Little-known Sydney beach named Australia's best for 2026
Australia's best beach for 2026 has officially been crowned, following a comprehensive study of our coastline.
Curated by veteran beach expert and Tourism Australia Beach Ambassador, Brad Farmer AM, the list ranges from the rugged coast of Tassie to the remote stretches of northern Queensland.
But it was, surprisingly, a city beach that took out the top spot.
"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," says Brad.
Read on to see the top ten.
10. Ellery Creek Big Hole, NT
This one isn't a classic sandy, coastal beach, but still a stunning place for a swim. This waterhole in the MacDonnell Ranges is a quiet and secluded spot, where you can also camp while exploring the Outback.
The ice-cold water is a welcome balm to the scorching desert heat.
9. Smoky Bay, SA
This seaside town on the Eyre Peninsula has a calm beach that's great for swimming, and a long jetty.
It's also a must-visit for oyster fans. You can buy world-class oysters fresh from the shed or go "razor fishing" in the shallows.
8. Mount Martha, Vic
This bay beach on the Mornington Peninsula is a quiet break from some of the region's busier beaches.
Known for its iconic bathing huts, the water is shallow and calm, making it perfect for families.
The nearby cliffside boardwalk offers stunning views of Port Phillip Bay.
7. Inskip Point, Qld
This beach is a sandy peninsula across from K'gari (Fraser Island), near the famous Rainbow Beach.
It's a camper's paradise, as you can set up right on the beach under the she-oak trees. It's a popular spot for 4WD enthusiasts and offers great fishing too.
6. Godfreys Beach, Tas
Godfrey's is located at the base of "The Nut" (an ancient volcanic plug) in the historic town of Stanley.
It's got that dramatic backdrop you don't often get outside of Tassie. At dusk, you can often see Little Penguins coming ashore, and the beach has a great viewing platform for wildlife spotting.
5. Hellfire Bay, WA
While WA often gets a lot of love for its beaches, this one flies under the radar.
A secluded bay in Cape Le Grand National Park, it's near the famous Lucky Bay.
But this beach actually has whiter sand and clearer water - plus far fewer crowds.
4. Tallow Beach, NSW
Stretching from Cape Byron to Broken Head, this beach is the "wilder" sister to Byron Bay's Main Beach.
Even though it's just minutes from town, it's an expansive beach that backs onto a national park - making it feel remote and rugged.
It's a prime spot for birdwatching, and whale watching during migration seasons.
3. Beachcomber Cove, Qld
Tucked away in Cape Hillsborough National Park near Mackay, this is a classic Queensland beach with warm, clear water met by rolling hills.
It's most famous for the wild kangaroos and wallabies that come down to the shoreline at sunrise to forage.
