Australia’s Top 10 Beaches of 2023 Have Been Revealed

Tourism Australia’s ‘best beach expert’, Brad Farmer, has announced his top ten beaches of 2023! Did your local make the list?

Brad Farmer has his work cut out for him picking the annual top ten of Australia’s beaches. With over 60,000km of coastline and almost 12,000 beaches to choose from, the review process is a full-time gig (a gig which I wish I had). We’re not just talking about a popularity contest here either.

Over 40 years of experience helps Brad curate the beaches that are significant in many different ways. On the list of this year’s top ten you’ll find familiar names and lesser known gems. Let’s dive in!

10. Balmoral Beach, NSW

Gadigal, Borogegal, and Cammeraygal Country

Balmoral has stiff competition with the surrounding Sydney beaches so it must be doing something right! Its soft sandy shores are home to one of Sydney’s iconic tidal pool curves that stretches 100m out into the bay.

Just 20 minutes from Circular Quay by ferry or car, Balmoral Beach has to be one of the most accessible city beaches with beauty to match. We Are Explorers Publisher, Tim Ashelford, thinks it’s a gem.

‘I love Balmoral Beach. Early mornings swimming laps and kayaking here are a treasure. The sun comes over Sydney Heads and warms the palm trees that dot the foreshore. Get out before 8am and the parking is free!’ – Tim Ashelford, WAE Publisher

Photo by Destination NSW

9. Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island

This unique beach is actually closer to Indonesia than it is to Australia. Its tropical location accounts for the abundant surroundings of deep dense jungles and clear, vast waters.

Flying Fish Cove on Christmas Island encapsulates the true meaning of ‘melting pot’. Everyone from scuba divers to fishers to naturalists are drawn to its talcum-powder beaches and cool blue waters. Get ready to feast on Chinese-Malay cuisine and be camera ready for Christmas Island’s iconic Red Crabs.

8. British Admiral Beach, King Island

An island off an island off an island. How much more remote can you get? This windswept wonder is located in the untamed waters of Bass Strait, but don’t let it’s cold and blustery rep dissuade you – this is definitely not one to miss. You’ll likely have the place to yourself on King Island (and be feeling like royalty).

Photo by Tourism Australia

7. Little Bondi, NT

Yolngu Country

This little slice of paradise is the smaller, quieter cousin of the renowned and iconic Bondi Beach. Unlike Australia’s busiest beach, Little Bondi is extremely remote and only has a few available campsites for keen Explorers. While the delicious white sand and green-blue waters look inviting, be aware of lurking crocs and other tropical aquatic hazards.

The clifftop walk to reach Little Bondi | @itsonlyaplanerideaway

Known in Yolngu language as Baringura, the isolated patch of coastline is flanked by eucalyptus, paperbark, and pandanus forests. Remember to apply for an online permit from the Dhimurri Aboriginal Corporation before you go. What are you waiting for? Add this tropical paradise to your bucket list!

Read more: How To Stay Safe in Croc Country

6. Hamelin Bay, WA

Wardandi Noongar Country 

Now how could we have a list of the best Aussie beaches without including Western Australia? There’s a lot to choose from when it comes to idyllic white patches of sand, but Hamelin Bay takes the cake in this state.

This treat is located in the SouthWest of WA, in the iconic Maragret River wine region. Gorgeous vineyards and restaurants, beautiful native forests and some of the country’s best surf breaks scatter the intrepid coastline.

Hamelin Bay, just 20 minutes from Margaret River itself,  has a quaint scatter of campsite and remnant jetties from the historic sawmill industry that once thrived.

A handful of islands are spattered just off the shore and you’ll most likely encounter curious stingrays and huge but docile Eagle rays. Hamelin Bay is truly spectacular!

5. Adventure Bay, TAS

Lunnawannalonna, Neunonne Country 

Adventure Bay – was this beach made for us? Located on the adventure hub of Bruny Island, this beach definitely lives up to it’s name. Fishing, surfing, and beachcombing are just a few activities you might get up to.

If you feel a little more adventurous, the stony cliffs surrounding Adventure Bay are the perfect way to explore Bruny Island’s unique coastal heath and spectacular landscape.

Tourism Tasmania & Andrew McIntosh, Ocean Photography

4. Apollo Bay, VIC

Gulidjan Gadubanud Country 

This crescent shaped slice of paradise is one of Victoria’s crowning jewels. It’s stood the test of time as a summer favorite for holidaying families since the 1930s as it boasts calm waters patrolled by the local SLSC. The township of Apollo Bay is a great place to stay, located at the western end of the iconic Great Ocean Road.

The surrounding beaches are also a must-visit, all of them characterized by that southern, rocky, and rugged coastline. Don’t forget to sneak a peek  at the nearby Twelve Apostles!

Thanks to Visit Vic

3. Rainbow Beach, QLD

Butchulla Country 

Rainbow Beach isn’t just another north-coast Queensland beach. Yes, think eskies, beach umbrellas, and waxed surfboards, but also think of a sweeping coastline with uniquely layered coloured sand – this is Rainbow Beach. It’s about three hours north of Brisbane and the entry point to the breathtaking Cooloola National Park.

Photo by Tourism Queensland

2. Boomerang Beach, NSW

Worimi Country

Although it’s Australia’s most populated coastline, NSW doesn’t disappoint on beaches and Boomerang Beach is one of them! Our Digital Campaign Producer, Sian Brain reckons its a gorgeous beach that’s great for surfing.

You’ll find it just a few hours north of Sydney and boasts all the North Coast vibes with surrounding rivers, estuaries, and coves, Boomerang Beach is definitely worth the trip!

Photo by @stylastles on flickr

1. Stokes Bay, Kangaroo Island

Karta Pintingga Country 

And friends, we have arrived! The number one beach in Australia for 2023 (drumroll)…… Stokes Bay. Located on the unique Kangaroo Island that blends seachange and country escape in one! As our Social Media Manager Jack Brookes so poetically put it:

‘Stokes Bay is a perfect crescendo. Hidden from the car park you have to weave through a suspense building rock maze before the clear turquoise water and white sand eventually reveals itself! There’s a good reason it’s number one.’

It’s also received rave reviews from our Sales and Partnerships Manager, Josh Fletcher. This one definitely has full endorsement form the WAE team!

Photo by South Australian Tourism Commission

Well that’s a wrap! The top ten Australian beaches for 2023. Which ones will you visit this year?