Australia’s Top 10 beaches revealed. See the photos

Tasmania has the best beach in Australia, according to Tourism Australia’s 2025 list of the nation’s Top 10 stretches of sand.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said beach expert Brad Farmer was tasked with assessing almost 12,000 beaches hugging the country’s various coastlines. (SEE PHOTO GALLERY OF WINNERS BELOW)

Ms Harrison said Mr Farmer, a coastal veteran and one of Tourism Australia’s Friends of Australia, had deemed a 10km stretch of beaches in the southern portion of the Bay of Fires Conservation Reserve in Tasmania as the best.

She said it was the first time Tasmania had won the title and the first time it had gone to a cluster of beaches and not a single winner.

“The section of coast makes up the southern portion of the Bay of Fires bookended by The Gardens to the North and Binalong Bay to the South.”

Mr Farmer said while the water might be a bit cooler in Tasmania its coastline was pristine and the Bay of Fires was a worthy winner.

“I spent plenty of time in Tasmania assessing the beaches and in the end there were so many incredible options I couldn’t even settle on one which is why, for the first time, I’m awarding the best beach to a cluster of neighbouring beach bays in the Bay of Fires,” he said.

“They say the colder water is good for you, but even if you’re not up for a refreshing dip there is still plenty to do and see along this 10 kilometre stretch of coast. It’s a location made for photography or painting, fishing and surfing.”

Mr Farmer said Woolgoolga, in New South Wales, had been judged Australia’s best mainland beach and finished in second spot, while Emily Bay Lagoon on Norfolk Island had taken out the bronze.

“Every beach which makes the list is a winner and this year really highlights the incredible diversity of the beach offerings we have here in Australia. It really is like nowhere else in the world. In 2025 we recognise beaches of all shapes and sizes right around the country.”

Top 10 Best Australian Beaches for 2025

1. Bay of Fires, Tasmania.
2. Woolgoolga, New South Wales.
3. Emily Bay Lagoon, Norfolk Island.
4. North Kirra Beach, Queensland.
5. Little Lagoon Western Australia.
6. Fishery Bay, South Australia.
7. 1770, Queensland.
8. Scarborough Beach, Western Australia.
9. Caves Beach, New South Wales.
10. Cowes Beach, Victoria.