Australia’s Best Beach in 2023 is Stokes Bay, Kangaroo Island - Travel News

Jan 30, 2023

Have you heard of this South Australian beach?

South Australia’s Kangaroo Island is getting a well-deserved revival. We called it one of the hottest destinations to visit in Australia this year, The New York Times listed it as number seven on its annual 52 Places to Go in 2023, Southern Ocean Lodge is due to reopen in the second half of the year and it recently welcomed four new luxury eco pods (which you can read more about here). To top off its winning run, Tourism Australia just released its annual top ten Best Beaches in Australia list and Kangaroo Island’s Stokes Bay has come out on top.

Tourism Australia’s Beach Ambassador, Brad Farmer AM, found plenty to love about this secluded stretch of beach on the island’s north coast.

“Most of the island’s 50 or so glorious beaches are all relatively secluded, yet accessible, so visitors are much more likely to encounter paw prints of the many furry lounging locals than footprints of the work weary human,” said Farmer of Kangaroo Island, when announcing his selection of Australia’s best beaches for the year.

Rainbow Beach, Queensland. Source: Supplied

“Stokes Bay Beach on the gentler north coast, with its long 500-metre sandy sweep of low impact waves, features a generous and safe tidal swimming pool for wading or snorkelling with its aquarium like atmosphere. There’s a timeless hint of mystique about this hidden treasure with a shimmering reward when the curtains lift. From the western entry carpark and seasonal cafe, this veiled beach is reached through a ‘secret tunnel’ — a hand-hewn cavernous carved trail finally revealing a stunning scene as if rewarding the adventurer. Stokes Bay is long overdue to be recognised as Australia’s Best Beach in 2023,” said Farmer.

This is the first time a South Australian beach has claimed the top spot. In 2022 Misery Beach scored highest, and in 2020, the now very popular Cabarita Beach reigned supreme. Stunning swim spots like Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island and Cossies Beach in Cocos (Keeling) Islands, have earned the illustrious title in the past.

Apollo Bay, Victoria. Source: Visit Victoria

Coming in at second was Boomerang Beach on NSW’s Mid North Coast followed by Rainbow Beach on Coolanda Coast in Queensland. The list was completed with beaches found across Australia with at least one from each state and territory.

While we still have some warm days ahead, pack your swimmers, slap on some sunscreen and take a dip at these idyllic beaches.

The top ten beaches in Australia for 2023: