Australia’s best beach for 2026 has been announced, with a picturesque stretch of coastline in Sydney’s south taking out the top honour.
Tourism Australia has released its annual Best Australian Beaches list, curated by the organisation’s “beach ambassador” and conservationist Brad Farmer AM. After travelling the country to assess coastlines, Farmer awarded first place to the beaches of Bate Bay.
The area includes Greenhills, Wanda and Elouera – Sydney’s longest stretch of sand – along with Cronulla, Oak Park Beach and several others.
“The community-minded Bate Bay Beaches are, quite simply, stunning with the vast 4.8 kilometre stretch of undeveloped sand at Greenhills, Wanda and Elouera (Sydney’s longest) and to many other beaches such as Cronulla, Oak Park Beach and four more,” Farmer said.
“With glorious golden sands and a cosmopolitan vibe, this picturesque stretch of coastline feels like a hidden gem right under your nose but is easily accessible by train from the city centre.”
For those not planning a trip to Sydney, the top 10 includes beaches and swimming spots from every state and territory except the ACT.
The Northern Territory’s entry, Ellery Creek Big Hole, is not a coastal spot, but it is a freshwater favourite , with the waterhole located west of Alice Springs and known for its striking natural beauty.
Farmer said this year’s list highlights lesser-known destinations offering a more relaxed pace of travel.
“Whether it’s the remote allure of Beachcomber Cove or Hellfire Bay, these beaches offer a ‘slow-travel’ experience,” he said.
“They are places where you can still hear the wind and the waves rather than the crowds, providing a deep, authentic connection to the land and sea, with many First Nations stories.”
Tourism Minister Don Farrell, currently in the United States promoting Australia as a destination, said the nation’s coastline continues to draw strong international interest.
“The flow of tourists between Australia and the US has never been stronger, with a whopping 745,000 Americans making the trip down under and spending over $2 billion in Australia last year,” Farrell said.
Tourism Australia general manager Robin Mack said the list was also an invitation for Australians to rediscover their own backyard.
“From the stunning sands of Bate Bay in NSW and Pinky Beach in WA to the iconic backdrop of The Nut in Tasmania and Ellery Creek Big Hole in the NT, these locations encourage both Australians and international visitors to explore more of Australia beyond the traditional hotspots,” he said.
Here are the top 10 beaches in Australia for 2026:
1. Bate Beaches, Bate Bay, NSW
2. Pinky Beach, Rottnest Island, WA
3. Beachcomber Cove, Cape Hillsborough, Queensland
4. Tallow Beach, Byron Bay, NSW
5. Hellfire Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park, WA
6. Godfrey’s Beach (The Nut), Stanley, Tasmania
7. Inskip Point, Inskip, Queensland
8. Mount Martha Beach, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
9. Smoky Bay Beach, Smoky Bay, SA
10. Ellery Creek Big Hole, Northern Territory
Image: mikecphoto / Shutterstock.com
