What Happened
Tourism Australia has announced the results of its annual Best Australian Beaches study for 2026, revealing that Bate Bay, located in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, has been named the best beach in Australia. The study was curated by Brad Farmer AM, a renowned beach ambassador and conservationist, who evaluated over 12,500 beaches across the nation.
Why It Matters
Bate Bay’s recognition as the top beach highlights its stunning 4.8-kilometre stretch of undeveloped sand, which includes popular spots such as Cronulla, Greenhills, Wanda, and Elouera. Sutherland Shire Mayor Jack Boyd emphasized that this accolade not only showcases the area’s natural beauty and vibrant community culture but also aims to boost tourism and local visitation. The award reflects the significant contributions of local surf clubs, volunteers, and community groups in maintaining the beach’s appeal.
What’s Next
With Bate Bay leading the list, other notable beaches include Pinky Beach on Rottnest Island, which secured the second position, and Beachcomber Cove in Queensland, ranking third. The announcement is expected to encourage more visitors to explore the diverse coastal offerings across Australia, as every state and territory, except the landlocked ACT, is represented in the top ten beaches.
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