10 Australian White Sand Beaches to Visit on Your Next Coastal Escape

New South Wales

1. Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay

If you’re in Sydney and in need of a weekend getaway, jump in the car, put on your favourite podcast, and drive just under 3 hours down the coast to experience some of the whitest sand in all of Australia. Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay is a natural gem, with bright white sand and crystal blue water, this is the kind of beach you’ll want to spend all day at. If you prefer a quieter beach, definitely head there in the morning – try and catch the sunrise if you can! The beach itself is relatively long, so there’s plenty of room to spread out if you prefer having your own space.

3. Wategos Beach, Byron Bay

Heading up the New South Wales coastline now, you’ll find Wategos Beach nestled in the coastline of the magical Byron Bay. A gorgeous little beach with a lovely vibe, this beach hosts surfers, families and maybe even a few dolphins in the summer. The northern area of Wategos tends to be quieter, so if you’re wanting to score a park, we recommend heading up that way. Wategos is lined with Screw Pine Palm Trees, which act as the perfect natural shade from the sun, and double as a cute insta backdrop.

5. Hellfire Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park

While you’re soaking up the rays at Cape Le Grand National Park, it’d be rude not to check out the beauty that is Hellfire Bay. This stunning nook is perfect for picnics and refreshing dips into the ocean – pending weather conditions of course! Cape Le Grand National Park continually delivers the goods, this gem also houses some of the whitest sand in Australia along with crystal clear turquoise water. This beautiful beach will have you feeling like you’re on an episode of Lost – without the drama.

7. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, Queensland

Of the many things to visit while you’re in Hamilton Island, Whitehaven Beach should definitely be at the top of your list. Just a thirty-minute catamaran ride away, Whitehaven beach is home to breathtaking views that can be experienced on foot or even by helicopter. Stretching for seven kilometres and washed by swirls of turquoise water, Whitehaven Beach’s sand is 98 percent pure white silica, which gives it a brilliant, near luminescent colour. Make sure your phone’s charged, you’re going to be taking lots of pictures.

Tasmania

9. Boat Harbour Beach

Beautifully positioned between rocky headlands, Boat Harbour Beach is an idyllic harbour of white sand and water that glistens every shade of blue. Basque in the sun, explore marine life in rock pools, and when the day is done head up the road to the local cafe for some chicken salt chips and a chocolate milkshake. This unique beach neighbours Rocky Cape National Park, so you can continue living your best island life even when you leave.