The places, most named first
From the 7 guides that rank for "best beach towns in australia"
Named by 3 of 71. BroomeA Kimberley base known for Cable Beach and pearling history.Offers tropical heat and uncrowded shores, with sunsets and frangipani.
Named by 3 of 72. ExmouthA base for snorkelling and diving on Ningaloo Reef, with whale sharks in season.On the Coral Coast, where Ningaloo Reef can be snorkelled from the beach.
Named by 2 of 73. Byron BayDescribed as a relaxed, hip seaside town with hinterland views from the lighthouse.A local says the town feels chilled out; Wategoes Beach is her favorite there.
Named by 2 of 74. BusseltonKnown for its long timber jetty, calm swimming water and Margaret River access.About a two-hour drive south of Perth.Named by 2 of 75. PerthCottesloe Beach is a 15 minute train ride from the city centre.Scarborough Beach is 20 minutes from the CBD and has a refreshed foreshore.Best time to visit Perth
Named by 2 of 76. Gold CoastCalled Australia's beach capital, with 70 km of beaches; Burleigh is a pick.Coolangatta has some of the best surfing, plus sheltered north-facing swimming beaches.
Named by 2 of 77. BondiThe best-known beach in Australia, sitting in a bay with an ocean pool.A busy Sydney suburb beach with cafes, bars and the Icebergs pool.
Named by 2 of 78. Rottnest IslandPinky Beach is named as the pick on the island.Little Parakeet Bay has sheltered, calm water suited to small children.
9. Coral BayA tiny Coral Coast town, popular for snorkelling and diving at Ningaloo Reef.The town is one main street with a few cafes, shops and caravan parks.
10. DenmarkA South West town with galleries, Wilson Inlet and beaches such as Greens Pool.Suits hiking, fishing and national park exploring.Best time to visit DenmarkBest places to visit in Denmark
11. KalbarriRed cliffs meet the sea; Kalbarri National Park has river gorges.A handy stop on the drive from Perth to Exmouth.
12. Noosa HeadsA 2 hour drive north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast.A coastal walk in Noosa National Park passes quieter beaches such as Tea Tree Bay.
13. BermaguiA 5 hour drive south of Sydney, with a slow-life coastal feel.Horseshoe Bay is calm and roomy, suited to families.
14. WalpoleSurrounded by ancient forest and tingle trees, with the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.
15. YambaSix beaches, a surfing reserve at Angourie and an ocean pool at Main Beach.
16. Port FairyVictoria's oldest fishing port, with three beaches and an annual folk festival.
17. RobeOver 70 heritage-listed buildings and 15 km of Long Beach.
18. StanleyA Tasmanian north-west coast town under a volcanic bluff, with stone cottages.
19. Cape TribulationThe only place in Australia where rainforest meets reef.
20. NhulunbuyOn the Gove Peninsula in Arnhem Land, with snorkelling and the Garma Festival in August.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name March to May and September to October as the best time to visit Australia.
Questions people ask
- What are some coastal towns in Western Australia?
- Western Australia Expert lists Coral Bay, Busselton, Broome, Exmouth, Denmark, Kalbarri and Walpole among its top 15 beach towns.
- What are the most beautiful beach towns in Australia?
- The Telegraph picks eight: Yamba, Byron Bay, Cape Tribulation, Stanley, Broome, Robe, Nhulunbuy and Port Fairy.
