The 5 best family-friendly beaches in Australia

Finding a beautiful beach in Australia isn’t exactly a challenge, but a family-friendly ones can be fewer and further between.

But fret not; for child-friendly swimming conditions, family-friendly activities and facilities, and heavenly scenery, here are five of the best beaches in Australia.*

Busselton, Western Australia

The picture-perfect town of Busselton’s beachfront features a 19th-century wooden jetty, stretching nearly 2km (the longest wooden jetty in the Southern hemisphere) and featuring its own little train that runs all the way along the structure. You can paddle board, kayak, scuba dive and swim beneath the jetty, or visit the Underwater Observatory, where visitors can ogle through glass at resplendent coral reef and marine life. The beach itself is protected from winds and strong surf by Cape Naturaliste, so swimming conditions are ideal for children and there’s even an inflatable water park set up in the summer months for added entertainment. Check into Baudins of Busselton B&B, the highest-rated accommodation in town.

Rye, Victoria

A seaside resort on the Mornington peninsula (just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne), Rye is the perfect family-friendly escape. More laid-back than swanky, neighbouring Sorrento, it’s a mish-mash of caravan parks and cute cafés, with opportunities for horse-riding over rolling sand dunes, soaking in Victoria’s only geothermal hot springs, and watching the sunset with an ice-cream on the town’s jetty. Stay at Sunny Side Up B&B Rye for cool, contemporary design, a verandah with outdoor hot tub and an impressive breakfast spread.

Caloundra, Queensland

The laid-back Sunshine Coast town of Caloundra is a flurry of family-friendly activity, from stand up paddle boarding in the calm waters of the Pumicestone Passage at Golden Beach, to playing beach cricket on the brilliant white sand. Sheltered from the ocean by the tip of Bribie Island, many of the beaches here are especially calm and safe for swimming, surfing and other watersports. There’s a boardwalk that stretches along the coast, taking you past nature reserves, rugged cliffs, tidal rock pools and sun-drenched beaches lined with pandanus trees. Stay at the family-friendly Rumba Beach Resort, just a 2-minute walk from the beach.

Forster, New South Wales

In the middle of the verdant Manning Valley and the Great Lakes district just north of Sydney, the small coastal town of Forster has a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. Hike bushland trails through national parks and follow the rainforest path up to the Cape Hawke lookout. Or kayak across the lakes, people-watch from a café on the tree-lined high street, and sunbathe and swim on the white sandy beaches (the Main Beach and One Mile Beach are the most popular). Check into Forster Holiday Village, where guests have access to a heated swimming pool, tennis court and children’s playground.

Wollongong, New South Wales

Just 80km south of Sydney, the city of Wollongong’s lazy holiday atmosphere belies its size, making it feel like a quiet surfing town. Backed by mountains and facing royal blue ocean, the scenery and beaches are the main draw, with numerous hiking trails encircling the forests and rocky cliffs inland. You can also hire bikes for a day trip heading past the harbour, lighthouses, lagoons and beautiful beaches. And if you’re driving from Sydney, make sure you go via the Grand Pacific Drive to witness some of Australia’s most amazing coastal views. Stay at the boutique Southview Guest House, a duck egg blue, wooden accommodation just outside of Wollongong and a 3-minute walk from the beach.

** These were the most highly rated ‘beaches for kids’ in Australiam, according to Booking.com customers.