5 Reasons Australia Has the Best Beaches in the World

View from the water of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, Australia
© zstock/Shutterstock.com

Written by Marisa Higgins

Updated: November 18, 2023

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Twelve Apostles rock formations, Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

The Twelve Apostles is a collection of limestone figures located off the shore of Victoria, Australia.

©Greg Brave/Shutterstock.com

When you think of Australia, your mind might immediately wander to exotic landscapes, deadly animals, vegemite, or the late Steve Irwin. You might also think about The Great Barrier Reef, the Outback, and the continent’s glorious coastline. Australia is considered one of the most exotic places in the world, and its beaches live up to the hype. Check out the five reasons Australia has the best beaches in the world. 

1. Beautiful Beaches

Beautiful high angle aerial drone view of famous Whitehaven Beach, part of the Whitsunday Islands National Park near the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia. Popular tourist destination.

Whitehaven Beach is a popular tourist destination in Australia.

©wallix/iStock via Getty Images

To start, the continent of Australia is surrounded by a gorgeous coastline. With thousands of miles of coast, some of which are uninhabited, there are so many spots to discover and claim for your perfect beach day. An expansive coastline means far more beaches available beyond the popular spots, often with fewer visitors. This means you can find a patch of sand with nearly no one around. It definitely beats crowded beaches! However, both locals and tourists are fond of Bondi Beach or the Gold Coast. With nearly 12,000 beaches to choose from in Australia, it’s no wonder that the country has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The spacious, secluded coastline coupled with the clear blue waters makes Australia a top contender for best beaches. 

2. Clear Waters

Port Douglas beach and ocean on sunny day, Queensland

The crystal blue waters of Australia’s coasts are a major draw to tourists.

©mvaligursky/iStock via Getty Images

Speaking of clear blue waters, Australians are committed to keeping their beaches and water clean. Their water sources are pristine, and the seas are bright blue. Because the waters are generally clear and clean, Australian beaches are a great place for swimming and snorkeling—among a slew of other water-based activities. The lack of pollution is something the Australian community prioritizes, both for its residents and marine life.

3. Surf Culture

Eddie_Aikau_Big_Wave_Invitational_Surf_Contest_Waimea_Bay_Hawaii_Febrary_2016_(24651726073)

Surfers will not be disappointed by the swells in Australia.

©Anthony Quintano from Honolulu, HI, United States / CC BY 2.0 – Original / License

Australia is one of the prime surfing locations because of its waves and swells. The water and waves are consistently good for surfing, making Australian beaches a great location for professional and amateur surfers alike. The country is also home to three World Surf League events, further emphasizing how great the waves are for surfers. Even more, the rocking points and peaks off the coast perfect the water conditions for eager surfers. 

4. The Great Barrier Reef 

Great Barrier Reef in Australia

This natural wonder is located near Queensland, Australia.

©iStock.com/Cavan Images

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most remarkable and iconic Australian entities. With over 400 types of coral, it is the largest collection of coral reefs in the world. Nearly 1,500 fish species call the reef their home. Snorkeling and diving in the Great Barrier Reef is an otherworldly experience. Even more, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world, and the only living thing visible from space.

5. Friendly Beach Folk

Bondi Beach full of tourists for vacation, Sydney, Australia

Bondi Beach is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Australia.

©momo11353/iStock via Getty Images

Australians are eager to extend kindness and cordiality to locals and tourists. They pride themselves on being friendly and welcoming, and no matter if you’re visiting one of Australia’s major cities or a beach town, they’ll be sure to offer a cheery greeting. More specifically, with most of the country’s population living near the coast, the locals offer a laid-back atmosphere. 

Best in the World

Kangaroo family on the beach of Lucky bay, Esperance, Western Australia

Who wouldn’t want to hang out with a

kangaroo

during a beach day?

©Hideaki Edo/iStock via Getty Images

Australia’s beaches and coastline are breathtaking wonders. With the rocky peaks, sandy shores, and crystal blue water, there’s no doubt that Australia has the best beaches in the world. The country boasts of thousands of beaches and all sorts of water activities. Whether you’re eager to relax, or energized to play, Australia’s beaches have something for everyone. 

Summary of 5 Reasons Australia Has the Best Beaches in the World

RankReason
1Beautiful Beaches
2Clear Water
3Surf Culture
4The Great Barrier Reef
5Friendly Beach Folk


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About the Author

Dr. Marisa Higgins is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on travel, places to visit, and fun activities. Marisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and French, a Master of Arts in English, and a Ph.D. in English, and she's spent the past decade teaching, writing, and researching. She lives in Knoxville, TN with her husband, and their Beagle-Chihuahua, Rumi, and cat, Rory.

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