A hidden Aussie bay lands on world’s best beaches list

 The World’s 50 Best Beaches list is out – and three Australian beaches have made quite the splash.

Each year, The World’s 50 Best Beaches team surveys thousands of travel experts, asking them to vote for their top beach in the world and explain what makes it special. The team then reviews submissions to compile the final list, considering a unique mix of natural beauty, wildlife presence, remoteness, tranquillity, water accessibility, calm conditions, low crowds, and consistently idyllic weather.

Three Aussie beaches appeared on this year’s list, further showcasing the breathtaking allure of our coastline. Whitehaven Beach and Lucky Bay are also featured on The World’s 50 Best Beaches’ Best of the Best list – a collection of beaches that have previously been ranked No. 1 in The World’s 50 Best Beaches and are considered worthy of continued recognition.

Here are the three Aussie coastal spots that made a splash as some of the best beaches in the world. 

#11 Turquoise Bay

Turquoise Bay is a snorkeller’s paradise. (Image: Tourism Western Australia/@saltywings)

Topping the list of Australian beaches at no.11 is the aptly named Turquoise Bay in Western Australia, located on the traditional lands of the Baiyungu, Thalanyji and Yinigurdira people. Situated near Exmouth in the Ningaloo Marine Park, it’s a snorkeller’s paradise, renowned for its gentle currents that make it ideal for drift snorkelling. Marine life such as fish, turtles, rays and vibrant coral reefs thrive in the bay’s crystal-clear waters, which lap against pristine white sand. 

The World’s 50 Best Beaches cited the beach’s incredible wildlife, serenity and natural beauty as key reasons for its high ranking – you won’t find crowds at this untouched piece of coastline.

Visiting Turquoise Bay during the dry season – from April to October – is recommended to see it at its best, with early mornings in April to August offering the calmest waters. 

#21 Wharton Beach

This unspoiled stretch of coast offers easy-to-wade-in waters. (Image: Wirestock)

The second Aussie beach to make the list is another remote Western Australian gem. Wharton Beach is nestled on the other end of the state, an hour’s drive from Esperance in the Duke of Orleans Bay. Sprawling white sand meets sparkling azure water where snorkellers can relish an underwater world teeming with marine life, and surfers can enjoy the rolling waves. The World’s 50 Best Beaches emphasised the lack of crowds and easy-to-wade-in water as reasons for Wharton Beach making the list. 

#37 Nudey Beach

Jewel-toned waters meet a white coral and sand beach. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Despite its name, swimming costumes are in fact required at this tropical paradise. Located on the South-West shores of Fitzroy Island, Nudey Beach boasts shimmering jewel-toned waters and a white coral and sand beach surrounded by lush rainforest. Part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, visitors can enjoy snorkelling off the shore in its year-round warm waters. A 1.2-kilometre walk along a rainforest track leads beachgoers to this hidden gem, which The World’s 50 Best Beaches acknowledged for its untouched beauty, tranquil atmosphere and lack of crowds.