The Top 10 Aussie Beaches of 2024 Have Been Revealed

Tucked away on Victoria’s Wilsons Promontory, Squeaky Beach has taken out the number one spot in this year’s Top 10 Australian Beaches list.

 

The list is curated each year by Brad Farmer, the lucky chap who set up Coastcare, is a coastal advisor to the senate, and spends a good chunk of his time touring Australia’s beaches. After checking out almost 12,000 beaches around the country, Brad says it was the crashing waves on boulders and wide open space that appealed to him.

‘Squeaky Beach just by way of its name attracted my attention’, Mr Farmer said. ‘It is what you would call a masterpiece of a beach. It could be a painting.’

 

 

Squeaky Beach is also located near Wilsons Promontory where emus, wombats, and kangaroos wander around, which helped kick the ranking up a notch. Just be aware this beach is unpatrolled, so visitors are advised to take care when swimming there.

Brad says having access to a list like this helps drive international and domestic tourism.

Philipa Harrison, Managing Director of Tourism Australia says, ‘Our research consistently shows beaches are one of the greatest drivers of international visitor demand to Australia and the majority of travellers enjoy our aquatic and coastal environments in some way when they are here’.

A list like this is also an incentive for the government to help manage and protect the coast.

‘I think, the federal government recognise the importance of managing a sustainable natural resource, which is in fact our coast’, Brad says.

Well what are we waiting for? Let’s dive into Australia’s Top 10 Beaches for 2024!

Australia’s Top 10 Beaches for 2024

1. Squeaky Beach

Location: Wilson’s Promontory, Victoria, Boonwurrung, Bunurong and Gunaikurnai Country

One of the region’s most photographed beaches, Squeaky Beach is 700m of crashing waves and soft sand enclosed by granite rock. Part of Wilsons Promontory National Park, this area is a treasured part of Victoria’s Gippsland Coast.

 

2. The Farm

Location: Shellharbour, NSW, Dharawal Country

Declared the Killalea National Surfing Reserve in 2009, The Farm is one of NSW’s best surfing spots. This is uniquely a natural development-free area, and at only a 90-minute drive south of Sydney, it makes for a perfect weekend trip.

 

 

3. Cockle Creek

Location: South East, Tasmania, Lyluequonny Country

Located in the most isolated corner of Australia, this estuary is a gateway to the stunning coastal scenery of Southwest National Park. Cockle Creek is pure wilderness – there isn’t even mobile reception, making for a great off-the-grid trip.

 

 

4. Madfish Bay

Location: Great Southern, WA, Menang Noongar Country

Made up of a small group of beaches separated by natural rock outcroppings in William Bay National Park, Madfish Bay is a stunning wonderland. The views, seclusion, and easy access make it a surefire winner in the west.

 

5. Pulu Belan Madar Island

Location: Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Indian Ocean Territories

This sheltered curved beach has crystal clear waters and is only accessible by charter or boat. Pulu Belan Madar is among the southernmost of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and you’ll feel like a castaway as you dig your toes into the warm sand.

 

6. Cylinder Bay

Location: North Stradbroke Island, QLD, Quandamooka Country

One of Queensland’s safest beaches, Cylinder Bay, is popular amongst families and digital nomads. At 38km long there’s room for everyone to find a spot to enjoy.

 

 

7. Lagoon Beach

Location: Lord Howe Island, NSW

World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island is a showcase of sustainable tourism and home to the most pristine beaches and coral reefs. Lagoon Beach is the largest, calmest, and most picturesque of all beaches here, and is a must-visit during your time on the island.

 

 

8. Long Beach

Location: Robe, SA, Boandik Country

You can drive your 2WD car right to the water’s edge here at Long Beach. This gently curved beach has packed sand, making it accessible to everyone. Rock reefs fringe the bay keeping waves low and soft.

 

 

9. Cow Bay

Location: Far North QLD, Yalanji Country

The stretch of sand known as Cow Bay is extra special because it’s the junction between two World Heritage-listed wonders –  it’s where the ancient Daintree Rainforest meets the calm clear coral shallows of the Great Barrier Reef.

 

10. Casuarina Beach

Location: Darwin, NT, Larrakia Country

A favourite to locals, Casuarina Beach is an expansive length of sand, complimented by a forested backdrop. There is also a 500m nude beach between the main beach and Sandy Creek for those who are a little more daring. Be sure to experience the sunrise or sunset here, it’s something special.

 

 

 

Feature image by Tom Archer