‘The most important part is the vibe’: Bate Bay named Australia’s best beach

Bate Bay, on Gweagal Country of the Dharawal nation in Sydney’s south, has been named the best Australian beach for 2026. Photograph: flycandy

The Sutherland shire’s Bate Bay has been named best Australian beach for 2026. The annual list selects the top 10 beaches across the country, aiming to showcase Australia’s beauty domestically and abroad.

Tourism Australia’s beach ambassador, Brad Farmer, who compiled the list, described the coastline south of Sydney’s airport as “Sydney’s longest, least crowded and most beautiful stretch of sand”.