Best remote beaches in Australia you’ll practically have to yourself

Source: National Parks NSW

1. Mungo Beach, NSW

On the edge of Myall Lakes National Park, Mungo Beach stretches 20km and has soft white sand and views of pristine nature instead of other beachgoers.

While Mungo Beach isn't great for swimming because of the strong riptides and deep drop off, it is ideal for advanced surfers wanting waves to themselves. It's also ideal for those who love to tan with no neighbours.

Sure, it's a decent 235km drive up the Pacific Highway from Sydney. However, it's totally worth it as you'll have the beach to yourself as well as access to bushwalking trails and lakes.

• Best for: Surfers and nature lovers.
• Where is it? Myall Lakes National Park, NSW. From Sydney, it's a 235km drive on the Pacific Highway and The Lakes Way. A 4WD vehicle is needed to access the beach.
• Top things to see and do: Surfing, bush hiking, river kayaking.
• How long do I need? A half day to two days, depending on how long you want on the beach and to explore Myall Lakes National Park.
• Accommodation: Bombah Point Eco Cottages, Mungo Brush Campground and Billabong Cottage.

Source: National Parks NSW

2. Garie Beach, NSW

Garie Beach is perfect for Sydneysiders who want to get away from the crowds for just a day. Just an hour's drive south of Sydney and accessible by bus, this beach is easy to get to but doesn't draw the usual crowds.

Depending on the season, you may spot whales from the beach. The waves are big enough to surf, but it's also safe enough to go swimming and great for families.

• Best for: Families and daytrippers.
• Where is it? Royal National Park, NSW. Garie Beach is an hour drive south of Sydney. The Royal National Park bus service provides bus transfers from Sutherland train station.
• Top things to see and do: Swimming, surfing, whale watching, picnics and walking.
• How long do I need? A half day to a full day.
• Accommodation: Royal National Park Cottages, Solveenaand Tui Cottages.

Source: Visit Victoria

3. Golden Beach, Victoria

Named after its golden sand, Golden Beach is just one of the many beaches that make up the 90 miles of Ninety Mile Beach. We picked Golden Beach because it's one of the least busy along the stretch of sand.

It's a popular spot for its fishing competition over the Australia Day long weekend, but outside of that time, you'll have the beach pretty much to yourself – though you may have to share the beach with the wildlife. It's not uncommon to spot birds, emus and kangaroos.

• Best for: Wildlife lovers.
• Where is it? Ninety Mile Beach, Gippsland Lakes National Park, Victoria. Golden Beach is a 3-hour, 252km drive from Melbourne, nestled between the coastal towns of Loch Sport and Seaspray.
• Top things to see and do: Beach fishing, wildlife spotting, coastal hiking.
• How long do I need? A half day to a full day.
• Accommodation: 90 Mile Beach House & Villas, Restashore Beach House and 90 Mile Beach Escape.

Source: Visit Bass Coast

4. Kitty Miller Bay, Victoria

Phillip Island is visited by millions of visitors a year, but most don't take the time to see much else other than the penguin parade. This makes Kitty Miller Bay a prime spot to have all to yourself.

During high tide, it's great for advanced surfers. But during low tide, rock pools are exposed as well as ancient rocks from seafloor volcanoes and the remains of the SS Speke wreck.

The riptides here are strong, so we recommend spending your time walking along the beach, capturing pretty pictures and enjoying time solo.

• Best for: Advanced surfers and Instagramers.
• Where is it? Phillip Island, Victoria. Kitty Miller Bay is a 90-minute drive south of Melbourne. The island is accessible by car across a bridge.
• Top 3 things to see/do: Surfing, beach walks, snorkelling.
• How long do I need? A half day.
• Accommodation: Island Break Cottages, Phillip Island Apartments and Ramada Resort by Wyndham Phillip Island.

Source: Visit Noosa

5. Sunshine Beach, Queensland

Sunshine Beach isn't a remote beach, but we love how accessible it is. Plus, you can still have plenty of space (if not most of the beach) to yourself.

Noosa is known for its beautiful beaches and Sunshine Beach is no exception. Plus the fact that you can get to it from the stunning Noosa National Park is a bonus.

The beach is dog friendly and though it's only 15km long, that's still plenty of room to get away from any other people. Part of its beauty is that it looks like it stretches on forever.

• Best for: Dog owners, nature lovers and surfers.
• Where is it? Noosa, Queensland. Sunshine Beach is a 4km or 7-minute drive from Noosa Heads Beach. It can be accessed by doing the coastal walk through Noosa National Park, which takes a total of 2.5 hours.
• Top things to see and do: Surfing, coastal walking trails, dolphin and whale spotting.
• How long do I need? A half day to two days.
• Accommodation: Andari Holiday Apartments, Parkshores Sunshine Beach and Selene Street Sunrise Beach.

Source: Viator

6. Lake Birrabeen, Queensland

Fraser Island is best known for Lake McKenzie, but few take the time to visit the sister lake, Lake Birrabeen. You'll be spoiled with just as much beauty but without the crowds.

Lake Birrabeen has all of the same benefits of Lake McKenzie. Experience the white silicon sand, water so clear you can see straight to the bottom and cool freshwater for a relaxing swim.

• Best for: Adventurers.
• Where is it? Fraser Island, Queensland. From Rainbow Beach (1.5 hours from Noosa) or Brisbane (2 hours and 40 minutes), hop on the ferry for 50 minutes and drive off on Fraser Island. You will need a 4WD vehicle to access the island.
• Top things to see and do: Go swimming, drive the 75-mile beach highway, visit Maheno shipwreck, catch sunrise and sunset on the beach, spot whales.
• How long do I need? A half day to two days, depending on how long you want to explore Fraser Island.
• Accommodation: Sailfish on Fraser, Cathedrals on Fraser and The Holiday House Fraser Island.

Source: Western Australia

7. Lucky Bay, Western Australia

Lucky Bay is no secret yet few go out of their way to get to this secluded beach. It's easy enough to get to though if you love a hike and coastal scenery.

From either Cape Le Grand Beach or Rossiter Bay, which are about 15km apart, you can hike to Lucky Bay which stretches 5km long.

You may find a couple of fishermen, but mostly you'll just see kangaroos sunning themselves. It's a great beach for swimming and perfect for beachside camping.

• Best for: Campers and hikers.
• Where is it? Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia. From Esperance, it's a 45-minute drive on a paved road to the park and then about a 7km hike to Lucky Bay.
• Top things to see and do: Swimming, beachside camping, coastal hiking, whale spotting.
• How long do I need? A half day to a full day.
• Accommodation: Cape Le Grand Camp, Esperance Bay Holiday Park and Esperance Island View Apartments.

Source: Western Australia

8. Red Bluff Beach, Western Australia

Red Bluff Beach is a stunning coastal attraction that is both rugged and beautiful. Your backdrop features are red bluffs while gorgeous blue water rolls onto the beach, providing not only great views but also waves for surfing.

Since the beach is so far from any major cities, it's possible to spend the night here. Opt for a night or two in luxury or on a budget, with campsites and beach houses available to rent.

• Best for: Adventurers and campers.
• Where is it? Kalbarri, Western Australia. From Kalbarri, it's only a 5km drive to Red Bluff Beach or 6.5 hours from Perth.
• Top things to see and do: Swimming, fishing, surfing, snorkelling, bushwalking.
• How long do I need? A half day to two days.
• Accommodation: Kalbarri Blue Ocean Villas, Kalbarri Sunset Villa and Kalbarri Seafront Villas.

Source: Tasmania Parks

9. Friendly Beaches, Tasmania

Located in the Freycinet National Park, made famous because of the well-known Wineglass Bay, Friendly Beaches is easily accessible but has far fewer visitors.

The beach is nestled between two lagoons and has glorious white sand. The view is not only of the stunning waters out front but also includes a backdrop of granite peaks.

Friendly Beaches isn't recommended for swimming, but there are numerous trails and campsites around the beach that will keep you occupied for days.

• Best for: Hikers and nature lovers.
• Where is it? Freycinet National Park, Tasmania. From Coles Bay (2.5 hours from Hobart), it's a short 10-minute drive followed by a 5-minute walk to the beach. Part of the road is dirt so be sure to have a vehicle that is okay to drive on rough roads.
• Top things to see and do: Hike, wildlife spotting, camping.
• How long do I need? A half day to two days.
• Accommodation: Freycinet Lodge, Freycinet Retreat and Hazards Escape.

Source: South Australia

10. Rapid Bay, South Australia

Rapid Bay is no secret beach and is popular with the locals, but the closest town has a population of only 100 people. This ensures that there are only ever a few people on the beach even during its peak times.

If you're a diver or snorkeller, you'll love this pristine white beach. Just off the shores, you'll find a number of shipwrecks and vibrant marine life.

• Best for: Underwater lovers.
• Where is it? Rapid Bay, South Australia. Rapid Bay is a 2-hour drive, 102km south of Adelaide.
• Top things to see and do: Diving, snorkelling and swimming,
• How long do I need? A half day to a full day
• Accommodation: SALT, Sandy Feet Retreat and Second Valley Caravan Park.