Australia Names Best Beaches for 2026
Bate Bay beaches in Sydney's Sutherland Shire just got officially named Australia's best beaches by Tourism Australia. The recognition highlights clean sands, surf-friendly waves, and easy access from central Sydney — setting the national standard for world-class beach experiences with urban convenience.
The award for Australia's best beach is conferred annually by Tourism Australia's official Beach Ambassador, Brad Farmer AM. After assessing over 12,500 beaches, Farmer utilizes a rigorous 130-point evaluation scale to determine the winner. This comprehensive judging criteria considers factors such as natural beauty, water safety, community connection, and accessibility. Bate Bay's win is notable as it recognizes a collection of nine beaches rather than a single stretch of sand. This coastal area includes well-known spots like Wanda, Elouera, and Cronulla, forming Sydney's longest continuous beach. The area is also home to four ocean pools and the calmer waters of Gunnamatta Bay, offering a diverse range of aquatic experiences. This marks the second consecutive year a cluster of beaches has received the top honor, following Tasmania's Bay of Fires in 2025. The 2023 winner was Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island, which was the first time a South Australian beach had secured the top spot. These previous winners have used the accolade to boost their profiles as unique Australian destinations. Coming in second place for 2026 was Pinky Beach on Rottnest Island in Western Australia. Other beaches rounding out the top ten included Beachcomber Cove in Queensland, Tallow Beach in New South Wales, and Hellfire Bay in Western Australia. The list also featured a unique inland waterhole, Ellery Creek Big Hole in the Northern Territory. Local officials anticipate the award will significantly boost tourism to the Sutherland Shire. Sutherland Shire Mayor Jack Boyd stated the award recognizes what locals have long known and will help drive visitation. The NSW Minister for Tourism, Steve Kamper, echoed this, noting the accolade will be vital for supporting local businesses and elevating awareness of the region. The area already attracts approximately 1.1 million visitors each year.
