Australian Beaches

Discover Paradise on Earth

Experience the world's most stunning coastlines with pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking landscapes that make Australia famous around the globe.

Explore Beaches

Top Australian Beaches

Explore the most beautiful coastal destinations

Bondi Beach in Sydney

Bondi Beach

Sydney, New South Wales

Bondi Beach is arguably Australia's most famous beach, located just 7km from Sydney's city center. This iconic 1km stretch of golden sand attracts visitors from around the world who come to surf its reliable waves, sunbathe on its shores, or swim in its turquoise waters. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards year-round, making it safe for swimmers of all abilities. Surrounding the beach is a vibrant promenade lined with cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops that perfectly capture Sydney's coastal lifestyle.

Plan Your Visit
Whitehaven Beach in Whitsundays

Whitehaven Beach

Whitsunday Island, Queensland

Whitehaven Beach is consistently ranked among the world's best beaches, famous for its 7km of dazzling white silica sand and crystal clear azure waters. Located on Whitsunday Island in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, this pristine beach can only be accessed by boat, seaplane or helicopter, preserving its unspoiled beauty. The sand here is 98% pure silica, which not only stays cool underfoot but also gives the beach its brilliant white color. Hill Inlet at the northern end offers a stunning lookout where the shifting tides create a beautiful swirling pattern of sand and water.

Plan Your Visit
Noosa Main Beach in Queensland

Noosa Main Beach

Noosa, Queensland

Noosa Main Beach stands out as one of the few north-facing beaches on Australia's east coast, providing calm waters protected from the prevailing winds. This makes it perfect for families and swimmers seeking gentler conditions. The beach is conveniently located just steps from Hastings Street, Noosa's sophisticated dining and shopping precinct. With its warm climate year-round and patrolled swimming areas, Noosa Main Beach offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. The nearby Noosa National Park provides stunning coastal walks with panoramic ocean views and opportunities to spot koalas and dolphins.

Plan Your Visit
Cable Beach in Broome

Cable Beach

Broome, Western Australia

Cable Beach is a 22km stretch of pristine white sand set against the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean in Western Australia's Kimberley region. The beach derives its name from the telegraph cable that was laid between Broome and Java in 1889, connecting Australia to the rest of the world. Cable Beach is world-famous for its spectacular sunsets over the ocean and the iconic camel trains that traverse the shoreline at dusk. The turquoise waters are perfect for swimming during the dry season (May to October), though visitors should be aware of box jellyfish during the wet season.

Plan Your Visit
Wineglass Bay in Tasmania

Wineglass Bay

Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

Wineglass Bay in Tasmania's Freycinet National Park is one of Australia's most photographed locations, famous for its perfect crescent shape and stunning blue waters contrasted against pink granite mountains. The beach is accessible via a moderately challenging hike that rewards visitors with breathtaking views from the lookout before descending to the pristine shoreline. The remoteness of this beach ensures it remains uncrowded, allowing visitors to appreciate its natural beauty in serenity. The surrounding national park offers abundant wildlife, including wallabies, echidnas, and various bird species that call this pristine environment home.

Plan Your Visit
Bells Beach in Victoria

Bells Beach

Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Bells Beach is an iconic surfing destination located along Victoria's Great Ocean Road. The beach is home to the world's longest-running surfing competition, the Rip Curl Pro, which has been held annually since 1961. Characterized by its powerful swells and impressive cliff faces, Bells Beach attracts professional surfers from around the globe. Even for non-surfers, the beach offers spectacular viewing platforms where visitors can watch the skilled surfers tackle the challenging waves. The surrounding area features stunning coastal scenery and is the starting point for the Great Ocean Walk.

Plan Your Visit

Beach Conservation Case Studies

Success stories in preserving Australia's coastal treasures

Great Barrier Reef Restoration Project

Great Barrier Reef Restoration

Queensland Coastline

The Great Barrier Reef Restoration Project represents one of Australia's most ambitious conservation efforts, focusing on protecting the beaches and marine ecosystems along Queensland's coastline. Since 2018, this initiative has successfully restored over 100 hectares of coral reef systems through innovative techniques like coral gardening and controlled spawning. The project has established protected zones that limit tourism impact while still allowing sustainable access to these natural wonders. Water quality improvements along the coast have resulted in healthier beach ecosystems and clearer waters. Community involvement has been crucial, with local beach cleanup programs removing over 50 tonnes of debris annually.

Learn More
Ninety Mile Beach Dune Restoration

Ninety Mile Beach Dune Restoration

Victoria

The Ninety Mile Beach Dune Restoration project in Victoria has become a model for coastal preservation across Australia. Faced with severe erosion that threatened to wash away one of Australia's longest uninterrupted beaches, local authorities partnered with environmental scientists to implement a comprehensive dune stabilization program. By replanting over 200,000 native coastal plants and installing innovative sand trapping systems, the project has successfully rebuilt natural dune formations. Erosion rates have decreased by 78% since implementation, protecting both the natural beauty of the beach and nearby coastal communities from storm surge threats.

Learn More
Byron Bay Plastic Reduction Initiative

Byron Bay Plastic Reduction

New South Wales

Byron Bay's Plastic Reduction Initiative has transformed this popular beach destination into Australia's leading plastic-free coastal community. Through a combination of local regulations, business incentives, and extensive public education campaigns, Byron Bay has achieved a 95% reduction in single-use plastics along its beaches since 2016. The initiative included replacing traditional beach amenities with sustainable alternatives, installing filtered water stations, and creating a network of microplastic collection points. Regular underwater cleanup dives have removed over 3 tonnes of legacy plastic waste from nearshore environments, resulting in improved water quality and marine life recovery.

Learn More
Phillip Island Penguin Conservation

Phillip Island Penguin Conservation

Victoria

The Phillip Island Penguin Conservation program demonstrates how beach management can successfully balance tourism with wildlife protection. Home to the famous Penguin Parade, this initiative has transformed 31 hectares of former housing developments back into natural penguin habitat. By implementing specialized boardwalks, regulated viewing areas, and strict lighting controls, the program has created a sustainable tourism model that protects the penguins while still allowing visitors to experience their nightly beach return. The penguin population has increased by 187% since conservation efforts began, proving that with proper management, beaches can serve both ecological and economic purposes.

Learn More

Beach Travel Resources

Essential links to help you plan your Australian beach adventure

Weather Information Icon

Weather Information

Get the latest beach weather forecasts to plan your perfect day

Bureau of Meteorology
Surf Report Icon

Surf Reports

Check current surf conditions at Australia's top beaches

Coastal Watch
Beach Safety Icon

Beach Safety

Learn about beach safety and find patrolled swimming areas

Beach Safe
Marine Life Icon

Marine Life

Discover the incredible marine creatures you might encounter

Australian Geographic

Beach Visitor Stories

What travelers say about Australia's beautiful beaches

Sarah from USA

"Whitehaven Beach exceeded all my expectations. The silica sand is unlike anything I've ever experienced - so fine and white that it squeaks beneath your feet! Swimming in those crystal clear waters was like entering another world. The Whitsundays tour was well organized and our guide shared fascinating information about the local ecosystem."

Sarah M., United States

★★★★★
James from UK

"As a passionate surfer, Bells Beach was on my bucket list for years. Finally made it there last summer and it lived up to its legendary status. The waves are powerful and consistent, and the atmosphere among the surfers is respectful and friendly. Watching the sunset from the cliffs after a day of surfing was a spiritual experience."

James T., United Kingdom

★★★★★
Mei from Japan

"Cable Beach sunset camel ride was the highlight of our Australian journey. The contrast of the red earth meeting the turquoise ocean is breathtaking. We visited during the dry season which I highly recommend - perfect weather and no jellyfish concerns. Broome itself has such a unique character with its pearling history and multicultural influences."

Mei L., Japan

★★★★★
Hans from Germany

"Wineglass Bay was worth every step of the challenging hike! The viewpoint offers that postcard-perfect vista, but descending to the actual beach was even more rewarding. We had the entire stretch of sand almost to ourselves, with crystal clear water and fascinating wildlife all around. The entire Freycinet Peninsula is a photographer's dream."

Hans S., Germany

★★★★☆
Olivia from Canada

"I spent a week at Noosa and fell in love with its perfect balance of natural beauty and amenities. The main beach is so family-friendly with gentle waves, but you can also find more secluded spots in the National Park. The restaurant scene along Hastings Street is world-class - we enjoyed amazing seafood dinners just steps from the beach."

Olivia C., Canada

★★★★★
Miguel from Brazil

"Bondi Beach lives up to its iconic status! The atmosphere is electric - a perfect mix of locals and travelers from around the world. I took surf lessons there and the instructors were fantastic. Don't miss the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk for breathtaking views. The beach itself can get crowded but that's part of its charm and energy."

Miguel R., Brazil

★★★★☆

Beach Events & Festivals

Upcoming celebrations across Australia's coastline

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach
April 1-12, 2023

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach

Bells Beach, Victoria

The world's longest-running surfing competition returns to the iconic Bells Beach. Watch elite international surfers compete for the prestigious bell trophy in this World Surf League Championship Tour event. The competition features both men's and women's divisions with spectacular surfing against the backdrop of Bells Beach's famous cliff face. Enjoy food stalls, live music, and surfing demonstrations throughout the event.

Event Details
Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi
October 20 - November 6, 2023

Sculpture by the Sea

Bondi to Tamarama, NSW

Experience the world's largest free public sculpture exhibition as the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk transforms into an open-air gallery. Over 100 sculptures by artists from Australia and around the world are displayed along the stunning 2km coastal walk. This iconic event attracts approximately 500,000 visitors each year who come to enjoy the perfect combination of art, nature and the famous Sydney coastline.

Event Details
Darwin Beer Can Regatta
July 9, 2023

Darwin Beer Can Regatta

Mindil Beach, Northern Territory

A uniquely Australian event where participants build boats made entirely from beer cans and then race them at Darwin's beautiful Mindil Beach. This quirky competition has been running since 1974 and combines Australian humor with beach culture. Beyond the main race, the day features thong-throwing competitions, sandcastle building, and tug-of-war contests. The event coincides with the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market, offering local foods and crafts.

Event Details
Noosa Festival of Surfing
March 2-10, 2023

Noosa Festival of Surfing

Noosa Main Beach, Queensland

The world's largest longboard surfing event attracts competitors and spectators from over 20 countries to Noosa's perfect point breaks. This 8-day celebration of surfing culture features competitive divisions for all ages, from juniors to legends over 65. Beyond the competition, enjoy surf film premieres, live music, art exhibitions, and environmental presentations. The famous "Dog Surfing Championship" where surfers ride waves with their canine companions is always a crowd favorite.

Event Details

Australian Beach History

The evolution of beach culture in Australia

Indigenous Connection

For over 60,000 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples maintained deep connections with Australia's coastlines. The beaches and surrounding waters were crucial sources of food, materials for tools and shelters, and held significant spiritual importance. Many coastal sites feature middens (shell deposits) and rock art depicting marine life, demonstrating the long-standing relationship between Indigenous Australians and the coast. Today, many beaches acknowledge their traditional owners and Indigenous heritage through signage, guided tours, and cultural programs.

European Arrival & Early Beach Use

When European settlers arrived in 1788, they initially viewed beaches primarily as landing sites and fishing grounds. During the Victorian era, Australia's beaches were rarely used for recreation, as modesty standards discouraged swimming and sunbathing. Public bathing during daylight hours was actually prohibited until the early 20th century. The first recorded "daylight bathing" occurred at Manly Beach in 1902 after a long campaign by William Gocher, who deliberately defied the law to challenge these outdated regulations.

Surf Lifesaving Movement

As beach bathing became more popular in the early 1900s, drownings increased dramatically. The first surf lifesaving club was established at Bondi Beach in 1907, marking the beginning of Australia's iconic surf lifesaving movement. These volunteer organizations developed rescue techniques, equipment, and the famous red and yellow flags system that continues today. Competitive lifesaving evolved into a sport of its own, with events like the Ironman series becoming televised national events. Today, Surf Life Saving Australia has over 173,000 members and has saved more than 650,000 lives since its inception.

Rise of Surfing Culture

The modern surfing era in Australia began in 1915 when Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku demonstrated board riding at Freshwater Beach in Sydney. However, it wasn't until the 1950s and 60s that surfing exploded in popularity, influenced by American surf culture and the invention of lightweight boards. Australian surfing developed its own distinct identity, producing world champions like Midget Farrelly, Nat Young, and later, Layne Beachley and Mick Fanning. The surf industry grew into a multi-billion dollar business encompassing clothing, equipment, media, and tourism, with Australian brands like Billabong and Rip Curl achieving global recognition.

Modern Beach Culture

Today, beaches are integral to Australian national identity and lifestyle. With over 85% of Australians living within 50km of the coast, beaches serve as social hubs, sporting venues, and natural retreats. The iconic "slip, slop, slap" sun safety campaign launched in the 1980s changed behaviors around sun protection. Environmental awareness has increased with initiatives like Take 3 for the Sea encouraging beachgoers to collect trash. The democratization of beaches as free public spaces accessible to all remains a core Australian value, though challenges like erosion, development pressure, and climate change threaten these beloved coastlines.

Beach Events Calendar

Plan your visit around these coastal celebrations

Summer (Dec-Feb)

  • December 26 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Start Sydney Harbour, NSW
  • January 7-15 Festival of Sails Geelong, Victoria
  • January 26 Australia Day Beach Celebrations Nationwide
  • February 8-12 Australian Open of Surfing Manly Beach, NSW

Autumn (Mar-May)

  • March 2-10 Noosa Festival of Surfing Noosa Main Beach, QLD
  • March 25-26 Byron Bay Surf Festival Byron Bay, NSW
  • April 1-12 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, Victoria
  • May 5-21 Sculpture at Bathers Fremantle, WA

Winter (Jun-Aug)

  • June 10-12 Gold Coast Ocean Festival Burleigh Heads, QLD
  • July 9 Darwin Beer Can Regatta Mindil Beach, NT
  • July 26-28 Australian Surf Craft Festival Currumbin, QLD
  • August 18-27 Cairns Festival Esplanade Events Cairns, QLD

Spring (Sep-Nov)

  • September 14-17 Swell Sculpture Festival Currumbin Beach, QLD
  • October 20-Nov 6 Sculpture by the Sea Bondi to Tamarama, NSW
  • November 5 Lorne Pier to Pub Swim Lorne, Victoria
  • November 25-26 Australian Longboard Titles Port Macquarie, NSW

Beach Conservation Careers

Join our mission to protect Australia's coastal treasures

Marine Biologist

We're seeking passionate marine biologists to join our research teams studying and preserving beach ecosystems. You'll conduct field surveys, monitor marine species diversity, and develop conservation recommendations. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in marine ecology, experience with underwater research methodologies, and a dedication to communicating science to the public. These positions involve regular beach and underwater fieldwork in diverse locations across Australia's coastline.

Apply Now

Coastal Management Officer

Join our team of coastal management specialists working to balance public access with environmental protection. In this role, you'll coordinate with local communities, government agencies, and conservation groups to implement sustainable beach management practices. Responsibilities include monitoring erosion, developing access infrastructure, and leading public education initiatives. The ideal candidate will have experience in environmental management, strong stakeholder engagement skills, and knowledge of coastal processes.

Apply Now

Beach Education Coordinator

We're looking for dynamic educators to lead our beach conservation outreach programs. In this role, you'll develop and deliver educational content for schools, community groups, and tourists about beach ecosystems, safety, and conservation. The ideal candidate will have experience in environmental education, excellent presentation skills, and the ability to adapt content for diverse audiences. This position combines office work with regular field activities at beaches across Australia.

Apply Now

Volunteer Coordinator

Help us build and manage our network of beach conservation volunteers across Australia. In this role, you'll recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers for beach cleanups, dune restoration projects, and citizen science initiatives. The ideal candidate will have experience in volunteer management, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for community engagement. This position requires travel to different coastal regions to establish and support local volunteer groups.

Apply Now

Beach Conservation Webinars

Learn from experts about protecting Australia's coastal ecosystems

June 15, 2023 | 7:00 PM AEST

Coral Reef Conservation: Protecting Our Underwater Treasures

Join Dr. Melissa Chen, marine biologist and coral reef specialist, as she explores the critical challenges facing Australia's coral reef systems. This webinar will cover the impacts of climate change, water quality issues, and innovative conservation techniques being implemented along the Great Barrier Reef and other coral ecosystems. Learn about citizen science opportunities and how everyday actions can help protect these vulnerable underwater ecosystems.

Register Now
July 8, 2023 | 6:30 PM AEST

Tackling Beach Plastic Pollution: From Source to Solution

Environmental scientist Dr. James Wilson presents this comprehensive look at the plastic pollution crisis affecting Australian beaches. The webinar will examine the sources of marine debris, its impact on wildlife and ecosystems, and the most effective strategies for prevention and cleanup. Learn about successful community initiatives, policy approaches, and technological innovations that are making a difference in the fight against beach plastic pollution.

Register Now
August 22, 2023 | 7:00 PM AEST

Coastal Erosion and Climate Change: Protecting Australia's Beaches

Coastal engineer Professor Sarah Thompson explores the growing challenge of beach erosion in the face of rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity. This webinar will examine case studies from across Australia's coastline, analyzing different approaches to shoreline management from hard engineering solutions to nature-based approaches. Learn about the latest research on sustainable coastal protection and what communities can do to preserve their beaches for future generations.

Register Now
September 14, 2023 | 6:00 PM AEST

Indigenous Coastal Knowledge: Traditional Approaches to Beach Conservation

Join respected Aboriginal elder Uncle David Nangingai and marine anthropologist Dr. Emily Roberts for this illuminating webinar on Indigenous approaches to coastal stewardship. Discover how traditional ecological knowledge developed over thousands of years offers valuable insights for contemporary beach conservation. This session will explore cultural connections to sea country, sustainable harvesting practices, and collaborative management models that integrate Indigenous knowledge with western science.

Register Now

Beach Conservation Projects

Our initiatives to protect and preserve Australia's coastal ecosystems

Dune Restoration Project

Dune Restoration Initiative

Our flagship dune restoration program works to rebuild and stabilize coastal sand dunes that serve as natural barriers against erosion and storm surge. Working with local communities and government partners, we've restored over 45 kilometers of dune systems across Australia. The project involves removing invasive species, planting native vegetation, installing sand traps, and creating designated walkways to prevent dune damage. Educational signage helps visitors understand the importance of these fragile ecosystems.

45km Dunes Restored
120,000+ Plants Added
78% Erosion Reduction
Get Involved
Sea Turtle Monitoring Project

Sea Turtle Monitoring

Our sea turtle conservation program focuses on protecting critical nesting sites along Australia's northern and eastern coastlines. Volunteer teams conduct nightly beach patrols during nesting season to monitor and protect nesting females and hatchlings. The project includes nest relocation when threatened by erosion or predators, installation of protective cages, and community education about light pollution and other human impacts. Our citizen science app allows beachgoers to report turtle sightings, creating a comprehensive database of population trends.

1,245 Nests Protected
86,000+ Hatchlings Reached Sea
23 Beaches Monitored
Get Involved
Marine Debris Cleanup Project

Marine Debris Network

Our Marine Debris Network coordinates Australia's largest volunteer beach cleanup initiative, with monthly events at over 150 beaches nationwide. Beyond removing trash, the program focuses on data collection to identify pollution sources and drive policy change. We've developed an innovative sorting and categorizing methodology that has influenced packaging regulations and local waste management practices. The project also includes a microplastic monitoring program and partnerships with researchers studying the impacts of marine debris on coastal ecosystems.

86 Tonnes Collected
12,400+ Volunteers
150+ Beaches Covered
Get Involved

Beach Media Gallery

Stunning visuals from Australia's coastline

Contact Us

Have questions about Australian beaches? Get in touch with our team.

Phone

In Australia: 13 92 26

International: +61 2 6216 1111

Address

PO Box 3373

Penrith NSW 2750

Australia

Hours

Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm AEST

Saturday: 10am - 2pm AEST

Sunday: Closed