Going to the beach is a time-honored tradition that many people take great pleasure in. Whether it’s a trendy hotspot filled with lots of entertainment options or a more remote place, beaches have always been a source of fascination for people from around the world. As one of the largest and most developed nations in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia has more than its fair share of beaches. Owing to their top-notch quality, many of them have rightfully become tourist magnets, drawing a large number of visitors to their shores. But which of Australia’s beaches are truly worthy of your time and attention? With that question in mind, we’ve pared down the list to present you with the following five destinations:
- 75 Mile Beach, Fraser Island
The aptly-named 75 Mile Beach is located on Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. In addition to its impressive length, however, the beach also has plenty of other factors going for it, like its vast stretches of multi-colored sands. While the water itself is a bit too populated by Tiger Sharks to be considered human-friendly, the myriad crystal-clear freshwater lakes that lie near the shoreline more than make up for it. The “Champagne Pools” section is particularly attractive for tourists because of the foam that crashes into the rocks bordering the pools. Additionally, there are many interesting yet fairly unknown facts about Fraser Island that make it an excellent destination for history lovers and the like.
- Burleigh Heads Beach, Gold Coast
Located on Australia’s famed Gold Coast, Burleigh Heads offers great conditions for surfing and pristine, unpolluted beaches despite its proximity to a major highway. What’s more, the surrounding parkland makes it an ideal spot for picnicking, with fragrant pine trees and a varied wildlife that includes sea eagles and brush turkeys. So far Burleigh Heights has even managed to evade the somewhat touristy flavour associated with many of the Gold Coast’s top beaches, making it a great option for people who want to be close to where the action is without being smothered by it.
- Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island
A beach that often shows up on lists such as this one, Whitehaven has the kind of beauty that postcards were invented for. It stretches over seven kilometres on Whitsunday Island and is considered to be the most photographed beach in all of Australia. Whitehaven boasts crystal clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling and diving activities, along with gorgeous views like the one atop Tongue Point, where both sunsets and sunrises can be admired in all their glory.
- Cottesloe Beach, Perth
Cottesloe is a long beach close to the Australian city of Perth, one characterised by its many swimming areas and reefy sections. The beach is immensely popular during summertime, but that won’t distract you from its beautiful natural surroundings and gorgeous sights. A truly unique highlight here is the Indiana Teahouse. This fascinating building is known for its Art Deco design, as well as for the delicious seaside meals it offers on terraces overlooking the shore.
- Cable Beach, Broome
Finally, the last beach on our list is located a mere 22 kilometres away from the town of Broome in Western Australia. Cable Beach’s main calling cards are its gorgeous white sandy beaches and the camel rides that are offered along its shores. The place also boasts calm, gentle waters that are excellent for swimming, as well as a relaxing overall atmosphere that wins over most of its visitors. Of special note are the sunsets, which can be admired from the nearby Sunset Bar & Grill. For a truly unique experience, make sure you come to Cable Beach between March and October when the moon is at its fullest, thus creating a spectacular optical illusion dubbed the “Staircase of the Moon“.
And so we’ve reached the end of our countdown of the five top beaches in Australia. The land Down Under has been especially blessed with some of the most gorgeous shores in the world, so it stands to reason that visitors are expected to adhere to a few common sense rules when it comes to cleanliness and beach etiquette. In return you’ll get to enjoy some of the most pristine sandy beaches you’ve ever laid eyes on during your travels.
