Australia is well known for its stunning and memorable beaches. Most of us are familiar with the popular hot beach spots in Australia, but what about the lesser-known beaches? This list covers everywhere from secluded Cape Leveque in Western Australia, to Walkerville South Beach in Victoria.
I have visited the busiest destinations of Noosa, Sydney, East Coast Australia, Southern Victoria, and Western Australia. I’ve also come across some of the quietest, untouched, and stunning, secret beaches in different Australian states.
If you’ll be visiting Australia and wondering where the best secret beaches are, this list is for you
Cape Laveque, Western Australia
I’d heard stories. But it wasn’t until I visited the Dampier Peninsula that I took in the breathtaking beaches in north Western Australia.
This whole section of the Dampier Peninsula is accessible by 4WD only, along a dirt road. This is sometimes blocked by flooding which keeps the tourists and visitors to a minimum.
It’s difficult to describe this part of Australia in words, until you’re there in person. Cape Laveque and the surrounding peninsula areas are not only stunning and spectacular, but it is the feel of the place that is also leaves the biggest impact.
There is a spiritual element to the area, which may be due to the history of the land. Read more on the traditional land owners of Cape Laveque and the Dampier Peninsula.
The most popular place to stay at Cape Leveque is Kooljaman Resort. Set in the wilderness, the camp also has a luxury aspect, in a tasteful manner. The resort is low key and the beaches never get crowded as the resort has limited space.
There are also no crocs or jellyfish here, a rarity of northern Australian beaches! If you’re one of the lucky travelers to make the trek up this part of the coast, it is highly worth it.
If you ensure to respect the area, the traditional owners and surrounding communities, you’ll maintain the welcoming atmosphere and have the opportunity to learn the inspiring indigenous and prehistoric history and experience of the land.
Cable Beach, Western Australia
Another one of the best beaches in Western Australia is Cable Beach. This beach is very popular in the Broome area, but you may not be aware this beach is 22 kms long, along the Indian Ocean, providing other quiet stretches of beach to enjoy.
Visiting Cable Beach gives you a sense of calm and awe at the same time. How is it possible a beach can look so pristine and stunning and be uncrowded?
The spectacular colour contrast from the red earth rocks and dunes, to the blue/green sea is breathtaking. As well as the sunsets which mainly draw the tourists to the main Broome location of Cable Beach.
Peterborough Beach, Victoria
Peterborough is a quiet beach and holiday option between Warrnambool and Port Campbell along the Great Ocean Road. A lovely clean and quiet beach alongside a small town with only a few select shops and a pub.
Peterborough is perfect when searching for a chilled holiday option, while close enough to the nearby larger seaside towns.
Walkerville SOUTH Beach, Victoria
Walkerville South beach is a rugged coastal alternative to the nearby Wilsons Promontory or Venus Bay.
We visited the tiny coastal town of Walkerville at Easter time and for Victoria, had rare warm weather for the Autumn break. But the uninhabited views and laid back lifestyle are ideal for all kinds of climate.
The Walkerville South beach has been written about by childrens’ author Alison Lester in her famous book “Magic Beach”. This sweet beach cove is busiest on weekends but well worth the visit.
There were hardly any shops and a scattering of well designed, luxurious yet tasteful holiday houses at Walkerville South beach, overlooking clear water.
Wilsons Promontory, Victoria
Wilsons Promontory National Park, commonly known as “The Prom”, is located at the southern tip of mainland Australia, before Tasmania.
Tidal River and the nearby beaches are well known for the rugged rolling dunes and some of Australia’s best surf beaches.
Due to the 3 hours travel time from Melbourne city, this area is sometimes only known to international day trippers or regular visitors to The Prom.
Only the more experienced hikers are aware of the less popular, equally stunning beaches away from the main campground. Little Oberon Bay, Waterloo Bay and Sealers Cove are well worth the visit if you’re a curious hiker. For further information, see here.
Berrys Beach, Victoria
Not far from the more popular and well known surf beaches of Woolamai, Smiths Beach as well as the bay side on Phillip Island in southern Victoria, is a smaller and very pretty surf beach, Berrys Beach.
Not really for little kids to swim in, this beach is ideal for brave swims in the choppy sea and lazing back and taking in the pretty and quiet surrounds.
Bournda Beach, New South Wales
Bournda Beach and National Park is situated near Tathra, on the southern NSW Sapphire Coast.
This National Park is extremely appealing because of its combination of white sand, lagoons, creeks, and coastal beaches, as well as the large waters of Wallagoot Lake.
While the park is well serviced with camping and recreational facilities, the natural environment remains unspoiled.
Birdwatching and kayaking in Bournda Lagoon are popular and the park has a rich indigenous history. The area was an important food gathering place and evidence of hunting and tool making have been found in coastal sites.
Belongil Beach, New South Wales
Another one of my top beaches in Australia, Belongil Beach is hidden treasure in Byron Bay, NSW.
One of my first times visiting Bryon Bay as a young adult, I escaped Melbourne winter for a couple of weeks.
Instead of the usual accommodation, I decided to stay a 20 walk along the coast at Belongil Beach.
After walking into town and back along the soft sand there were locals around this area and a calmer atmosphere. Upon walking north in the opposite direction, I found large stretches of beach with not another soul to be seen.
Anyone familiar with Byron Bay will know that the beach is a stunning paradise. You feel incredibly lucky to be in the world when swimming in this water and looking at the view.
Little Wategoes Beach, New South Wales
If you’re searching for a white sand beach in Australia, Byron Bay has many.
Between the main beaches in Byron Bay, and the lighthouse is little Wategoes beach. A smaller and quieter option to the popular and luxurious main Wategoes beach next door.
Facing north, this beach is well-protected and only 150 meters in length, protected from the wind and is perfect for fishing off the rocks, swimming or soaking up the sun in a secluded area.
You cannot access this beach by car. Only by walking over the path from Main Wategoes beach, or from the lighthouse.
One to add to the list for any curious traveler, who enjoys escaping the crowds!
Seventeen Seventy, Queensland
Based in Gladstone, north west of Brisbane, Seventeen Seventy beach has the benefits of a surf beach as well as calm water ideal for snorkeling, swimming or paddle boarding.
Naturally preserved by the surrounding national park and granite rocks, this area with a general store and nearby restaurants is ideal for young families, or travellers searching for a quieter beach option.
North Coast, Northern Territory
A quieter alternative to the more popular Mindil beach and Vestey beach in the Darwin area, are the north coast beaches. They are surrounded by forests which belong to the traditional indigenous Kenbi people. If you stick to the beaches you are welcome to bring your 4WD for further exploring this remote and scenic area.
Coffin Bay, South Australia
One of the best beaches in South Australia is Coffin Bay National Park. This are has plenty of kangaroos and emus amidst large cliffs and stunning beaches.
Breathtaking views and being known for the “Coffin Bay Oyster”, there are only 6-700 permanent residents (escalation to 4000 plus in summer).
You will likely to see dolphins, sea birds and some incredible wildflowers, along the 7 mile long beach drive.
The Copper Coast, South Australia
Also known as the Copper Triangle, the lovely hidden beaches in this area are alongside gorgeous old Cornish cottages on pretty streets.
The small towns along this coast all have a history relating to the old copper mines and the Cornish miners who came to live here, and the area hosts the world’s largest Cornish Festival, held every 2 years in the Cornish Triangle.
South Beach, Port Hughes, South Australia
One of the best beaches in South Australia, South Beach, stretches a long way, with white sands and blue seas unspoiled by development of the sand dunes. You can walk and enjoy the peace with only the waves lapping and birds flying nearby.
Depending on the weather, boats come in pretty close to see if fish are biting, often anchoring off the shoreline. You can access the beach by the track from Port Hughes Caravan Park.
Mabel Bay, Tasmania
Mabel Bay on Bruny Island is an uncrowded surf spot, opposite the better known Cloudy Bay. The lighthouse is close by for those interested in a stroll.
The north of Bruny Island is 20 kms from Hobart, it still takes some organizing to get to Bruny island, as you need your own transport.
Amidst the cruises, there are plenty of walks and quieter options on Bruny island, including to and from Mabel Bay. This bay is perfect for surfers in search of an uncrowded location.
Conclusion
With plenty of beaches to choose from, all over Australia, these are only some of the secluded and basically unknown secret beaches.
Whether you prefer the magic of Walkerville South beach, or the warmer climate of Belongil beach, Byron Bay, we are definitely spoilt for choice in Australia when it comes to epic secret beaches.
As always, it pays to research safety and accommodation ahead of time, as some of these locations are very remote. Without the correct details, you could easily get lost for the night, or end up paying a lot more than you should’ve.
Enjoy your beach travels!
