The World’s Dreamiest Beaches Have Been Named – And Australia Has Claimed The Top Two Spots

Australia's Whitehaven Beach and Squeaky Beach have secured the top two spots on Lonely Planet’s list of the world’s best beaches.

Ria Lawrence - Senior Staff Writer • January 7, 2025

Whitehaven Beach in Queensland with crystal clear blue waters and white sand, often ranked among the best beaches in the world — Image: Shutterstock

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Cities around the world are always vying for the top spot on various global ranking lists, but when it comes to beaches, Australian cities have a natural advantage that gives them the upper hand. So it comes as no surprise that these gorgeous swaths of coastline have made yet another prestigious list to kick off 2025. The coveted Lonely Planet’s ‘World’s Best Beach List‘ is here and Australia has dominated the rankings, claiming both the first and second spots and giving us the perfect excuse to hit the road this summer. Forget the usual favourites like Bondi and Manly, it’s the beautiful Whitehaven Beach on the Whitsunday Islands that claims the top spot, with Victoria’s picturesque Squeaky Beach at number two outranking world-famous spots in Thailand, Greece, and Spain. The bronze medal goes to Anse Source d’Argent in Seychelles, famous for its rock formations, golden sands, and crystalline waters.

Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Beaches in the World for 2025

Unspoiled views of Squeaky Beach surrounded by blue waters and pristine wilderness — Image: Shutterstock

Queensland’s travel-expert-approved Whitehaven Beach is well-known for its breathtaking azure waters and 98% silica sand which makes it both incredibly white and incredibly soft — more than other beaches in the world — while also staying pleasantly cool on hot days. Unsurprisingly, this isn’t the first time it’s topped a ‘best beaches in the world‘ list.

In contrast, Victoria’s Squeaky Beach may be a lesser-known spot but it’s not one to be overlooked. Deemed “a protected slice of wilderness”, this under-the-radar beach nestled within Wilsons Promontory National Park, is surrounded by untouched beauty, clear, inviting waters, and pure white sand that literally squeaks beneath your feet.

Here are the top 10 beaches in the world according to Lonely Planet:

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