3 Beaches in Australia that YOU MUST SEE

Let’s set the record here. I’ve been to Hawaii. I’ve been to California. I’ve been to Italy. I’ve been to Spain. I’ve been all over Florida… Australia has the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen.

I went to quite a handful of beaches in Australia, spanning from the east to the west coast of the country. It’s hard to pick, because they’re all so different… but if I had to pick my top three, here are the ones that would make the cut.

Top 3 Best Beaches in Australia

1.     Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW

If you’ve been doing your Aussie homework, you’ve probably heard of this one – because it’s the most talked about and because it’s in Sydney– which is perhaps Australia’s most visited city. 

The well-known-on-Instagram Iceberg pools (which you need to pay to go in, by the way) and the massive Bondi Beach in Sydney, NSW in January 2019.

What Makes Bondi Beach Worth Visiting?

Bondi beach is well-maintained, making it perfect for family gatherings, sports, surfing, swimming, or just enjoying views of the gorgeous Australian coast views.

The ripples of the water, the variegated cliffs, the beach cottages residing above the sand’s scenic home…

… my dad came up with a really good word for Bondi Beach. 

Houses in Bondi Beach in Sydney, NSW, Australia; January 2019

Majestic.

Waves crashing on the shore on Bondi Beach in Sydney, NSW, Australia; January 2019

 It is, and you’ll have to see it for yourself to understand why that word fits so well.

Should I Pay to Swim at the Bondi Icebergs?

Honestly, unless you’re really into an Instagrammable picture – I would skip paying the entry fee to swim at Bondi Icebergs Pool. This is because the views you get from the Bondi Icecberg Pool Club isn’t any different than on the main strip of the beach, and seeing as the pool is a part of the ocean – you could go swimming for free on the public beach.

2.     Noosa Head, Sunshine Coast, QLD

My dad and I stayed in Brisbane and rented a car to see the beaches nearby. I knew I wanted to go to the Sunshine Coast – but I didn’t know exactly where. A young man at our hotel’s reception high recommend that we go to Noosa Head; he cited it as is absolute favorite place to surf.

 I’m glad we took his advice.

I definitely saw the most surfer’s here… watching them will their multi-colored surfboard against the electric blue water… all of my Aussie dreams were coming true.

Noosa Head, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia; January 2019.

Is It Worth Driving to See Noosa Beach?

Yes, without a doubt – you will not regret making the drive out to Noosa Head to see this stunning Australian beach. Years later, this is the beach in Australia that we still talk about seeing – as Noosa is a heavenly beach paired with a cute little town for shopping, eating, and relaxing.

There’s a little beach town in the surrounding area; my dad and I got smoothies as we walked through the (mostly clothing) stores. 

Noosa Beach in Queensland, Australia; January 2019.

If you have a teenage daughter, I would be careful. If I wasn’t trying to save money to travel, I could’ve blown a lot of bucks on several extremely cute rompers.

Noosa Beach doesn’t have the same laid back, hippie vibe that Byron Bay does, but Noosa was far prettier.

Let this serve as a reminder to always ask the locals for advice!

3.     Cottesloe, Perth, WA

Cottesloe beach is very different than Bondi or Noosa. It’s nowhere near as big as Bondi or Noosa, it doesn’t have the same ‘surf’ or ‘tanning’ culture… but its sunset is out of this world.

Cottesloe in Perth, WA; January 2019.

Why Should I Go to Cottesloe in Perth?

Cottesloe is special for its sunsets over the Indian Ocean, and it’s easy to reach via public transportation. Relaxed and perfect for swimming or casual dining, Cottesloe is bound to be a perfect way to end your day in Perth.

Cottesloe is the most family oriented of the three. You’ll see a lot of kids playing Frisbee or flying kites with their families here. It’s a very humbling environment, and a very sweet and satisfying way to end the day.

If you make it all the way to Perth on your Aussie trip, make sure that your day ends here. There aren’t shops or endless places to eat, but there is the opportunity to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean.

The sunsetting over the Indian Ocean at Cottesloe beach in Western Australia; January 2019.

The thoughts that will run through your mind as you witness this Western Australian gem… you’ll be so glad that you made it out there.

Need some help deciding between the three beaches in Australia?

The table below will compare and contrast these must see beaches in Australia:

Beach	Description
🇦🇺🌊 Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW	Bondi beach is well-maintained, making it perfect for family gatherings, sports, surfing, swimming, or just enjoying views of the gorgeous Australian coast views. The ripples of the water, the variegated cliffs, the beach cottages residing above the sand’s scenic home… my dad came up with a really good word for Bondi Beach. Majestic. It is, and you’ll have to see it for yourself to understand why that word fits so well.
🇦🇺🏄 Noosa Head, Sunshine Coast, QLD	I definitely saw the most surfer’s here… watching them will their multi-colored surfboard against the electric blue water… all of my Aussie dreams were coming true. Yes, without a doubt – you will not regret making the drive out to Noosa Head to see this stunning Australian beach. Years later, this is the beach in Australia that we still talk about seeing – as Noosa is a heavenly beach paired with a cute little town for shopping, eating, and relaxing.
🇦🇺🌅 Cottesloe, Perth, WA	Cottesloe beach is very different than Bondi or Noosa. It’s nowhere near as big as Bondi or Noosa, it doesn’t have the same ‘surf’ or ‘tanning’ culture… but its sunset is out of this world. Cottesloe is special for its sunsets over the Indian Ocean, and it’s easy to reach via public transportation from Perth.

If you’re looking for other beaches, cities, and things to do in Australia, click here.

Last updated: June 2, 2025