Heading to the land down under? 

We can offer you some advice: drink a lot of water, don’t start hitchhiking if your car breaks down in Wolfe Creek, use a tech checklist, and always have a pair of togs (swimmers) handy.

Australia is the world’s only country and continent in one, it’s culturally rich, and it’s home to some of the world’s weirdest (and most dangerous) animals. Plus, it boasts some bonza beaches, mate. 

So which ones should be on your list? 

1. Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia

Located in remote Broome at the top of Western Australia, Cable Beach is named after the telegraph cable that was laid across the Indian Ocean from Java to Australia in the late 1880s.

The beach is long and sandy, with warm and clear blue water and white sand. There are plenty of places to stay in Broome—from hotels to hostels and campsites. Expect backpacker vibes and a robust, if somewhat rowdy, nightlife scene. 

2. Whitehaven Beach, The Whitsundays, Queensland

The Whitsundays are a group of islands off the coast of Queensland, and Whitehaven Beach is the jewel in its crown. From Airlie Beach on the mainland, you’ll take a ferry to your island of choice, we recommend Hamilton Island. 

Whitehaven beach itself is located on Whitsunday Island, one of the few in the island group that isn’t developed. Most people visit the picturesque beach on a day trip, but you can also camp overnight in the national park. Expect crystal clear turquoise water and soft, pure-white sand. 

3. Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Western Australia

Don’t let Shark Bay’s name put you off. Yes, there are sharks in the area, but you’re far more likely to see dolphins. Monkey Mia has long been famous for its wild dolphin experience, one of the few places in the world where dolphins willingly interact with beachgoers. 

It’s not just dolphins here, though: rays, manatees, turtles, and a whole host of reef and pelagic species frequent these waters. And on shore, you’ll find bright, outback-red dunes that are striking against Monkey Mia’s white sands.

4. Mission Beach, Tully, Queensland

An underrated gem, Mission Beach is found between the far tropical north and the busier beaches of southern Queensland. Unlike the other beaches on this list, Mission isn’t jam-packed with tourists all year long, and there’s a distinct chance you might run into (or away from) a wild cassowary as you walk through the palms to the shore. 

The small township offers a few places to stay while you soak up the sun on the beach. Expect your typical Queensland beach experience, balmy blue waters, yellow sands, and palm trees aplenty. 

5. Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

You will have to put in some effort to reach Tasmania’s finest beach, but the two-hour hike is more than worth it. Not only are you treated to an iconic view as you walk to the bay itself, but once you get there, you’ll find a stunning wineglass-shaped beach nestled beneath pink granite mountains. 

Start early to catch the sunrise from the Wineglass Bay lookout and prepare to be wowed. 

What are you waiting for? Get your Aussie adventure going by visiting Australia’s finest beaches.