There’s no shortage of coastline in Australia. In fact, there are about 34,000 kilometres of it. That’s a lot of towel space. From tropical islands and reef lagoons to city surf breaks and southern coves, every state has its own take on sand and sea. Whether you’re here for sunrise swims, long road trips, or a quick dash from the city, these beaches prove why a quick dip can easily turn into an all-day affair.

Best for: Nature lovers, couples, anyone with a drone handy for those aerial shots

Where is it? Whitsundays, Queensland

There’s white sand, and then there’s Whitehaven. A seven-kilometre stretch of silica so pure it stays cool underfoot. Pretty handy when you forget your thongs on the boat. The water is impossibly clear, and the view from Hill Inlet lookout looks almost too perfect to be real. Come for the reef-side serenity, leave with 200 photos of the same swirl of turquoise water.

Best for: Surfers, brunchers, families who prefer boardwalks to big cities

Where is it? Gold Coast, Queensland

Burleigh is where the Gold Coast takes down the energy and turns up the family vibes. The waves roll in steadily, the pines cast that summer essential shade, and there is a constant stream of locals juggling a coffee, surfboard and dog all at once. You can hike the headland, paddle out, or wander straight from the sand to a café that does a decent flat white. No judgment if you never actually make it back to the water.

Best for: Swimmers, people-watchers, stylish types

Where is it? Eastern Suburbs, Sydney, New South Wales

Bondi’s the beach that needs no introduction… but we’ll try our best. It’s all sun tans, gym bodies and the distant clink of someone’s reusable water bottle. Locals swim laps at Icebergs, tourists perfect the accidentally candid towel photo, and early risers get the best of the Bondi to Bronte walk before the crowds roll in.

Best for: Families, snorkellers, serenity chasers

Where is it? Jervis Bay, South Coast, New South Wales

Hyams looks like someone’s turned up the brightness - the sand really is that white. If you don’t want to squint, pack the sunnies. The Jervis Bay beach on the NSW South Coast is calm, shallow, and backed by trails where the only sounds are birds' calls. Bring a picnic, a snorkel, and an unreasonable amount of sunscreen. This one’s built for easy, long days.

Best for: Surf watchers, road trippers, adrenaline junkies

Where is it? Torquay, Victoria

Bells doesn’t bother pretending to be gentle. This Great Ocean Road beach is all cliffs, wind and raw surf energy. Every Easter, the Rip Curl Pro takes over, with waves big enough to make your knees knock just watching. Even on quiet days, the sound alone could double as white noise therapy. Bring layers, not floaties.

Best for: Hikers, photographers, romantics

Where is it? Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

The sand of Wineglass Bay sits in a perfect curve beneath the pink granite peaks of The Hazards, and getting there involves a solid uphill walk (that’s long enough to earn that scallop pie you packed). From the lookout, it’s all calm water and wilderness, no resorts, no noise. Just Tasmania doing its thing.

Best for: Solitude seekers, wildlife spotters, rock pool explorers

Where is it? Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Kangaroo Island doesn’t really do crowds, and Vivonne Bay proves it. The water’s so clear you’ll second-guess your eyesight, and the beach is usually shared with sea lions instead of strangers. It’s quiet, bright, and feels about as far from the city as you can get without a passport. Bring snacks and a good book… you’ll never want to leave.

Best for: Sunset chasers, romantic couples, once-in-a-lifetime photographers

Where is it? Broome, Western Australia

There’s nothing subtle about a Cable Beach sunset. The nightly show beings when light goes molten gold, camels plod along the shoreline, and everyone whisks their cameras out to see the famous ‘staircase to the moon’ ripple. With 22 kilometres of sand, there’s room for 4WDs, swimmers and sunset picnickers alike.

Best for: Food lovers, sunset watchers, market lovers

Where is it? Darwin, Northern Territory

Swimming? Not if you’re spooked by the idea of salties. Sunsets and street food? Absolutely. Darwin’s Mindil Beach is all about its evening markets, with satay smoke drifting through the air, live music, tropical light that turns the sea orange, and – on Territory Day – explodes into a riotous firework display. Grab a laksa, find a spot on the sand, and watch the Top End put on its best show, night after night.