The world’s best beaches – and the three Australian spots that made the cut

Ash Cant
Apr 30, 2024, updated Apr 30, 2024

Turquoise Bay was one of three Australian beaches to make the list. Photo: Getty

A little-known and secluded beach on Australia’s western coast has been named among the world’s best.

Turquoise Bay, located in Western Australia’s Cape Range National Park about 1300 kilometres north of Perth, has been selected as the sixth-best beach in the world on the World’s 50 Best Beaches countdown.

Every year, the best of the best are ranked for those looking for the ultimate coastal experience.

The World’s 50 Best Beaches is based on the votes of beach ambassadors as well as more than 1000 of the world’s “most experienced and respected travel influencers and journalists”.

“The list offers travellers around the globe with unparalleled insights from the best in the industry,” a press release stated.

This year, three Australian beaches made the cut – two from WA and one from Queensland.

The top 10

Trunk Bay, US Virgin Islands
Cala Mariolu, Italy
Meads Bay, Anguilla
Entalula Beach, Philippines
Voutoumi Beach, Greece
Turquoise Bay, Australia
Pink Beach, Indonesia
Anse Georgette, Seychelles
Green Lagoon, French Polynesia
Horse Shoe Island, Myanmar

Australia’s best beaches

Turquoise Bay is described as “secluded and untouched perfection”, and where the desert meets the waters of the Ningaloo Reef.

It’s roughly a 40-minute coastal drive to Exmouth, which is a well-loved snorkelling spot.

“The waters of the bay are part of the incredible Ningaloo Reef, providing up-close encounters with a diverse array of marine life in crystal-clear conditions,” the list says.

“Its currents gently carry snorkelers along the reef in a relaxing drift, commonly known as the ‘Drift Snorkel’. Turquoise Bay offers an immersive nature experience that is rare to find elsewhere.”

In 20th place is Anchor Bay Beach, located on Queensland’s Lizard Island, which sits on the Great Barrier Reef.

Queensland’s Anchor Bay was 20th on the list. Photo: The World’s 50 Best Beaches

Visitors can explore the coral reefs by diving and snorkelling and the island is only accessible by a small plane or boat.

“Lizard Island, smack in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. All the beaches here are stunning, but Anchor Bay Beach is one of our favourites,” travel bloggers Lily Mercieca and Hayden Greener, known as @thegreenertwo online, remarked.

“It’s got pristine white sand, coconut palms, and the water’s crystal clear.”

The last Australian entry on the list is Wharton Beach, in 33rd place.

Yet another remote beach, this one being on Western Australia’s south coast, Wharton Beach promises a tranquil setting, thanks to its “crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sands”.