Looking for a secluded spot on one of Australia’s best secret beaches? Now that the warmer weather is here, it’s the ideal time to discover Australia’s top secluded swimming holes. From NSW and QLD to WA, SA and Tassie, these summer favourites offer clear water, fine sand, and (mostly) perfect conditions from dawn to dusk. There’s a reason that our nation is considered home to some of the best beaches in the world. And if you take the time to wander a little off the beaten track, you’ll uncover some of our country’s most underrated swimming spots. Pack your sunnies and swimwear; it’s time for an adventure!
On gentler north coast of Kangaroo Island, with its long 500-metre sandy sweep of low impact waves, this beach features a generous and safe tidal swimming pool for wading or snorkelling with its aquarium like atmosphere. It also claimed the title of Australia’s Best Beach for 2023.
With a population of 1500, Rainbow Beach is the place to visit if you’re after a quiet getaway with a beach so exquisite you’ll never want to leave.
A 3km long eastern facing beach, Apollo Bay provides safe, patrolled (during peak periods) waters for walking, swimming, surfing, fishing, boating, sand castle building and beach cricket.
This tiny coastal town has one of the prettiest beach pools around. In fact, just one of the prettiest beaches in general.
Sandstone cliffs, turquoise water and a local favourite for surfers, Diamond Bay is perfect for a day trip with the family.
Elephant Rocks is an awe-inspiring natural rock formation around 439km southeast of Perth in WA. Marked by large granite boulders, which – as its name suggests – resemble a herd of elephants, the sheltered beach is considered to be one of Australia’s most beautiful. You’ll find its location about 15 kilometres west of Denmark, in the William Bay National Park. Photography: Rhys Palazzolo / Getty
To photograph or to swim? The eternal question of beach lovers everywhere. Wineglass Bay is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful locations in Tasmania.
Fraser Island isn’t all gorgeous blue water and white, sandy beaches. It has a white, sandy lake, too. Head a little inland to bathe in this wondrous location.
This heritage-listed ocean bath in Newcastle is perfect for those with an adventurous spirit. It can only be accessed via winding stairs, and the waves sometimes reach towering heights in high tide.
It takes a 4WD to access this part of Karijini National Park. But you’ll be glad you made the effort once you see the tranquil pools, lush waterfalls, and myriad of earthy colours.
Watch the sunrise over Long Bay from the Malabar Ocean Pool for a stellar start to your day.
Home to many endangered and protected flora and fauna species, this spectacular Jawoyn-owned part of Nitmiluk National Park is the perfect place for people who truly appreciate nature.
Slide down the sand dunes, go rock jumping, and avoid the bustling crowds at Redhead Beach.
Altona Beach is worth heading out of the city for. Just a half hour drive out of Melbourne’s CBD, you’ll feel a world away.
The name of Serenity Falls says it all. This oasis in the Buderim Forest is well worth the rugged walk.
