Australia’s Top 10 Beaches for 2026 Have Been Revealed – This Stretch of Sydney Coastline Topped the List

 

Australia’s trusted Beach Expert, Brad Farmer, has dropped his list of best beaches around the country for 2026, and a collection of beaches in Sydney’s south has topped the list.

Each year, Brad Farmer has the challenge (*cough* delight *cough*) of travelling around Australia and rigorously assessing the coves, bays, beaches, and any other stretch of sand by a body of water in the country.

‘This year’s list is a celebration of the quiet, soulful spots that define our coastal identity and offer a true escape for those willing to wander a little further’, Farmer said.

That’s our kinda beach Brad!

Interestingly, this year’s top spot has been taken out by a collection of beaches in the country’s biggest city. Although Farmer promises, they feel ‘like a hidden gem’.

The Bate Bay Beaches have come in at number one. A 4.8km stretch of coastline including nine beaches, four ocean pools, and Gunnamutta Bay. The beaches include Greenhills, Wanda, Elouera, North Cronulla, Cronulla, Blackwoods, Shelley, Oak Park, and Darook Beaches.

Read more: Conquer the NSW Cronulla to Kurnell Coastal Walk in One Day

Farmer said that the collection of beaches ticked almost every box in his extensive 130-point criteria.

‘With glorious golden sands and a cosmopolitan vibe, this picturesque stretch of coastline feels like a hidden gem right under your nose but is easily accessible by train from the city centre’, he said.

Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Jack Boyd, is honoured that the area received the prestigious ranking, but said it’s something locals have known all along.

‘This huge honour highlights our coastline’s natural beauty, easy access to local public transport, surf culture, vibrant lifestyle, and strong community connection. It also reflects the significant contribution of our surf clubs, volunteers, lifeguards, and local community groups’, Cr Boyd said.

As for the rest of the list, each year, Farmer ensures all of the countries states and territories are represented (well, apart from the ACT. RIP).

Australia’s Best Beaches 2026

1. Bate Bay Beaches, Sydney, Gweagal Country, NSW
2. Pinky Beach, Rottnest Island, Whadjuk Noongar Country, WA
3. Beachcomber Cove, Cape Hillsborough, Yuwibara Country QLD
4. Tallow Beach, Byron Bay, Bundjalung Country, NSW
5. Hellfire Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park, Wudjari Noongar Country, WA
6. Godfreys Beach, The Nut, Palawa Country, TAS
7. Inskip Point, K’gari, Kabi Kabi & Butchulla Country, QLD
8. Mount Martha, Mornington Peninsula, Boon Wurrung Country, VIC
9. Smoky Bay, Eyre Peninsula, Wirangu Country, SA
10. Ellery Creek Big Hole, Central Australia, Arrente Country, NT

Best Beach Criteria Revealed

This year, Farmer has revealed his 130-point assessment guide for determining the top ten beaches each year and they fall into five main categories:

• Natural integrity & aesthetics, and environmental & habitat characteristics
• Safety and hazards
• Community – history, engagement, and culture
• Facilities and access – popularity and carrying capacity
• Weather and seasons

The assessment criteria is impressively detailed and provokes a few questions the average beachgoer would consider, like is the beach dog friendly and are there surf lifesavers on patrol?

But there are plenty that’d barely cross many people’s minds.

For example;

• Do visitors get charged to park nearby?
• Are there flight paths overhead?
• Is there evidence of vandalism?
• Is there disability access?
• What are the opportunities for human and marine life interaction?
• Is there phone reception?
• Are there recycling initiatives?
• Does it have the ‘wow’ factor?
• And interestingly, does the beach have sex appeal? Hmm.

I’ll leave that one to the expert.

Feature photo by Destination NSW