World’s best beaches: Wharton Beach ranked third in the world as Turquoise Bay rounds out top 15
Not one but TWO WA beaches have appeared on the World’s 50 Best Beaches list; an incredible contestant took third place; Its location will come as no surprise to most Western Australians.
More than 1,000 judges, all “travel professionals,” voted The World’s Best Beaches A total of three Australian beaches have been disrupted for 2026.
The first place was taken by the deserving Entalula Beach on the eastern island of Palawan in the Philippines, while Fteri Beach in Kefalonia, Greece, came in second.
In news that will surprise no West Australian, Wharton Beach in the Great South has come in third place, with bright blue water and squeaky white sand representing the jewels of our backyard.
An hour east of Esperance, Wharton Beach sits next to Duke of Orleans Bay and is praised for its surfing and 4WD scene.
There’s even a caravan park for those who want to enjoy the peaceful haven of the world’s officially third best beach.
“Wharton Beach in Western Australia stands out for its remote location and stunning coastal views,” the ranking statement said.
“Its isolation ensures it rarely feels crowded, even on perfect summer days, providing a peaceful escape for those seeking solitude.
“With its panoramic ocean views and secluded feel, Wharton Beach remains an extraordinary jewel representing the rugged beauty of Australia’s southern coast.”
There’s another unsurprising contender coming in at 3pm: Turquoise Bay in the Cape Range National Park near Exmouth, rightly recognized for its “secluded and untouched perfection”.
Arguably the most accessible part of Ningaloo Reef, the incredible ‘Drift Snorkel’ rapids that run across the Bay are regularly used by swimmers to slowly drift over the coral reef in the crystal clear water.
“Turquoise Bay in Western Australia truly lives up to its name, with some of the brightest turquoise waters you will ever see,” the ranking description said.
“The beach is undeveloped and the feeling of untouched natural beauty is preserved where the desert meets the sea.
“The bay’s waters are part of the incredible Ningaloo Reef and provide up-close encounters with a wide variety of marine life in crystal clear conditions.”
Western Australian Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said it was “incredibly special” for two beaches in Western Australia to be recognized on the list, describing them as “iconic” features of Western Australia’s incredible coastline.
“Both beaches are a major attraction for the State and its territories, with the tourism sector playing a key role in the WA Government’s economic diversification strategy and supporting local jobs and businesses,” Mr Whitby said.
“There really is something for everyone to enjoy and wherever you go you will always find summer in Western Australia.”
Tasmania’s Wineglass Bay rounded out Australia’s rankings in 21st place.
