Image: Smoky Bay by @eyrepeninsula
Australia’s best beaches for 2026 have officially been named, and while Sydney’s south has taken out the top spot, South Australia is making a name for itself in the top 10.
According to Tourism Australia’s newly released Best Australian Beaches list, Sydney’s spectacular Bate Bay has claimed the number one spot for 2026. Curated by veteran beach expert and Tourism Australia Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer AM, the annual study looked at more than 12,500 beaches across the country and assessed them against a 130-point criteria.
Landing at number nine nationally is our very own Eyre Peninsula gem, Smoky Bay. Known for its bright blue waters and great fishing, this top 10 spot is a reminder that SA’s coastline is not one to overlook.
‘TOP 10’ BEST AUSTRALIAN BEACHES FOR 2026
| Rank | Beach | State / Territory |
| 1. | Bate Bay Beaches | New South Wales |
| 2. | Pinky Beach | Western Australia |
| 3. | Beachcomber Cove | Queensland |
| 4. | Tallow Beach | New South Wales |
| 5. | Hellfire Bay | Western Australia |
| 6. | Godfreys Beach – The Nut | Tasmania |
| 7. | Inskip Point | Queensland |
| 8. | Mount Martha | Victoria |
| 9. | Smoky Bay | South Australia |
| 10. | Ellery Creek Big Hole | Northern Territory |
This isn’t the only recent recognition for South Australian beaches. South Australia was a star in Lonely Planet’s newly released Best Beaches Australia, a photographic guide to 100 of the country’s most extraordinary shores.
Topping the global publisher’s list for wildlife watching is Kangaroo Island’s Seal Bay, where visitors can walk among Australian sea lions in one of the most unforgettable coastal encounters in the world.
For those who love snorkelling, Whyalla’s Stony Point Beach earned a coveted mention. With its crystal-clear water and colourful marine life, it’s no surprise locals and visitors keep coming back with a snorkel in hand.
Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches Australia features standout coastlines from across the country, including South Australian favourites like Salmon Hole, Seacliff Beach, Almonta Beach, Long Beach, Greenly Beach, Port Willunga Beach, Dolphin Beach, Ocean Beach Stony Point Beach, Seal Bay, Stokes Bay and Vivonne Bay.
“Australia’s beaches are legendary,” says Sarah Reid, multi-award-winning travel writer, editor, and sustainable travel expert, who pens the book’s introduction. “There are more than 10,000 stretches of sand to explore Down Under, and they are among the cleanest and clearest in the world.”
While Bate Bay may officially wear the 2026 crown, South Australia’s beaches are arguably more diverse than ever.
Keen to find out more? Check out Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches Australia here. Or check out Tourism Australia’s newly released Best Australian Beaches list here.
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