Did you know that Australia’s 50,000km-long coastline is home to a whopping 10,000+ beaches? Amazing, huh! With the majority of people living in Australia residing near to the country’s coastline (approximately 85%), Australia is famous the world over for its laidback lifestyle, by the beach. Many an Aussie will tell you some of their fondest and most joyful memories are those of spending summers on the beach swimming, building sandcastles and playing cricket, as well as body boarding and surfing.
Australia’s beautiful beaches come in a large array of landscapes, shapes and sizes, depending on whether they are bay beaches (such as those dotted around Melbourne), golden surf beaches (such as those on the famous Gold Coast in southern Queensland), coconut palm-lined, tropical, turquoise-water beaches (for which the Great Barrier Reef is famous), or rugged, untouched and isolated beaches (such as those found on the pristine coastline of Tasmania). Whether you prefer to be the only one in sight or enjoy larger crowds (such as those found on Bondi Beach, Sydney), there are thousands of stunning beaches all around Australia, just begging to be explored.
The East coast of Australia is a very popular choice for travellers, whether they are Aussies from down south or in particular, international tourists from all around the globe. Whether you choose to hire a vehicle and take a road trip or explore otherwise, the East coast of Australia is the perfect coastline to explore, not only thanks to it being home to bucketloads of spectacular beaches, but also due to the fact that four of Australia’s eight capital cities are located on this side of the country (Melbourne, Canberra (the country’s capital), Sydney and Brisbane).
Today we shall share with you six of Australia’s most incredible beaches found along the east coast, starting with pristine and unique Squeaky Beach in southern Victoria, all the way to Tropical Far North Queensland, where you shall find jaw-dropping Nudey Beach (the winner of Australia’s Top 101 Beaches Awards for 2018) located on Fitzroy Island, just off the coast of Cairns.
Squeaky Beach, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria
Framed by mammoth granite headlands and spilling over with incredible natural beauty, the iconic Squeaky Beach of Leonard Bay, Wilsons Promontory National Park (situated just 2 hours south of Melbourne) is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches located on Australia’s east coast. The white sand of aptly named Squeaky Beach is comprised of circular grains of quartz, which are so remarkably pure they squeak underfoot.
Squeaky Beach is accessible by means of walking just five minutes across easy ground through splendid, natural coastal scrub from the Squeaky Beach carpark. Following this short walk, you shall find yourself mesmerised by huge orange granite boulders, pristine white sand and stunning ocean waters. It is good to note that Squeaky Beach is not accessible by vehicle and to take special precaution should you choose to swim at this surf beach, due to no professional lifesavers on watch.
Image credit: ytravelblog.com
Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay, New South Wales
Did you know that the whitest sand of any beach on planet Earth is found at Hyams Beach? This beach is situated in the lovely seaside town of Jervis Bay, which is just 180km or 3 hours’ drive from Sydney, the capital of New South Wales (NSW).
Not only shall this beach’s incredible white sand have your jaw dropping, the crystal-clear turquoise water of Hyams Beach is equally beautiful, making this beach one of the top scuba diving and snorkelling locations found anywhere along the NSW coast. Hyams Beach is also a very popular choice for keen kayakers and windsurfers, and if you’re lucky, you may even be able to spot whales from the shore, as they make their way north over the cooler months.
When you are done enjoying the beach and exploring the sea life beneath the water’s surface, the area is abundant with numerous beautiful bushwalks, by means of exploring nearby Booderee National Park.
Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast, Queensland
Burleigh Heads is undoubtedly one of the most famous beaches dotted along southern Queensland’s Gold Coast, thanks to it being especially picturesque as well as a great laidback alternative in comparison to some of the Gold Coast’s busier beaches (e.g. Surfers Paradise).
Burleigh Heads beach is a feast for the eyes, with its gorgeous barrelling surf, basalt boulders, lush natural headland and enormous Norfolk pines lining the beach. This beach is popular among locals and visitors alike, thanks also to its lovely atmosphere. The nearby township is a great spot for a little exploring and is home to some of the Gold Coast’s best cafes and casual dining options.
It’s not uncommon to hear people say that Burleigh Heads is similar to Byron Bay, New South Wales, in terms of its cruisy, beachy vibe and amazing surf. In fact, Burleigh Heads is one of the best swimming beaches on the Gold Coast, thanks to the headland at the south of the beach, which protects it somewhat from southerly winds. Also worth checking out, are the area’s numerous beautiful walking tracks and picnic spots (especially Burleigh Hill at sunset).
Image Credit: beachesgoldcoast.com.au
Noosa Main Beach, Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Noosa Main Beach, on the picturesque Sunshine Coast, is not only a spectacular north-facing beach (meaning great swimming conditions), it is also just a stone’s throw from famous Hastings Street in Noosa Heads. Noosa Main Beach is a very family-friendly beach (thanks to its north-facing position), and is also popular amongst swimmers, surfers and stand-up paddle boarders. This beautiful beach is also unique in that it is patrolled every single day of the year, by professional surf lifeguards.
Hastings Street, just 100m from Noosa Main Beach, is the perfect spot for a delicious bite to eat (think local ice-cream, laidback cafes and fine-dining restaurants) after paddling in the surf. Hastings Street is also home to many amazing shops and boutiques.
Time spent in Noosa just isn’t complete without a walk through the stunning Noosa National Park, located at the eastern end of Noosa Main Beach. A wander through this spectacular National Park shall see you uncovering numerous breathtaking coves and smaller beaches, each framed by the Park’s stunning mix of vegetation. Who knows, if luck is on your side, you may even spot a koala (or two)!
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Queensland
Whitehaven Beach of Whitsunday Island (one of 74 islands that collectively make up the famous ‘Whitsundays’ region) is undoubtedly the most famous beach in the Whitsundays. The incredible, pure, white quartz sand of Whitehaven Beach is unique to this iconic location and is not found at any other island in the Whitsundays region.
This 7km+ long beach is one of the most photographed beaches not only in Australia, but the entire world, thanks to its remarkable pure white sand and contrasting, crystal-clear turquoise ocean water. In particular, the views from the nearby Tongue Point lookout of infamous Hill Inlet are truly breathtaking – a mix of white swirling sand through bright aqua waters.
Whitehaven Beach can be accessed via numerous local tour operators, including yachts, sail boats and ferries. From the beach, you can choose to kick back and relax, snorkel and explore the surrounding reef and/or to take a splendid bushwalk, for incredible views of Hill Inlet and surrounds.
Nudey Beach, Fitzroy Island, Tropical Far North Queensland
Nudey Beach, one of Australia’s most awe-inspiring, breathtaking beaches, is located on the stunning tropical island, Fitzroy Island, in Tropical Far North Queensland just off the coast of Cairns. Nudey Beach was awarded the number one spot in Australia’s Top 101 Beaches awards in 2018 and is an absolute must-see beach on an adventure up the east coast of Australia.
Fitzroy Island is spectacularly located right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, meaning you can snorkel from the shore of Nudey Beach right out onto the magical Reef below. You shall have the opportunity to explore numerous types of coral, stunning tropical fish (including clown fish!), and majestic sea turtles, for which the area is famous. All relevant gear is able to be hired from the island’s own Sports Hub.
Access to Fitzroy Island is made easy, thanks to a short 45-minute Fast Cat ride from the Cairns Marina to Welcome Bay, Fitzroy Island. A short stroll from Welcome Bay shall lead you to exquisite Nudey Beach, where you shall find pristine white sand and balmy turquoise water, framed by huge granite boulders and stunning rainforest vegetation. Choose to day trip to the island, or stay a little longer by taking advantage of one or more of Fitzroy Island Resort’s terrific accommodation options.
