If you're dreaming about sun, sand, and sea, there’s no better place to visit than Australia. With over 10,000 beaches across the country, you’ve got endless options. If you want to ride waves, snorkel with colorful fish, or just float in calm water, Australia’s beaches have it all.
In this guide, you’ll discover 7 of the best beaches in Australia, each with something to offer. So grab your swimsuit, pack some sunscreen, and let’s dive in!
🏄🏻 Best beaches in Australia for surfing
Bondi Beach
Surfing at Bondi Beach | Photo Credits: Federico Abis on Pexels
If you’re visiting Sydney, you’ve got to stop by Bondi Beach. It’s one of the best beaches in Australia and perfect if you’re a first-time surfer. The waves here are steady and not too rough, making them great for taking lessons. Even if you’ve never tried it before, you can take a lesson with pros with a Bondi Beach surf lesson.
Once you’re done riding the waves, you can explore the nearby Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, grab a smoothie from a beach café, or take a dip in the Instagram-famous Bondi Icebergs pool. There’s always something exciting to do here!
🕑 Best time to go: Early morning or late afternoon for smaller crowds and steady waves
Bells Beach
Surfing at Bells Beach | Photo Credits: Marik Elikishvili on Pexels
Bells Beach is a legendary surf spot along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. If you’re already comfortable on a board, you’ll love the powerful waves here. It's home to the Rip Curl Pro, one of the world’s biggest surf competitions. If you're an experienced surfer, bring your board and get ready for a challenge.
Even if you don’t surf, it’s still a great beach to visit. You can sit on the cliffs and watch the action, take amazing photos, or explore nearby coastal towns. Check out this Great Ocean Road day trip if you want to see it all in one go!
🕑 Best time to go: March to May for surf season and fewer tourists
Margaret River
Catching breaks at Margaret River
In Western Australia, Margaret River is the best surf-and-relax spot. You’ll find everything from easy waves for beginners to stronger breaks for pros. If it’s your first time, you can join a fun group lesson at the Margaret River Surfing Academy and learn how to ride the waves!
But surfing is just one part of the Margaret River experience. After your time in the water, you can explore the area’s world-famous wineries, visit cool limestone caves, or hike along the coast. It’s a peaceful place where you can surf in the morning and sip wine or eat local food in the afternoon. Sounds like a perfect day, right?
🕑 Best time to go: March to May for great waves and comfy weather
🤿 Best beaches in Australia for snorkeling
Manly Beach
Manly Beach | Photo Credits: Spencer Lee on Pexels
Manly Beach is one of the easiest places to go snorkeling in Sydney, and you don’t have to travel far to get there. Just hop on a ferry from Circular Quay, and you’ll be in Manly in about 30 minutes. At the end of the beach, Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve is a protected area where you can see bright fish, starfish, and even sea dragons swimming around.
You can join a Manly snorkeling tour to see colorful fish, starfish, and maybe even a cuttlefish! It’s a safe and fun way to try snorkeling, especially if you’re new to it. Later in the day, you can walk along the beachfront path, grab an ice cream, or enjoy fish and chips by the sea. It’s the perfect day trip when you want a little adventure mixed with beach fun!
🕑 Best time to go: Morning to early afternoon for better water clarity
Whitehaven Beach
Crystal clear waters at Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach in Queensland’s Whitsundays is straight out of a postcard. The sand is soft and pure white, and the water is crystal clear, perfect for snorkeling. The peaceful, natural surroundings make it one of the nicest beaches in Australia.
You can even go on a Whitehaven beach snorkeling tour, where you’ll see lots of colorful fish by your feet. The coral gardens around the beach are easy to explore, especially if you’re new to snorkeling. The water is shallow, warm, and super clear, which makes spotting marine life easy.
🕑 Best time to go: May to October for calm seas and less rain
🏊🏻♂️ Best beaches in Australia for swimming
Wineglass Bay
Wineglass Bay | Photo Credits: Juan Jose Basagoiti Mancera on Wikimedia
Inside Freycinet National Park in Tasmania, Wineglass Bay is a peaceful place to swim and explore. Its curved shape and clear waters make it one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. If you hike to the lookout, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the entire bay; it looks just like a wineglass!
Once you reach the beach, you’ll enjoy calm water perfect for swimming. You can also take a Wineglass Bay cruise to spot dolphins or seabirds along the coast. This beach is a must-visit if you're looking for natural beauty!
🕑 Best time to go: December to February for sunny days and warm water
Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach Boxes | Photo Credits: Klook
Brighton Beach in Melbourne is famous for its colorful bathing boxes, painted sheds that line the sand. They make a great backdrop for photos, and the beach itself is also perfect if you want to just relax and swim. The water here is usually calm and shallow, making it a safe and fun spot if you’re a beginner swimmer.
You can also take a walk along the beach, relax with a picnic, or book a Brighton Beach day tour that includes other local favorites like Phillip Island or Puffing Billy Railway. Brighton Beach gives you that sunny beach feel with easy city access and plenty to do nearby!
🕑 Best time to go: October to April for beach weather and clear skies
🧐 FAQs about beaches in Australia
What are the top 10 beaches in Australia?
Some of the most popular ones include Whitehaven Beach, Bondi, Wineglass Bay, Bells Beach, Noosa Main Beach, Hyams Beach, Manly, Cable Beach, Byron Bay, and Lucky Bay. They offer something for everyone, whether you want to surf, snorkel, or simply relax.
What part of Australia has the most beautiful beaches?
Queensland and New South Wales are packed with stunning beaches. Queensland has tropical gems like Whitehaven, while NSW features famous spots like Bondi and secret coastal getaways.
What Australian beach has the clearest water?
Whitehaven Beach is known for its super-clear water and pure white sand. It’s often ranked as the beach with the cleanest and most beautiful water in Australia.
Does Australia have more than 10,000 beaches?
Yes! Believe it or not, Australia has over 10,000 beaches. If you visited a new one every day, it would take you almost 30 years to see them all!
Are Australian beaches the best in the world?
Many people think so, and it’s easy to see why. From world-class surf to gentle snorkel bays, the best beaches in Australia have beauty, adventure, and fun in one package!
🏖️ Go plan your Australia beach day!
Now that you’ve explored the best beaches in Australia, which one will you visit first? If you’re learning to surf at Bondi, snorkeling at Manly, or swimming at Wineglass Bay, every beach here offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Book your tours, lessons, or snorkeling trips on Klook and start your adventure today. The waves are waiting!
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
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