The official Top 10 Aussie Beaches list for 2024

5 min read
February 29, 2024
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Did you know that Australia wins the prize for the most beaches of any country in the world? We are blessed with over 12,500 beaches, and each year Tourism Australia’s Ambassador and Beach Expert Brad Farmer has the enviable job of selecting the country’s Top 10 Best Beaches. Unsurprisingly, this year’s Top 10 list is exclusively comprised of beaches found in regional Australia!

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1. Squeaky Beach, Victoria

Squeaky Beach in Wilsons Promontory National Park gets its name from the acoustics of compressed quartz and silica sand underfoot – the sand literally squeaks between your toes. This beautiful beach is one of the most photographed beaches in the Gippsland region.

The crashing waves and clear waters of Squeaky Beach stretch for 700 metres and the beach is uniquely recognisable by the striking, coloured granite boulders holding vigil at either end.

Picturesque nature trails and hikes abound amongst abundant stretches of pristine coastline. If you’re lucky you may come across a kangaroo, wombat, or even an emu in this natural haven.

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2. The Farm, NSW

As with many Aussie beaches, it was travelling surfers of the 60’s on the hunt for the perfect wave who uncovered this once hidden beach. The beach could only be accessed via a paddock and entry was granted by throwing a few coins to a kind farmer in exchange for opening his gate. Hence the name, The Farm.

Widely recognised and one of the best surf beaches in NSW, The Farm on the South Coast is a pocket-shaped coastal cove, annexed by two small headlands forming a majestic natural amphitheatre. It is part of the Killalea Regional Park which covers 250 hectares and is home to remnant rainforest, a scenic lagoon and many endangered flora and fauna.

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3. Cockle Creek, Tasmania

This is one for the adventurous at heart! Cockle Creek is quite literally the end of the road. It is the southernmost drivable point of Australia and gateway to the majestic coastal scenery of the Southwest National Park, located in the Hobart and the South region.

The water here can oscillate between 12 and 18 degrees Celsius, so if you like your swims brisk and refreshing, this is the place for you! Watch nesting shorebirds, marvel at the snowcapped mountain peaks and laze by the beach’s edge; as Cockle Creek puts the “wild” back into wilderness.

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4. Madfish Bay, Western Australia

With 12,000kms of coastline (Australia’s longest stretch of coast!), Western Australia presents a quandary every year when selecting a single “best beach” as the locals are so utterly spoilt for choice.

This year’s gem is Madfish Bay, a 20-minute drive from Denmark in Western Australia’s South West along an easy-paced ambling coast road. Madfish Bay is a hidden utopia comprised of a cluster of small beaches separated by natural rock outcroppings in the magnificent William Bay National Park. The secluded and semi-sheltered lagoon is perfect for kids to swim in, or if you’re a more confident swimmer, head to the right of the bay for deeper waters and snorkelling adventures.

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5. Pulu Blan Madar Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands

The word paradise gets thrown around willy nilly, but honestly, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands must be one of the closest things that Australia has to paradise on earth.

One of this far-flung archipelago’s southernmost islands is Pulu Blan Madar. With a sheltered curved beach and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this idyllic remote outpost is located almost 6 hours by plane from Perth.

The Cocos Keeling Islands are surrounded by one of the largest protected marine sanctuaries in the world, covering 467,054 square kms. Yet another jewel of the northwest to discover and savour.

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6. Cylinder Beach, Queensland

Often cited as one of the Sunshine State’s most beautiful and safe beaches, there’s no disputing that Cylinder Beach on North Stradbroke Island is an exceptional place to visit or reside. With 38kms of coastline you are bound to find your own little spot to swim, relax and play.

Access to the island is via vehicular or passenger ferry, with ferries leaving from Cleveland and arriving at Dunwich. If you’re visiting, be sure to check out the towns on the island, including the local museum.

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7. Lagoon Beach, NSW

World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island boasts impressive, densely forested mountains bordered by picture perfect beaches and a pristine coral reef, and has been likened to the ‘Hawaii’ of Australia. Lagoon Beach is the calmest, largest and most picturesque of the island’s beaches, with the majestic Mt Gower offering striking views on the horizon.

With no mobile phone reception, Lord Howe demands you switch off and immerse yourself in nature. And with visitor numbers limited to 400 at any one time (roughly the population of the residents), it is supremely peaceful and uncrowded.

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8. Long Beach, South Australia

Providing ease of access to the water, Long Beach on South Australia’s Limestone Coast allows you to drive your car right up to the water’s edge of this calm and sheltered beach, making it the perfect spot for families and those with accessibility needs.

The nearby central port of Robe was established in 1847 and was once one of the busiest ports in Australia for wool export. Buzzing cafes, craft beer, Limestone Coast wines and sumptuous fare is on offer regionally.

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9. Cow Bay, Qld

In Tropical North Queensland nestled between the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation you’ll find the incredible Cow Bay, on Kuku Yalanji Country. This is the famous stretch of tropical coast where densely rain-forested slopes meet the calm, clear coral shallows of the Great Barrier Reef.

Stroll along the cream coloured sand to take in the exquisite views, but don’t be fooled by the multi-blue-hued waters, because saltwater crocodiles call Tropical North Queensland home.

(Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

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10. Casuarina Beach, Northern Territory

Contrary to popular belief, Australia’s Top End really does have some fabulous beaches. Located in the Northern Territory capital of Darwin, Casuarina Beach on Larrakia Country is a long-time favourite beach amongst locals and visitors alike, complimented by a forested backdrop of paperbarks, mangroves and Casuarina shaders.

NT enjoys a completely unique coastal vibe and even has inland beaches worthy of exploration as far south as Alice Springs. And according to Beach Expert Brad Farmer, headlines of croc-infested waters are greatly exaggerated!

Sunshine Coast cements itself as nation’s favourite region, whilst city slickers declare ‘west is best’

5 min read
February 28, 2024
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The Sunshine Coast has surged ahead as Australia’s most coveted region for movers, capturing a record share of net internal migration over the last year according to the latest Regional Movers Index (RMI), but regional Western Australia’s also gaining popularity, particularly with metro movers.

The RMI is a partnership between Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) and the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), which analyses the quarterly and annual trends in people moving to and from Australia’s regional areas.

Data from the just-released December 2023 quarter RMI shows the regional net internal migration index increased by 4.6% over the last three months – it’s highest level since the September 2022 quarter and 13.8% above the pre-COVID average.

This index measures the number of people moving into the regions, relative to the number of people moving back to our capital cities.

RAI CEO Liz Ritchie said the lure of regional living remains strong, with 24.9% more people moving from the city to the regions, than back in the opposite direction.

“Regional Australia offers something more for many people, especially those from big cities. More space, more time, more affordability. This shift, away from capital city living, has been underway now for a decade. It was definitely super-charged by COVID, but this data proves the regions are still very desirable for a significant proportion of the population,” Ms Ritchie said.

Sydney was again the capital that shed the most people in the last 12 months, accounting for 65% of all capital city outflows, followed by Melbourne at 35%.

Regional New South Wales also accounted for the largest share of net inflows from capitals, capturing 36% of all city dwellers leaving the big smoke, followed by regional Queensland at 32% and regional Victoria at 30%.

The Sunshine Coast (QLD), Gold Coast (QLD), Greater Geelong (VIC), Moorabool (VIC) and Fraser Coast (QLD) all made return appearances in the RMI’s regional hotspot list, by share of net internal migration.

However, the Sunshine Coast now commands an impressive lead, accounting for a 17.5% share of all net internal migration, up from 12.5% a year ago, and eclipsing the next most attractive region, the Gold Coast, with an 8.1% share.

Commonwealth Bank Executive General Manager Regional and Agribusiness Banking Paul Fowler said the Sunshine Coast offered a wonderful lifestyle experience and is one of Queensland’s fastest-growing economies, so it was no surprise it had retained its coveted number one spot for the fifth quarter in a row.

“A skilled and diverse labour supply is one of the most critical inputs for any economy and Sunshine Coast businesses across a wide range of sectors are taking advantage of the growth in people coming to the area, moving at pace to explore new and innovative opportunities,” Mr Fowler said.

“The tug of regional New South Wales remains strong with communities relatively close to Sydney, such as Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, and Maitland, making various hotspot lists.

“It’s always a highlight for me to spend time in region with our customers and last month I was delighted to spend a few days in Newcastle, Maitland and the Central Coast of NSW. From the sunny beaches to the picturesque wineries, the Central Coast and Hunter region is a beautiful part of the world that contributes greatly to the Australian economy.

“With a strong local economy and significant activities being undertaken to diversify across sectors like infrastructure, defence, healthcare and manufacturing, we are really excited for the opportunities we have in the region, and to support more businesses in regional Australia.”

Mr Fowler said when it comes to growth hotspots, Western Australia continues to grow.

“WA’s economy is strengthening beyond traditional resources, with wholesale trade, construction, professional services and agribusiness coming to the fore,” Mr Fowler said.

Ms Ritchie added Western Australia was a standout performer in two key measures – taking out three of the top-five spots for annual growth in both total net internal migration and net capital-to-regional migration.

“In the last 12 months the Shire of Boddington has seen a 219% increase in net internal migration – with more than 70% of the movers made up of Millennials and Gen Xers and almost all of those relocating to the area from Perth. Meanwhile in Northam there has been an almost 93% increase in net capital to regional migration. Metro movers have developed a definite sweet spot for regions in the west,” Ms Ritchie said.

After historically high levels of movement across Australia in the last year, this quarter saw the number of people both regionally and city-based relocating, drop. This is attributed to the typical seasonal trend of reduced mobility in the last three months of the year; and the uncertainty that 2023 delivered through repeated interest rate rises, and high property prices.

Despite this, capital to regional migration remains 2.1% above the pre-COVID average.

Access the latest Regional Movers Index December 2023 quarter.

Media enquiries
Melinda Hayter – Regional Australia Institute
P: 0498 373 300
E: Melinda.Hayter@regionalaustralia.org.au

Commonwealth Bank
P. 02 9118 6919
E: media@cba.com.au

Editor’s Note: The Regional Movers Index, launched in 2021, tracks movements between Australia’s regions and capital cities, using Commonwealth Bank data from relocations amongst more than 16 million customers. This enables early identification of growth trends and flags places emerging as hot spots needing fresh thinking on housing and infrastructure.

Data based on CBA customer address changes over the past five years, with prior addresses resided in for at least six months. Greater Capital City/Regional Area based on ABS 1270.0.55.001 GCCSA. At least 50 persons must have migrated to an LGA from a capital city in the previous 12 months for an LGA to be include in the report.

The RMI is used primarily to map population movements between Australia’s regional areas and its capital cities. For this reason, it uses an ABS classification of regional that includes areas in and around other centres of population, including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong and Geelong.