These are the best beaches in Australia, according to locals
Updated . First published
Alongside antipodean favourites like prawns on the barbie, kangaroos and the Irwins, Australia’s beaches are renowned around the world.
While Bondi Beach in Sydney, Whitehaven Beach in The Whitsundays, Wineglass Bay in Tasmania, and St Kilda Beach in Melbourne are the best well-known, they’re not necessarily favourites among locals.
Bondi Beach in Sydney is famous around the world. Getty
September 1 is World Beach Day, a scheme started by Florida woman Patti Jewel to protect beaches around the world.
To mark the celebration of all things seaside, we asked Aussies for their favourite beaches.
And the list yielded some true hidden gems around the country.
For me personally, I loved Rottnest Island. It may be a big tourist spot, but it’s still possible to find a quieter patch of sand like something from a holiday brochure.
Cottesloe Beach in Perth was also beautiful, and deserted when I went. There’s a reason Western Australia is renowned for its beaches.
Abrahams Bosom Beach in Currarong, in Shoalhaven on the NSW South Coast, is Maddison’s preferred patch of sand.
“It’s the perfect little bay tucked in behind my favourite coastal town escape, with white sand, tiny waves and rock pools for kids to splash in off to one side,” she said.
“There’s genuinely no place better than Bosom on a hot summer’s day.”
Currarong Beach south of Sydney, is in an area famous for white sandy beaches. iStock
Also on the south coast, Suki favours the rugged and little-known Emily Miller Beach which is near South Durras, north of Bateman’s Bay in NSW.
It can be reached by walking along a coast track.
“Something about it being so difficult to get to makes me love it even more,” she said.
Meanwhile, north of Sydney, locals suggested heading to Shoal Bay in Port Stephens on a warm day.
Emily Miller Beach, south of Sydney is named after a ship wrecked there. iStock
“The sand is glorious, the water is crystal clear. It’s never busy, like overcrowded Sydney beaches, and there are plenty of nice places to eat nearby if you need to refuel from lounging around in the sun,” Carina told nine.com.au.
A little further north, Pippi Beach in Yamba is dubbed “amazing for a long walk along the sand” by Kahla.
Meanwhile, April admits Melbourne’s beaches are not as beautiful as Sydney’s, but she has “leaned to love” Elwood Beach in the city.
“The sunsets are dreamy and it’s never too busy,” she said. “Nice fish and chips spots nearby too.”
Elwood Beach in Melbourne has good fish and chips. iStock
K’gari is famous for remote beaches. iStock
Our Travel Editor Kristine was wowed by a more remote beach, in Queensland.
“Awinya Creek on K’gari is a beautiful place to camp right on the waters’ edge and because it is sheltered the water is so calm,” she said.
“It was like glass most of the time and so clear. It is also much quieter than on the western side of the island.”
Yamba’s beaches are a beloved spot for many. iStock
Rudely, according to Beach.com, which released its annual ranking of the World’s Best Beaches, no Aussie spot is worthy of the title.
The number one beach in the world?
Trunk Bay, a stretch of white sand and bright blue water found on St. John in the US Virgin Islands.
