32 Secret Beaches Around Australia You Must Visit This Summer

1. Garrie Beach

You'll find Garie Beach on the outskirts of southern Sydney in the lower Royal National Park. It's a great spot for a picnic with friends or even to spot a whale if you're lucky.

3. Milk Beach

Milk Beach is an isolated area in Sydney Harbour National Park that faces the harbour and offers unmatched views over the city. We suggest you take a swim here before everyone finds out about it.

5. Store Beach

The next beach on the list is in Manly but it's not the one you're thinking of. Store Beach is only accessible by boat which means you won't have to share the shore with crowds of tourists.

7. Washaway Beach

Tucked away on the classic Spit to Manly walk, this small slice of paradise is bordered by cascading cliff faces and sparkling turquoise waters. You'll need to take your walking shoes and your wits to access this secret spot – the rocky scramble down to the water is not for the faint of heart!

9. South Gorge Beach

South Gorge Beach is a cosy little cove that's naturally protected from strong winds and proves that size isn't always important.

11. Punsand Bay

For all the campers out there, Punsand Bay is the place to be this summer. You're perfectly positioned to explore the Cape York Peninsula and Torres Strait Islands which are one of the last remaining examples of untouched wilderness.

13. Blue Pearl Bay

Scuba divers and snorkellers will swoon over this delightful bay located on the north-western side of Hayman Island in the Whitsundays. There is an abundance of marine life (including a large population of giant Maori Wrasse) and coral here as well as crystal-clear water.

15. Lime Bay

Within the Lime Bay State Reserve, this beach is worth making an effort to find. With nothing but towering bushland as far as the eye can see, you'll feel like you've stumbled on an undiscovered gem here.

17. Cloudy Bay Beach

Tucked away in Tasmania's Bruny Island lies the ethereal Cloudy Bay Beach. This award-winning beach boast breathtaking views of stunning scenery of bush and ocean. With minimal buildings or signs of civilisation in sight, this is the ultimate oasis to retreat to if you're in need of an escape.

19. Thirteenth Beach

West of Barwon Heads, Thirteenth Beach is a 4.5km stretch of coastline that is ideal for surfers, swimmers and sunbathers alike. If you're up for it, stop in at the nearby golf course for a few holes.

21. Golden Beach

This long stretch of coastline is the perfect way to unplug from your responsibilities and restore inner peace with a long walk along the sand. Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos on the nearby golf course.

23. Hamersley Gorge

While it's technically not a "beach", you'll want your phone close by when you reach Hamersley Gorge in Western Australia. Waterfalls spill over into natural rock pools and provide the ultimate Australian summer experience.

25. Point Ann

Dramatic rock formations and burnt red cliffs are one of the reasons Point Ann is becoming more popular each year. The other reason is the beautiful ocean where whales are known to frolic.

27. Turtle Bay

Dirk Hartog Island is the most westerly point in the country and has become a national wildlife sanctuary including – you guessed it – loggerhead turtles. It's worth the trip over to the island to spot dugongs, whales and other sea creatures that roam the shores at Turtle Bay.

29. Gove Peninsula

In Arnhem Land at the top of the Northern Territory of Australia lies the Gove Peninsula with some of the clearest swimming spots in the country. Completely untouched, this secret gem is sure to rejuvenate your body and soul.

31. Rapid Bay Beach

Located on the Fleurieu Peninsula, 100 kilometres south of the state capital, this tiny beach haven is nestled between dramatic cliffs. The crystal blue waters are brimming with tropical fish and marine life – if you love diving, you'll be pleased to hear this is one of the best locations to spot leafy sea dragons!