Bate Bay named Australia's top 'beach' for 2026

Bate Bay was named Australia’s top ‘beach’ for 2026 following a study of the coastline around Australia’s mainland and surrounding islands.

Bate Bay is actually a 4.8 km stretch of coastline in Sutherland Shire, south of Sydney’s CBD, which contains a number of beaches including Greenhills Beach, Wanda Beach, Elouera Beach, North Cronulla and Cronulla beaches, and Blackwoods and Shelly Beaches, among others.

Veteran beach expert and Tourism Australia Beach Ambassador, Brad Farmer AM, the 2026 list highlights a diverse mix of world-class coastal destinations, ranging from the rugged cliffs of Tasmania to the tropical coves of Queensland and a unique inland beach in the Northern Territory. Each year, Farmer’s list includes every state and territory and continues to promote coastal conservation at all 12,500 plus beaches.

“The community-minded Bate Bay Beaches are, quite simply, stunning with the vast 4.8km stretch of undeveloped sand at Greenhills, Wanda and Elouera (Sydney’s longest) and to many other beaches such as Cronulla, Oak Park Beach and four more,” Brad Farmer AM said.

“In all, a collection of nine beaches, including four ocean pools and Gunnamatta Bay still water bathing enclosure made the final cut, ticking almost every box against an exhaustive 130-point evaluation criteria. With glorious golden sands and a cosmopolitan vibe, this picturesque stretch of coastline feels like a hidden gem right under your nose but is easily accessible by train from the city centre.

“This year’s list is a celebration of the quiet, soulful spots that define our coastal identity and offer a true escape for those willing to wander a little further.

“Whether it’s the remote allure of Beachcomber Cove or Hellfire Bay, these beaches offer a ‘slow-travel’ experience. They are places where you can still hear the wind and the waves rather than the crowds, providing a deep, authentic connection to the land and sea, with many First Nations stories.”

“Australia has the best beaches in the world,” Trade and Tourism minister senator the Hon. Don Farrell said. “From beautiful white sands to crystal clear waters, our coastline is truly unmatched.

“Our beaches are more than just beautiful holiday spots, they are an important part of our tourism and visitor industry, which supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country.

“I’m in the United States this week to promote Australia, and our spectacular tourism offering, including our magnificent beaches, at the launch of G’Day USA 2026.

“The flow of tourists between Australia and the US has never been stronger, with a whopping 745,000 Americans making the trip down under and spending over $2 billion in Australia last year.

“We want to see more international tourists planning and booking an unforgettable holiday to Australia. Every dollar spent by tourists in Australia is new money for our economy, supporting local businesses and creating new jobs.”

“Our beaches are a key part of our international brand, and this year’s study brilliantly showcases the incredible diversity of our coastline and beaches,” Tourism Australia managing director Robin Mack said.

“From the stunning sands of Bate Bay in NSW and Pinky Beach in WA to the iconic backdrop of The Nut in Tasmania and Ellery Creek Big Hole in the NT, these locations encourage both Australians and international visitors to explore more of Australia beyond the traditional hotspots.”