Our ‘best beaches’ bucket list
If you’re yearning for sea breezes and some sand between your toes, put these Aussie beaches on your holiday itinerary.
Summer is well and truly here, which for Aussies means salt water, sun, sand and, yes, flip flops.
With more than 50,000km of coastline on offer, there’s no shortage of sandy shores to explore – but we’ve decided this is the season to be adventurous.
So we’ve done the hard work (OK, we enjoyed it!) to bring you 10 of the most picture-perfect places to put down your towel around Australia.
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New South Wales
Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay
Pictured above, Hyams Beach made the Guinness Book of Records for having the world’s whitest sand and is one of the most popular beaches in Shoalhaven, south of Sydney.
With clean, clear water, it’s perfect for swimming, snorkelling and fishing.
Store Beach, Manly
This hidden treasure is found on Sydney’s northern beaches in the suburb of Manly.
Accessible only by water (boat or kayak), it’s a pristine stretch of water surrounded by the beautiful bushland of North Head Sanctuary, part of the Sydney Harbour National Park.
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Victoria
Squeaky Beach, Wilsons Promontory National Park
One of ‘the Prom’s’ most iconic beaches, ‘Squeaky’ gets its name from the sound your feet make when you walk its fine, white sands.
With a granite boulder maze at its northern end and a range of bushwalks nearby, there’s something for everyone.
Kitty Miller Bay Beach, Phillip Island
There’s an endless choice when it comes to sandy coves at Phillip Island but for something a bit different try this secretive splash spot found just one beach away from the famous Penguin Parade.
Quiet and safe, it’s great for not only swimmers but those wanting fossick in the low-tide rock pools.
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Queensland
Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast
A 30-minute drive south from world-famous Surfers Paradise, “Burleigh”, as it’s known to the locals, is having its moment.
Fringed by fragrant pine trees, with sheltered waters for those who want to swim and good surf at its headland, it has a laid back Byron vibe that’s garnering many fans.
Nudey Beach, Fitzroy Island
Despite the name, it’s not an invitation to leave your togs at home!
This small stretch of seemingly untouched white sand with its turquoise waters lies on the south west part of the island, 29km from Cairns. It’s so good it ranked No. 1 in the 2018 Australia’s 101 Best Beach Awards.
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Tasmania
Hazards Beach, Freycinet National Park
Described as pure, remote, peaceful and breathtaking, this 3km beach is the western twin of the world-renowned Wineglass Bay and takes its name from the pink granite peaks of The Hazards that shelter it.
This is Aussie nature at its best (and makes the hour-long walk in worth it!).
South Australia
Port Noarlunga, Fleurieu Peninsula
A stunning swimming beach, only 30km from Adelaide, and perfect too for snorkelling, diving, fishing and kayaking.
It’s also home to SNUBA – a combination of snorkelling and scuba diving. Give it a try and impress your friends with something new!
Western Australia
The Basin, Rottnest Island
If you visit just one beach at Rottnest Island, 14km off the Perth coast, make this all-time favourite the one.
A natural-made reef swimming pool that is perfect for kids and adults alike – so get out your snorkelling gear and check out the many fish. Park your bike and spend the day.
Mettam’s Pool, North Beach
Another turquoise paddling pool, this time in Perth’s western suburbs. In the summer its waters are super calm, making it ideal for the very young, and very old.
The natural rock pool is protected by surrounding reef, which also offers excellent exploring opportunities. A local secret we had to share.
Written by Liz McGrath.