This dreamy Australian beach has been crowned the best in the world for 2024: ‘Tropical paradise’

A picturesque palm-lined beach in Far North Queensland has been voted the best in the world.

Palm Cove Beach in Cairns’ northern suburb of the same name took the number one spot in Conde Nast Traveler’s top 34 Best beaches in the world in 2024 list.

The dreamy gem was described as ‘the epitome of a tropical paradise’, beating out breathtaking beaches from around the world, including Hawaii, Fiji and France.

Australia had the most participants and dominated the top ten with Byron Bay’s Wategos Beach, Sydney’s Mona Vale Beach and Noosa Beach in four, six and eight.

Two Western Australian beaches, Turquoise Bay in Exmouth and Gantheaume Point in Broome took 22nd and 25th place.

Palm Cove Beach is less than half an hour north of Cairns city center and just 45 minutes south of Port Douglas

The dreamy gem was described as ‘the epitome of a tropical paradise’, beating out breathtaking beaches from around the world, from Hawaii to Fiji and France

Palm Cove Beach is less than half an hour north of Cairns city center and just 45 minutes south of Port Douglas, where travelers can explore both the Daintree Rainforest and the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.

The incredible sandy coast is shaded by leaning palm trees and 500-year-old melaleuca trees.

The inviting blue waters are popular with swimmers, fishermen and kayakers. Whales and dolphins are often seen from the jetty.

Home to just over 2,000 people, the community of Palm Cove is considered by locals and visitors to be one of tropical North Queensland’s most ‘glamorous beach villages’ thanks to its collection of world-class restaurants, bars and spas.

The inviting blue waters are popular with swimmers, fishermen and kayakers. Whales and dolphins are often seen from the Palm Cove jetty

Palm Cove is regarded by locals and visitors as one of tropical North Queensland’s most ‘glamorous beach villages’ thanks to its world-class restaurants, bars and spas

Cairns Mayor Terry James told FEMAIL Palm Cove is one of Cairns’ most popular and iconic destinations, a magnet for visitors and much loved by locals.

‘What sets Palm Cove apart is its distinctive beauty and unique atmosphere. “It is a harmonious blend of a beachside village, adorned with beautiful melaleucas, complemented by luxury hotels and sophisticated restaurants, all located on a pristine, palm-lined beach,” he said.

‘Recognition of Palm Cove as the world’s number one beach by an award-winning travel magazine and website only confirms what locals already know about Palm Cove, often referred to as the jewel of Cairns’ northern beaches.’

At number four on the list is Wategos Beach, a breathtaking, sheltered stretch of coast on the north side of Cape Byron that is popular for surfing and family picnics.

Australia was the most represented country on the best beaches list, with three more in the top 10. At number four is Wategos Beach on the north side of Cape Byron.

Mona Vale, at number six, was dubbed the ‘unsung hero of the famous Northern Beaches’ and consists of two separate beaches stretching for one kilometer along the coast in northern Sydney.

A rocky platform separating the two beaches has an artificial, ocean-fed pool for those seeking calmer waters.

One of the ‘most loved’ beaches in Queensland, Noosa’s main beach also made Conde Nast Traveler’s top 10 at number eight.

Noosa Main Beach is a favorite among locals and travelers alike as its northern location means the sea is clear, flat and calm.

It is located on the edge of the lush Noosa National Park with vast stretches of golden sand, perfect for sitting on and watching the sunrise.

Further down the list, at number 22, was Exmouth’s Turquoise Bay in Western Australia.

One of the ‘most loved’ beaches in Queensland, Noosa’s main beach also made Conde Nast Traveler’s top 10 at number eight

Further down the list, at number 22, was Exmouth’s Turquoise Bay (left) and at number 25 was Broome’s Gantheaume Point (right), both in Western Australia.

Located on the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, the aptly named Turquoise Bay features clear water, white sand and perfect warm weather almost year-round.

With vibrant marine life and colorful coral, the crystal clear waters are ideal for avid snorkelers and ocean lovers alike.

The last Australian beach in the top 34 best in the world was Gantheaume Point near Broome at the age of 25.

Gantheaume Point is 6 km from Kimberley hotspot Broome, where red rock cliffs contrast with the sapphire ocean.

The rocky coast is dotted with natural pools and there are even real dinosaur footprints dating back 130 million years.