Top 50 beaches in the world revealed: Australian destinations make waves in 2025 list
Australia's pristine coastlines and beautiful beaches have officially been put to the test with the results of the 'World's 50 Best Beaches' being announced in the 2025 list, with many Australians waiting to see if their local favourites has made the cut.
Curated by over 1000 travel experts, influencers, and beach lovers from around the world, the list highlights sandy destinations that go beyond looks, considering water quality, seclusion, sustainability, and overall experience.
While the competition is fierce, beaches from across the globe made the cut — from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia and beyond.
Australia narrowly missed out on the top 10, with Turquoise Bay in Western Australia landing at number 11.
True to its name, the bay is renowned for its vibrant turquoise waters — some of the most striking you'll see anywhere in the world.
Located within Cape Range National Park, its remote setting means fewer crowds and more freedom to explore both the sandy shoreline and the surrounding scrubland.
It's especially popular for snorkelling, with easy access to coral reefs right from the beach.
At number 21, Wharton Beach, also in WA, was recognised for its dramatic coastal views and sense of seclusion.
Tucked away in the Duke of Orleans Bay area, its isolation ensures it remains peaceful even on peak summer days. With pristine white sand and clear blue waters, it offers a serene escape for those craving solitude.
Coming in at number 37, Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island in Queensland is often referred to as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, Nudey Beach is known for its postcard-perfect setting and sense of untouched beauty. Accessible via a short boat trip or a scenic walk from the island's main area, the journey to Nudey Beach is part of the experience.
The complete top 50 list can be viewed on
The World's 50 Best Beaches
.
With international travel roaring back and Australians rediscovering domestic gems, this year's ranking serves as both a source of national pride and a travel bucket list.
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Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Australians curb their enthusiasm for US holidays
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The Age
a day ago
- The Age
Australians curb their enthusiasm for US holidays
Flight Centre chief executive Graham Turner said business travel to the US was holding up, but fewer Australians were booking holidays there. 'Certainly compared to the pre-Trump era, everything that we see … is the leisure market in particular is down. There's no doubt that April and May have been down,' Turner said. 'US carriers have increased their capacity [to Australia] over the last six to 12 months, and there's no doubt they'll be suffering a bit. 'There's been cheaper airfares through sales and there will be [more] over the next few months unless things dramatically improve.' More than a million Australians visited the US last year. The country's latest official figures show 291,230 Australians visited the US from January to April, down 0.2 per cent on the same period last year. In April, Australian visitor numbers to the US grew 1 per cent year-on-year to 89,363. Meanwhile, 83,460 Americans arrived in Australia this March, making the US the second-largest source of visitors behind New Zealand. Australia's favourite destinations over the same period were New Zealand, Indonesia and Japan. Mitchell said young people most affected by the cost of living were choosing cheaper destinations such as Latin America or Asia, instead. He said the April slump in the Australian dollar sparked by Trump's tariff wars had 'spooked a lot of people' from booking trips to the US. 'The feedback we're getting is the US is an expensive destination to go to, with the service taxes and the tipping. And I think that word of mouth has honestly been getting around for a while now,' Mitchell said. He said even those who could afford to visit the US were cutting back on costs. 'I don't think it's stopping some people from going there, but it probably does change how they travel a bit. They might not go for 2½, three weeks; they might go for two weeks. They might not go five-star, they might go four-star or three-star,' he said. Qantas, which operates about 40 return flights a week between Australia and the US, said demand for US travel was holding up locally. Chief executive Vanessa Hudson recently said the airline was feeling optimistic about demand for the US, and 'business-purpose travel and business travel in premium cabins remains strong'. The airline said this year's sale for flights to the US had outperformed similar sales last year. Loading Michael Feller, an ex-diplomat and foreign policy adviser, said the second Trump presidency had caused enormous damage to US soft power and prestige. But he said it was difficult to trace that into consumer behaviour beyond unique cases like Canada. 'Boycotts are really tricky,' said Feller, who is now chief strategist at Geopolitical Strategy, which provides advice to companies around the world. 'US products are ubiquitous. And when you consume a quintessential US product like Coke, it's manufactured and bottled in Australia. And then there are other quintessential products like iPhones, which are manufactured and assembled in China. So, it's hard to disentangle 'Brand US'.' Despite gloom over Trump's trade wars, Feller said there were two silver linings for Australia. Loading 'The Australian consumer will probably benefit from Trump's trade wars insofar as cheap Chinese goods will be dumped on our shores, leading to lower costs,' he said. 'And if Trump cracks down on international students, those students will presumably look to a country like ours to study.'
9 News
2 days ago
- 9 News
The latest travel advice for Australia's favourite travel destinations
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Australians are heading overseas for a holiday in record numbers. From tranquil beach destinations like Bali to the countryside of New Zealand, buzzing US cities to the culture of Vietnam, Aussies can't wait to get away. But whether travelling for pleasure or to see family, it's essential to heed official advice We've collated the latest alerts from the Australian Government's Smartraveller site for the most popular destinations Aussies are heading to, according to the latest ABS data. New Zealand is the most popular destination for Aussies, the latest numbers show. A short flight away, the nation is famous for its exhilarating adventure activities including skiing. Experts give it the green light, saying to "exercise normal safety precautions". New Zealand is the most popular destination for Aussies the latest numbers show. (Getty) However, it notes the nation can experience earthquakes and tsunamis and has active volcanoes. It also says weather can change quickly and warns hikers to carry an emergency locator beacon. The latest advice was updated on March 17, 2025. Indonesia, is one of the most popular places for Aussies to go, likely for the popular island of Bali. But visitors should "exercise a high degree of caution". These related to drownings and drinking. Indonesia, is one of the most popular places for Aussies to go, likely for the popular island of Bali. (Getty) It warns many Aussies have drowned due to rough seas and strong currents. It also says methanol poisoning from alcohol can happen. Travellers are also warned to make sure their passports are in pristine condition or they may be turned away. Aussies are urged to read up on the Bali Provincial Government's list of "do's and don'ts". There is also an ongoing risk of terror attacks, demonstrations can also be hazardous, and petty crime is an issue. A warning over the safety of some ferries is also listed. If you're heading to take in the culture food and shopping Japan is famous for, there are few warnings in place. That's unless you plan to go to the restricted areas near the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, in which cause you should Reconsider your need to travel However, the nation does get earthquakes and tsunamis, Smartraveller says. Sign up for local alerts , the government says. Plus the security situation, including with North Korea, could worsen, experts say. If you're heading to take in the culture food and shopping Japan is famous for, there are few warnings in place. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Drink spiking and petty theft is also possible. Advice was updated on March 14, 2025. Updated advice was issued for Aussies going to the the United States of America on May 6, 2025. While it remains a 'green' country, with the official line "exercise normal safety precautions," there are things to remember. "Entry requirements are strict," Smartraveller says. "US authorities have broad powers to decide if you're eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law. "Check US entry, registration, transit and exit requirements. "Whether you're travelling on a visa or under the Visa Waiver Program, ensure you understand all relevant terms and conditions before attempting to enter the United States." The government also warns to avoid demonstrations and protests and notes violent crime, terror attacks gun crime are a threat. Severe weather and natural hazards such as earthquakes are also possible. New York City in the USA, a popular destination for holidays. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Tens of thousands of people from India live in Australia, and it's also a holiday bucket list place for many. Overall it's a "yellow" country where Aussies should 'exercise a high degree of caution.' That's due to the threat of terrorism, crime and civil unrest, Smartraveller advices. Crowed places should be avoided because people have been killed in stampedes. Women may face harassment or sexual assault and shouldn't travel alone, the government says. Spiked drinks and food are also a risk, as are scams and petty theft. Aussies should also "reconsider' travelling to the Attari-Wagah border crossing, Chhattisgarh, border areas of Nagaland, and parts of Assam. A high number of immigrants from India live in Australia, and it's also a holiday bucket list place for many. (Getty) The advice was updated on 12 May 2025. Thailand has risks to do with safety and security, making it country where Aussies should "exercise a high degree of caution." Some risks relate to the earthquake in nearby Myanmar earlier this year. Tremors continue as do assessments of the structural integrity of buildings, Smartraveller warns. Other risks include scams, terrorist attacks, sexual assault, road accidents, robbery and drink spiking. Thailand has risks to do with safety and security, making it country where Aussies should "exercise a high degree of caution." (Getty) Travel to Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces should be reconsidered. Aussies must now complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). The advice was updated on 30 May 2025. Vietnam has the green light for travel: exercise normal levels of precaution. In advice updated on 15 May 2025 Smartraveller notes Aussies need to apply for a visa before going. However, road accidents, sexual assaults and petty theft including bag 'slashing' are common. Vietnam has the green light for travel: exercise normal levels of precaution. (Getty) "To make bags and backpacks more difficult to steal, hold them in front of you or on the opposite side of the traffic. Be aware of motorbikes approaching as you walk.," Smartraveller advises. Official advice for China , which is famous for ancient sites like the Great Wall of China, advises a "high degree of caution". "As previously advised, authorities have detained foreigners on the grounds of 'endangering national security'" Smartraveller says. "Australians may be at risk of arbitrary detention or harsh enforcement of local laws, including broadly defined National Security Laws." Official advice for China advises a "high degree of caution". (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Scams and petty crime are common. Aussies should avoid protests- including taking photos and videos. You can only travel to Tibet as part of an organised tour, it notes. The advice was updated on 11 April 2025. The island nation is a popular stopover and holiday destination. Aussies should exercise normal precautions , Smartraveller says. Do be aware of the advice, which was updated on 22 April 2025. The island nation of Singpore is a popular stopover and holiday destination. (Getty) Scammers who call or send texts and pretend to be government officials, banks or telecommunications companies have been reported. Terrorism is also a possible threat in Singapore . The increasingly popular destination of the Philippines carries a yellow warning: exercise a high level of caution. That's due to the to the threat of terrorism as well as violent crime. Some areas carry a red "do not travel warning": central and western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula; the Sulu Archipelago and the southern Sulu Sea area. The increasingly popular destination of the Philippines (Getty) "Don't travel by boat" in the southern Philippines, the government advises. The update was made on 28 March 2025. CONTACT US Property News: The last inner Sydney suburbs where houses cost under $2m.
