Australia is home to over 10,000 beaches, including some of the best in the world. If you’re planning a trip to the east coast you’ll want to make sure that you’re seeing the best ones to make the most of your trip. To make sure we get the absolute best beaches on the east coast of Australia on this list we asked some of our favourite travel bloggers to tell us about a beach in Australia and why it is a must-see. With so many to choose from, there is no way you can see them all. Use this list to plan your next road trip and have the best beach day imaginable on the east coast of Australia.
We at Guide your Travel love Australia and its many hidden gems. However to truly give you a list of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast we decided to partner up with some of our favourite travel bloggers and ask for their opinion. We hope you like it!
Headed to Byron Bay? Check out our complete camping guide here and or review of the best glamping sites in the area.
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WHERE ARE THE BEST BEACHES?
Both the east and west coast of Australia have incredible beaches. Whether you only have time to visit one or are planning on seeing both you won’t be disappointed. On the east coast, you’ll find larger cities and more elaborate road system while the west coasts is more sparsely populated with the only large city being Perth. Click here for our ultimate 5-day Perth itinerary and our complete guide to Rottnest Island.
The best beaches on the east coast of Australia are spread out all along the coast. This list is by no means exhaustive and there are hundreds of other beaches that would deserve to be included. To avoid making this post too long we’ve reduced it to our 15 absolute favourites that need to be on your bucket list. Use the interactive map below to plan your next road trip. It can easily be added to your phone by clicking the symbol on the top right.
Top tip: Click the icon in the top right corner to add this map to your own Google Maps so it will always be with you on the go.
SHOULD YOU GO ON A CAMPING ROAD TRIP ALONG THE EAST COAST OF AUSTRALIA?
The east coast of Australia is one of the best places in the world for a camping road trip. While some of the beaches on this list are located in or close to larger cities there are also quite a few that are more remote. Having a car to get around will make your trip a lot more comfortable and will help you see more. Australia is a great country for camping especially if you’re travelling on a budget. Some of these beaches have campsites close by or can even be used for wild camping. Click here to read our complete guide to wild camping in Australia.
Looking for good places to wild camp on the east coast of Australia? Click here to read about our favourites. Don’t forget to check our our camping guides to popular spots in Australia like Bremer Bay, Perlubie Beach, Tasmania (including the Bay of Fires) or South Australia.
Top tip: We love Autralia’s beaches, but Bali has even more to offer, especially if you’re thinking of retiring in Indonesia.
BEST BEACHES ON THE EAST COAST OF AUSTRALIA
Here are our 15 favourite beaches on the east coast of Australia with some help from our favourite travel bloggers.
1. SEVENTEEN SEVENTY BEACH
Seventeen Seventy Beach lies in a sheltered cove and is the perfect beach for families or those looking for a relaxing day by the water. The water is calm with no waves creating ideal conditions for stand-up-paddles or kayaks which can be rented nearby. The effect of the tides is quite extreme here so come during high tide for the best swimming experience. During low tide, it’s possible to walk from sandbank to sandbank although you need to be careful not to go out too far.
With a campsite and a restaurant, nearby this beach is great for an afternoon by the water. There is also a boat ramp and a little marina just around the corner so those with a boat have access to the beautiful bay of Seventeen Seventy. If you have time you should consider booking a tour with the LARC!, an amphibious vehicle that takes visitors around the bay and the surrounding little islands. This is the perfect way to explore the incredible scenery of Seventeen Seventy.
2. REDHEAD BEACH
Redhead Beach is one of those incredible beaches in Australia that seem to go on forever. Located between Sydney and Port Macquarie, Redhead Beach is one of the best beaches on the east coast of Australia and an absolute must-visit on any road trip. It stretches for more than 9 miles and is known for its beautiful sand dunes and incredible cliffs. On the northern end of the beach, you can find a surf club with lifeguards which makes it a great spot to go swimming. If you don’t have your own you can rent a surfboard and enjoy the incredible wave conditions at Redhead Beach.
Redhead Beach gets quite busy during the summer but if you walk along the coast for a bit you’ll always be able to find a quiet spot. If you’re looking for more adventure why not book a sand dune tour on a 4×4 quad-bike which can be an exciting way to spend an afternoon.
3. BILGOLA BEACH
Just a short drive from Sydney lies Bilgola Beach, a beautiful spot surrounded by impressive cliffs. At only 500 metres this is one of the smaller beaches on this list but shouldn’t be missed. Bilgola Beach has a large rock pool which means you can swim safely even when the sea is rough. You can find these artificial swimming pools on beaches all along the east coast of Australia but Bilgola Beach has one of the best ones around. If you’re coming to swim at this beach it’s definitely advisable to either do so either in the swimming pool or between the flags when a lifeguard is on duty. Currents can be strong and it’s important to put your own safety first.
There is a cafe nearby as well as some picnic benches so you can have lunch after a day at the beach. The word “Bilgola” comes from an aboriginal term which translates to something along the lines of “swirling waters” or “pretty beach with steep slopes”.
4. WHITEHAVEN BEACH
Whitehaven Beach is the only beach on this list that cannot be reached by car. It lies on the Whitsunday Islands which are located off the shore of Airlie Beach in Queensland. This is arguably the most beautiful beach on this list and maybe in the world. Whitehaven Beach is said to have the whitest sand there is which consists of 98% pure white silica. It’s an incredible sight with its swirling sandbanks and crystal clear, shallow waters. While getting to Whitehaven Beach is only possible with a boat tour it’s definitely worth the journey. Whitehaven Beach usually gets very busy as tourist boats arrive.
The beach is large so you’ll usually be able to find a quiet spot but if you’re looking for the best experience it’s advisable to go early in the morning. Don’t miss out on some of the hikes nearby and make sure to stop at the lookout point for some incredible views of the sandbanks. Don’t forget to stop by nearby Hamilton Island, which is just as beautiful.
Our tip: Did you know it’s not permitted to take sand home from Australia’s famous Whitehaven Beach? Read our complete guide on taking shells or sand and why it’s often illegal.
5. MANLY BEACH
Manly Beach is a popular tourist spot in Sydney although it is not as crowded as the famous Bondi Beach. Known for being the location of the Australian Open of surfing every February Manly Beach is a popular spot amongst tourists and locals alike. This is one of the few city beaches on this list which means you’ll find a great selection of cafes, restaurants and shops nearby. The Manly Beach promenade is not to be missed after a long day at the beach. Manly Beach is not only great for surfing but also swimming, bike tours and simply relaxing. Manly is only a short ferry ride away from the city centre of Sydney and is a great place to escape the busy streets. With more of a beach-town feel, it’s a great spot for a day-trip. Don’t miss out on the fantastic hiking trails nearby.
6. BROADWATER BEACH
Located between Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour and not far from the famous Byron Bay lies Broadwater Beach. Flanked by the Broadwater National Park this beach is still largely untouched with secluded spots all around. It’s a very long beach stretching all the way from Evan’s Head to South Ballina in the north. Broadwater Beach is great for whale watching, hiking and exploring. There are no lifeguards on most parts of this beach so be cautious when going in the water. The beach is framed by sand dunes which house native birds and other wildlife. Broadwater Beach is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature and truly appreciate the beauty of this area. Don’t miss out on Evan’s Head which offers fantastic views of the beach.
7. KILLICK BEACH
Killick Beach is a beautiful spot located north of Port Macquarie between Hat Head and Crescent Head. This beach is perfect for those looking for peace and quiet without the tourist crowds you’ll find at some of the more centrally located beaches on this list. This beach is very long with the southern end being home to a surf club with some more sheltered areas. You can find picnic benches, showers and BBQ facilities. The further you go north the more deserted this beach gets with few access points. Close to Richardsons Crossing, there is a small area for parking and 4WD vehicles can access the beach. This is a great spot to wild camp or park while you are going surfing. Click here to read about 4 more secret wild camping spots on the East Coast of Australia.
8. AGNES WATER BEACH
Agnes Water is one of those incredibly long beaches that the east coast of Australia is known for. The southern end of the beach is quite busy with surfers and sunbathers. The further you walk up though the less other people you will encounter which makes this beach the perfect place for an early morning walk or a picnic. You can swim at Agnes Water Beach but as is the case with most Australian beaches it is advisable not to swim too far and watch out for the strong currents. There are lifeguards on the more lively end of the beach as well as beach showers, changing rooms and public bathrooms. This is a great place to park and enjoy a BBQ after a long day in the sun.
Agnes Water is a beautiful little beach town which is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. The local surf school prides itself in having Australia’s cheapest surf course. For only $17.70 AUD they guarantee that you will be standing up on the board after your first lesson. This is a great deal and shouldn’t be missed.
9. PALM BEACH
It takes just under an hour to drive to Palm Beach from Sydney. This beach lies on a narrow peninsula which separates the Pittwater Lagoon from the open ocean. Palm Beach is also the name of the nearby town which marks the northern tip of the peninsula.
Palm Beach is a beautiful surf beach with great waves year-round. Its white sand is typical for the area and makes it a great place to come to relax or surf.
One of the best ways to see Palm Beach is to go on the Palm Beach Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk, which is one of the best lookout points close to Sydney. The Barrenjoey Lighthouse sits at the tip of the peninsula and offers stunning views over Palm Beach and the Pittwater Lagoon. The walk only takes around 30 minutes and is fairly easy to manage. There are multiple paths to choose from each with beautiful photo opportunities. You might even spot whales if you’re visiting in early spring in winter. The Barrenjoey Lighthouse was constructed in 1881 and you can join a guided tour of the buildings every Sunday. Don’t miss out on this incredible beach and lookout point.
Don’t forget to check out our list of best Australia Instagram captions.
10. FOUR MILE BEACH, PORT DOUGLAS
When it comes to beaches in Queensland the list is endless and Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas is one you definitely need to visit! Located in tropical North Queensland, Port Douglas is a popular holiday town that’s home to spectacular lookouts, luxury resorts, and great restaurants. The best part about the town, however, is the beach. Although it is called Four Mile Beach, it is only four kilometres long, still, plenty of space to lay down and get some sun, though! The water is safe to swim in all year round; however, during stinger season (November-May), nets are put in place for you to swim in. There are sun loungers and umbrellas for rent so you can spend your day in comfort and step out of the hot tropical sun if need be.
One of the most beautiful attractions on the beach is definitely the lookout. On the northern end of the beach, you’ll see stairs that take you up alongside a cliff (five minutes) and open up to spectacular views of the beach and the clear blue ocean beyond – a must-do!
Find out more about Jasmin’s adventures at Kiwi Talks Travel.
11. BONDI BEACH
Bondi Beach in Sydney is one of the most famous beaches in Australia, and it’s easy to see why. This huge crescent-shaped beach is a popular destination for all sorts of travellers and beachgoers. Bondi is perfect for surfers, as there are long and constant waves, but also for people who love swimming, thanks for the iconic ocean pool of Bondi Icebergs Club. Bondi Beach is also the starting point (or endpoint) of the famous Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. This 6 km walk is perfect for anyone looking to get some steps in.
For those who just want to relax, worry not, there are plenty of opportunities to do just that too! The sweeping white sand of Bondi is perfect for tanning and relaxing. There are loads of restaurants and cafes around the beach, so you can either have lunch with a view of Bondi or grab some takeaway and eat on the beach. If you’re looking for the best beaches on the East Coast of Australia then Bondi Beach has to feature on your list.
Find out more about Greta’s adventures at Greta’s Travels.
12. NOOSA BEACHES
Noosa is the crown jewel of the sunshine coast of Australia. Known for its expansive beaches and secluded bays, Noosa has endless opportunities to get in the water. Main Beach is the premier beach in the Noosa area and is one of the few beaches in Queensland that faces north, making the waves smaller, the sand flatter and a safe place for swimming all year – perfect for families and beginner surfers. For more skilled surfers, however, the less crowded Sunshine Beach is for you. Enjoy a stroll through the Noosa National Park, spotting wildlife and taking in the picturesque coastal views before taking a dip in the ocean at one of the many secluded beaches or take a dip in the fairy pools. Soak up the sunshine, stretch out on the endless golden sand and enjoy the beautifully clear waters.
This seaside town offers everything from spectacular beaches to national park hiking trails to gourmet restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries and stunning resorts. But don’t be fooled by the laid-back vibes of Noosa, as a healthy blend of luxury also saturates the town as well as backpackers’ and camping grounds, making Noosa the perfect holiday oasis for everyone.
Find out more about Emma’s adventures at The Checklist Chic.
13. CAPE HILLSBOROUGH BEACH
Cape Hillsborough is located approximately 50 kilometres north of Mackay. It is a natural paradise with rainforests meeting the shores of the ocean, volcanic headlands and eucalyptus forests. Cape Hillsborough is well-known for its untouched nature, hiking trails with spectacular views and endless and lonely beaches.
But the true highlight of Cape Hillsborough is Cape Hillsborough Beach, also known as Casuarina Beach. It provides one of the most iconic Australian photo backdrops – the kangaroo at the beach at sunrise. Every morning eastern grey kangaroos and wallabies make their way down to the beach-front to scour the morning tide for seaweed and mangrove seed pods.
Cape Hillsborough Beach really isn’t a place for late risers, but the opportunity to see kangaroos and wallabies in the wild and to snap the perfect Australia photo definitely makes up for the early start.
Read more about Sara’s adventures at Sara far away.
14. BALMORAL BEACH
If you’re looking for some low-key fun in the sun, head to Balmoral Beach. Tucked well away from the crowds in the picturesque northern Sydney neighbourhood of Mosman, Balmoral Beach is situated in Middle Harbour and is well sheltered from surf break. In fact, one of the distinguishing factors at Balmoral is its calm, almost flat water, ideal for snorkelling, kayaking, and SUP.
Don’t let the lack of swells fool you: there’s a ton to do at Balmoral. It’s technically two beaches, Edwards and Balmoral itself, unofficially divided by a rocky area called “the island.” There are calm rock pools, an enclosed playground, a wide promenade for walking and biking, a skatepark, restaurants and cafes galore, plus the Balmoral Baths, a u-shaped pool encircled by a wooden walkway and shark nets.
While there are several restaurants nearby including a fish and chips shop locals swear by, Bathers’ Pavilion is a must. The unique art deco building sits on the Edwards Beach end and houses several eateries including a full-service restaurant, coffee shop, and kiosk selling artisan popsicles. Note that although you’re not likely to find tourists here, parking at Balmoral Beach is extremely limited.
Read more about Taryn’s adventures at Chasing Trail.
15. PALM COVE BEACH
Known as one of the ‘northern beaches’ of Cairns, Palm Cove is easily one of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland. It may only be a 25-minute drive north of Cairns, but Palm Cove is something else. As soon as you drive down the main strip, you feel like you’re in another world.
The esplanade is lined with gorgeous palm trees to the right and delicious restaurants and holiday homes to the left. The beach itself is breathtaking. Situated on a 5,5 kilometre stretch of sand, there aren’t shortages of places to set up for the day. However, because Palm Cove is in Croc Country, it’s recommended that you don’t swim anywhere on the beach except for the nets between the red and yellow flags. The nets keep you safe from the saltwater crocs as well as the stingers (jellyfish) during stinger season. On the left side of the beach, there is a jetty where people can try their luck at fishing. You can also hire kayaks on this end of the beach and kayak out to Double Island, the home of Double Island Reef and Haycock Reef!
Find out more about Jasmin’s adventures at Kiwi Talks Travel.
Did we miss anything?
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