top of page

Top 12 Australian Beaches Ranked! and which Indigenous Country they are on :)

Australia’s 12 Best Beaches, Ranked!

We absolutely love these types of articles. They inspire our next day trip, picnic or family holiday. This Article is by By Jessica Pridmore - 29 Nov 2016 for Time Out Magazine. In the spirit of Reconciliation and Imparting Indigenous Knowledge we thought people may also like to know which Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Country they are on.

#12 Tallebudgera Beach, QLD

Local Indigenous people, Kombumerri people and spoke the Yugambeh language and used to call this Gold Coast suburb "good fish" and you'll hear no argument from us on this apt name.

Local Indigenous people, Kombumerri people and spoke the Yugambeh language and used to call this Gold Coast suburb "good fish" and you'll hear no argument from us on this apt name good fishing here ...... and surfing ...... and kayaking!

Though technically a creek, Tallebudgera beach is straddled by the glorious Burleigh Heads National Park and iconic Palm Beach on the Gold Coast. Golden sands, lush bushland and gorgeous warm water makes this a top pick for all of the outdoor activities.

#11 Balmoral Beach, NSW

Cammedraigal people were custodians of salt water lore, practicing culture, ceremony and law on what we now know as the northern shores of Sydney harbour.

The Cammedraigal people are the custodians of salt water lore, ceremony and law on what we now know as the northern shores of Sydney harbour

This gorgeous haven stretches along the inner north shore of Sydney and is tucked away from much of the (slightly angry) Pacific Ocean by the cliffs of Grotto Point and Gubbuh Gubbah. The perfect spot to detox from the Sydney rat-race, pick up a coffee at the Balmoral Beach Club, kick off your thongs and sink into some of the softest golden sand on the east coast.

#10 Pennington Bay, Kangaroo Island, SA

Pennington Bay, Kangaroo Island, SA

Evidence of Aboriginal habitation can be carbon dated back thousands of years, To mainland Aboriginal people the Island is known as "island of the dead" or Karta.

A little off the beaten track, Pennington Bay in the American River region of Kangaroo Island is an untouched beauty of the beach world. The island itself is World Heritage-listed and is also an animal-lover’s mecca, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled! Winter or summer, Pennington is a total gem.

#9 Cable Beach, WA

Cable Beach, Broome is situated on the traditional lands of the Yawuru people

Yawuru (also spelt Jawuru) people are the traditional owners of the area of Cable Beach.

Minyirr Park is a coastal reserve directly behind the sandhills along Cable Beach which is run by the Shire of Broome and the Rubibi Aboriginal people

What’s not to love about 22km of crisp white sand and crystal turquoise waters? Err, nothing at all! Not into sun soaking? Jump on a camel’s back—yes, this is that beach—and take in that big red sunset with your new two-humped friend.

#8 Cottesloe Beach, WA

Cottesloe Beach, WA. Traditional Aboriginal owners are the Nyoongar People

The traditional owners of the area where this stunning beach is located are the Nyoongar People.

Perthies love this beach. And, I mean, why the hell wouldn’t you? With stunning soft white sand, the Indian Ocean lapping at your feet and ice cream not more than 50 feet away, nature really has come to the table and delivered the goods at Cottesloe Beach. Jealous? A little bit, yeah…

Want to read more, this is a fabulous resource from local Aboriginal People

#7 Four Mile Beach, QLD

Four Mile Beach, QLD sits on the traditional Aboriginal lands of Djabugay country

Four mile Beach sits on the traditional Aboriginal lands known as Djabugay country. The Aboriginal community were generally known as the Djabugay people and the language spoken was Yirrgay.

Hit the northern tropics if you want a real dose of pristine beaches, golden sands, and more palm trees than you can count! Port Douglas is a stunning outpost in northernmost Queensland, and the infamous Four Mile beach will take your breath away. No points for guessing where its name derives from…

#6 Mindil Beach, NT