Tourism Australia's Best Beaches of 2023

Tourism Australia’s annual list of best Australian beaches is something we all can’t get enough of and for the first time ever, a South Australian beach has taken the top spot.

Australia has so many beaches that it would take you over 32 years to see them all! We are blessed with 60,000 km (37,282 miles) of beautiful coastline that includes approximately 12,000 beaches.

This annual list, which features at least one beach from every state, was compiled by beach expert Brad Farmer AM, who traveled across the country to find the best beaches.

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This year the top spot went to Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island. Take the top spot from WA’s Misery Beach who took out the prize in 2022.

We’re excited – Kangaroo Island’s Stokes Bay has been crowned Best Australian Beach! 🥇 Loved for its family-friendly nature and tidal pool, #KangarooIsland makes the top 10 in the prestigious @nytimes 52 places to go list for 2023: https://t.co/a2yHxOIMSS. pic.twitter.com/957FdiyjaZ

— South Australian Tourism Commission (@tourismsa) January 27, 2023

So what were the criteria? Brad says it all comes down to the vibe.

“I go to the beach, go swimming, talk to the locals and I get a feel for them. I’m much more immersive, and I think a little bit emotionally invested in it,” Mr Farmer said.

“The (criteria) are many, what kind of community will you experience when you get there?”

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Mr Farmer said he was making a conscious decision to include a wide range of beaches from around the country.

Federal Tourism Minister Don Farrell said each beach that made the list was “not just among the best in Australia, but the best in the world”.

“Australia boasts the world’s best coastline and many international travellers, returning to our shores in growing numbers, want to explore the idyllic beaches we have to offer,” he said.

So without further ado, here is this year’s top 10!

TOP 10 BEST BEACH IN AUSTRALIA

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1. Stokes Bay, Kangaroo Island – South Australia

3 years after vicious bushfires, 2023 Best Beach in Australia goes to Stokes Bay, Kangaroo Island: https://t.co/qJCSoYM1C7 via @ABCaustralia pic.twitter.com/uhx5mmzFTa

— philip white (@whiteswine) January 30, 2023

2. Boomerang Beach, Mid North Coast – NSW

Good morning from boomerang beach pic.twitter.com/YHmN4zi6bV

— Brigid Delaney (@BrigidWD) February 6, 2021

3. Rainbow Beach, Cooloola Coast – Queensland

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Rainbow Beach 🌈🥰
Double Island Point 🌈#Queensland #australia 🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🥰 pic.twitter.com/9VnEQjkoUY

— Nichola L Stephenson (@nickystevo) January 21, 2023

4. Apollo Bay, Great Ocean Road – Victoria

#ApolloBay #Australia pic.twitter.com/uH1e0I2bb5

— Fabrizzio Ponce (@fabrizzioponce) January 28, 2023

5. Adventure Bay, Bruny Island – Tasmania

Views from the top along Adventure Bay, #tasmania / 1 July 2017 pic.twitter.com/BziDNRIu2z

— Dominic Anastasio (@domin8tor_1) July 2, 2017

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6. Hamelin Bay, South West, Western Australia

#️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ Count down your favorite 30 posts from 2018 ⏳⬇️

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“No need to worry, I’m just your friendly neighborhood ray!” (via IG/emilyteresaward at #HamelinBay in @WestAustralia) pic.twitter.com/UqmBuoLhWq

— Australia (@Australia) December 21, 2018

7. Little Bondi Beach, East Arnhem Land – Northern Territory

8. British Admiralty Beach, King Island, Bass Strait – Tasmania

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9. Flying Fish Cove – Christmas Island

You’ve heard of the Great Wall of China 🧱🇨🇳, but have you heard of the Great Wall of Crabs 🦀? Found to the far right of Flying Fish Cove in Kampong on Christmas Island 🏝️, this is a wall covered in female crabs waiting to spawn in the early hours of the day.
📷 Nora Abdul Halim pic.twitter.com/qmkE4Po9EU

— Parks Australia (@Parks_Australia) November 30, 2021

10. Balmoral Beach, Sydney Harbour, NSW

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