Three Australian beaches named in top 20 in the world

Three Australian beaches have cemented their place among the world’s most extraordinary coastal locations, receiving well-deserved recognition in the top 50 beaches globally.

Each year, travel site Big 7 ranks the world’s 50 best beaches, with two of Australia’s coastal wonders making the top 10 this year: Whitehaven Beach in the idyllic Whitsundays, and Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay.

Whitehaven Beach

Coming in at No.5 on the list, Whitehaven Beach is described by Big 7 as “one of the purest in the world”.

“The largest of 74 islands in the Whitsundays, the island is right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef,” Big 7 said.

“As well as being one of the world’s most unspoiled and beautiful beaches, the sand doesn’t retain heat, so it’s a fantastic place to walk barefoot, even on a hot day.”

Whitehaven Beach was named the fifth-best beach in the world. Photo: Getty

The white silica sand beach stretches for seven kilometres across the island and is a popular tourist destination.

Hyams Beach

The less-known of the pair to enter the top 10 on the list is a seaside village located 180km south of Sydney in Jervis Bay.

“Hyams Beach is just three hours south of Sydney, but between its pine forests and white sands, it feels worlds apart,” Big 7 said.

“It’s an excellent spot for snorkelling, thanks to its gentle waves, and it’s popular with stingrays too. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins for the ultimate photo opp.”

Hyams Beach was named the 10th best beach in the world. Photo: AAP

Its waters are home to the Jervis Bay Marine Park and are full of rich biodiversity.

The rest

Turquoise Bay in Exmouth, Western Australia, is the only other entry in the list at No.16.

Turquoise Bay is known for its coral reefs, colourful and diverse fish and the whale sharks who make the yearly migration to its waters.

“Think turquoise waters, the softest white sand and sparkling views over Ningaloo Reef, famed for its whale sharks,” Big 7 said.

“It’s every bit as beautiful underwater too, with coral gardens teeming with marine life. Spend the morning snorkelling then stretch out in the sun for a truly blissful beach experience.”

Turquoise Bay’s name pretty much says it all. Photo: Tourism Western Australia

The list is topped by White Beach in the Philippines, which can only be reached by boat or an off-road four-wheel drive journey.

Interestingly, only one man-made beach made this year’s list: Barceloneta Beach, the most popular beach in Barcelona, Spain, at No.37.

“It’s not the most authentic, in fact, it’s entirely man-made – its golden sands were shipped over from Egypt,” Big 7 said.

“However, it’s heaps of fun with music, beach bars and volleyball, and it’s surprisingly clean for a city beach.”

Barceloneta Beach is the only man-made coastal wonder to make the list. Photo: AAP

The ranking is based on aggregated scores from previous media results, official blue flag locations and contributions from the Big 7 editorial team.