Australia’s Beaches 2026: Rottnest and Esperance Steal the Spotlight, Stir Controversy Across the Nation
Australia’s best beaches for 2026 have been announced, and the West Coast shines bright, with Rottnest and Esperance coastlines earning top-tier recognition among the country’s finest shores.
The yearly list, curated by Tourism Australia’s self-described beach ambassador, Brad Farmer AM, narrows Australia’s vast coastline to a definitive top 10. Farmer, a committed conservationist, spent significant effort verifying each beach against an extensive set of about 130 criteria, with special attention given to remote shorelines that are often overlooked.
“This year’s lineup celebrates the quiet, soulful spots that define our coastal character and offer a genuine escape for those willing to wander a bit off the beaten path,” Farmer remarked.
This edition features an unexpected champion: Bates Bay in southern Sydney, NSW, clinching the top spot as the nation’s best coastline, much to the surprise of some observers though it remains a local favorite.
From the West, Pinky Beach on Rottnest Island earns a well-deserved silver, signaling pride for Western Australians. Farmer highlighted Rottnest’s crystal-clear waters and sheltered nooks that accommodate relaxed sunbathing as well as challenging surfing breaks for experienced riders.
“Heads up: the beach enjoys a sunny northeast orientation, calm seas, and shallow reefs interwoven with seagrass that gradually deepen, creating excellent snorkeling opportunities,” he noted.
Visitors can savor a panoramic view from nearby Bathurst Lighthouse or pair their beach day with nearby dining and lodging options for a fuller experience.
In a notable boost for Western Australia’s Great Southern region, Hellfire Bay near Esperance ranked fifth nationwide. While Lucky Bay often dominates conversations about the area, Farmer praised Hellfire for its pristine scenery within Cape Le Grand National Park, emphasizing its unspoiled beauty. Locals are well acquainted with the spectacle here—long stretches where kangaroos wander and dolphins glide through the calm water.
“The contrast of pale sand, rounded boulders, and the shifting ocean colors is striking, transforming with the day’s light,” Farmer described.
Despite nearby beaches drawing visitors with four-wheel-drive access, Hellfire Bay maintains its pull by inviting walkers to traverse the white sand, a choice that helps preserve the coastline’s natural appeal.
Not everyone shared the same enthusiasm for the list, though. Today show host Karl Stefanovic voiced a stark critique, declaring, “I think it’s the worst list I’ve ever seen.”
This marks the second consecutive year that Farmer’s rankings feature two Western Australian beaches in the top 10, with Little Lagoon and Scarborough Beach occupying fifth and eighth places in 2025 respectively.
Links and related stories follow, including a Perth couple’s lottery-turned-lifeline moment and a dramatic weather incident in the region, underscoring how these coastal places remain tightly interwoven with local life and headlines.
Would you agree with these top picks, or do you see other beaches deserving of a spotlight? Share your thoughts and tell us which coastline you’d defend as Australia’s best, and why.
