10 must see beaches in Australia

There are close to 12,000 beaches in Australia. Which made this article super hard to write. We'll let you explore the other 11,990 on your Australia working holiday.

1) Lizard Island, Queensland Lizard Island is an island near the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and is a strong contender for the title of most beautiful beach in Australia. With powdery white sands and sparkling turquoise water, this beach is a great spot for surfing and snorkelling. It earns bonus points for being within walking distance of Lizard Island National Park.

2) 75 Mile Beach, Fraser Island There are no prizes for guessing how this famous strip got its name! This seemingly endless stretch of sandy beach is one of the most unusual beaches you can visit in Australia and is also used as a runway for planes coming onto Frazer Island. Be warned though, the ocean may look great for a dip - but Tiger Sharks swim in the shallows. Hike up to Indian Head at sunset to watch them from a less bitey distance.

3) Byron Bay, New South Wales Popular amongst tourists and locals alike, Byron Bay attracts crowds for its boho surf vibes. Equal measure dreamcatchers and catching waves, Byron Bay is pure Aussie lifestyle goals. Couple a beach day with a trip to the nearby rainforests or find a spot on the surrounding cliffs for a spectacular view of the sunset.

4) Mandalay Beach, Western Australia Western Australia is less touristy than the East Coast, which only means there are more empty beaches to explore. Mandalay’s strong waves and rugged backdrop make this a must-see spot on the Rainbow Coast. Make sure to check out the remains of the wrecked ship Mandalay while in the area.

5) Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands Ideally situated in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef it really doesn’t get much better than Whitehaven Beach. With a pristine and unspoiled expanse of silky white sand coupled with aqua blue waters, it’s pretty clear why Whitehaven is often rated as one of the top beaches not only in Australia - but in the world. There are overnight camping facilities nearby for those who find a day trip to this amazing beach just won’t cut it.

6) Sunshine Beach, Noosa, Queensland A quieter alternative to nearby Noosa beach, this off-the-beaten track gem is a must see when travelling in Queensland. This beach is perfect for those looking for a tranquil spot to relax for the day and chill out with a good book. Also, double beach points for the name.

7) Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast Burleigh Heads beach boasts some of the best swimming, body-boarding and surfing on the Gold Coast, making it the perfect place to pause for the day. The coastline is lined with pine trees typical of the Gold Coast with many parks that are perfect for a picnic or barbecue.

8) Bondi Beach, Sydney Probably the most famous beach Down Under, every visitor should have Bondi on their Australian bucketlist. And although it may not be Sydney’s most beautiful beach, a number of other factors have secured its top spot. The brunch life and nightlife is some of the best in Sydney, the people watching is second to none, and a trip to the Bondi Iceberg pool is a must.

9) Wineglass Bay, Tasmania Part of Tasmania’s breathtaking Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay beach is a heavenly mix of perfect white sands, granite rocks and sparkling waters. This unique beach definitely justifies the extra effort for a trip to Tasmania.

10) Turquoise Bay, Exmouth One of Western Australia’s best beach spots, in Turquoise Bay you can find some of the best snorkelling in the world. A trip to this bay practically guarantees a sea turtle sighting.

Feel more like adding Oz to your bucket (and spade) list? Check out Work Australia.