FORGET Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays, Cable Beach in WA, the white sands of Hyams Beach on New South Wales’ south coast or even Manly Beach just than half an hour from the Sydney CBD.
None of those famously fantastic beaches make Brad Farmer’s Best Australian Beaches in 2025.
But the main beach in Cowes does make the list of the top 10 beaches in Australia, at Number 10, but we’ll take that!
For the first time, a Tasmanian beach, Bay of Fires, has emerged as Number 1 on the official list of Best Australian Beaches which is compiled each year by beach expert, Brad Farmer AM, following a comprehensive study of the coastline around Australia’s mainland and surrounding islands.
The 10 kilometre stretch of beaches in the southern portion of the Bay of Fires Conservation Reserve in Tasmania has taken the top honour. It’s the first time the title has gone to a cluster of beaches and not a single winner.
The section of coast makes up the southern portion of the Bay of Fires bookended by The Gardens to the North and Binalong Bay to the South.
Mr Farmer, who is an Australian coastal veteran and one of Tourism Australia’s Friends of Australia, said while the water might be a bit cooler in Tasmania, its coastline is pristine, and the Bay of Fires is worthy of the coveted title of Best Australian Beach for 2025.
“I spent plenty of time in Tasmania assessing the beaches and in the end there were so many incredible options I couldn’t even settle on one which is why, for the first time, I’m awarding the best beach to a cluster of neighbouring beach bays in the Bay of Fires,” Mr Farmer said.
“They say the colder water is good for you, but even if you’re not up for a refreshing dip there is still plenty to do and see along this 10 kilometre stretch of coast. It’s a location made for photography or painting, fishing and surfing.
“Woolgoolga in New South Wales has been judged Australia’s best mainland beach and finished in second spot, while Emily Bay Lagoon on Norfolk Island has taken out the bronze.
“Every beach which makes the list is a winner and this year really highlights the incredible diversity of the beach offerings we have here in Australia. It really is like nowhere else in the world. In 2025 we recognise beaches of all shapes and sizes right around the country.”
And Cowes is also the only beach in Victoria to make Brad Farmer’s Tourism Australia list, earning it a ton of publicity along with the others in the top 10.
They include:
- Bay of Fires, Tasmania
- Woolgoolga, NSW
- Emily Bay Lagoon, Norfolk Island
- North Kirra Beach, Queensland
- Little Lagoon, Western Australia
- Fishery Bay, South Australia
- 1770, Queensland
- Scarborough Beach, Western Australia
- Caves Beach, NSW
- Cowes Beach, Victoria
It’s worth noting that Chris Hemsworth, actor, Global Ambassador for Tourism Australia and Phillip Island local rates Cape Woolamai on top of a list of his favourite five beaches in Australia.
“One of my favourite spots to surf. I spent a lot of my childhood there and have great memories growing up there with my brothers,” said Chris Hemsworth of Cape Woolamai.
Brad Framer said his best 10 was chosen from almost 12,000 candidates.
“That’s not an easy job and the selections always create plenty of debate, which I welcome. I look forward to the feedback on this year’s top 10,” Mr Farmer said.
Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell welcomed the selections and the debate, urging everyone to get out there and find their own.
“There is no doubt that Australia has the best beaches in the world, and Tourism Australia’s 2025 Best Australian Beaches list highlights just how extraordinary our coastline is,” said Minister Farrell.
“This year’s list showcases to the world what Aussies already know – that Bondi and Brighton are great, but it’s worth the journey to see some truly unique beaches in regional Australia.
“There will be many families, just like mine, that love looking through the ‘Best Australian Beaches’ list every year to pick which ones they want to visit next.
“Congratulations to Tasmania - winning the title of Australia’s ‘best beach’ for the first time. It’s a beautiful part of the world, and I look forward to visiting again with my family.
“I was thrilled to see Fishery Bay on the Eyre Peninsula in SA make the top 10 – my great grandfather was the first harbour master at nearby Arno Bay, which is also a stunning spot.”
Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said our beaches were among our best assets.
“Visiting beaches around Australia to choose a top 10 is a tough job but someone has to do it, and we thank Brad for his work once again this year,” she said.
“At Tourism Australia our research consistently shows us that international visitors come to Australia to experience our beaches and the Best Beaches of Australia 2025 helps to showcase the breadth and depth of what we have to offer.”
So, if you don’t agree with Brad Farmer and Tourism Australia, what do you think is the best beach in Victoria and also in Australia?