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Like Kylie Minogue and Chris Hemsworth, Australia’s coastline is a cultural icon.
From Byron Bay’s Insta-mums, setting global lifestyle trends with their sun-kissed selfies and laid-back vibes, to the creamy swirls of sand and water at Whitehaven Beach, the country’s coastline is a lifestyle, a muse and a national treasure rolled into one. While Bondi and Noosa continue to shine among the best beaches in Australia, there are plenty of lesser-known gems where everyone from sunseekers to culture vultures can get a taste of Australia’s enviably laid-back lifestyle.
Our insider for this piece is Mark Thomson, Group Director of Public Relations and Communications at Minor Hotels. Though based in Bangkok, he’s a proud Aussie originally from the Gold Coast – a year-round aquatic playground that sparked his love for exploring local beaches and, eventually, destinations around the world.
The pearl of Western Australia: Cable Beach, Broome
Of late, Perth’s cultural renaissance has been attracting a new wave of travellers to Western Australia – the urban explorers seeking vibrant art scenes, eclectic dining and a taste of coastal sophistication.
Yet for many, the Kimberley region’s charm lies in its quirky resort towns. Take Broome, home to the iconic Cable Beach. Once the largest pearling port in the world, teeming with adventurers of all kinds, today it is best known for its camel rides along the 22-kilometre stretch of pristine white sand. Unlike the feral camels of early exploration days, these "ships of the desert" are perfectly domesticated and seem to enjoy interacting with tourists.
Stay at Oaks Cable Beach Resort, one of the best hotels in Broome, for laid-back luxury just steps from the water, along with convenient access to local markets and Gantheaume Point, where low tide reveals dinosaur footprints – an ossified postcard from the Mesozoic Era.
The historic Chinatown is also close by, as is the Roebuck Bay – an ideal jumping-off point for cruises to nearby pearl farms: at Willie Creek Pearl Farm guided tours include live pearl harvest demonstrations, while the Paspaley Pearl Farm focuses on sustainable pearling practices. Unsurprisingly, given its rich history of bountiful pearl farming, Broome boasts the best pearl and jewellery shopping in Australia.
Admire the lustrous pearls at one of Chinatown's stunning pearl and jewellery showrooms as you wander through the newly revitalised precinct, and take home a piece of locally crafted jewellery featuring the exquisite Australian South Sea Pearl.
Lucky Bay in Western Australia, famous for its kangaroos
Staying in Western Australia, let’s hop over to Lucky Bay, renowned for its photogenic kangaroos that lounge on its pristine shores. The best chance to spot them feeding on seaweed or simply sunbathing is in the early morning or late afternoon. Pack a picnic and linger into the evening to watch the sky transform with vivid sunset hues at one of the designated picnic areas near the beach.
In this part of the country, packing a pair of trusty hiking boots is just as essential as bringing your swimwear. Lucky Bay’s well-deserved reputation as one of the best beaches in Australia is largely owed to its seamless access to breathtaking bushland. In Australia, “bushland” refers to areas of remnant or altered native vegetation, encompassing diverse landscapes from forests and woodlands to shrublands – each providing vital habitats for native flora and fauna.
The easy Thistle Cove to Lucky Bay Walk delivers stunning coastal views, with the added bonus of exploring Thistle Cove’s fascinating whistling rock. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the three-kilometre return trail to Frenchman Peak rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the park’s coastline, islands and hinterland.
For experienced walkers, the 20-kilometre Le Grand Coastal Trail within Cape Le Grand National Park takes hikers from bay to bay, exposing them to some of the most striking scenery Australia has to offer. You can even spend the night within Cape Le Grand National Park in a designated unpowered campsite – the perfect base for exploring the rest of the coast.
Noosa Heads Main Beach, a paradise for swimming and surfing
One of the world’s most evocative toponyms, the Sunshine Coast stretches from the coastal city of Caloundra, just north of Brisbane, to the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park. This idyllic destination not only boasts the sunniest name but offers a stunning array of landscapes – sand dunes, mangrove forests, lakes and flooded grasslands.
For nature lovers, exploring Australia's only Everglades on a wilderness cruise is a must. Kayak through or swim in tea tree-infused waters, exploring the ancient rainforests dating back millions of years. Noosa’s magnificent network of waterways is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is home to a whooping 44% of Australia's bird species, plus kangaroos, koalas and various aquatic and terrestrial creatures.
But the area’s jewel is undoubtedly Noosa Heads, an upscale resort town brimming with boutique shops along Hastings Street, meandering waterways perfect for your morning SUP workout, and picturesque walking trails through Noosa National Park that take you past secluded coves and resident wildlife, including koalas that occasionally perch in the gum trees.
Naturally, no blog about the best beaches in Australia would be complete without mentioning surfing. And Noosa is to surfing what Paris is to fashion – a world-class destination where style, skill, and passion come together to create something iconic.
Local beaches are a magnet for surfers, earning it global recognition on the world surfing circuit. Held every March, the Noosa Festival of Surfing brings together wave riding icons and enthusiasts of all ages, making the town especially lively. Stay nearby in one of the beachside hotels in Sunshine Coast for a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
The Goldie Rush: Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast
Down Under, the Gold Coast – affectionately known as Goldie – is synonymous with schoolies, a tradition where high school graduates revel in week-long celebrations after their final exams at top beaches in Australia. Burleigh Heads, however, offers a more tranquil alternative to the party-centric vibe of the nearby Surfers Paradise. Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant café culture and great food, Burleigh Heads is like the wise elder sibling – offering sophistication and calm in contrast to the exuberance of Surfers Paradise.
Start in Burleigh Head National Park with a scenic coastal walk. Keep an eye out for sea eagles soaring overhead and the occasional humpback whale during migration season. Stop by The Village Markets, held on the first and third Sunday of every month, to see the Gold Coast’s creative side through the eyes of local designers, artisans and musicians. If you’re fortunate, you might witness an Indigenous Australian playing the didgeridoo on the beach – a mesmerising wind instrument that holds a sacred place in Aboriginal music and ceremonies.
Just a stone’s throw away, the idyllic Tallebudgera Creek is perfect for swimming or stand-up paddleboarding in calm, turquoise waters. Finally, for great food and even better views, consider toes-in-the-sand dining at Rick Shores, Pink Monkey for rooftop weekend brunch with cocktails and champagne, Lakeview Espresso for healthy bites, and the trendy Borough Barista for good coffee on the Esplanade.
Families looking for long-stay accommodation and unique hotels in Gold Coast will find many affordable options with such perks as an on-site splash park, fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities.
Getaway to The Reef: 1770 and Agnes Water, Queensland
The twin towns of Agnes Water and 1770, just a five-hour drive from Brisbane, serve as a gateway to the spectacular Southern Great Barrier Reef. History buffs will delight in exploring the town of 1770, named after James Cook’s visit in May 1770 – his second landfall in Australia and first in Queensland – a historical milestone that gave rise to the area's claim to be the birthplace of Queensland.
For nature lovers, the attractions in this picturesque region are plentiful. Agnes Water is recognised as Queensland's northernmost surfing beach and one of the finest in the country, offering idyllic conditions for both seasoned surfers and beginners.
Nature trails here are legendary, ranging from the short and charming Paperbark Trail, perfect for a quick and easy stroll, to the longer Red Rock Trail (2–3 hours), which takes hikers along a scenic coastline dotted with secluded beaches, rocky headlands and inviting rock pools – ideal spots to cool off.
But it’s the day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef that most tourists come here for. After pulling into Lady Musgrave’s turquoise lagoon, you’ll have hours to snorkel to your heart’s content, exploring coral gardens teaming with clownfish, sea turtles, reef sharks, manta rays, and more. The calm waters make this an accessible adventure for kids and beginner snorkellers, with flotation equipment available for added comfort, and glass-bottom boats for those who prefer to stay above the water.
Whitehaven Beach, Queensland: a world-renowned beauty
While beauty is always subjective, Whitehaven Beach in Queensland consistently ranks among the world’s most stunning beaches – and for good reason. Stretching seven kilometers along Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsunday group, this remote coastal gem requires a boat, seaplane or helicopter to reach, but the journey is well worth it.
Awaiting visitors is 98.9% pure silica sand – incredibly soft, dazzling white and cool to the touch, even on the hottest days. At the northern end, the sand swirls with turquoise waters, creating mesmerising patterns that shift with the tides. Beyond its breathtaking scenery, Whitehaven is also recognised as one of the world’s top eco-friendly beaches, proving that tourism and environmental preservation can go hand in hand.
For those dreaming of salt-kissed air and endless horizons, Australia delivers in spades. Journey down the coast, and you’ll discover a beach that stirs the soul. Embrace the adventure and let the magic of Australia’s shores sweep you away.
Stay near the best beaches in Australia with our unique hotels in Gold Coast, best hotels in Broome and family-friendly hotels in Sunshine Coast.
