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Best beaches in the world list released by Lonely Planet

Jemima Skelley
Jemima Skelley

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There are many different types of beaches all over the world, from freezing-cold Arctic ones to sunny, tropical paradises.

Travel experts at Lonely Planet have compiled a list of the absolute best beaches from across the globe, for the new book Best Beaches.

And yep, plenty of Aussie beaches made the list.

"I love that this book challenges what we might define a 'best beach'," says Chris Zeiher, Lonely Planet's Senior Director, Trade Sales & Marketing.

"There's such diversity here, and hidden, unexpected beaches you might otherwise not have known about in places you may not have expected."

Scroll through to see some of the best beaches that made the cut.

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Attribution: Getty
Cable Beach, WA
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Cable Beach, WA

The iconic Cable Beach in Western Australia was named as one of the best beaches for watching the sunset.

The daily camel rides make it even more special, whether you partake or just watch from a distance. 

Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Trunk Bay, US Virgin Islands
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Trunk Bay, US Virgin Islands

Trunk Bay, on the island of St. John, was voted the best beach in the world for snorkelling.

Yes, there is a $5 fee to visit the beach, but it's worth it.

Strap on a mask and follow the 200-metre Underwater Snorkel Trail which follows a coral reef full of marine life.



Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
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The Pass, Australia
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The Pass, Australia

The Pass, at Byron Bay, was voted number five on the list of top family-friendly beaches.

Nestled between Clarkes and Wategos beaches, the waves here are wide and flat, making it great for a variety of activities.

Keep an eye out for dolphins which are always frolicking in the waves.

Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Maremegmeg Beach, Philippines
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Maremegmeg Beach, Philippines

This peaceful beach on the island of Palawan was named as the number one beach for watching sunsets - and it's easy to see why.

Bring a beer or pina colada, and sit back while the magic happens.

Attribution: Getty
Elafonissi Beach, Greece
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Elafonissi Beach, Greece

The sand on this stunning island beach is pink, thanks to unique coral which is crushed up and mixes in with the white sand.

Voted one of the world's best family-friendly beaches, Elafonissi has calm, clear water and soft sand.

Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
St Andrew's Bay, South Georgia
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St Andrew's Bay, South Georgia

This black-sand beach near Antarctica is home to a giant colony of penguins and elephant seals.

You can visit as part of a Falkland Islands expedition, and aim for October to November if you want to see adorable fluffy brown penguin chicks.

Needless to say, this is not a beach for swimming – for people, at least.

Attribution: Getty
Keem Bay, Ireland
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Keem Bay, Ireland

Though it's a far cry from tropical beaches which usually top these lists, this stunning little cove is in the top five most unexpected best beaches.

The water is cold, but it's a great spot for snorkelling and kayaking, due to the calm waters.

If it looks familiar, that's where they filmed The Banshees Of Inisherin.

Attribution: Getty
Assateague Island National Seashore, USA
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Assateague Island National Seashore, USA

This 60-kilometre-long stretch of coastline is surprisingly wild for the east coast of the United States.

The windswept beaches are home to herds of wild horses and are lined with thick maritime forests and rugged dunes that add to the dramatic vibes.

It was voted as one of the best beaches to spot wildlife.

Attribution: Getty
Lalomanu Beach, Samoa
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Lalomanu Beach, Samoa

This sandy stretch of paradise was voted as one of the most unexpectedly beautiful beaches.

Jagged black volcanic rocks meet the turquoise sea, and the powdery white sand is lined with fales - traditional huts where you stay overnight.

Attribution: Getty

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