Aussie beach crowned 'best in the world' for 2025
One of Australia's most beautiful stretches of sand has been crowned the best beach in the world for 2025 in a new ranking.
Global travel site Big 7 Travel has released its annual list of the 50 Best Beaches in the World.
Now in its seventh year, the list is based on past media results, official Blue Flag beach awards, social media buzz, and insights from in-house experts.
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Whitehaven Beach, part of the Whitsunday Islands National Park, has been crowned number one. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Queensland's Whitehaven Beach has taken out the title, thanks to its white sands and warm water.
"Whitehaven Beach is arguably the most beautiful beach in the world. Glistening white sands (which are 98 per cent pure silica, giving them their bright white colour) and warm turquoise waters make this a hugely popular place for tourists and locals to visit," the experts at Big 7 Travel shared.
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Judges also called the beach out for its eco-friendly measures, claiming the "beach really has it all".
"The beach is 7km long, and the beautiful waters of the Coral Sea are perfect for swimming and snorkelling in," they added.
Whitehaven Beach is world famous for its white sand. iStock
The 2025 edition of the ranking includes a mix of beach destinations to suit all kinds of travellers.
From shallow turquoise lagoons in the Maldives to the coral-fringed coastlines of the Caribbean, this year's top 50 features everything from remote island hideaways to classic coastal icons.
Coming in second place was Anse Source d'Argent in the Seychelles, situated on the southwest coast of La Digue.
The European spot of Ksamil Beach in Albania took out third place overall.
Anse Source d'Argent in the Seychelles is known for its striking landscape. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Ksamil Beach in Albania came in third place. Getty Images/iStockphoto
There were a few other Aussie beaches included in the Top 50 overall.
Coming in at number 19 was Vivonne Bay Beach, found on Kangaroo Island just off the coast of South Australia.
The spot is considered great for watching kangaroos hop up and down the sands and going fishing.
Meanwhile, Manly Beach in Sydney was ranked at 38.
Manly Beach was also featured in the top 50. Getty
Considered "the quieter sibling of other, more famous Sydney beaches like Bondi Beach and Bronte Beach", Manly was dubbed perfect for a day out with the family.
"The small suburb of Manly has multiple restaurants, bars, coffee shops and hotels, while the warm waters make for excellent swimming in the summer and surfing in the winter," Big 7 Travel editors wrote.
Top 10 Best Beaches in the world for 2025:
- Whitehaven Beach – Australia
- Anse Source d'Argent – Seychelles
- Ksamil Beach – Albania
- Reethi Beach – Maldives
- Plage de Notre Dame – Porquerolles, France
- Starfish Beach – Vietnam
- Le Morne Beach – Mauritius
- White Sand Beach – Thailand
- Sandy Lane Beach – Barbados
- White Beach – Philippines
