottesloe Beach stands out as one of the best Perth beaches with its facilities, activities and scenic splendor. An eggshell-colored beach flanks the sea, backed by the Indiana Tea House and a terrace of green lawns.
The exciting city of Melbourne is aptly known for its many museums, art galleries, top-tier restaurants, festivals and shopping centers more so than its beaches. That said, if you're in search of an urban-meets-beach vacation, head to the Melbourne beach in Australia, called St. Kilda, which is just a short tram ride away from the city center.
While the mainland of Australia offers sunny white sand beaches in spades, the island of Tasmania also has scenic stretches of sand to share. In the heart of Freycinet National Park is where you'll find Wineglass Bay, a half-moon bay of golden sands that separate cobalt blue waters and wild bushland. The silhouette of Tasmania's striking mountain range dubbed The Hazards looks pink at dawn and dusk.
The coastline connecting Brisbane beaches to the southern city of Gold Coast has no shortage of splendid spots to lounge, surf, swim and paddle, but you won't find a better view of the Gold Coast than from the beach at Burleigh Heads. Rolling waves break along the headland of this quiet beach town, and from the lawn, you'll have a picturesque view of the dazzling Gold Coast skyline. For an even better view, trek to the top of Tumgun Lookout, a viewpoint that's one of the best beaches in Australia to watch for whales as they migrate along Queensland's Humpback Highway from May to October. The beach is part of a protected reserve, and it's a quiet retreat from the buzz of Brisbane and Gold Coast's city center.