Two Western Australian beaches have been named among the world’s top 50, with Wharton Beach in the Great Southern region ranking third and Turquoise Bay near Exmouth placing 15th. The list, compiled by more than 1,000 travel professionals, recognized three Australian beaches in total.
Wharton Beach, located an hour east of Esperance next to Duke of Orleans Bay, was praised for its bright blue water, squeaky white sand, and remote location. The ranking noted that its isolation ensures it rarely feels crowded, providing a peaceful escape with panoramic ocean views. The beach is popular for surfing and 4WD activities, and a caravan park is available for visitors.
Turquoise Bay, part of Cape Range National Park and the Ningaloo Reef, was described as having “some of the most radiant turquoise waters.” The beach is undeveloped, maintaining a sense of untouched natural beauty where the desert meets the sea. The ‘Drift Snorkel’ current allows swimmers to gently drift over the coral reef in crystal-clear water, offering close encounters with diverse marine life.
WA Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said it was “incredibly special” to see the two beaches recognized, calling them iconic features of WA’s coastline. He noted that both beaches are major drawcards for the state and its regions, supporting local jobs and businesses as part of the government’s economic diversification strategy.
The top spot went to Entalula Beach in the Philippines, followed by Fteri Beach in Greece. Tasmania’s Wineglass Bay ranked 21st, completing Australia’s representation on the list.
