Oceania's Top 50+ Beaches

  • Nielsen Park // Australia

    Nielsen Park

    Don't let the name scare you off, but Shark beach in Nielsen Park is one of Sydney's very finest beaches. Not only do you not have to worry about sharks (the beach is netted) it is also tucked away on the sheltered side of South Head meaning there are no Pacific waves to knock you off your feet. Combine this… read more »

  • Gordon's Bay // Australia

    Gordon's Bay
    Martin7d2

    Something of a secret beach, if they exist in Sydney, the tiny Gordon's Bay is situated about halfway between Clovelly and Coogee beaches. The small patch of sand here is flanked by sandstone cliffs with an offshore reef providing shelter from the waves. This makes it something of a favourite spot for fishing, diving and launching small boats. This is… read more »

  • Lady Bay Beach // Australia

    Lady Bay Beach
    © bfdingo / CC BY

    Also known as Lady Jane Beach, this little beach is located just around the corner from Camp Cove in Watsons Bay. The beach here sits on the sheltered harbour-facing side of South Head making it and ideal spot for taking a dip, or just taking in the views across the harbour. And don't worry if you forget your cozzie, Lady Bay… read more »

  • Shelly Beach // Australia

    Shelly Beach
    Hardlinerr

    Shelly Beach is a real gem, just a short ferry ride from Sydney or a 20-minute walk south along Marine Parade from well-known Manly Beach. Tucked beneath the Shelly Head Lookout, it faces west and is very sheltered.

    The 100m long beach got its name as the sand is made up of broken seashells so it's rather coarse and not… read more »

  • Marley Beach // Australia

    Marley Beach
    © Philip Terry Graham

    Sometimes called Big Marley Beach, this stretch of sand sits within Royal National Park just south of Sydney. One of the largest beaches within reach of the city, its gently sloping orange-yellow sands give way to sand dunes covering an area of 130,000 square metres.

    Facing towards the southeast, Marley Beach is just under 400 metres in length, and about the… read more »

  • Oneroa Beach // New Zealand

    Oneroa Beach
    © J.E. Mcgowan / CC BY

    This long crescent of sand is considered the main beach on Waiheke Island. Set in a wide sheltered bay on the northern side of the islands biggest village, Oneroa, it has plenty of facilities such as a free BBQ area, public toilets and a playground for children.

    read more »
  • Hahei Beach // New Zealand

    Hahei Beach
    © Luke Harries / CC BY

    Set on the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, Hahei is often overlooked in favour of its better known neighbour, Cathedral Cove. Famed for its limestone rock arch, Cathedral Cove has been used a location in a number of films including the Chronicles of Narnia movies.

    But Hahei beach itself is well worth a visit. It has the same limestone cliffs and… read more »

  • Little Oneroa Beach // New Zealand

    Little Oneroa Beach
    © CC BY

    Little Oneroa beach is situated on Waiheke Island, around an hour's travel from Auckland. It forms the southern end of the sweeping white sands of Oneroa Bay, which is also the location of the island's main village.

    The beach here is separated from the villages main beach (Big Oneroa) by a small finger of rock which can easily be climbed… read more »

  • Tautuku Beach // New Zealand

    Tautuku Beach
    © Pseudopanax

    Set on the Catlins coast in the southeastern corner of the South Island is Tautuku Beach. This rugged, remote area is a haven for wildlife known for its fur seals, sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins. If you are lucky you may even spot whales, which is no surprise as Tautuku was once home to a whaling station.

    Tautuku Bay itself… read more »

  • Whareroa Beach // New Zealand

    Whareroa Beach
    © Pseudopanax

    Whareroa Beach is located within the Queen Elizabeth Park on the North Island's Kapiti Coast. Situated between Paekakariki and Raumati South the beach looks out over Kapiti Island, a nature reserve 5km off the coast.

    There are a number of wide, open lawned areas near Whareroa Beach which provide visitors with plenty of space for picnics and recreational activities. Public… read more »

  • Clovelly Beach // Australia

    Clovelly Beach
    © J Bar / CC BY

    Situated 9 km southeast of downtown Sydney, Clovelly Beach has something for everyone with great sand for castle-building and plenty of marine life for snorkellers and scuba enthusiasts. Lined on either side with concrete promenades and beachfront cafes, the small beach is at the head of a narrow inlet overlooked by Bundock Park to the south.

    While the sandy area is… read more »

  • Freshwater Beach // Australia

    Freshwater Beach
    © Nigel Howe / CC BY

    Just north of Manly Beach, Freshwater Beach is stunningly located between two headlands. There's a small stream at the north end of the beach, hence the name "Freshwater".

    It's popularity began in the early 1900s when campers would spend holidays near the beach enjoying the sand and beautiful location. Initially it was the site of a working mens' camp and… read more »

  • Surfers Paradise Beach // Australia

    Surfers Paradise Beach
    Simon Morris

    Surfers Paradise Beach lives up to its name with a world-famous reputation for its beach, surfing, nightlife and attractions. Undoubtedly one of the most heavily developed and busiest beaches in Australia, it is a popular resort with bars, casinos and clubs that buzz after dark.

    This modern waterfront city focuses around one of Queensland's most iconic beaches, with good left… read more »

  • Narrabeen Beach // Australia

    Narrabeen Beach
    © Sydney Images / CC BY

    Narrabeen Beach is a long stretch of sand and surf north of Collaroy Point and the 20m cliffs at Narrabeen Head. Curving in a gentle arc for 3.6km it backs onto the Narrabeen Lagoon. The name comes from the name of the daughter of the aboriginal chief at the time of early white settlers arriving in the 1840s.

    The beach has… read more »

  • Scarborough Beach // Australia

    Scarborough Beach
    David Jones

    Fans of Scarborough Beach claim it's the "best white sand surf beach in the world"! It certainly delivers some of Perth's best surf breaks with epic waves at times.

    Located 20 minutes northwest of Perth city centre, and on a regular bus route, it's easy to reach. Once there, this beautiful beach has oodles of things to do including swimming,… read more »