Achmelvich Beach: Scotland's Answer to Western Australia
A beach in the Scottish Highlands has been identified as the best dupe in the United Kingdom for an iconic bay in Australia. Car rental experts SIXT released a list on June 24, 2026, ranking five UK beaches that most closely resemble world-renowned beaches abroad. Achmelvich Beach in the Scottish Highlands was named the top match for Wharton Beach in Western Australia, which was ranked third in the World's 50 Best Beaches list earlier this year.
Achmelvich Beach is located about three miles northwest of Lochinver and roughly 40 miles north of Ullapool, accessible via a single-track road. It is a popular stop on the North Coast 500 road trip. The beach is known for its clear waters, wildlife such as black and red-throated divers, porpoises, dolphins, and minke whales, as well as rockpooling opportunities and scenic views.
Similarities Highlighted by Experts
According to SIXT, Achmelvich and Wharton Beach share similarly clear waters, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for water sports like kayaking. Both beaches feature dramatic ancient rock formations as backdrops. The experts stated: "Achmelvich Beach in the Scottish Highlands is dubbed the dupe of Wharton Beach located in Western Australia, due to its striking similarities with both beaches boasting clear waters, dramatic ancient geological formations and wildlife. Both beaches offer beachgoers the opportunity to participate in swimming, kayaking, and spotting marine life."
Another Scottish beach, Luskentyre Beach in the Outer Hebrides, was named the UK's best dupe of Mamanuca in Fiji, which placed fifth on the World's 50 Best Beaches list. Luskentyre Beach is situated on the west coast of the Isle of Harris near the settlement of Luskentyre, known for its remote location and tranquility. SIXT noted: "Luskentyre Beach in Scotland and Mamanuca in Fiji may appear to be very different at first glance. However, Luskentyre Beach has been named in the world's top 25 beaches according to Tripadvisor. Both beaches are visually identical as they offer white sands, turquoise waters and dramatic rock backdrops."
Full List of UK Beach Dupes
Other beaches on the list include Kynance Cove in Cornwall, compared to Entalula Beach in the Philippines, and Man O' War Beach in Dorset, compared to Fteri Beach in Greece. The complete list is as follows:
- Entalula Beach, Philippines — Kynance Cove, Cornwall
- Fteri Beach, Greece — Man O' War Beach, Dorset
- Wharton Beach, Western Australia — Achmelvich Beach, Scottish Highlands
- Nosy Iranja, Madagascar — Sully Island, Wales
- Mamanuca, Fiji — Luskentyre Beach, Scotland
