10 best beaches in Australia to visit this Summer

Top Australian beaches

Australian beaches are unlike any other, and the diversity of scenery you’ll experience across the different states and territories makes it hard to nail down just a handful – but we’ll certainly try!

Summer in Australia is all about the beach. Whether you’re holidaying at coastal caravan parks, settling into a summer rental or heading off on a day-tripping adventure, one thing abounds: sublime surf at the best beaches in Australia.

Since summer is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the sunny weather, here’s your chance to take a domestic holiday and reinvigorate your mind, body and soul at these top 10 Australian beaches.

1. Binalong Bay, TAS

A small coastal town on the southern end of Tassie’s Bay of Fires, Binalong Bay is a regular pick among the best beaches in Australia due to its alluring fine white sand and pure, clear waters. The region’s iconic orange-hued boulders associated with the Bay of Fires provide dramatic coastal scenery for your early morning walks.

2. Wineglass Bay, TAS

If Binalong Bay is too busy this time of year, you can still immerse yourself in some incredible beaches in Australia just along the coast. Tasmania’s Wineglass Bay is a rolling stretch of paradise that almost feels untouched. This beach may be a bit of a trek from Freycinet National Park, but the crystal blue water is definitely worth the hike. You may need to take multiple stops, so be prepared, and remember to admire the view on the way! 

3. Mollymook Beach, NSW

The south coast of NSW is a rolling vista of top Australian beaches, coastal towns and pristine national parks. Around a three-hour drive south of Sydney lies Mollymook, a seemingly sleepy town that lights up over summer. Its crowning glory is Mollymook Beach, a magnificent stretch of sand with enough room for avid surfers, young families and everyone in between.

4. Cabarita Beach, NSW

Visitors to Cabarita Beach are drawn in by its majestic beauty, but they return for the whole package as one of the best beaches in Australia. Nestled between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, Cabarita Beach is blanketed by pristine nature and premium surf spots. When you’ve wrapped up your day on the golden sands, the funky township of Cabarita offers an unmatched charm.

5. Johanna Beach, VIC

Road tripping on the Great Ocean Road is the stuff of summer, with countless townships and top Australian beaches to dip your toes in along the way. Beyond Apollo Bay lies Johanna, a tiny rural township home to one serious surf beach. Beyond the dreamy crashing waves, Cape Otway Lightstation and the surrounding national park await exploration.

6. Gnarabup Beach, WA

There’s much to love about the glorious Gnarabup Beach, just a 10-minute drive from the township of Margaret River. Its turquoise water, soft white sand and languid coastline make it one of the best beaches in Australia, while the nearby White Elephant Beach Café serves up delish brekkie and lunch dishes to sate those post-swim hunger pangs.

7. Whitehaven Beach, QLD

It wouldn’t be a top 10 Aussie beach list without including the blinding white sands and shimmering blue waters of Whitehaven Beach. This 7km stretch of paradise lies on an uninhabited Whitsunday Island, in the heartland of the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you’re on a sailing trip, day-tripping from a nearby island or indulging in a chopper flight, this magical spot is unequivocally one of the best Australian beaches around.

8. Innes National Park, SA

At the very tip of South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula lies Innes National Park, home to some seriously spectacular coastal scenery, footprint-free top Australian beaches, diving hotspots and local wildlife. Campers will find plenty of options including beachside sites and caravan parks, and the surrounding seaside town of Marion Bay serves up fabulously fresh local seafood when you feel like a break from camp cuisine.

9. Hyams Beach, NSW

There’s more than one Jervis Bay spot we could’ve included in this top 10 Australian beaches list, but there’s something special about Hyams Beach that makes it a standout. Pure white sandy shores kiss crystal-clear blue waters, with dramatic and inviting bushland serving as the perfect backdrop. With plenty of native birdlife to spot, every member of the family will love a day spent on Hyams Beach.

10. Misery Beach, WA

Don’t be fooled by the name – Misery Beach is an incredible destination and a deserving inclusion as one of the best beaches in Australia. At just 200 metres long, it’s easy to miss this tucked-away beach the first time, but find your way to its white sandy shore and stunningly pristine waters and you’ll never want to leave. Being sheltered from the natural and bustling Albany winds means Misery Beach is an ideal spot for swimming, snorkelling, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.

Once you’ve created your ideal list of top Australian beaches to explore, it’s time to prep for your big summer trip! Consider travel insurance – whether it be domestic or international cover, before you leave so you can live in the moment at these astounding beaches around Australia.