Whether you’re dreaming of the wild, windswept hiking beaches of Australia’s Great Ocean Walk or eager to explore hiking trails around the globe, the beauty of these sandy shorelines is amplified by the adventures that lead you there and the fascinating people you encounter along the way.
If you’re planning a trip to Australia, don’t miss the chance to explore the Great Ocean Walk with the help of the locals in Apollo Bay. Our guided and self-guided tours offer a unique way to experience the breathtaking beaches along this world-famous coastline and a wonderful opportunity to meet and chat with the friendly residents of this beautiful little fishing town.
So, pack your boots and a beach towel, and we’ll dive into 10 of the most stunning beaches that you can visit whilst hiking that deserve a place on your bucket list! And, if we leave you feeling inspired, remember to check out our Guided Tours on the Great Ocean Walk and Self-Guided Tours on the Great Ocean Walk.
Gibsons Steps Beach – Great Ocean Walk, Australia
Why visit Gibsons Steps Coastal Trail? This beach is a real stand-out when exploring the Great Ocean Walk trail. Located in Port Campbell National Park in Victoria, Australia, this wild and wonderful beach offers hikers the chance to walk along the pristine sand to view the 12 Apostles limestone stacks from sea level. Even the walk along the beach is a fabulous experience as you can stop and admire the wonderful colours streaking along the huge cliff face, created by the natural spring water trickling down and escaping through the rock.
The pounding waves at high tide are responsible for the small caves gouged into the cliffs, and this is how the erosion created the impressive stacks you can admire in the distance.
If you are short on time during your visit to Australia’s awe-inspiring National Parks and don’t have time to complete a six-day hike, you can arrange a short Three-Day Great Ocean Walk Experience that ends here at the magnificent 12 Apostles. Please just get in touch if you have any questions!
Wreck Beach – Great Ocean Walk, Australia
Why visit Wreck Beach? Wreck Beach is another outstanding beach you won’t want to miss whilst in this part of Australia. This is one of the most secluded and historic beaches along the Great Ocean Walk hiking trail.
Sadly, it is named after the remains of two shipwrecks scattered on its sands. The old anchors you will see washed up on the shoreline are from the Marie Gabrielle and the Fiji, which were wrecked in the wild seas of the Great Southern Ocean.
If you want to explore this historical beach, just make sure you choose to walk on a low tide and when the swell is not too big. To get there, you need to descend 366 steps, but the effort is definitely worth it, and the views on the way down to the beach are spectacular. You can enjoy this section of the track while walking on the 6-Day, 5-Day or 4-Day Wild Side Great Ocean Walk.
Seven Sisters Cliffs Walk – Seaford to Eastbourne, UK
Why is this walk a perfect short hike? While stony beaches may not evoke the same picture-perfect images as the long, soft stretches of pristine sand, don’t dismiss them! Some of these beaches offer something truly special, making them among the best in the world. Take, for example, the beaches along the Seven Sisters Cliffs walk.
Your journey begins on the charming stony beach in Seaford, adorned with quaint, brightly coloured wooden sheds—quintessentially British, just like a postcard! All up, the walk is approximately 20km, so remember to come prepared with comfortable trail shoes.
After a steep ascent out of town, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the South Coast. The trail continues along the top of the towering cliffs, so be cautious on windy days and avoid getting too close to the edge! If you’re planning a lunch break, consider stopping as you descend into Cuckmere Haven, a beach featured in the movie Atonement. Just remember to check the tides before you set out, and be warned—the water is cold but wonderfully refreshing!
Matira Beach – Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Why visit magical Bora Bora? This wonderfully popular beach is well worth a visit. Bora Bora’s Matira Beach is a stunning tropical wonder with crystal waters, soft sands, and matchless sunsets. As one of the few public beaches on the island, it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring the South Pacific.
It stretches for approximately 1.5km (2 miles) and is lined with palm trees and lush vegetation. The sand slopes into a lagoon which is perfect for swimming, and on a low tide, you can walk (or wade!) from Matira Point across the sand to the barrier reef. After a walk and a snorkel, stop to enjoy the beautiful sunsets over this beautiful western-facing beach.
Navagio Beach – Zakynthos, Greece
What is so special about Zakynthos? Navagio, also known as Shipwreck Beach or Smugglers’ Cove, is a breathtaking beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. This little cove is home to the shipwreck MV Panagiotis, which ran into trouble during a bad storm in 1980. It is rumoured that the ship was filled with contraband cigarettes when it was abandoned by its crew whilst being pursued by the Geek Navy! The dramatic backdrop of the cliffs, its turquoise waters and the rusting wreck of the ship scattered on the sand make this cove one of the most photographed in the Mediterranean.
Only accessible by boat, this popular hiking route takes approximately 42 minutes. It starts with an easy path but ends with a very steep and rocky section, so make sure that you wear good walking shoes! Navagio Beach is busiest (and warmest) in August and September, but the amazing views make this trek well worth the effort!
Whitehaven Beach – Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, Australia
Why should the Whitsundays be a must-do whilst in Australia? Whitehaven Beach in Queensland is frequently ranked as one of the top beaches globally. It is renowned for its pristine white silica sands and crystal-clear waters. This stunning stretch of beach is a haven for snorkelers, swimmers, and anyone seeking paradise.
Not only that, it has a couple of short hikes you can do whilst you are exploring the area.
The Whitsunday Peak track is the most arduous, being 4.3km long and rated as quite hard as a steep trail. Accessible by boat from Cid Harbour, it takes approximately 2 hours to complete, and you will probably be the only walkers on this trail, so enjoy the tranquillity!
Whitehaven Beach Overlook is also accessible by boat from Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island and is a pretty but more moderate walk of approximately 3.2 km. There are a few steps to take, but the view from the top is nice. Look out for goannas!
Anse Source d’Argent – La Digue, Seychelles
Why visit the Seychelles? The iconic beach in the Seychelles is famous for its smooth granite boulders, white sand, and calm, clear waters. Anse Source d’Argent is a slice of heaven on earth, offering a stunning backdrop that has been featured in many films and advertisements.
Anse Marron is located on the southern tip of La Digue and the walk to see these golden sands is a bit challenging and slippery at times. However, you will be rewarded with the chance to bathe in shallow pools of crystal clear water. But remember, there is no coral reef here so the water gets deep quickly, so it’s not a good idea to go open water swimming.
Reynisfjara Beach – Iceland
Why Iceland!? A beach like no other, Reynisfjara is known for its striking black volcanic sands, basalt columns, and towering sea stacks. Located close to the town of Vik, on the South Coast of Iceland, It’s a mesmerising, otherworldly location with dramatic ocean waves and an ethereal atmosphere.
If you plan to hike the Reynisfall Sea Cliffs, be prepared for a medium to hard hike of 8km, which takes approximately 3 hours. Doing this loop walk, you will see the Reynisfall sea stacks from above and the village of Vic in the distance. Well worth the views!
Grace Bay – Turks and Caicos Islands
Grace Bay regularly tops lists of the world’s best beaches. It features powdery white sands and tranquil, shallow turquoise waters, perfect for those seeking luxury, relaxation, and an unforgettable tropical getaway. But there are also lots of short walks you can add to your itinerary.
To name a few, try Bird Rock Island (2.7 km), Crossing Place Trail (7.4 km), Smith Reef and Grace Bay (8 km), Northwest Point Trail (5 km), Pumpkin Bluff Beach (6.3km), or North Point Trail (1.5km). For the adventurous, all of these trails offer a chance to discover the hidden beauty of the Turks and Caicos Islands, but plan to walk in the early morning to make the most of the cool breeze!
Johanna – Great Ocean Walk, Australia
Why you must visit Johanna Beach! Nestled along the famous Great Ocean Walk, Johanna Beach is a wild and windswept stretch of coastline. Its rolling hills and untouched sands are popular with surfers, making it a highlight for hikers and nature lovers.
However, although this beach looks pretty safe, caution must be taken where the river crosses the beach to meet the Great Southern Ocean. Depending on the tides and swell, the water crossing can get quite deep, so remember to check your tide chart before you set out. If it’s really deep and unsafe to cross, you may have to turn back!
After you have navigated the crossing, you will head towards the two Johanna Beach Lookouts. Here, you may camp in the day visitor area or the Great Ocean Walk campsites or be whisked off to your accommodation by Walk91 for a warm shower and a nice meal. Check out our 4-Day or 5-Day Great Ocean Walk options. No worries! We will help you check the tides and support you all the way!
Playa Paraiso – Cayo Largo, Cuba
Living up to its name, Playa Paraiso is truly a paradise. Its soft, white sands and calm, shallow waters make it ideal for beachgoers who want to bask in the Cuban sun in a tranquil setting. Playa Paraiso (Paradise Beach) offers a quiet 1km walk close to the waters of the warm Caribbean Sea, and this beach has continuously been considered one of the world’s best 25 beaches!
There are many attractions to explore nearby, such as the marine reserve, which is perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving. Visitors can also take a boat tour to explore the surrounding islands or visit the nearby turtle farm.
Blanket Bay – Great Ocean Walk, Australia
Why is Blantket Bay one of the best beaches on the Great Ocean Road Walk? Blanket Bay is a tranquil and sheltered cove near the end of the Great Ocean Walk. The beach earned its name from European settlers in 1840, who referred to it as a cozy “blanket,” symbolizing a perfect resting spot for weary travelers journeying through the rugged, untamed landscape of the time. This picturesque beach is still a popular camping spot today, offering tranquil views and a great place for a paddle on a low tide. However, you can’t just roll up! You need to book camping spots online with Parks Victoria in advance.
If you don’t want to carry your gear, Walk91 can offer camping assistance for 6, 4, or 3 days. If you would like to hike just the first 3 days of the walk passing Blanket Bay beach, but would rather stay in accommodation, or even at the Cape Otway Lighthouse, have look at our 3-Day Hike the Cape Walk.
Read our Short Walks on the Great Ocean Walk to learn more about visiting the beach.
Lanikai Beach – Oahu, Hawaii
Consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in the U.S., Lanikai is renowned for its tranquil waters, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It is famous for its views of the offshore Mokulua Islands, which provide a stunning backdrop to this tropical paradise. The fine, powdery sand and gentle breezes add to Lanikai’s allure, making it a first-class destination for beach lovers and photographers.
Lanikai is also known for the Kuliʻouʻou Ridge-Puʻu ʻO Kona walking Loop. It is approximately 7.4 km long, and this walk is rated pretty hard, so if you are unsure if this walk is for you, consider walking the easier but still beautiful Lanikai Pillbox walk, which is a more moderate 2.7 km.
BaÃa do Sancho – Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Accessible only by boat or a steep staircase, BaÃa do Sancho is often described as Brazil’s most beautiful beach. Surrounded by cliffs, its golden sands and emerald waters make it a remote but rewarding destination for beach lovers. Its secluded location only adds to its allure. There are many popular walks in the area, from moderate to difficult. Why not try the Morro do Pico for a short walk of approximately 1.5km or the Trilha do Capim Acu at 10km for a longer hike? The views all around are magnificent!
Praia da Marinha – Algarve, Portugal
Praia da Marinha is a classic Algarve beach featuring stunning cliffs, sandy shores, and crystal-clear waters. Renowned for its beauty and remarkable rock formations, it is also an excellent location for snorkelling and observing marine life. You can try walking the approximately 6km circular route from Praia da Marinha to see the magnificent cliffs and Algarve, but be warned! This is a popular running track, too, so it might be quite busy!
Visit Beautiful Beaches with Walk 91
All these beaches have a unique reason for visiting on your next vacation, ranging from rugged and remote to serene and picture-perfect. Whether hiking along Australia’s Great Ocean Walk, taking a short walk on a beach in Europe, or relaxing on the sand in the South Pacific, each adventure offers something unique. We hope we’ve left you feeling inspired to begin planning your next adventure!
If you’ll be travelling in Australia, please consider joining us for a Tour of Victoria’s Great Ocean Walk.
