When you think of beautiful beaches in Australia, white sand options such as Whitehaven or unspoilt havens in Western Australia spring to mind.
But after TripAdvisor named Manly beach in Sydney as the winner of their Travellers’ Choice award, many were left fuming that the beach topped others in Queensland.
‘I think it’s absolutely outrageous,’ Tourism and Events Queensland board member, Paul Donovan, told the Courier Mail.
‘I can’t believe anyone in their right mind would have voted for Manly — and I used to live there.’
Australia’s number one beach has recently been revealed but the stretch of sand that took the number one spot has people fuming (stock image)
People on social media have also had a hard time believing Manly deserved the top spot.
‘Unpopular opinion: Manly Beach isn’t that great and Noosa was robbed of number one spot,’ one Twitter user wrote.
Others questioned the credibility of the TripAdvisor research that led to these results.
‘Manly beach voted Australia’s best beach? Seriously?? Even WA’s worst beach is wayyyy better than Manly!! These polls must be based on the number of people on the beach!!!,’ one person said.
‘Backpackers sleeping in their cars in the backstreets, washing their undies in the street … no thanks,’ another added on Facebook.
FEMAIL takes a look at the top ten – and why they were included.
People on social media have also had a hard time believing Manly deserved the top spot (Bondi Beach pictured)
1. MANLY BEACH – SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES
For the first time ever, Manly Beach in Sydney has taken the number one spot on the list.
This Sydney beach was the first in Australia to allow daylight swimming in 1903 and hosted the world’s earliest surfing championship back in 1964, making it a ‘must-see’ for visitors.
Travellers can take the ferry service from Circular Quay and spend the afternoon taking in the ‘breathtaking’ views or strolling along Corso, for plenty of shops, bars and restaurants.
For the first time Manly Beach in Manly has taken the number one spot on the list (pictured)
2. SURFERS PARADISE BEACH – SURFERS PARADISE, QUEENSLAND
This popular beach in Surfers Paradise, Queensland, was given its name for a reason.
Surfers Paradise Beach is one of Australia’s most iconic and visited tourist attractions, thanks to its ‘crystal clear waters’ and ‘great sandy beach’.
TripAdvisor reviewers recommend it as a picnic spot and also advocate taking a stroll down the esplanade for the magnificent city skylines.
Surfer’s Paradise Beach in Queensland was given its name for a reason
3. WHITEHAVEN BEACH – WHITSUNDAYS, QUEENSLAND
Whitehaven Beach is the largest out of all 74 beaches that the Whitsundays houses as it sprawls over seven kilometres.
It has some of the whitest and softest sand you’ll see, with the white sandy beach containing 98 percent pure white silica sands, making it ‘one of the purest in the world’.
Travellers highly recommend making a climb up to the Hill Inlet lookout for views of ‘swirls of pure white sand, crystal turquoise water and little islands of coral reefs around it’.
Whitehaven Beach is the largest out of all 74 beaches that the Whitsundays houses as it sprawls over seven kilometres
4. NOOSA MAIN BEACH – NOOSA, QUEENSLAND
Noosa Main Beach is known as one of the best surfing locations in Queensland, especially for first time surfers thanks to the lifesavers on duty and the gentle waves.
This is one of only a handful of beaches along Australia’s eastern coastline that faces north and because of this the waters are warm and calm for most of the year.
People recommend that those visiting should also head to nearby Hasting Street, a vibrant area with cafes, bars and restaurants.
Noosa Main Beach is known as one of the best surfing locations in Queensland, especially for first time surfers thanks to the life savers on duty and the gentle waves
5. BONDI BEACH – BONDI, SYDNEY
Although Bondi Beach could safely be called Australia’s most well-known stretch of sand, some may be surprised that it didn’t come in at first place.
This is one of Sydney’s most popular beaches and is only a short bus ride from the centre of the city.
Many people who have visited the famous eastern shoreline have recommended going on a coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee in their online reviews thanks to the great scenery.
Although Bondi Beach could safely be called Australia’s most well-known stretch of sand, some may be surprised that it didn’t come in at first place
6. FOUR MILE BEACH – PORT DOUGLAS, QUEENSLAND
Four Mile Beach is known as one of the most iconic beaches in the tropical area that is known as North Queensland.
The beach stretches out over four miles of white sand and glistening water and the beach enjoys warm waters, tropical weather and a coastline that houses palm tree after palm tree.
This is the main beach of Port Douglas and it is recommended that those who are wanting to have a dip should stay within the netted area as it keeps the section of the beach free of sharks, crocodiles and jellyfish.
Four Mile Beach is known as one of the most iconic beaches in the tropical area that is known as North Queensland
7. CABLE BEACH – BROOME, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Cable Beach is the first beach from Western Australia that has made it onto the Tripadvisor list, with its red ochre dunes, white sand and clear turquoise waters.
Reviewers have said that it is one ‘of the most scenic beaches in the world’ and from photos online many can see why.
It received its name from the telegraph cable laid between Broome and Java in 1889 and remains relatively uncrowded, even during the peak season between May and October.
Cable Beach is the first beach from Western Australia that has made it on this list, with its red ochre dunes, white sand and clear turquoise waters
8. MOOLOOLABA BEACH – MOOLOOLABA, QUEENSLAND
If you’re not a fan of beaches with huge waves then Mooloolaba Beach could be the one for you.
It is considered one of the safest Sunshine Coast beaches as its north-facing location ensures near-perfect and safe water conditions all year round.
The beach is a popular choice for those who want to swim, boogie board or body surf and families also frequent this spot as the rock pools along the beach have interesting creatures children can observe safely.
If you’re not a fan of beaches with huge waves then Mooloolaba Beach could be the one for you
9. BURLEIGH HEADS BEACH – BURLEIGH HEADS, QUEENSLAND
Burleigh Heads Beach is another beach from sunny Queensland that has made the list.
It is known for its perfect surfing conditions and is located on the Southern end of Gold Coast.
Loved by locals and tourists alike, the beach is a great spot for swimming in protected waters.
Burleigh Heads Beach is another beach from sunny Queensland that has made the list
10. TURQUOISE BAY – EXMOUTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Turquoise Bay is one of Western Australia’s most popular beaches, and it lives up to its name, with perfectly turquoise waters and white sand.
The beach is within metres of the renowned Ningaloo Reef making it the perfect spot for snorkelling amongst a rich biodiversity of marine life including.
The bay is also popular for drift snorkelling, where beachgoers swim out to the reef on the southern end of the beach and let the current wash them north to the sand bar.
Turquoise Bay is one of Western Australia’s most popular beaches, and it lives up to its name, with perfectly turquoise waters and white sand