Australia is home to the Great Barrier Reef, so there’s no shortage of water-based fun in this hotspot for tourism. If you love to dip your toes in the water then maybe you should check out these top six beaches Australia has to offer.

Bondi Beach, New South Wales

Bondi Beach is one of the most famous beaches Australia has to offer. Beach culture is important in Australia, and Sydney’s famous strip of sand is where it all started. Bondi Beach is accessible from Sydney so you can combine sightseeing with topping up your tan.

White Haven Beach, Queensland

White Haven Beach takes you away from the hustle and bustle of Bondi Beach and transports you to sand you might only imagine in a dream. The sand is pure white and super fine here at White Haven Beach, which contrasts perfectly with the azure blue of the water. It was voted Australia’s most beautiful beach by Australians and has to be seen to be believed.

Mandalay Beach, Western Australia

Sometimes in life, if you want something good you have to work for it, and that’s the case with Mandalay Bay in Western Australia. This idyllic beach is often overlooked by tourists who prefer visiting the East Coast of Australia. It requires a hike to get there, but once you do, it will have all been worth it. The beach is practically untouched, and its isolated location can make you feel as though you’re in a completely different country.

Cable Beach, Western Australia

If you’ve heard of the Staircase to the Moon phenomenon, then Cable Beach is where you want to be. The almost untouched beach is gaining in popularity thanks to public exposure on social media, and the biggest draw is the Staircase to the Moon trick of the light. This is where the sun sets over the waves on Cable Beach, making it seem as though you could step up to the sky.

Noosa Main Beach, Queensland

Along the sunshine coast, travelers are spoilt for choice for great beaches, but Noosa Main Beach is a must-visit. The sand is golden, water pristine, and the regular patrols make sure you feel safe bringing the whole family for a swim. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two. Humpback whales are also a common sight on the horizon as Noosa Main Beach brings sea life to you.

Byron Bay, New South Wales

Surfers come from all over the world to surf the perfect waves at Byron Bay. The water is ideal for surfing, and the sand is a great spot to do some relaxing as they tend to be pretty quiet while everyone else is on the water. From Bryon Bay, it’s only a short trip to the Gold Coast so you can get to the center of the action in a heartbeat.

These beaches are must-visits when you make your way around Australia. They offer something different but cover all bases to give you that authentic Australian experience.