7 best beaches on Australia’s east coast
Grab your swimmers and towel. It can’t be winter forever, so when the weather starts to warm up again these east coast beaches should be top of your list.
1. Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay
This popular beach on the south coast of New South Wales has made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for having the whitest sand in the world. It really is spectacular and feels more like icing sugar than your traditional beach sand. Explore all the beaches in the Jervis Bay Marine Park on the White Sands Walk, an easy trail that runs along the shore with plenty of spots to stop for a dip.
2. Number One Beach, Seal Rocks
The name really sums it up – this gorgeous beach on the New South Wales north coast is hard to beat. It’s a great spot for both swimming and surfing, with good snorkelling and diving offshore as well. Keep an eye out for the local population of (harmless) grey nurse sharks. The village of Seal Rocks is one of the few along this stretch of coast that has managed to avoid development and retains its relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
3. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays
It’s the go-to beach for Tourism Australia when it wants to promote our fantastic beaches to the rest of the world. Whitehaven is a five-kilometre stretch of pristine sand on Whitsunday Island, the largest in the Whitsundays group. The island is part of a national park so there are no permanent tourism facilities, yet it makes it onto the itinerary of every day tipper.
4. Sunshine Beach, Noosa
Head south from the popular town of Noosa and you’ll discover one of Queensland’s best-kept secrets. Sunshine Beach is a tiny enclave with a stunning strip of sand that faces out directly onto the Pacific Ocean. That means the water can be a little rough, but even in the height of summer you’re likely to have most of the beach to yourself. Bliss.
6. Palm Cove Beach, Far North Queensland
Half an hour north of Cairns, Palm Cove is easily the best beach in the region, a pristine arc of golden sand fringed with waving palm trees. The water is calm and warm year round, and there’s a special netted section to keep out stingers for year round swimming. Though it’s one of FNQ’s most popular holiday spots, the beach rarely feels crowded.
7. Susan Gilmore Beach, Newcastle
Tucked away at the north end of Newcastle’s popular Bar Beach, this 100-metre strip of sand is named after an American clipper that was wrecked there in the 1880s. It’s quiet, private and lovely, and one of the best spots in the state to watch the sunset. Keep in mind however, that some people take advantage of the seclusion and go sans swiumsuit.
Do you agree with out inclusions? Do you think there are any beaches that we should add to our list? Let us know in the comments below.
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