Australia is renowned for its beaches, so its perhaps no surprise that this year’s top strip of sand is not one but a “stunning collection”.

Tourism Australia has just unveiled its official list of the country’s best beaches for 2026, with the Bate Bay Beaches just south of Sydney taking out the No.1 spot.

“The community-minded Bate Bay Beaches are, quite simply, stunning with the vast 4.8-kilometre 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,” “veteran beach expert” Brad Farmer, who compiled the list, said.

“In all, a collection of nine beaches, including four ocean pools and Gunnamatta Bay stillwater 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.”

Sutherland Shire Mayor Jack Boyd the recognition was an honour, but no real surprise.

“This award recognises what locals have long known, and will help drive visitation to the Sutherland Shire for people to experience everything we have to offer,” he told Sky News Australia on Thursday.

“This huge honour highlights our coastline’s natural beauty, easy access to local public transport, surf culture, vibrant lifestyle and strong community connection.

“It also reflects the significant contribution of our surf clubs, volunteers, lifeguards and local community groups.”

NSW beaches also got another nod in Tourism Australia’s annual top 10, with Byron Bay’s Tallow Beach coming in at fourth.

Just 3.2 kilometres from the famed northern rivers town, it’s popular for swimming and sun-baking, bird and whale watching, and even beach fishing.

Farmer’s annual list recognises almost every state and territory (perhaps with apologies to the ACT?), with this year’s selection highlighting a diverse mix ranging from rugged cliffs in Tasmania to tropical coves in Queensland and a unique inland beach in the Northern Territory.

Ellery Creek Big Hole is a spectacular water hole in a gorge 80 kilometres west of Alice Springs. The local tourism site, Discover Central Australia, describes it as “one of the most popular and picturesque camping, walking, swimming and picnic spots in the  West MacDonnell Ranges National Park”.

Ellery Creek Big Hole is just a drive – albeit a sometimes tricky one – from Alice Springs. Photo: Tourism & Events NT/Shaana McNaught

“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,” Farmer said.

“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.”

Tourism Australia managing director Robin Mack said the list helped to drive regional tourism and showcase the breadth of Australia’s natural beauty.

“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,” he 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.”

No prizes for guessing how Pinky Beach, on WA’s Rottnest Island, got its name. Photo: Tourism Western Australia

Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell said Australia had the best beaches in the world and an “unmatched” coastline.

“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,” he said.

“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.”