Three Australian Beaches Ranked Among World's Best for 2026

Three Australian beaches have quietly earned a place among the world's best for 2026, with none located in New South Wales. The newly released ranking of the world's top shorelines, compiled by more than 1,000 travel experts, sees Australia secure three coveted spots in the top 25, including one that cracked the top three globally.

Wharton Beach Takes Third Place

Topping the list of The World's 50 Best Beaches was Entalula Beach in the Philippines, followed by Greece's Fteri Beach. However, it was Western Australia's Wharton Beach that stunned judges by landing in third place overall. For many Australians, the results may come as a surprise, particularly given New South Wales and South Australia's reputations for iconic coastlines. This year's rankings leaned heavily towards remote, untouched locations offering a more immersive natural experience.

Wharton Beach was praised for its rugged isolation and breathtaking scenery. Tucked away in the Duke of Orleans Bay, this stretch of coastline is known for its dazzling white sand and impossibly clear turquoise water. Its remote setting means that even at the height of summer, it rarely feels crowded, offering a rare sense of solitude that is increasingly hard to find. It is also a favourite among surfers, with consistent waves rolling in along the southern coast, while lucky visitors may even spot dolphins gliding through the water just offshore.

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Turquoise Bay and Wineglass Bay Also Shine

The result cements Western Australia as a global beach heavyweight, with another of its gems, Turquoise Bay, also making the list at number 15. Located within Cape Range National Park, Turquoise Bay lives up to its name in every sense, famed for its electric blue water and untouched surroundings where the desert dramatically meets the sea. What truly sets it apart lies beneath the surface: the bay forms part of the Ningaloo Reef, one of the world's most accessible coral reef systems, allowing snorkellers to step straight off the sand and into a thriving underwater ecosystem. Its famous 'drift snorkel', where gentle currents carry swimmers along the reef, has become a bucket-list experience for travellers.

Rounding out Australia's top entries at number 21 is Tasmania's Wineglass Bay, often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Set within Freycinet National Park, the bay is instantly recognisable for its near-perfect crescent shape, framed by pink granite peaks and lush bushland. Unlike many exposed coastlines, its unique formation helps shield it from harsh ocean conditions, leaving the water calm, clear and inviting. Reaching the beach requires a hike, which only adds to its appeal, keeping crowds low and preserving its untouched feel. From above, the sweeping curve of white sand is nothing short of spectacular, while at ground level, the sense of isolation makes it feel like a world away.

Methodology and Shift in Preferences

According to the organisation behind the rankings, the 2026 list reflects a growing global appetite for beaches that feel wild, remote and unspoiled. Co-founder Tine Holst said, 'To uphold that uncompromising standard, we've elevated our methodology for 2026,' explaining that the list now combines year-round, on-the-ground inspections with insights from more than 1,000 industry experts. Beaches were judged on eight key factors, including unique characteristics, wildlife, lack of overcrowding and consistency of idyllic conditions.

While this year's list shines a spotlight on more remote, under-the-radar locations, it marks a shift from 2025, when more recognisable Australian favourites dominated global rankings. Last year, Lonely Planet named two Aussie beaches the best in the world, with Whitehaven Beach in Queensland taking the top spot and Squeaky Beach in Victoria close behind. Whitehaven, often described as 'heaven on earth', is famed for its dazzling silica sand and swirling turquoise waters, drawing travellers from across the globe to the Whitsundays. The contrast between the two lists highlights a growing appetite for harder-to-reach, untouched destinations, with 2026's winners favouring wild beauty and seclusion over postcard-famous hotspots.