Best beaches in Australia, 2026
Top-rated Australia beaches by water quality, conditions and crowd
The top 25 beaches in Australia ranked by the OnlyBeaches Index — a 1-10 score that blends Purity, Conditions, Crowd and Vibe.How we rank →
1OBI 7.5+
Adder Rock Beach
Point Lookout, Australia
Distinct named Point Lookout beach that should not be merged into Cylinder Beach
2OBI 7.5+
Amity Point Beach
Amity, Australia
Redlands' must-have west-facing Stradbroke beach, loved for calm bay water, dolphins, and standout sunsets.
3OBI 7.5+
Angourie Point Beach
Angourie, Australia
World-famous point break and key surf destination
4OBI 7.5+
Avoca Beach
Avoca Beach, Australia
A flagship Central Coast surf beach with strong local identity and broad visitor demand.
5OBI 7.5+
Back Beach (Angourie)
Angourie, Australia
Exposed surf beach south of Angourie Point
Bar Beach
Narooma, Australia
Popular surf beach adjacent to Narooma with scenic cliffs and rock pools
Bateau Bay Beach
Bateau Bay, Australia
A meaningful named beach on the southern side of the Bateau Bay headland.
8OBI 7.5+
Bilinga Beach
Bilinga, Australia
Wide ocean beach with a clear identity separate from Tugun and Kirra
9OBI 7.5+
Blenheim Beach
Jervis Bay, Australia
Quiet cove with soft sand and turquoise water
10OBI 7.5+
Broadbeach
Broadbeach, Australia
Major central beach with strong tourism demand and city-scale recognition
11OBI 7.5+
Brooms Head Beach
Brooms Head, Australia
Major regional beach with strong local tourism appeal
Broulee Beach
Batemans Bay, Australia
Large sandy beach with sheltered waters and great snorkeling/diving around Broulee Island
Bulwer Beach
Bulwer, Australia
Low-key bay beach on Moreton Island with real destination value
14OBI 7.5+
Burleigh Heads Beach
Burleigh Heads, Australia
One of the coast’s defining surf beaches with huge local and visitor appeal
Cabbage Tree Harbour
Norah Head, Australia
A protected little harbour beach that is easy to miss but genuinely user-valuable.
16OBI 7.5+
Castaways Beach
Castaways, Australia
Quiet
17OBI 7.5+
Catherine Hill Bay Beach
Catherine Hill Bay, Australia
Historic village beach with one of the coast’s strongest character settings
Cave Beach
Jervis Bay, Australia
A quiet beach, perfect for those seeking a more secluded spot for relaxation.
19OBI 7.5+
Chinamans Beach
Jervis Bay, Australia
A hidden gem, perfect for those seeking a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Clontarf Beach
Clontarf, Australia
Useful metro-adjacent beach with strong local use close to Brisbane
Collingwood Beach
Jervis Bay, Australia
A well-known family-friendly beach, ideal for sunbathing and relaxing by the water.
Collingwood Beach
Vincentia, Australia
Part of Jervis Bay with turquoise water and long sandy shoreline
23OBI 7.5+
Convent Beach
Yamba, Australia
Smaller protected Yamba beach with strong visual appeal
Coolangatta Beach
Coolangatta, Australia
Flagship southern Gold Coast beach with broad appeal beyond surf audiences
25OBI 7.5+
Coolum Beach
Coolum, Australia
Iconic surf