‘The most important part is the vibe’: Bate Bay named Australia’s best beach | Australia news
Bate Bay in Sutherland has been named the best Australian beach of 2026. The annual list selects the top 10 beaches across the country to showcase Australia’s beauty at home and abroad.
Brad Parker, beach ambassador for Tourism Australia, which compiled the list, described the coastline south of Sydney airport as “Sydney’s longest, least crowded and most beautiful stretch of sand”.
After looking at 12,500 beaches, Parker created a 130-point criterion when evaluating beaches.
“Of course, I would say Bate Bay is the most qualified beach, it met almost every expectation,” Parker said.
Parker said he took into account a number of factors when assessing what was Australia’s best beach, including aesthetics, natural integrity, facilities, access and parking.
“Just like The Castle, the most important part is the atmosphere. It may sound cliché, but having a friendly and inviting atmosphere is one of the most important factors during analysis,” Parker said.
Sutherland mayor Jack Boyd said the study revealed “something locals have known for a long time” and he hoped it would attract more tourism to the area.
“This great honor highlights the natural beauty of our coastline, easy access to local public transportation, surf culture, vibrant lifestyle and strong community ties,” Boyd said.
New South Wales Tourism Minister Steve Kamper hoped the award would increase visits and international and national awareness.
“There, sorry Australia, when it comes to the best beach in town, NSW is the clear winner. Whether it’s the south coast, north coast, central coast or a good old Sydney beach, there’s no better place to enjoy diving in Australia than NSW,” said Kamper.
Located in Gweagal Country of the Dharawal nation, many of the beaches along the region’s coastline bear Indigenous names such as Gunnamatta, Wanda, Elouera and Cronulla.
Bate Bay spans 4.8km and is located just under the flight path of passengers flying to Sydney.
Greenhills beach forms 3.3km of Bate Bay. It was one of the backdrops for Australia’s coming-of-age drama Puberty Blues.
The Gulf also has significant links to colonisation, as the first recorded interaction between indigenous Australians and European colonists occurred here in 1770.
Parker hoped to highlight the importance of Australia’s beaches through the annual list and called for a national framework for coastal protection.
“The beach is one of Australia’s biggest sources of income and one of its biggest generators of enjoyment, but there is no minister protecting the resource that Australians consider most precious,” he said.
Parker also wanted the list to highlight the wellness benefits of the beach and called on Australians to take more ownership of their own patch of sand. “We have to make sure we don’t ruin this for the next generation,” he said.
