Australia is famous for being the home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.  This makes narrowing it down to just a few quite difficult when attempting to compile a list of Australia’s best beaches. With this being said, here are just five of my very favourite sandy spots in this extraordinary country!

Bondi Beach

Location: Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, New South Wales

Australia’s most iconic beach, Bondi is an absolute must for anyone travelling to Sydney for the first time.  Although it might not be the best beach in terms of its actual quality, it simply makes the list for its history, atmosphere and surroundings, with that classic Aussie beach culture.

If you’ve got time I would recommend taking a stroll along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. This walk follows a 6 km path wrapping around the coast at the edge of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, which will have you taking in the views and exploring the rock pools, beaches and parks you will pass on your trip. Be sure to take a dip at Bondi’s ocean pool on your way!

Whitehaven Beach

Location: Whitsunday Island, Queensland

Quite possibly the most beautiful beach in Australia, Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island is usually plastered across the front of every Australian tourism brochure and for a good reason. The white sand and crystal blue waters are definitely something you are going to want to Instagram later so make sure you take your camera.

Stretching over 7 km of Whitsunday Island’s coast, even in the summer seasons this beach doesn’t feel crowded. With several lagoons, coves and inlets along the stretch of beach, there is plenty of exploring to do.

Mandalay Beach

Location: Walpole, Western Australia

Often overlooked by international travelers, Western Australia has a lot to offer with a bunch of gorgeous beaches. One in particular is Mandalay Beach in Walpole, south of Perth. Mandalay Beach is quite isolated, adding to its overall beauty and differentiating it from most of the other beaches on this list.

One of the best parts about visiting Mandalay Beach is being able to sit back and take in the sights of the nearby Chatham Island. The island is overflowing with luscious greenery, creating quite the contrast from the surrounding turquoise sea.

Lizard Island

Location: Cairns, North Queensland

The Great Barrier Reef that encompasses a large chunk of North Queensland has no shortage of natural beauty, which includes the beaches that surround it. Lizard Island is home to 23 separate white sand filled, Insta-worthy beaches in a considerably small area of only 1000 hectares.

Located on the eastern side of the Great Barrier Reef, this phenomenal island getaway will set you back a fairly large amount of money if you are looking to stay the night. However, if you have got the funds then it’s 100% worth it, with your own private villa, secluded beaches and fabulous snorkeling and diving spots right off the beach.

Main Beach

Location: Byron Bay, New South Wales

Byron Bay is the iconic beach town that all international travellers envisage prior to coming to Australia, and that’s exactly why this place is so popular. The beaches are something out of a surfer’s dream, the locals are considerably laid back and the markets are one of a kind! Byron Bay has a lot going for it and it’s definitely one to add to the bucket list.

Byron Bay’s Main Beach is very popular with local and international tourists alike, with some of the best surf breaks in Australia. If surfing isn’t for you then take your time to stroll along the powder-like sand, go for a dip and head back into town for a coffee.

Australian beaches are like none other in the world. The beauty of them just has to be seen to be believed and you won’t regret your trip!

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Are there any Australian spots you feel should be on this list?

This post was contributed by:

Alex is a 23-year-old lover of life, brunch & adventure. After moving to Sydney when finishing a journalism degree, he began his blog Inspire A Better Life to positively influence others to get out there and see all life has to offer.  Join Alex as he discovers this life one day at a time, documenting his thoughts and other along the way!

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