Aussie beach crowned 'best in the world' with campsite for $7 a night

An Aussie beach has been officially crowned the best in the world for 2025 by Lonely Planet, with Queensland's Whitehaven Beach taking out the top spot. Meanwhile, another Australian beach landed at number two on the list thanks to its crystal clear water.

If you've been to Whitehaven - a stunning spot in the Whitsundays - it's easy to understand why it's been dubbed the best of the best with the glistening turquoise water of the Coral Sea providing a striking backdrop to the sugar-white sand. The beach boasts sand that is 98% silica, which means it's whiter and softer than most beaches worldwide, with the silica also retaining heat, meaning the beach is always safe to walk on barefoot, even on a super hot day.

Whitehaven Beach is located in World Heritage-listed Whitsundays National Park and stretches over seven kilometres along the Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands found in the Queensland area.

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Aussie beaches top world's best

While Australia is well-known for its amazing beaches, Whitehaven Beach was in good company with another Aussie beach also nabbing the second spot. The aptly-titled Squeaky Beach in Victoria came in second place on the best beaches list.

Located in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Squeaky Beach may not be as well-known as its Whitsundays counterpart, but we have no doubt it'll soon become a bucket-list item for many Aussies and international travellers alike. The crystal clear waters of Squeaky Beach is perfectly complemented by the granite boulders dotting the shoreline, with the sand making a squeaking sound when you walk.

Don't believe it? Check out this traveller's TikTok proving the true squeakiness of squeaky beach!

It is worth noting though that Squeaky Beach is not patrolled by lifesavers, and swimming is not actually recommended because of the dangerous rips and strong currents that occur often.

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Can you camp at Whitehaven Beach or Squeaky Beach?

There are six individual campsites located at Whitehaven Beach that can accommodate up to 36 people, with basic facilities including picnic tables and non-flush drop toilets. Activities at the beach include snorkelling or diving, canoeing or kayaking, and scenic walks and hikes.

You will need a valid permit to camp at Whitehaven, which you can apply for here and the camping cost was last quoted at $7 per person, per night or $28 for a family (including two adults and any accompanying children under 18).

The Whitsunday Islands' national park is easily accessible by commercial tours and transfers, charter boat and private vessel from the coastal towns of Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour.

As for Squeaky Beach, while you can't camp at the actual beach there is camping within the Wilsons Promontory National Park, with visitors able to camp, caravan, or stay in huts and cabins at Tidal River Campgrounds.

Squeaky Beach is located on the western side of Wilsons Promontory National Park, north-west of Tidal River, and is a short walk from Tidal River, Picnic Bay, and there's also a carpark located at Squeaky Beach.

The 10 best beaches in the world for 2025

1. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland, Australia

2. Squeaky Beach, Victoria, Australia

3. Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles

4. Sunset Beach, Trang, Thailand

5. Sarakiniko Beach, Milos, Greece

6. Haukland Beach, Lofoten Islands, Norway

7. Playa Balandra, Baja California Sur, Mexico

8. Pfeiffer Beach, California, USA

9. Hanalei Bay, Hawaii, USA

10. Platja Illetes, Formentera, Spain

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