Brutal history behind the beach named Australia’s best
Misery Beach was once known for its brutality, but is now the country's No.1 beach beauty spot. Photo: Getty
Bondi might have the glamour, Byron the celebrities and Noosa the tranquility, but a tiny stretch of sand with a bloody past has beaten all three, and 19 others, to be crowned Australia’s best beach.
Misery Beach, near Albany in Western Australia, used to be stained red with the blood of slaughtered sperm whales.
But since the closure of Australia’s last whaling station 44 years ago it has become a haven for seals, whales and dolphins.
The 200-metre beach five hours south-east of Perth was named the country’s best on Sunday in a list compiled by Tourism Australia’s beach ambassador Brad Farmer.
Tourism Minister Dan Tehan said Mr Farmer had “one of the toughest jobs in Australia”, narrowing down more than 11,000 candidates to curate a selection of “our most spectacular beaches that will inspire and excite holiday makers all over Australia and the world”.
Mr Tehan encouraged local holiday makers and international tourists alike to include as many as possible on their itineraries as Australia reopens.
Australia’s top 20 beaches of 2022
Misery Beach, WA: Minang Country south of Albany
Don’t be fooled by the name. With its aqua blue water and cascading rock face, Misery Beach is anything but a bad time.
Horseshoe Bay, NSW: Dainggatti Country north-east of Kempsey
This coastal bay is sheltered by surrounding pine trees, making it the perfect spot for a summer day’s swim with the family.
The Spit, Qld: Bundjalung Country south of South Stradbroke Island
Formed in an unusual crab claw-like formation, The Spit is popular with fishermen, divers and snorkellers alike.
See some of the marine life in action:
Flaherty’s Beach, SA: Narangga Country, north of Warooka
Although it may be a bit of a task to get to this remote beach on the Yorke Peninsula (likely requiring a 4WD), the breathtaking views are well worth the effort.
Loch Ard Gorge, Vic: Giraiwurung Country, east of Port Campbell
Located in a quiet cove on the Great Ocean Road, Loch Ard Gorge is famous for its remarkable rock formations.
The Neck, Tas: Nuenonne Country on Lunnawannalonna (Bruny Island)
Home to the island’s native wildlife, including fairy penguins, there’s plenty to see and do at this spectacular location.
Blue Pearl Bay, Qld: Giya Country on Hayman Island in the Whitsundays
Tucked away at the back of Hayman Island, this beach is truly the hidden pearl of the Whitsundays.
Depot Beach, NSW: Yuin Country north of Batemans Bay
Majestic gum tree forests surround this serene location, making it the perfect spot to chill out and relax.
Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay Territory: Yuin / Tharawal Country in Booderee National Park
The combination of pearly white sand, greenery and wildlife make this location truly unique.
Dundee Beach, NT: Larrakia / Wadyiginy Country south-west of Darwin
This one’s for the outdoor adventurers. With plenty of fishing hotspots and 4WD tracks to explore, you won’t be short of activities when visiting Dundee Beach.
Dudley Beach, NSW: Awabakal Country south of Newcastle
Looking for some peace and quiet? Dudley Beach is a rarely-crowded beach in Newcastle, perfect for a beachside stroll.
Thompsons Beach, Vic: Waveroo / Yorta Yorta Country on the Murray River near Cobram
Thompsons Beach, unlike the other beaches on this list, sits on the bank of the Murray River in northern Victoria.
Coogee Beach, WA: Wajuk Country south of Fremantle
What makes Coogee Beach truly special is the Omeo Wreck just 25 metres from shore, making Coogee very popular with adventurous swimmers and divers.
Read more about the history of the wreck.
Mots Beach, Vic: Kurnai Country east of Marlo
You’ll feel right at nature at Mots Beach, which sits on the edge of a vibrant rainforest. The remote location means visitors are often lucky enough to have the beach to themselves.
Alexandria Bay, Qld: Gubbi Gubbi Country on the eastern side of Noosa National Park
160 kilometres north of Brisbane, you’ll be gobsmacked by Alexandria Bay’s endless stretch of sand and glimmering water.
Emu Bay, SA: On the northern side of Kangaroo Island
This beach is one of the few on the island with direct vehicle access, making it the perfect spot to set up for a day of fun at the beach and tuck into a feast of fish and chips.
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Lake Wabby, Qld: Butchulla Country on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island)
This swimming hole sits at the foot of sweeping sand dunes and the island’s lush rainforest. Keep an eye out for the 12 species of fish that call the lake home.
Congwong Beach, NSW: Eora / Tharawal Country in La Perouse
Surrounded by a number of spectacular hiking trails, Congwong Beach is the perfect place to cool off after a day in the sun.
Jellybean Pool, NSW: Dharug Country in the lower Blue Mountains
Named in honour of its confectionary-shaped waterhole, this lush haven is just an hour’s drive from Sydney.
Ethel Beach, Christmas Island
Rounding off the list is Ethel Beach on Christmas Island.
Although it may be harder to get to than the other locations, as you can see by the stunning jagged rock formations and extraordinary wildlife (notably the Christmas Island red crabs), it’s well worth the travel.
(Indigenous place names, where available, from the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies.)
-with AAP
