Woolgoolga Main Beach on NSW’s Coffs Coast has been named the best on Mainland Australia in the just-released Best Australian Beaches 2025 list.
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Nikki Williams said the honour for Woolgoolga was a fantastic for the region. Woolgoolga Main Beach was placed second overall, with Tasmania’s Bay of Fires taking out first place.
“Woolgoolga (‘Woopi’ to the locals) 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,” she said.
“This No.1 ranking on the Mainland will provide a real fillip for the local community and the tourist and business industries.”
Best Australian Beaches Author, Brad Farmer AM, has been rating the nation’s beaches annually for years.
“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. It’s just so very ‘Aussie’ – ticking all the boxes for a perfect beachside destination,” said Mr Farmer in his assessment of Woolgoolga.
“I have researched beaches across Australia for over 40 years and Woolgoolga is an absolute standout.”
In many respects, Woolgoolga is the beach with it all – from rockpools and walking tracks through to open green space and eclectic market stalls.
Woolgoolga Main Beach can also be explored from on high via the elevated connected pathway known as the Woolgoolga Whale Trail which was opened by the City of Coffs Harbour in 2024.
“The Trail gives you a panoramic view of the coastline and during migration season you’ll be almost certain to spot the gentle giants of the sea as they roll past on the humpback (whale) highway,” Mayor Williams said.
Mr Farmer said Woolgoolga is an ideal location to experience all that nature has to offer – plus the delights of the local village.
“Fish the coast or any of its beautiful surrounding estuaries, surf any of the consistent pumping breaks, spot friendly kangaroos bouncing across the headlands, enjoy a round of golf, dine out in style or simply set up camp for few hours or a few days. It really is a hassle-free favourite,” Farmer wrote.
This year’s Top 10 Best Australian Beaches:
- Bay of Fires, Tasmania
- Woolgoolga, Coffs Coast, NSW
- Emily Bay Lagoon, Norfolk Island
- North Kirra, Gold Coast, Queensland
- Little Lagoon, Shark Bay, Western Australia
- Fishery Bay, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
- 1770, North Queensland
- Scarborough Beach, Western Australia
- Caves Beach, Lake Macquarie, NSW; and
- Cowes Beach, Philip Island, Victoria.
Tourism Australia Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison says Woolgoolga’s star rating in the 2025 best beaches list will prove beneficial for the Coffs Coast.
“Our research consistently shows us that international visitors come to Australia to experience our beaches and the Best Beaches of Australia 2025 helps to showcase the breadth and depth of what we have to offer,” Ms Harrison said.
It’s a sentiment underlined by Trade and Tourism Minister, Don Farrell.
“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,” Mr Farrell said.
“There will be many families, just like mine, that love looking through the Best Australian Beaches list every year to pick which ones they want to visit next.”
Check out Woolgoolga Main Beach and the Coffs Coast through the free Coffs Coast Explorer app. You can download it here.
