Nudey among the spectacular Australian beaches ranked the world's best
You might be surprised which other beaches made the cut.
Three of Australia's sandy oases have been named among the 50 best beaches in the world.
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US-based publication World's 50 Best Beaches named Turquoise Bay and Wharton Beach in Western Australia, as well as Nudey Beach in Queensland, in the top 50 on the planet for 2025.
The list was put together by more than 1000 travel professionals and judges based on the following criteria: uniqueness, wildlife, untouched, soundtrack of nature, easy to enter, often calm water, not too crowded, and frequently idyllic.
Here are Australia's three beaches that made the top-50, along with their ranking.
#11 Turquoise Bay, Western Australia
"It has the softest white sand and bright blue ocean waters. Not only is it a beautiful place to rest and relax on a sunny Australian afternoon, but also a super fun beach to visit! It is a very popular snorkel spot, with plenty of marine life to look out for," CouplesQuest content creators, Danielle and Matt, said.
Turquoise Bay in Western Australia reportedly truly lives up to its name, with some of the most radiant turquoise waters you might ever see. The beach is secluded and untouched, with surrounding scrubland where the Aussie desert meets the sea.
Located within the Cape Range National Park, the bay is known for its snorkelling and the waters are part of the protected Ningaloo Reef, meaning your chances of meeting sea creatures are high.
The gentle water current is known as the "drift snorkel" allowing snorkellers to drift along the reef.
#21 Wharton Beach, Western Australia
"Imagine the whitest, cleanest sand with the clearest, sparkling light blue water and you'll find yourself at Wharton beach," said judge Helen Janneson Bense.
The remote location of this rugged Western Australian beach, right down at the south end of the state in the Duke of Orleans Bay area, ensures it never feels crowded, even on perfect summer days, according to the judges.
They said Wharton Beach offers the most striking coastal views of crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sands, creating a tranquil setting for beachgoers.
It's also a popular spot for surfers and offers excellent opportunities for dolphin spotting, they said.
#37 Nudey Beach, Queensland
"Absolutely one of Australia's best beaches. The lush rainforest backdrop makes it so special!" said traveller Marie Helene.
Located on Fitzroy Island off the coast of Queensland, Nudey Beach is considered the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
It is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, offering an untouched, picturesque and secluded setting.
You can only get to the beach via a boat off the island's main area, and once there, it offers magical snorkelling opportunities and warm water year-round, according to the judges.
Best in the world
The top-three best beaches in the world for 2025 went to Cala Goloritze in Italy in first place, and Entalula Beach in the Philippines and Bang Bao Beach in Thailand taking the second and third spots.
My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.
Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.
My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
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