Looking at the map of Australia, the sheer scale of its coastline is breathtaking. It’s a continent fringed with golden sand and turquoise water, boasting some of Australia’s best and most diverse beaches on the planet. From picture perfect beaches like Vivonne Bay Beach in South Australia to the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands, the coastline is dotted with natural beauty and vibrant beach culture.
This 3-day guide is for the ultimate beach lover, a curated adventure that takes you from the world’s whitest sand at Hyams Beach, which rivals even the dazzling Whitehaven Beach, to legendary surf beaches like Bells Beach and iconic Cable Beach. Forget a typical city break; this is an exploration of what makes a beach day in Australia so special. Get ready to pack your bags for a fast-paced journey to some of the most stunning shorelines you will ever see, including soft white sand, shaded foreshore lined with towering pine trees, and just a beach experience like no other. Along the way, you’ll encounter unspoiled bush, native Australian wildlife meet, and tranquil bays with calm blue water perfect for snorkeling among coral gardens. Whether it’s the beach festivities at the Gold Coast’s Burleigh Heads Beach or the camel train rides at the iconic Cable Beach in the Northern Territory, this itinerary showcases the best of Australia’s coastal wonders. From the east coast’s Freycinet National Park to Western Australia’s sparkling stretch of Lucky Bay, this journey covers impressive beaches lie across the continent, offering a true taste of Australia’s beach lifestyle.Day 1: The Whitest Sand and Legendary Waves
Your first day is a tale of two states, showcasing both serene beauty and raw, powerful nature. It’s a snapshot of the incredible diversity found along Australia’s southeastern coast.
Morning: Hyams Beach, New South Wales
Your journey begins at a place certified by the Guinness Book of Records for having the whitest sand in the world: Hyams Beach. Located in the picturesque Jervis Bay region, about a three-hour drive south of Sydney, this beach is pure magic. The sand is so fine and white it squeaks under your feet, and the water is a calm, brilliant shade of turquoise. Spend your morning simply soaking it all in. Go for a swim in the tranquil, protected waters of the bay, which are often visited by dolphins. The clarity of the water makes it a fantastic spot for snorkeling right off the shore among vibrant coral gardens. The contrast of the dazzling white sand against the green bushland of Booderee National Park that surrounds it is a photographer’s dream.- Local Tip: Visit on a weekday or early in the morning to avoid the crowds, as this small paradise is very popular. Parking is limited.
- Activity: Rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the serene bay beyond the main beach area.
Afternoon & Evening: Bells Beach, Victoria
From the calm of Jervis Bay, you will take a short flight from Sydney to Melbourne, followed by a 90-minute drive down the Great Ocean Road to Bells Beach. This is not a beach for casual swimming; this is a surfing mecca. Carved into dramatic rock cliffs, Bells Beach is home to the world’s longest-running professional surfing competition, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Even if you are not a surfer, the raw beauty of this spot is awe-inspiring. Stand on the clifftop lookouts and watch as powerful swells roll in from the Southern Ocean, with expert surfers riding the massive waves. The atmosphere is one of respect for the power of the ocean. As the sun begins to set, the cliffs glow a deep red, creating an unforgettable spectacle.- Photography Spot: The main lookout platform provides the classic panoramic shot of the beach and its powerful surf.
- Dining: Head to the nearby town of Torquay, the birthplace of iconic surf brands Rip Curl and Quiksilver, for oceanfront dining and a pub meal with a cold beer.
Day 2: Western Australia’s Coastal Wonders
oday, you will cross the continent to explore the stunning coastline of Western Australia. This part of the map of Australia is known for its vast, untouched landscapes and brilliant sunsets over the Indian Ocean.
Morning: Cottesloe Beach, Perth
After a flight into Perth, your first stop is Cottesloe Beach, the city’s most iconic stretch of sand. With its crystal-clear water, terraced lawns, and majestic Norfolk Pines, Cottesloe has a classic, almost Mediterranean feel. The vibe here is relaxed and family-friendly. Start your day with a swim in the calm, protected waters, or grab a coffee from one of the trendy cafes across the road. The iconic Indiana Cottesloe Beach, a beautiful building right on the beach, is the perfect backdrop for photos. On a clear day, you can see Rottnest Island in the distance. It’s the perfect introduction to the laid-back beach lifestyle of Western Australia.- Local Tip: Cottesloe is a great spot for a morning walk or jog along the dedicated coastal paths.
Afternoon & Evening: Cable Beach, Broome
From Perth, take a flight north to the outback town of Broome to experience a beach in Australia unlike any other: Cable Beach. This iconic cable beach is a breathtaking, 22-kilometer stretch of pristine white sand meeting the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The sheer vastness of the beach is something to behold. The most famous experience at Cable Beach is the sunset camel train ride. As the sun begins to dip towards the horizon, a train of camels walks along the water’s edge, creating iconic silhouettes against the fiery sky. The sunsets here are legendary, painting the sky in incredible shades of golden glow, orange, pink, and purple. It is a truly magical and uniquely Australian experience.- Activity: The sunset camel ride is a must-do. Book in advance with one of the local operators.
- Dining: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant overlooking the beach to continue watching the colors of the sky change long after the sun has disappeared.
Day 3: Tasmania’s Hidden Gem
For your final day, you will journey to Australia’s island state, Tasmania, to discover a remote and wild coastline that offers a completely different kind of beauty.
Full Day: Mile Beach, Tasmania
After flying into Hobart, you will drive south to the Tasman Peninsula to discover a hidden treasure within Tasman National Park: Mile Beach. Getting here is part of the adventure. The beach is accessible via a scenic walking track that takes you through coastal heathland, offering tantalizing glimpses of the water before you arrive.
When you emerge onto the sand, you will be struck by the raw, untouched beauty. Mile Beach is a long, sweeping crescent of pure white sand pounded by the waves of the Tasman Sea. It’s often completely deserted, making you feel like you have discovered your own private paradise. This is not a beach for swimming, as the surf can be powerful and dangerous. Instead, it’s a place for walking, reflection, and feeling a connection to the wild nature of Tasmania.
- What to Pack: Bring warm layers, as the weather in Tasmania can change quickly, even on a sunny day.
- Local Insight: Combine your visit with a trip to other famous landmarks on the Tasman Peninsula, such as the Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch, and the Devil’s Kitchen. This area showcases some of the most dramatic coastal geology on the entirety of the map of Australia.
More of the Beaches in the Australian Capital Territory
If your Australian beach adventure allows for a longer stay, there are several iconic and picturesque beaches worth exploring beyond the whirlwind itinerary.
Bondi Beach, New South Wales
One of Australia’s most famous beaches, Bondi Beach offers much more than just iconic sun-drenched sand. Located just a short drive from Sydney’s bustling Surfers Paradise, Bondi is a vibrant hub of beach culture. From catching a surf lesson to strolling along the scenic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere. The beachside is lined with chic city life amenities, including oceanside dining and boutique shops, making it perfect for those who want to combine beach relaxation with urban excitement.Jervis Bay, New South Wales
Known for its remarkably white sand and pristine ocean, Jervis Bay is a haven for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts. The area boasts vivid national parks and calm blue water, ideal for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling among coral gardens. Spending several days here allows visitors to explore multiple notable beaches, including Hyams Beach, which rivals the Whitsundays in its dazzling white sand. The surrounding unspoiled bush and native Australian wildlife meet create a peaceful retreat on the south coast.Lucky Bay, Western Australia
For those whose beach day involves hanging out with laid-back kangaroos on dazzling white sand, Lucky Bay in Western Australia is a must-visit. Famous for its dazzling white sand bordered by turquoise water and the chance to share the beach with sunbathing kangaroos, Lucky Bay offers a perfect blend of wild beauty and tranquility. Located in Cape Le Grand National Park, it’s an excellent spot for camping, hiking, and enjoying breathtaking views of the Recherche Archipelago islands. A longer stay here means more time to embrace the natural wonders of Western Australia’s coastline. These beaches provide a diverse range of experiences, from the bustling energy of Bondi to the serene and wild landscapes of Jervis Bay and Lucky Bay, making them perfect destinations for an extended Australian beach getaway.Travelling Through Australia’s Best
This whirlwind 3-day journey showcases the incredible diversity of Australia beaches. From the world’s whitest sand and legendary surf at Bells Beach, home of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach competition, to iconic camel rides along the pristine ocean shores of Cable Beach, and wild, remote coastlines like those found in Tasmania’s Freycinet National Park with its perfectly curved expanse of white sand at Wineglass Bay, you get a taste of everything the country has to offer. While it requires some travel, this itinerary proves that with a bit of planning, you can experience some of the most spectacular beaches on the planet in one unforgettable trip.
It’s an adventure that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of Australia, from the vivonne bay conservation park in South Australia to the family friendly cycling trails near Cottesloe Beach in Western Australia.
