Following the global success of Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches in 2024, Best Beaches Australia is dedicated exclusively to our famous and lesser-known shores.
Featuring 100 of the country’s best stretches of sand, this photographic guide takes readers on the ultimate coastal exploration.
From the turquoise waters of Queensland’s Whitsundays to the rugged beauty of Tasmania’s hidden coves, Best Beaches Australia captures the essence of the nation’s deep connection with the sea.
The book features inspirational descriptions from local writers who know the intricacies of each beach and why they’re so special.
“Australia’s beaches are legendary,” said Sarah Reid, multi-award-winning travel writer, editor and sustainable travel expert, who pens the book’s introduction.
“There are more than 10,000 stretches of sand to explore Down Under and they are among the cleanest and clearest in the world.”
Inside Best Beaches Australia:
- 100 must-visit beaches across every state and territory, with practical details on how to reach them
- Full-page photography showcasing Australia’s coastal beauty in vivid detail
- Expert insights from Lonely Planet’s team of trusted local writers
- Themed top 5 lists for wildlife watching, accessibility, snorkelling, family trips, camping, surfing, bushwalking and remote getaways
- Trip planning and tips to help travellers craft their perfect coastal adventure
The Top 5 Best Beaches for Wildlife Watching
- Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
- Mon Repos Beach, Bundaberg, Queensland
- Ned’s Beach, Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
- The Basin, Rottnest Island/Wadjemup, Western Australia
- Pebbly Beach, Murramarang National Park, New South Wales
The Top 5 Best Beaches for Camping
- Inalong Bay, Bay of Fires/Larapuna, Tasmania/Lutruwita
- James Price Point/Walmadan, Broome/Rubibi, Western Australia
- Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia
- Squeaky Beach/Tidal River, West Gippsland, Victoria
- 75 Mile Beach, K’gari, Queensland
The Top 5 Best Remote Beaches
- Greenly Beach, Coulta, South Australia
- Turquoise Bay, Ningaloo/Nyinggulu Coast, Western Australia
- Hellfire Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia
- 75 Mile Beach, K’gari, Queensland
- Dolphin Beach, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia
The Top 5 Best Beaches for Accessibility
- Bondi Beach, Sydney, New South Wales
- Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas, Queensland
- Monkey Mia Beach, Shark Bay/Gutharraguda, Western Australia
- Mount Martha Beach, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
- Burleigh Beach, Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast, Queensland
The Top 5 Best Beaches for Snorkelling
- Lady Elliot Island, Southern Great barrier Reef, Queensland
- Ned’s Beach, Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
- Stony Point Beach, Whyalla, South Australia
- Turquoise Bay, Ningaloo/Nyinggulu Coast, Western Australia
- Manly Beach, Sydney/Warrane, New South Wales
The Top 5 Best Beaches for Families
- Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia
- Hyam’s Beach, Jervis Bay, New South Wales
- Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, Queensland
- The Pass, Byron Bay, New South Wales
- Ninety Mile Beach, East Gippsland, Victoria
The Top 5 Best Beaches for Surfing
- Rainbow Beach, Coolangatta, Gold Coast, Queensland
- Merewether Beach, Newcastle, New South Wales
- Bells Beach, Surf Coast, Victoria
- Crescent Head, Macleay Valley Coast, New South Wales
- Injidup Beach, Yallingup, Western Australia
The Top 5 Best Beaches for Bushwalking
- Reef Beach, Sydney Harbour National Park, New South Wales
- Wreck Beach, Great Otway National Park, Great Ocean Road, Victoria
- Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park, Freycinet Peninsula, Tasmania
- Misery Beach, Albany/Kinjarling, Western Australia
- Horseshoe Bay, Bowen, Queensland
Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches Australia is available from shop.lonelyplanet.com or bookstores. $49.99.
