Australia is well-known for its surf, so there is no surprise it is replenished with marvelous coastlines and reefs.
A wide variety of beaches and bays extends from one district to the other, each with its individuality.
Bondi, Bronte, Noosa, Semaphore, and Cape Byron beaches in Australia are very famous for their attractions.
From the biggest to the curviest, these are 20 beaches in Australia you would love to spend a day in.
Top Beaches In Australia
1. Bondi Beach
Bondi is about 1km long and is located in the eastern Suburbs. It is one of the most visited places in Australia.
It offers a long commercial area along Campbell Parade, and if you visit at the right time of the year, you can see whales or dolphins near the northern Headland.
2. Bronte Beach
Bronte is only 250 meters long, but it is also a delightful site at the Waverley Council. It is home to the Bronte Surf Lifesaving Club, the oldest in the world, formed in 1903.
Patrolled constantly by lifeguards, you can dip your toes in warm water or have a picnic at the public park.
Bronte is famous for a very dangerous rip called the Bronte Express, but it is a magnificent place for experienced surfers.
3. Noosa Beach
As one of the few beaches that face North, Noosa is located in Queensland and has 1.2km and moderate waves.
It has a famous shopping area, surrounded by bars and restaurants, to complete your day at the beach.
It is very famous for surfing, especially for beginners. Many surf clubs and schools choose Noosa to hold their lessons.
Another attraction you can’t miss is the national park that accompanies its length.
Read: Best Beaches In Samoa.
4. Semaphore Beach
Located in Adelaide, its shallow water makes it safe to swim, as long as you take care of the depth variation.
This beach gives you a sense of privacy due to the low dunes that substitute the usual tall buildings that surround beaches.
You can enjoy the boulevard nearby: play mini-golf, spend time at the vintage carousel or the Ferris wheel, ride a bike along the shoreline, or sunbathe in this three km-long paradise.
5. Cape Byron Beach
Famous for its lighthouse, this 3.7km long beach in New South Wales is a brilliant choice for whale watching.
The commercial area may be better if the award-winning eco-tourism beach cottages are not enough to convince you.
Cafes, bars, and restaurants all have panoramic views across Byron Bay’s hinterland.
If you are into adventure, try diving, snorkeling, surfing, and kayaking.
6. Burleigh Heads Beach
This beach in Queensland is a delight, with pure white sand contrasting with the majestic Norfolk Pines.
With acres of protected parkland nearby and its famous curvy appearance, Burleigh Heads also offers panoramic views of Surfers Paradise to the North.
It is more residential than commercial, but it is a favorite between surfers and young adults. It is a beauty that stretches for 2km.
7. Cottesloe Beach
It is one of Perth’s most beautiful beaches. It is 1.5km of shine, making it one of the most popular beaches in Western Australia, especially if you are into water sports.
Voted as the second-best beach in the world for locals and tourists, “Cott,” as it is commonly known, holds unique events like Sunday Sessions and Sculptures by the Sea.
8. Brighton-Le-Sands Beach
Also known as Brighton, it can be found in New South Wales and is 1km of enjoyable recreational space.
The soft waves make it a good spot to paddle, marking it a good place for a well-spent day in its volleyball nets, parks, barbecues, and picnic areas.
It is known for having a splendid fishing spot near the Cooks river and for being accessible, with the railway station and Brighton shops nearby.
9. Torquay Beach
Located in Victoria, this 800m long beach is promoted as the “Surfing Capital of Australia.” It was the house of the first malibu board demonstration in 1956.
The beach is moderately safe, but it does have strong rips, and its waves can go about 1.2m on average. Either for adventure or relaxation, it is a site you will not want to miss.
10. Mindil Beach
Darwin’s most famous beach is where you can visit the casino or lose yourself at the Thursday night market.
It’s a 500m long beach facing west, the chosen site for those who love a colorful sunset. It is unwise to swim in some areas, but the Mindil Sunset Market can make it up for it.
You can expect live music, massages at sunset, and art from Aboriginal artists. There is also an initiative to save marine turtles at Mindil you will want to know more about.
11. Suttons-Margate Beach:
This Redcliffe paradise doesn’t differ from the other beaches regarding its commercial and recreational areas.
With 2km of white sand, free barbecues for picnics, showers, and bike tracks, Suttons is one of Redcliffe’s most popular weekend destinations.
The playground area and the small waves are ideal for children to be safe and happy.
Also, the view will mesmerize whoever follows the bike path along the peninsula’s coastline.
12. Freshwater Beach
In Freshwater, the beach with the same name extends for 2.7km. It has lower, safe waves, but rocks and reefs dominate it, so care must be taken.
In 1915, Duke Kahanamoku held his surfing demonstration, the big event that popularized the sport in Australia.
There is a large rock pool at the northern end, and the swimming conditions make it a good family beach.
13. St. Kilda Beach
St. Kilda is located in Victoria, and along its 650 meters, you can find history and plenty of recreational activities.
This is the most famous beach in Melbourne, and its water quality is rated good, the highest level ranked by EPA, Australia’s environmental regulator.
It is home to a famous yacht club and offers a wide variety of water sports to try on, such as water skiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and more.
You can find a protected colony of Little penguins at the Pier, and the St. Kilda Sea Baths are located at the beach.
14. Manly Beach
In New South Wales, a beach named by Captain Arthur Phillip for the indigenous people living there is located near the ferry terminal at the end of the Corso.
There is a rock pool for children to swim on and it is great for surfing, being the main stage of many international competitions.
It is 3km long, and the commercial area nearby is packed with restaurants, cafes, surf shops, and gift stores with indigenous art.
15. Shelly Beach
A small beach in Manly, only 100m long. It is part of the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, a popular diving site.
More than 160 marine fish species have been seen and recorded in this reserve, including protected species, like the Black Cod, the common Sea Dragon, and the elegant Wrasse.
It was, in times, a haven for boat owners too, and you can see evidence Aboriginal people lived in the area.
With parking and a wide reserve near the beach, a kiosk stands with showers and free, electric barbecues.
16. North Narrabeen Beach
This is a world-famous one, as it became a National Surfing Reserve in 2009 and still plays an important role in surfing culture in Sydney.
You can find consistent quality waves, both for swimming and sports. It is located in New South Wales and stretches for 3km.
It has four surf lifesaving clubs, and it is best known for the world-famous North Narrabeen break, where world champions can be sighted surfing, often.
In Collaroy, the more inexperienced can enjoy calmer waves, and at the lagoon, you can indulge in canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing.
If you want to take a walk or grab a bite, you should visit Birdwood Park, where the children’s barbecues, toilets, and playgrounds are available.
17. Half Moon Bay Beach
A 350m long bay in Melbourne can be found in its abnormal crescent shape. There is a boat launching ramp and a 100 m-long jetty at the beach.
The main attractions at the beach might be the HMVS Cerberus, the wreck of the last monitor warship in the world, and the Black Rock Yacht club.
It is also an excellent beach for snorkeling, mainly due to its marine life.
18. Long Reef Beach
In New South Wales, with almost 2km, Long Reef has a reserve and a golf course in the North.
Their lifesaving club was founded in 1950, but more than surfing, this beach is popular among windsurfers.
It is a nestled beach with natural reserves on both sides, and its aquatic reserve has many submerged shipwrecks, some purposefully sunk to create artificial reefs.
Windsurfing and kitesurfing are famous in the North, and if you go for a walk to the top of the headland, you can see migrating whales.
You can also spend a day in the grassy area in good Australian fashion, with toilets, showers, electric barbecues, and other utilities available.
19. Copacabana Beach
Backed by a valley in the North, this beach in New South Wales is 1.4km long. Cochrane Lagoon divides it from the northern end of Macmasters beach, and a small rocky spur separates it from the southern area.
There is a commercial area, but it is mostly surrounded by residential and holiday homes.
With a lifesaving club formed in 1963, rock pools are amongst the rocks, and a strong rip runs out along the northern side.
This makes Copacabana potentially hazardous for swimming, but it is great for fishing and surfing in the rough waves.
Viewing platforms help you watch whales in their habitat, and the Copa Craft Market attracts many tourists.
It is held adjacent to the surf club and happens on the third Sunday of every month. Make sure you save some time to visit the Bouddi national park, too, as it is within walking distance.
20. Palm Cove Beach:
This beach makes the northern end of a 5.5km long beach, and besides its surf lifesaving club, tourists will be delighted by its facilities.
There is a boat ramp and fishing jetty available, and together with the northern rocks, they make the two most popular spots.
You can find Melaleuca trees in nearby apartments, adding to the beach’s scenery and its title of the Cleanest Beach in Far North Queensland.
Dine in the commercial area, treat yourself to a day at the spa, and let your children enjoy the playground.
Some activities available to you are kayaking, tours to the rainforest, and private charter boats for a day well spent.
The trees provide shade directly to the beach and add the company of birds and butterflies to your activities.
Visit the nearby countries:
FAQs On Beaches In Australia
Does Australia have a beach?
Australia has more than 500 beaches, all unique and with a wide variety of sports and activities available.
What is the best time of the year to visit Australian beaches?
Between May and August. Besides the warm weather that will make the beach enjoyable, you can watch migrating animals at viewing platforms and local markets and events at different beaches.
What are the top beaches in Australia?
Some well-known ones are Bondi, Mandalay, Noosa, Burleigh Heads, and Whitehaven beach. Three of them are mentioned in this article, along with the many activities they offer.
Is it safe for Americans to travel to Australia?
In normal circumstances, of course! As long as the rules are followed and things are taken care of, American citizens can travel to Australia.
Is it safe to swim on Australian beaches?
Although many, if not all, Australian beaches have sharks, crocodiles, strong rips, and other dangers, there are signs available for the tourists to know which zones are safe and which aren’t.
Also, the lifesaving clubs provide information, and there are shark nets on almost every beach for your protection.
What should you not wear in Australia?
It is a humid country, and if you are visiting in the Summer, make sure to leave clothes made of synthetic materials at home and stick to cotton.
There is no need for teddy coats, but take your umbrella and a light coat when it rains.
Are Australian beaches expensive to visit?
It varies, but there is some expense added to your visit. Some of them have paid parking lots, and the commercial area will also lessen your budget for the day, but there are also free utilities for you to use in many of them.
Where can I surf on Australian beaches?
Pretty much all the beaches in Australia have surfing spots, whether they’re more directed to beginners or experienced surfers.
There are plenty of schools to teach you or your children, too! Snapper Rocks, The Pass, and Lennox Point are some of the best surfing spots.
How much money should I take to Australian beaches?
That will depend if you plan on dining around or using the picnic areas for cooking. There are also the activities the beach offers and parking areas to consider, so you should take around $50 for a day.
Conclusion
These are not the only paradisaical sites in the country, but they are 20 Australian beaches you won’t want to miss. Commercial areas and reserves offer something different, so you must indulge yourself during your visit.
G’day!
