As Australia is an island continent, it only makes sense the country has miles and miles of coastline. In fact, Australia has more that 25,000 kilometers of coast, dotted with beaches for curious travelers and locals alike to explore. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing place to soak in the rays or somewhere to catch big surf, Australia has you covered.

If you love the beach, but crave solitude and isolation, visiting world-famous beaches like Bondi and Manly probably isn’t high on your bucket list. There is good news for you: not every beach in Australia is so crowded. When it comes down to it, many of Australia’s beaches are quite isolated.

Reaching some of these beaches will take determination and planning, sweeping you across the unforgiving Australian Outback or taking you along dirt roads through the wilderness. Others will provide you with a quick way to escape crowded tourist areas like Bondi. Some of them are so remote even locals don’t visit them, while others are well-kept Aussie secrets.

Each of these 20 isolated Australian beaches provides something unique for the travelers who visit, from pristine white sand to shipwrecks, to breathtaking landscapes. We won’t blame you if you want to explore all of them.

20 Store Beach, NSW - A Hidden Nook In Australia's Biggest City

When you think of isolated beaches, you probably would not look for one in Sydney. Store Beach is just that, a secluded nook in one of Australia’s biggest cities. Tucked away in Sydney Harbour National Park, this urban beach offers a tranquil and remote escape from big city life. The best part is you don’t even have to leave the city to find this retreat!

Store Beach is accessible only by boat or, if you feel brave, by swimming out to it. The relative inaccessibility of the beach means far fewer tourists show up here, and the locals are likely happy to keep it that way. It is about a 20-minute paddle, but the stunning views and solitude of the beach are well worth it. You may even spot some little penguins.

If you’re looking for a quiet, tranquil retreat without leaving Sydney, Store Beach is the answer. At just a stone’s throw from Manly Beach, it’s a great alternative to other popular tourist beaches. To get there, rent a kayak from Manly Wharf and head toward North Head Sanctuary. The beach itself is just inland from the old Quarantine Station. Pull your kayak up on the shore, kick back, and enjoy.

19 Red Bluff, WA - It's Not All About The East Coast

Australia’s east coast tends to attract the most tourists. Sydney and Melbourne provide plenty of sight-seeing and urban exploration opportunities. The east coast is also home to the Great Barrier Reef, the Sunshine Coast, and Australia’s rainforests. Much of the rest of Australia, including the state of Western Australia, is rugged Outback country. The environment here can be harsh, so it attracts only the most adventuresome of tourists.

That said, Australia’s west coast is home to many beaches and, thanks to the demanding terrain, many of them are fairly isolated locations. One of them is Red Bluff, which lies north of Carnarvon.

Red Bluff is located near the southern tip of Ningaloo Reef Marine Park. Nearby is Quobba Station, one of Australia’s coastal work stations. Despite the relative roughness of the surrounding landscape, Red Bluff is a gorgeous beach, with red-tinted sand, rock, and red bluffs in the background. Sit back and watch the sunset, or arrive earlier in the day to take advantage of great surfing opportunities.

Red Bluff is also one of Australia’s best picks if you’d like your secluded retreat to offer a side of luxury. The camping area offers not just campsites, but bungalows and retreats for hire as well. While many of Australia’s most isolated beaches provide little in the way of amenities, Red Bluff will make you feel right at home.

18 Cave Beach, NSW - One Of The Best Secluded Camping Spots In The Nation

Cave Beach, located in New South Wales, is just as the name suggests. It’s a beach with a cave ready for you to explore. If this sounds like a pleasant day trip, keep in mind the beach is located in Booderee National Park. The park is situated south of Sydney, and it will take you about 3 hours to reach by car.

Given its hard-to-reach location, it’s little wonder Cave Beach is often considered remote and relatively isolated. The picture-perfect beach with its spilling waves make it worth every moment of the drive. If you’re just learning how to surf, Cave Beach is one of the best spots for beginners to hang ten.

If you decide to make the trek to the beach, you may also want to explore some of what surrounding Booderee National Park has to offer. The park has several other beaches joined by scenic walks. Along the way, you can bird-watch. Or, if you prefer, catch one of the tours through the park. Whale-watching, fishing, and boating are all popular pastimes here.

Camping is allowed in the park, and Australian Geographic ranks Cave Beach as one of the best secluded camping spots in the whole country. If you love no-frills camping, Cave Beach is a great option.

17 Golden Beach, VIC - Don't Forget Those Binoculars

It’s hard to pick just one spot along Ninety Mile Beach, a 90-mile stretch of coastline in the state of Victoria. Golden Beach is a good choice, but it’s just one of several gorgeous beaches that make up the longer beach.

Named for its golden sands, Golden Beach is popular for its fishing and surfing. In fact, the fishing is some of the very best in Australia. Golden Beach serves as home to a large fishing competition each and every year. You’ll want to avoid it on the Australia Day long weekend, around January 26. This is probably the only time of the year the beach is anywhere near crowded. The rest of the time, you’ll find it almost deserted.

Well, we shouldn’t say “deserted.” Golden Beach may be devoid of other tourists, but it’s home to plenty of wildlife. Bring your camera and your binoculars. There are many native birds to see, making Golden Beach a great choice for the amateur birdwatcher. You may also see kangaroos, emus, and even the elusive echidna.

Located 252 kilometers from Melbourne, it will take you a good 3 hours to drive down to the beach. The beach faces southeast, toward the Southern Ocean, Antarctica, and Tasmania.

16 Garie Beach, NSW - Escape The Crowds Of Bondi And Manly, Opt For This Hidden Gem Instead

Garie Beach is located just 40 kilometers from Sydney’s city center, but it is nestled in a remote coastal valley that makes it more difficult to access. If you’re looking to escape the crowds of Manly and Bondi, think about making the trek up to Garie Beach instead.

Garie Beach is just 1 of 11 beaches in the iconic Royal National Park, situated in southern Sydney. It makes for a great day trip for those visiting Sydney. The area is known for good surfing and good swimming. It’s also a great place to take in a picnic. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are several good hiking trails around too. Nature enthusiasts may be able to spot some seabirds or even do some whale watching.

The name “Garie” comes from the Aboriginal language of the area. The word supposedly means “sleepy.” It’s very fitting, as it truly describes the laid-back atmosphere Garie Beach exudes. Locals who dream about escaping Sydney’s hubbub often pick this beach as their getaway.

Garie hosts Garie Boardriders competitions, so make sure to check the calendar before you go. The waves can get quite large, so novice surfers are advised to visit while the lifeguard is on duty.

15 Rapid Bay, SA - Top 10 Worldwide For Diving!

Rapid Bay is another relatively isolated beach along the coastline of South Australia. The bay itself is located on the west coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula. The area includes a small seaside town, also known as Rapid Bay. The population is well under 100 people.

The bay is located about 100 kilometers south of Adelaide, the state capital, and it will take you approximately 2 hours to drive there. From there, you’ll take a scenic drive from the main road down to the beach. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite spot with the locals. The calm waters of the bay make it an ideal location for swimming.

Swimming is not the only activity you can enjoy in Rapid Bay. The community is known for its 2 jetties, which are great locations for fishing, snorkelling, and scuba diving. Many species of fish live here, including a population of leafy seadragons and weedy seadragons. According to SportDiver, it’s one of the world’s top nine dives.

Imposing cliffs, mysterious caves, and artificial reefs round out the attractions you’ll find in Rapid Bay. The beach can occasionally get crowded, especially during the summer months (December to March), so plan accordingly.

14 Lucky Bay, WA - A Perfect Place To Take YOUR Lucky Bae

Another of Australia’s most isolated beaches has to be Lucky Bay, located along the southern coast of Western Australia. This inviting stretch of beach is part of Cape Le Grand National Park, which is about 50 kilometers south of Esperance, or about 700 kilometers southeast of Perth.

You’ll reach the park by driving along a paved road. From there, you’ll find your way to a 15-kilometer long coastal walking trail. The trail will take you from Cape Le Grand Beach in the west to Rossiter Bay on the park’s east side. About half-way between them, you’ll find the 5-kilometer long Lucky Bay beach.

Lucky Bay scores high points for top-notch swimming. You might be lucky enough to spot some wildlife along the trail as well, including kangaroos. If you’re coming from Cape Le Grand Beach, take some time to explore Thistle Cove and the Whistling Rock as well.

At Lucky Bay, you’ll find a campground if you’d like to take your time along the coastal trail and really enjoy all the park has to offer. If you need a pick-me-up before continuing on, you’ll also find the Lucky Bean Café. If you’re short on time, you can take Lucky Bay Road directly to the beach.

13 Blinky Beach, NSW - Blinky Bill's Favorite Holiday Spot, So We've Heard

If you have the time, you should take the opportunity to visit Lord Howe’s Island in New South Wales. This island is home to several beaches, including Blinky Beach on its east side. Once you’ve arrived, chances are you’ll have your pick of miles of unspoiled white sand beach surrounded by calm, turquoise waters. The native rainforest rising in the background completes the scene.

Blinky Beach is particularly noted for its surfing conditions. In fact, it’s probably home to some of Australia’s least crowded waves. It’s also recommended as a good spot to cast a line. If you can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon than to sit peacefully on the beach, patiently waiting for a nibble and contemplating the world around you, Blinky Beach is for you.

Keep in mind it will take you some time to actually get to the beach! Lord Howe’s is an island, which means you’ll need to get there by plane or ship. The fastest way to go is to catch a flight from Brisbane or Sydney. The flight takes about 2 hours. It’s easy to see why Blinky Beach is one of the more remote and isolated beaches Australia has to offer.

12 Friendly Beaches, TAS - The Wildlife Is Friendly Too!

Tasmania is an island state within Australia. The country’s largest island off the mainland, it’s also home to a few major cities such as Hobart and Launceston. The island is surrounded by the waters of the Tasman Sea, south of Melbourne. You might guess it has miles of beaches. You wouldn’t be wrong.

Tasmania is home to the world-famous Wineglass Bay Beach. Once considered isolated itself, it has become increasingly popular with tourists. These days, it will likely be a bit more crowded than it was before the word got out.

There is no need to worry, though. Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula has many other options for beach-goers looking for a quieter, more sedate experience. Friendly Beaches are one of them.

Nestled in Freycinet National Park, the Friendly Beaches are composed of pristine white sand. The beach is capped by 2 inviting lagoons, one at either end of the beach. Granite peaks form the impressive backdrop to this beautiful view. The walk down to the beach is along a boardwalk, although if you’re up for a stroll, you can walk as far as you’d like around the 8-kilometer beach.

Swimming isn’t recommended, as there are riptides and rocky outcroppings. There is still plenty to do here. Freycinet National Park offers a number of different hikes. It’s also a haven for seabirds and wildlife, including wallabies like the little fellow pictured above. You can extend your stay here by using the camping facilities, so you can take in the 3-day, 30-kilometer hike around the park.

11 Maitland Bay Beach, NSW - Just Look At The Color Of That Sand!

Maitland Bay Beach is a 600-meter long stretch of beach on the shore of Maitland Bay. It’s part of Bouddi National Park, situated about 20 kilometers southeast of the community of Gosford, or about 100 kilometres north of Sydney. It will take about an hour and half to drive there.

The south-facing beach itself is secluded in a valley, surrounded by hills. To reach it, you will need to trek along the Maitland Bay track in Bouddi National Park. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the beach. You’ll want to schedule additional time for the return trip, however. It’s uphill most of the way, so most people spend around 40 minutes hiking back to their cars at the end of the day. If you don’t want to walk, chartered vessels are available.

Despite the hike, Maitland Bay Beach is still popular. It provides excellent opportunities for snorkelling, and the surrounding park is home to many beautiful walks. Swimming and fishing are other popular activities. At low tide, you can spot the wreck of the paddle steamer Maitland, which ran aground more than a century ago, in 1898. If you visit between May and July, you may even be able to do some whale watching and catch a glimpse of humpbacks during their annual migration.

10 Silica Beach, WA - It's On 'Hidden Island', Need We Say More?

What’s more isolated than a beach located on an uninhabited island near remote Kimberley, Western Australia? We can’t think of much. That’s exactly why Silica Beach makes the list of most isolated beaches in all of Australia.

Like most of Western Australia, Kimberley is surrounded by demanding Outback terrain. It’s possible to fly there from Sydney or Brisbane in the dry season, but it will cost you a pretty penny to do so. The other option is to trek across the Outback. Once you’ve reached Kimberley, located about 30 kilometers from the state border with Northern Territory, you’ll need to find your way out to Hidden Island.

This part of the journey is a little easier, since there are several boats that make the trip out to the island and the Buccaneer Archipelago. Even still, it’s unlikely you’ll encounter a crowd the same way you would at Bondi or Manly.

The beach is a 150-meter strip composed entirely of white silica, the only such beach in Kimberley. It’s situated at the mouth of a small valley on Hidden Island, with sandstone bluffs rising in the background. The bay is north-facing, sheltered by 2 mangrove-fringed headlands.

This geography makes the beach an ideal spot for swimming. After the trek to get here, you’ll likely be ready for a dip to cool off and refresh yourself.

9 East Arnhem Land, NT - After Trekking The Outback, We Guarantee This Beach Will Be Like Heaven

Much like Australia’s western coast, the Northern Territory is largely rugged Outback. Isolated and remote itself, the Top End is the least populous of all of Australia’s regions. It is home to just over 200,000 residents. About twice as many people live on Tasmania. Even fewer travelers venture to the Northern Territory. If you are bold enough to take on the Outback, however, an amazing experience awaits.

If you’re looking for remote, isolated beaches, you don’t need to look any further than those located in East Arnhem Land. To get there, you will need to fly in from Cairns or Darwin. Experienced 4x4 (or 4-wheel drives, as the Aussies call them) drivers can apply for a permit and opt to drive through the awe-inspiring Outback instead.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with white sandy beaches and breathtaking views of the Arafura Sea. You may also have a chance to experience some of the local Aboriginal culture. East Arnhem Land’s isolation have made it a stronghold for the Aboriginal peoples who have lived here for centuries. If you want to learn about another culture, a visit to East Arnhem Land is a great way to begin.

You won’t be completely on your own once you arrive in East Arnhem Land. While there are few tourists, the locals do cater to those travelers who make the trek. Guided tours are available, as well as experiences designed to introduce you to the land and its people.

8 Kitty Miller Beach, VIC - Be Captain Of The (Sunken) Ship

Kitty Miller Beach is another beach located on an island. This time, you’ll be visiting Philip Island, off the coast of Victoria. You’ll need to make a 90-minute drive south from Melbourne to reach it, but it’s well worth your time. Phillip Island is home to nightly “penguin parades,” where visitors can watch little penguins walk home after a long day.

Phillip Island originally formed from seafloor volcanoes, and the ancient rocks from this era are still visible at Kitty Miller Beach. The beach itself is south-facing and horse-shoe shaped, although strong riptides make it less than ideal for swimming.

At Kitty Miller Beach, you’ll find a picturesque landscape inviting you to walk along the shoreline instead. High tide is a great time to visit if you’re interested in surfing. At low tide, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the wreck of the SS Speke. The SS Speke was one of the largest 3-masted steel ships to ever sail the ocean blue. The ship crashed onto rocks near the beach in 1906.

Although Phillip Island sees millions of tourists annually, fewer make their way to Kitty Miller Beach. The rocky terrain makes it one of Australia’s most isolated, yet beautiful, beaches.

7 Point Sir Isaac, SA - If You Go At The Wrong Time, Let's Hope Your Car Can Swim...

Point Sir Isaac is one of a few isolated beaches along the coast of South Australia. It may actually be the most isolated beach along this strip. To get there, you’ll first need to make the 7-hour drive from Adelaide to the Eyre Peninsula, or hop a 50-minute flight from Port Lincoln. The beach itself is located inside Coffin Bay National Park, which is home to several gorgeous, isolated beaches.

Point Sir Isaac continues to challenge travelers who wish to visit. You’ll need to take a 4WD (AKA 4x4) to the beach, and you’ll need to be sure to time it right. Point Sir Isaac is only accessible at low tide!

This is a beach that rewards the determined. Once you make it there, you’ll enjoy almost total seclusion, as very few tourists venture out this way. Set up camp on the beach, or cast a line and settle in for the afternoon. Aside from being difficult to access, Point Sir Isaac is also famed for its fishing.

You may not be the only one fishing here. If you’re lucky, you may also catch a glimpse of some dolphins playing and hunting in the waters near the beach. The effort of trekking to this beach is truly worth it.

6 Cape Leveque, WA - It's A Journey And A Half To Get There

Cape Leveque is one of the most remote and isolated beaches on this list, which should tell you something. To visit it, you will need to travel to the northernmost tip of the Dampier Peninsula, located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It’s an impressive 220 kilometers from Broome, the closest center, and still a relatively small city at that. If you’re looking for remote and isolated, it doesn’t get much better than this.

There are few facilities this far north, but the Cape’s pristine, white sand beaches and iconic golden cliffs make the trek worth every second. Depending on the timing of your trip, you might also see whales, which travel to the area to give birth, and wild turtles. Many species of sea-birds make their nests in the area.

The Cape Leveque area was a camping ground for ancient peoples, and the local Bardi people are the traditional owners of the land here. The Indigenous Bardi Jawi Communities own and maintain Kooljaman, a wilderness camp in the area. Kooljaman offers a wide range of activities, from fishing to snorkelling to sightseeing, and everything in between.

Another sight you may want to take in here, aside from the amazing sunsets, is the Cape Leveque lighthouse. Erected in 1912, it stands 13 meters tall and marks the entrance to King’s Sound.

5 Refuge Cove, VIC - It's Only A 30km Round-Trip Hike, Easy Right?

If you had to pick just one beach to visit in the entire state of Victoria, Refuge Cove should be a very serious contender for the top spot. This gorgeous cove is actually home to 2 white, sandy beaches. The water in the cove is fairly deep, making it accessible to boats. The beach is accented by 2 steep, forested slopes that rise up on either side, peaking around 300 meters above sea level.

It is, in short, breathtaking.

Another reason you may want to consider a visit to Refuge Cove is to boast that you actually did it. The cove is by no means easy to access. Since the water is relatively deep, you can travel by boat to this secluded nook on the Victoria coastline. Your other option is to undertake a 15-kilometer hike. You’ll cross Wilsons Promontory from Tidal River, and hike down the slopes into the cove. You may want to stop near the top, however, and look out over the cove. The stunning panorama is your reward for making the trek.

You’ll want to schedule 2 to 3 days to make this trip. A 15-kilometer hike one way is no walk in the park, even for most experienced hikers. The return trip is mostly uphill as well. Bring your camping gear and take in the beauty of Wilsons Promontory National Park.

4 Cobourg Peninsula, NT - Hopefully You Meet The Turtles, Not The Crocs

This next beach is located in another national park in Australia’s Northern Territory. Garig Gunak Barlu National Park is located about 250 kilometers northeast of the state’s capital, Darwin. Like East Arnhem Land, this is territory only a few adventurers travel to. Garig Gunak Barlu also issues just 20 passes at a time, so you’re almost guaranteed to have the pristine beaches of the Cobourg Peninsula all to yourself.

If you want to experience a true Australian wilderness adventure, this is the beach vacation for you. You’ll need to schedule your trip during the dry season, as the roads become impassable during the wet season (November to April).

You’ll travel by 4WD through harsh Outback terrain from Darwin to the coastal wetlands of the park. Once you arrive, you’ll have your choice of activities. Bushwalking, fishing, bird-watching, and more are all activities you can enjoy here. There are even some historic ruins to take in.

If you time your trip right, you may witness an amazing spectacle. The Cobourg Peninsula is home to the nesting grounds of Green sea turtles. Each year, turtles return to these beaches to lay their eggs. Keep in mind this is also saltwater crocodile territory, so you’ll be safer watching the turtles than swimming with them.

3 Ocean Beach, TAS - Get Ready For Epic Sunsets

As mentioned above, Tasmania has many beautiful beaches. Some of them are more popular than others, but a good many of them are relatively isolated. Ocean Beach is one of them. Located on the wild, wet west coast of Australia’s largest island, Ocean Beach is a treasure for anyone looking for peace and quiet. In fact, it could be considered one of the most isolated beaches anywhere in the world!

Most people prefer to stick to the tourist-friendly Wineglass Bay Beach or the other beaches in Freycinet National Park, located on the island’s east coast. The west coast is considerably less developed, with huge tracts of land designated as national parks and conservation areas. The west coast also has wetter weather, which isn’t exactly ideal beach conditions.

Ocean Beach isn’t the kind of beach you visit to go swimming, however. Instead, you’ll want to think about visiting this beach, which runs 40 kilometers, to watch an amazing sunset. Other popular activities include sandboarding and horse riding along the shore.

Located about 300 kilometers northwest of Hobart, it will take you a solid 4 and a half hours to arrive at the beach. It’s little wonder why the beach is usually deserted. If you’re looking for solitude, Ocean Beach may just be the place for you.

2 Frangipani Beach, QLD - Hardly Any Australians Have Even Been Here

Frangipani Beach in the state of Queensland is easily one of Australia’s most isolated beaches. Those who choose to venture north to it are likely to be rewarded with a pristine, 2-kilometer stretch of beach with nary another person in sight.

Frangipani has the distinction of being Australia’s most northerly beach. It’s located at the very tip of Cape York, looking out over the Torres Strait Islands. It takes some determination to get here. The beach is located around 750 kilometers from Cooktown, the closest major center. It takes about 2 to 3 days to traverse the rugged roads between them. There are no flights, making Frangipani Beach accessible only by 4-wheel drive (4WD).

If you choose to undertake this trek, you’ll begin by flying to Cairns from Sydney or Melbourne. From there, you’ll set out along dirt roads through jungle landscapes. You’ll ford creeks and rivers. You’ll camp. And you’ll eventually arrive at the breathtaking Frangipani Beach. You can either go it alone, or you can book to be part of a guided, 10-day expedition to Cape York.

Once you’ve made it to the Tip, you’ll need to trek down to the beach itself. The hike is also challenging, with lots of ups and downs, and slippery rocks. Ask anyone who’s been, and they’ll tell you it’s worth it for a glimpse of beautiful Frangipani Beach.

1 Mungo Beach, NSW - Good Things Come To Those Who Venture

To get to the stunning Mungo Beach, you’ll need to travel north from Sydney, through Nelson, and onward to Myall Lakes National Park. From Sydney, you’ll travel almost 235 kilometers. The drive is worth it, however, as you’ll be rewarded with the pristine vistas of this secluded coastal nook.

Mungo Beach is about 20 kilometers in length, beginning from the Big Gibber Headland and curving gently to Sandy Point in the southwest. As such, it’s New South Wales’s third longest beach. Unfortunately, it’s not the greatest spot if you’re hoping to take a dip after the long trek north. Mungo features both a deep drop off and powerful riptides, which can make swimming dangerous.

Mungo Beach still offers plenty to do. If you like surfing, you’ll find big swells here. The beach itself is stunning, with epic dunes dotting its length. Myall Lakes National Park provides additional activities, including some excellent bush hiking trails and river kayaking.

Fishing and 4-wheeling are other popular choices. The beach itself is accessible only via 4WD. And if you feel you absolutely must go for a swim after a day of sun, sand, and surf, the nearby lakes provide much better alternatives to the ocean.

Sources: Telegraph.co.uk, Australiantraveller.com, AustralianGeographic.com.au, Escape.com.au, AWOL, News.com.au, SportDiver.com.