I’ve finally started planning a trip to Australia! I’m still in the early stages — dreaming about the itinerary, researching flights, and collecting useful links. And like with many other trips I’ve planned, I’m using several websites for inspiration. One of my favorites? Time Out Australia.
I first discovered Time Out when I was living in Lisbon, where I used to buy the magazine regularly. It was always full of great suggestions — from cultural events and exhibitions to restaurants and cafés worth visiting. Later, they launched a special edition for Porto, which made me an even bigger fan.
Eventually, the Time Out Market Lisbon opened, and I absolutely love stopping by whenever I’m in town. And just last year, the Time Out Market Porto also opened — a beautiful space filled with local flavors and creative energy. (I even wrote a post about my first visit — you can read it here.)
Now, as I plan my trip down under, I came across the Time Out Australia website — and I was instantly hooked on their article about the 20 best beaches in Australia. I decided to share the five that stood out to me the most. If you’re also planning a beach-filled vacation in Australia (or simply dreaming of sunshine), this post is for you!
🏖️ 5 stunning Australian beaches I’m adding to my travel wishlist
The Time Out Australia team curated a fantastic list of 20 must-see beaches across the country. After reading (and daydreaming over every photo), I picked five beaches that truly caught my attention. Some are world-famous, others are more off the beaten path — and I love that mix!
🌿 1. Bay of Fires (Tasmania)
Named the best beach in Australia for 2025, Bay of Fires is actually a stretch of coastline, not just one beach. It’s known for its white sand, crystal-clear water, and bright orange lichen-covered rocks. It looks wild, remote, and absolutely magical — the perfect destination for nature lovers.
🏝️ 2. Whitehaven Beach (Whitsundays, Queensland)
This beach has been on my radar for years! Located in the Whitsunday Islands, right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, it’s famous for its nearly pure white silica sand and turquoise waters. People say it looks photoshopped — but it’s real! You can only get there by boat, and several tours are available.
🦘 3. Stokes Bay (Kangaroo Island, South Australia)
This one surprised me. It’s located on Kangaroo Island off the South Australian coast and looks like a hidden slice of paradise. The waters are calm and great for swimming, and the area is surrounded by native vegetation. It seems like the perfect place for a peaceful day — and yes, there are kangaroos around!
🐠 4. The Basin (Rottnest Island, Western Australia)
This beach stood out to me because of its calm, shallow waters and natural beauty. It’s on Rottnest Island, just off the coast of Perth, and is great for swimming and snorkeling. And of course, you’ll probably meet one of the island’s most famous residents — the adorable quokka!
🌅 5. Noosa Main Beach (Queensland)
This is one of the few north-facing beaches on Australia’s east coast — meaning sun all day long! It’s perfect for relaxing without the wind, great for beginner surfers, and surrounded by cafés, shops, and coastal walks. A wonderful blend of nature and comfort.
☀️ Wrapping up…
These are just a few of the beaches I’m already including in my Australian travel plans — and my list keeps growing! From Tasmania’s wild coastlines to Queensland’s tropical reefs, the diversity is simply stunning. Time Out Australia helped me discover places I might not have found otherwise, and I highly recommend checking out their full article. I’ll be sharing more soon about my itinerary, accommodation picks, and travel tips — so stay tuned!
Which of these beaches would you visit first? Let me know in the comments!
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