If your definition of the perfect beach includes pristine sands, clear waters, and family-friendly amenities, then it’s time to start planning a trip to Queensland’s Palm Cove. The quaint palm-fringed beach was recently named the best in the world by Condé Nast Traveler beating rivals in other spectacular coastal locations like Hawii, Greece and France. The list was dominated by Australian beaches with nearly half of the top ten comrising of beaches Down Under. Surprisingly, one underrated Sydney beach also made the top 10 and it’s not Manly or Bondi. Mona Vale, famous for its surf, ocean pool and sunset views ranked number 6 on the list and was hailed as the “unsung hero” of the famed Northern Beaches.
Relatively under the radar, Palm Cove was called the “epitome of a tropical paradise” and lauded for its photogenic palm trees and powdery sand. It’s proximity to the world’s oldest surviving rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef make it an alluring destination. It’s also a blissfully quiet spot with few crowds. Other Aussie beaches to make the list were Wategos Beach in NSW, Queensland’s Noosa Beach and Turquoise Bay in Western Australia.
The world’s top 10 beaches by Condé Nast Traveller
- Palm Cove, Queensland, Australia
- Honopu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
- Brekon, Shetland, Scotland
- Wategos Beach, NSW, Australia
- Ora Beach, Maluku, Indonesia
- Mona Vale Beach, NSW, Australia
- Dune du Pilat, France
- Noosa Beach, Qld, Australia
- Awaroa, Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
- Die Plaat, Walker Bay Nature Reserve, South Africa
The list comes shortly after Sydney’s Manly Beach was ranked in the global top 10 by Tripadvisor and Bondi was named among the most popular beaches in the world.
See the full list here.