Australia’s 10 best beaches named in annual tourism list – and the top spot goes to one you’ve probably never heard of
- Top prize for best Aussie beach went to a South Australian ‘natural beauty’
- Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island topped the annual list this week
- It beat contenders from NSW, Victoria, Queensland and Christmas Island
The gong for best beach in Australia has gone to a little-known South Australian ‘natural beauty’ after it knocked out popular favourites vying for the top spot.
Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island edged out beaches in NSW and Queensland to become the state’s first-ever beach to reach the number one position.
The picturesque and secluded Stokes Bay beat almost 12,000 beaches nationwide to be crowned Australia’s best beach for 2023.
Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island (pictured) edged out beaches in NSW and Queensland to become the state’s first-ever beach to reach the number one position
The beach (pictured) is touted by locals as Kangaroo Island’s ‘hidden gem’ and hailed for its family-friendly appeal
The secluded South Australian beach eclipsed more famous strips of sand such as Sydney’s Balmoral Beach (pictured) and the sunshine state’s Rainbow Beach, which came in at number 10 and three respectively
It eclipsed more famous strips of sand such as Sydney’s Balmoral Beach and Rainbow Beach on Queensland’s Cooloola Coast, which came in at number 10 and three respectively.
Tourism Australia’s beach ambassador Brad Farmer compiled the list and gave his reasons why Stokes Bay went to number one.
‘This is a sprawling island of immense natural beauty, brimming with wildlife on land and in sea,’ Mr Farmer told Nine News.
It is also home to one of the most famous wine regions in the country and has been described as ‘uniquely Australian’.
Touted by locals as Kangaroo Island’s ‘hidden gem’ and hailed for its family-friendly appeal, Stokes Bay features a tidal swimming pool that makes it ideal for wading and snorkelling.
Apollo Bay (pictured) on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria made it to the top five at number four
Rainbow Beach on Queensland’s Cooloola Coast took out number three position (pictured), with 4WD vehicles on the sand and sailing boats anchored in shallow waters)
Second place went to NSW’s Boomerang Beach, near Forster on the mid-north coast (pictured)
Second place went to NSW’s Boomerang Beach, near Forster on the mid-north coast.
Other less-known beaches made the list, with Christmas Island’s Flying Fishing Cove coming in at number nine.
It has been described as the ‘Galapagos of the Indian Ocean’ and sits closer to Indonesia than Australia’s mainland.
Little Bondi Beach in the Northern Territory featured at number seven, kicking its internationally-renowned namesake in Sydney out of the ballpark.
Federal Tourism Minister Don Farrell said Australian beaches were among the best in the world.
‘Australia boasts the world’s best coastline and many international travellers who are returning to our shores in growing numbers want to explore the idyllic beaches we have to offer,’ he said.
Flying Fish Cove at Christmas Island (pictured) came in at number nine on the best beaches list
‘Every beach on the 2023 list is not just among the best in Australia but the best in the world,’ Federal Tourism Minister Don Farrell said (pictured, kangaroos on Stokes Island)
Little Bondi Beach in the Northern Territory (pictured) featured at number seven, kicking its internationally-renowned namesake in Sydney out of the ballpark
Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison said Australian coasts were a drawcard for tourists (pictured, Rainbow Beach in Queensland)
Boomerang Beach (pictured) on the NSW mid-north coast was pipped for the top spot, coming in at number two
‘Every beach on the 2023 list is not just among the best in Australia but the best in the world.’
Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison said Australian coasts were a drawcard for tourists.
‘There is no doubt Australia is globally renowned for its beaches and they are a major reason international travellers visit,’ she said.
‘With about 12,000 beaches to explore across our country, including many of the best in the world, it is not easy to name a top 10.’
Top 10 Best Beaches in Australia for 2023
1. Stokes Bay – SA, Kangaroo Island
2. Boomerang Beach – NSW, mid-north coast
3. Rainbow Beach – Qld, Cooloola coast
4. Apollo Bay – Vic, Great Ocean Road
5. Adventure Bay – Tas, Bruny Island
6. Hamelin Bay – WA, South-West
7. Little Bondi Beach – NT, East Arnhem Land
8. British Admiralty Beach – Tas, King Island, Bass Strait
9. Flying Fish Cove – Christmas Island
10. Balmoral Beach – NSW, Sydney Harbour
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