Australia’s 10 best beaches named in annual Tourism Australia list with Stokes Bay taking top spot

The award for best beach in Australia has gone to a little-known South Australian “natural beauty” after it knocked out popular favorites vying for the top spot.

Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island surpassed beaches in NSW and Queensland to become the first beach in the state to reach the number one position.

Picturesque and secluded Stokes Bay beat out nearly 12,000 beaches across the country to be crowned Australia’s Best Beach for 2023.

The beach (pictured) is touted by locals as Kangaroo Island’s “hidden gem” and hailed for its family-friendly appeal.

South Australia’s secluded beach dwarfed more famous strips of sand, such as Sydney’s Balmoral Beach (pictured) and the Sunshine State’s Rainbow Beach, which ranked 10th and 3rd respectively.

It outshone more famous stretches of sand, such as Sydney’s Balmoral Beach and Rainbow Beach on Queensland’s Cooloola Coast, which were ranked 10th and 3rd respectively.

Tourism Australia Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer compiled the list and gave his reasons why Stokes Bay made it to number one.

“This is a sprawling island of immense natural beauty, teeming with wildlife on land and in the sea,” Farmer said. nine news.

It is also home to one of the most famous wine regions in the country and has been described as “uniquely Australian”.

Touted by locals as Kangaroo Island’s ‘hidden gem’ and hailed for its family appeal, Stokes Bay boasts a tidal pool making it ideal for walking and snorkelling.

Apollo Bay (pictured) on Great Ocean Road in Victoria made the top five at number four

Rainbow Beach on Queensland’s Cooloola coast ranked number three (pictured), with 4WDs on the sand and sailboats anchored in shallow water)

Second place went to New South Wales’ Boomerang Beach, near Forster on the Mid North Shore (pictured)

Second place went to Boomerang Beach from NSW, near Forster on the central north coast.

Other lesser-known beaches made the list, with Christmas Island’s Flying Fishing Cove coming in at number nine.

It has been described as the ‘Galapagos of the Indian Ocean’ and is found closer to Indonesia than the Australian mainland.

Little Bondi Beach in the Northern Territory featured at number seven, ousting its internationally renowned namesake in Sydney out of the stadium.

Federal Tourism Minister Don Farrell said Australia’s beaches were among the best in the world.

“Australia has the best coastline in the world and many international travelers returning to our shores in increasing numbers want to explore the idyllic beaches we have to offer,” he said.

Flying Fish Cove on Christmas Island (pictured) was ranked number nine on the Best Beaches list

“All the beaches on the 2023 list are not just among the best in Australia, but among the best in the world,” said Federal Minister for Tourism Don Farrell (pictured, kangaroos on Stokes Island)

Little Bondi Beach in the Northern Territory (pictured) appears at number seven, ousting its internationally renowned namesake in Sydney out of the ballpark

Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison said Australia’s coastlines were a draw for tourists (Rainbow Beach in Queensland pictured)

Boomerang Beach (pictured) on the north coast of New South Wales was overtaken for the top spot, coming in at number two

“All the beaches on the 2023 list are not only among the best in Australia, but among the best in the world.”

Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison said Australia’s coastlines were a draw card for tourists.

“There is no doubt that Australia is world renowned for its beaches and they are one of the main reasons why international travelers visit,” he said.

“With around 12,000 beaches to explore across our country, including many of the best in the world, it’s not easy to name a top 10.”