9. Lizard Island, QLD

Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef is the picture perfect example of a breathtaking island getaway. You will need to have deep pockets to visit but with over 23 stunning white beaches to choose from on this remote island it is definitely worth your while to splash out and enjoy a truly indulgent tropical break.

Laze around in your own private villa at the island resort and enjoy exclusive access to some of the most secluded beaches in the country with amazing diving and snorkelling spots close to shore. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get off the grid for a few days in a tropical location.

8. Byron Bay, NSW

Byron Bay has come a long way from its days as a small hippy town with modern resorts, cafes and boutiques popping up in the last 20 years. However, one thing remains the same and that is the quality and quantity of beaches that are adored by all those who visit.

Byron Bay sits on the most easterly point of mainland Australia in Northern New South Wales with an iconic lighthouse situated at Cape Byron. The location of the town and its beaches are conducive to some pumping ocean breaks drawing surfers from all over the globe. The lovely, long stretch of coastline is a short trip from the Gold Coast and the powder-like sand beaches are a treat for those looking for a less crowded alternative over the border.

7. Mandalay Beach, WA

Travellers often overlook Western Australia in favour of the East Coast but if you make the hike then you will be rewarded with spectacular beaches. Mandalay Beach, south of Perth near the town of Walpole is a perfect example of this. The isolated location of the beach only adds to its untouched beauty with rocky headlands and untamed wilderness making Mandalay Beach an impressive stretch of sand completely different to any other beach on the list.

One of the highlights of Mandalay Beach is the nearby island of Chatham Island which sits just a few miles off the coast. The island's greenery contrasting with the white crests of waves form a picturesque scene. If you're looking to make the hike to the secluded Mandalay Beach there are two entry points suitable for regular vehicles 30 minutes drive from Walpole. The journey is worth it to experience one the most unique beaches in Australia.

6. Wineglass Bay, TAS

One of the most impressive Tasmanian beaches is Wineglass Bay in the Freycinet National Park approximately 2 hours drive from Launceston and 3 hours from Hobart. If you've ever come across promotional material on Tasmania then you doubt would have seen Wineglass Bay be featured. Pink granite peaks and lapping turquoise waters surround the clam shaped shoreline on Tasmania's east coast.

The range of activities including snorkelling, kayaking, wildlife spotting and hiking make it a well rounded beach appealing to a variety of people. Wineglass Bay can best be viewed from a dedicated lookout after a 1 hour hike along a well maintained path while the beach can be accessed by a downhill portion of track. A walk or swim along the shores of Wineglass Bay is one of the must do nature based experiences in Tasmania.

5. 75 Mile Beach, QLD

It's only fitting that the largest sand island in the world should also be home to one of Australia's best beaches. 75 Mile Beach on Queensland's Fraser Island gets its name from its length which should tell you just how expansive this stretch of coastline is. 75 Mile Beach has much more going for it than simply its size though as its various multi-coloured sands form a vivid mosaic of white, orange and ochre hues along the shore.

75 Mile beach is less an attractive option to swim with dangerous currents and a Tiger Shark population that inhabit the waters so swimmers can look inland for a refreshing swim in the freshwater lakes that are walking distance to the shoreline. One section in particular is where you will find the bubbling Champagne Pools, nature's very own spa bath, for a relaxing and unique swimming on Fraser Island.

Noosa Main Beach is the standout among the many breathtaking beaches on the Sunshine Coast. The golden sands, pristine waters and patrolled beach make it an ideal swimming spot for the whole family. Pods of dolphins may even join you in the waters and humpback whales can be spotted into the distance during their annual migration. Noosa's north-facing direction means that conditions are far more sheltered than other beaches and the warm climate means it can be enjoyed year round.

Noosa Beach is also surrounded by the famous Hastings St featuring world class restaurants and boutiques. The strip is the place to see and be seen on the Sunshine Coast. Once you have had a refreshing swim you can effortlessly move to one of the eateries for a delicious meal. Surfers may be disappointed though because this is a beach best suited for swimming and soaking up the Queensland sunshine.

3. Burleigh Heads, QLD

The Gold Coast has a huge range of contenders in the best beach category but the fan favourite is Burleigh Heads with outstanding surf conditions, picturesque walking tracks and a stunning outlook at the headland. Burleigh Beach gives off a tropical vibe that is warmly embraced by the locals. On any given day of the year the heavily patrolled beach and parklands are busy with families and swimmers enjoying the simple pleasures of a day at the beach.

There are plenty of trendy new dining options nearby and walkers taking a stroll along the 4 kilometre stretch will also get the chance to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife on land and in the sea. From seabirds to pods of dolphins and humpback whales, the Burleigh Heads Lookout is beautiful from every angle. The pictures simply speak for themselves.

2. Cable Beach, WA

In second place sits Broome's Cable Beach in Western Australia. First time visitors are regularly speechless when they try to describe its beauty and it's not hard to see why. Although slowly gaining in commercialism due to rave reviews and Instagram, Cable Beach is famous for its untouched stretch of shoreline and its inspiring sunsets. Unlike other beaches on this list, Cable Beach sits on the Indian Ocean rather than the Pacific and orange hued sunsets are the subject of many photographers' works.

You can take advantage of the dreamy sunsets at the Sunset Bar or sitting atop a camel on crowd-pleasing beach rides. It's hard to blame them, however, as it's a wonderful spectacle especially if you happen to be there between March and October when the Staircase to the Moon natural phenomena is at its best. Despite its distance from most of the cities on the East Coast most Australians will agree with you that this is one coastal hotspot that you shouldn't miss out on visiting at least once in your lifetime.

1. Whitehaven Beach, QLD

The most beautiful beach in Australia as voted by Australians is Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays. Iconic images of white sands and crystal clear waters are what immediately comes to mind when visitors think about the Whitsundays and although it seems to good to be true, it really does look that spectacular in person. The sand is silica, an extremely high purity form of sand with fine grains that make it very soft to touch and the vivid blue waters make it a magical experience.

Whitehaven Beach stretches over 7km along the coast and even in peak seasons will rarely be crowded enough to ruin the tranquil atmosphere of this natural wonder. The myriad of coves, lagoons and inlets with scenic lookouts dot its surrounds and add to the mystique of the island. Come along for a visit and find out for yourself why this is the Australia's most photographed and adored beach.