Woolgoolga has been judged the country’s best mainland beach in the country on the 2025 Best Australian Beaches list.

The list is compiled each year by Brad Farmer AM, who is an Australian coastal veteran and one of Tourism Australia’s Friends of Australia.

Each year he undertakes a comprehensive study of the coastline around Australia’s mainland and surrounding islands to identify his top 10.

Mr Farmer said Woolgoolga (‘Woopi’ as it is know to locals) Main Beach, on the NSW Mid North Coast, was designed for holidaymakers on all budgets, "from shoestring to silk-stocking".

“While many holidaymakers know the charms of the Coffs Coast, Woolgoolga and surrounds is well placed for an increase in visitation by domestic and overseas visitors to Australia," he said.

"It’s just so very ‘Aussie’ - ticking all the boxes for a perfect beachside destination. I have researched beaches across Australia for over 40 years and Woolgoolga is an absolute standout.”

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said: “Wow, what a fantastic honour. Woopi Main Beach has long been a jewel, and it’s in elite company as the Coffs Coast is home to so many world class beaches,”

“This number one ranking on the mainland will provide a real fillip for the local community and the tourist and business industries.”

Also entering the top 10 was Caves Beach in Lake Macquarie.

"A local’s secret, Caves Beach in Lake Macquarie is known for its intricate network of sculpted sea caves spread along its southern end – truly wondrous to safely explore on a low tide," Mr Farmer said.

"The beach is also insta-famous for stunning sunrise shots snapped from inside the sea caves."

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said: "It’s definitely exciting and a massive accolade, but for anyone like me who has grown up in Lake Macquarie it’s not all that surprising.

“While other beaches north and south might get more attention, locals have known for generations how amazing ours are.”

“Caves is such a standout because it’s unlike any other patrolled beach on the NSW coast. It is such a family friendly spot and there are so many other activities right on its doorstep.”

Top 10 Australian beaches for 2025

  1. Bay of Fires, Tasmania
  2. Woolgoolga, NSW
  3. Emily Bay Lagoon, Norfolk Island
  4. North Kirra Beach, Queensland
  5. Little Lagoon, Western Australia
  6. Fishery Bay, South Australia
  7. 1770, Queensland
  8. Scarborough Beach, Western Australia
  9. Caves Beach, NSW
  10. Cowes Beach, Victoria

“Every beach which makes the list is a winner and this year really highlights the incredible diversity of the beach offerings we have here in Australia," Mr Farmer said.

"It really is like nowhere else in the world. In 2025 we recognise beaches of all shapes and sizes right around the country.

“Having to pick from almost 12,000 candidates is not an easy job and at time the selections create plenty of debate, which I welcome, and I look forward to the feedback on this year’s top 10."

Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell said: “There is no doubt that Australia has the best beaches in the world, and Tourism Australia’s 2025 Best Australian Beaches list highlights just how extraordinary our coastline is.

“This year’s list showcases to the world what Aussies already know – that Bondi and Brighton are great, but it’s worth the journey to see some truly unique beaches in regional Australia."

Learn more about 2025's Best Australian Beaches here.

Photography (Woolgoolga): Woolgoogla Beach Holiday Park, Liz McGinnes.