Keen to hire a camper for an Australian road trip to some of the country’s best beaches? With around 36,000 km of coastline, Australia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Over 10,000 of them in fact! That all adds up to some seriously good road trip opportunities. The hardest part can be knowing which beaches to add to your motorhome travel itinerary. To help narrow down your choices, we’ve put together this handy guide to the 15 best beaches in Australia, but first …
Image: Tourism Western Australia
What’s the best way to explore the beautiful beaches in Australia?
There are loads of fantastic road trips and popular routes along Australia’s coastline. And there’s no better way to enjoy the awesome beaches along the way than with a Mighty campervan hire. Take your time, park up your motorhome by the beach, and enjoy the comfort and freedom of travelling in a home away from home. Your comfy campervan is ready and waiting anytime you need a cold drink, a bite to eat or to shower off the sand.
So, dig out your swimming gear, surfboard, and sunblock and get ready to feel the sand between your toes. Let’s dive in!
The top 15 best beaches in Australia
Surfing spots, idyllic white bays, and squeaky sand with stunning sunsets – you can find gorgeous shores in every state.
Coogee Beach, NSW
Surrounded by restaurants, boutique stores, and some great fish n chip shops, Coogee Beach is one of Sydney’s top beaches. Located in the suburb of Randwick, just 20 minutes from central Sydney, Coogee Beach is known for its soft powdery sand and year-round sparkling blue ocean. The waters are usually calm which makes it great for families with children. There is a rock pool at the northern end (Giles Baths) and a man-made rock pool at the southern end of the beach (Ross Jones Memorial Baths) near the Coogee Surf Life Saving Club. Just a few minutes’ walk south of the beach along the Coastal Walkway are two of Sydney's most spectacular ocean pools – McIvers Baths (women and children only) and Wylie's Baths. Walk to neighbouring Gordons Bay for some of Sydney’s best snorkelling and diving.
Bondi Beach, NSW
Just 8 km from Sydney’s CBD, beautiful Bondi Beach is one of the city’s most popular. Golden sands and sparkling blue ocean add to the picture-postcard beauty of this iconic beach. The main beach area is in front of the Bondi Pavilion, a national heritage-listed icon. On the headland of the southern end of the beach is the Bondi Icebergs, one of Australia’s oldest swimming clubs. Members swim at the 50-metre pool throughout the winter, giving it the name Icebergs. The pool and kids’ wading pool are open to the public. During the months from May to November, you can easily spot whales at Bondi as they make their annual migration. The best vantage spots are along the 6 km Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.
Image: Destination NSW
Squeaky Beach, VIC
If you’re planning a road trip to Wilsons Prom, don’t miss the opportunity to take a walk on Squeaky Beach. With its turquoise waters and pristine white sand, this beach is the most photographed beach of the Prom. But what makes the sand at Squeaky Beach squeak? We’re glad you asked! It’s all thanks to the tiny, rounded grains of quartz in the sand that rub together when walked on. It makes for great fun, especially for the kids. For a little adventure, head to the north end of the beach and check out the large granite boulders that create a maze of cool passages to explore.
Bells Beach, VIC
Bells Beach is best known as the home of the world’s longest-running surfing competition – the Rip Curl Pro. Located near Torquay in the Great Ocean Road region, Bells Beach has one of the best breaks in Victoria and draws multitudes of surfers every year. Bells Beach is a popular spot for sightseers too with great vantage points along the cliff.
Four Mile Beach, QLD
Palm trees waving in the breeze. Boats sailing in the distance. Friends snorkelling along rocky reefs. Welcome to Four Mile Beach, one of Australia’s ultimate tropical destinations. Considered the premier beach of Port Douglas, Four Mile is a slice of paradise with golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see. Spend your day exploring the easy walks, taking in the unspoilt views, and snorkelling in the Coral Sea.
Whitehaven Beach, QLD
Named Best Beach in the world in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2021, Whitehaven Beach is simply magical. This beach is THE 'must-see' of Queensland with its impossibly white silica sand stretching over seven kilometres along Whitsunday Island. Whitehaven Beach is the definition of relaxation and escape. The Hill Inlet at the northern end is where the tide shifts the sand and water to create a beautiful swirling of colours. And if you’re after the best view on the island, head to Tongue Point to experience the vast natural beauty of Whitehaven.
Glenelg Beach, South Australia
Just 20 minutes’ drive from Adelaide, the sun-soaked beach of Glenelg is steeped in seaside charm. Cool off with a swim, stretch out on the sand, then hit the shops. This beach is surrounded by sidewalk cafes and restaurants, boutique shops, and chilled-out bars. During summer, Glenelg is home to Australia’s only official bar on the beach, Moseley Beach Club. We can’t think of anywhere better to relax on a balmy evening, surrounded by white sand and lapping waves (while you sip on your favourite cocktail of course!).
Image: SATC Media Gallery
Maslin Beach, South Australia
The coastal playground of Maslin Beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula is renowned for its laidback lifestyle, awesome beach breaks for surfers of all levels, and top fishing spots. Known as one of the prettiest beaches in South Australia, Maslin is surrounded by high cliffs that offer a great spot for picnics or sunset viewing. The beach is also a haven for divers and snorkellers with stunning marine life, including the famed Leafy Seadragon. Maslin is also the resting place of several shipwrecks including the Star of Greece, a 1227-tonne iron ship that sunk in 1888.
Turquoise Bay, Western Australia
Located approximately 63 kilometres from the Exmouth township, inside the Cape Range National Park, Turquoise Bay is consistently voted amongst the top three best beaches in Australia. Spend the day relaxing on the white sandy shores and swim and snorkel in the brilliant blue water. Snorkelling here is simply incredible. Float across the thick coral gardens and meet some of the hundreds of species of brightly coloured reef fish. You may also see sea turtles, harmless reef sharks, and stingrays.
Image: Tourism Western Australia
Lucky Bay, WA
Taking the title of Australia’s whitest sand beach, Lucky Bay is a must for anyone visiting Esperance. Surrounded by Cape Le Grand National Park, you’ll find some great bushwalking trails and hiking tracks to explore nearby. Don’t be surprised if you see a kangaroo hop along the shore as you soak up the sun. The roos are residents here and can often be seen grazing on nearby grass and bush or nuzzling through piles of seaweed. For wildlife of a completely different type, keep an eye on the ocean from July to October when you’ve got a good chance of spotting migrating whales.
Cable Beach, WA
Looking for pure white sand and turquoise water as far as the eye can see? Head directly to Broome’s beautiful Cable Beach where you’ll find 22 km of pristine shoreline looking like it came straight off a holiday brochure. For the ultimate off-road experience, book a camel riding tour along the beach at sunrise or sunset. The beach is picture-perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing, but visit the southern end to see a real treat: 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints.
Image: Tourism Western Australia
Bay of Fires, TAS
Stretching for 50 km from Binalong Bay in the south to Eddystone Point in the north, Tasmania’s Bay of Fires is a sight to behold. Turquoise waters of the ocean partner with vivid orange lichen-coated boulders in a breathtaking clash of colours. The result is simply stunning! The name was given by Captain Tobias Furneaux who saw the fires of indigenous people on the beaches. And who wouldn’t want to sit down here for a nice campfire dinner and enjoy the white sand, clear blue water, and orange-hued granite? An entire aquatic world awaits with local guided diving and snorkelling tours as well.
Wineglass Bay, TAS
Topping the beach bucket list for many campervan travellers is Wineglass Bay. This perfectly curved bay sits in the Freycinet Peninsula, an outcrop of wild, pristine coastland on Tasmania’s east coast. Nestled in the iconic Hazards range and bordered by pink granite peaks, Wineglass Bay is the most photographed view in Tasmania. For the ultimate experience, indulge in an eco-cruise around the bay to discover hidden coves and soak up the serene landscapes of the peninsula.
East Point Reserve Beach, NT
Taking a road trip through the Northern Territory and need to cool off? We suggest planning a visit to East Point Reserve, Darwin’s largest park area. With several beaches to choose from, a lake, walking trails, and playgrounds, there’s loads to do while you’re here. Kids will love looking for marine life in the tidal region or spotting wildlife in the reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for wallabies, bandicoots, reptiles, butterflies, and birds.
Mindil Beach, NT
Renowned for its sublime sunsets, Mindil Beach is just five minutes from Darwin city. This tropical paradise has a large green reserve that provides the perfect spot for regular markets and community events. Time your visit for a Thursday or Sunday evening for the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Wander through the 200 unique stalls, take your pick from the local delicacies, and then head over to the beach for a picnic dinner and watch the sunset. Afterwards, cool off with a dip in the ocean before heading back to your campervan for a glass of wine before bed. Now that’s what we call the perfect way to end the day!
Ready to explore Australia’s best beaches?
The white sands and sparkling waters are waiting! Take the first step to enjoying Australia’s sun soaked beaches and book your Mighty campervan hire online today. Your awesome road trip begins the minute you pick up your camper from any one of our 10 nationwide branches.
Need more advice or inspiration to help plan your road trip? Check out these helpful guides:
Image: Tourism Western Australia
Image: Destination NSW
Image: SATC Media Gallery
Image: Tourism Western Australia