Australia's Beach With Caribbean-Like Waters Was Ranked The World's Third-Best In 2026

Beach lovers are blessed with a planet full of incredible coastlines, from north to south, east to west. And when it comes to the best beaches to visit in 2026, it's no surprise that many are found within the world's best tropical vacation destinations – specifically in places like the Caribbean or the Indian Ocean. But you can't forget one major beach paradise: Australia. Not only is Australia one of the safest countries to visit in 2026, it's also home to a host of incredible beaches, including one that claimed the spot for the world's third-best beach — and that's Wharton Beach. 

The website World's 50 Best Beaches puts out an annual list based on a variety of factors, including the surrounding landscape, peacefulness, volatility of the waves, cleanliness, crowdedness, and even wildlife. Wharton Beach rates high on all of these criteria and more, with the website noting that the beach "stands out for its remote location and striking coastal views ... [it] features crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sands, creating a tranquil setting for beachgoers ... Wharton Beach remains a remarkable gem that embodies the rugged beauty of Australia's southern coast."

Wharton Beach, located along Australia's southwest coast, is what remote paradises are made of: white sand so clean and fine it squeaks (really!), Caribbean blue water, an undiscovered feel, and plenty to do, whether that's surfing or laying in the sand. Wharton Beach might not be easy to get to, but we promise it's deserving of its designation as the third-best beach in the world!

The nearly 3-mile-long Wharton Beach stretches along the Duke of Orleans Bay, about an hour outside of Esperance on Australia's southwestern shore. While the beach itself is beautiful, the best part is the lack of crowds. Even in the peak of summer, you'll only have to share the beach with a few others, making it an ideal place to escape and relax.

Wharton Beach is tailor-made for a lazy day in the sand, but luckily there is more to do than lounge around. Pods of dolphins are sometimes spotted in the pristine water, and it's a well-known surfing locale. It's recommended that you avoid the eastern edge of the beach for both swimming and surfing due to potential rip currents, but the waves are more calm and consistent on the western and center sections. In addition, make sure to check conditions ahead of time, as sharks have been known to frequent the area — Western Australia's SharkSmart website is particularly useful for monitoring shark sightings and staying safe. 

Wharton Beach is also a favorite for anglers. You can drive straight onto the beach if you have a 4WD vehicle; if not, leave your car in the nearby parking lot and make a short trek down to the beach. Cast your line right from the sand or from the surrounding headlands for species like salmon and herring.

Wharton Beach is an hour outside of the charming beach city of Esperance, located along Australia's southwest coast between the bigger cities of Perth and Adelaide. While this area is not necessarily one of Australia's prime attractions for tourists, it's a beautiful, lesser-visited corner of this vast country that rewards your effort a hundred times over. 

To reach Esperance, fly into Perth and either rent a car (it's a long, 8-hour drive) or take a smaller connecting flight straight to Esperance. In Esperance, rent a car and make the 1-hour drive to Wharton Beach. Esperance has its own smaller, less-famous version of Australia's Great Ocean Drive that makes up a small part of the route, guaranteeing scenic views along the way. As noted, Wharton Beach truly is remote, so there isn't much nearby, except for the Orleans Bay Caravan Park, featuring simple accommodations and a small general store. Consider basing yourself in Esperance if you're looking for more amenities!

Visit Wharton Beach during the "summer" months (December to February in Australia) for the best weather. However, a "winter" visit (June to August) isn't too bad, with winter temperatures averaging 64 degrees Fahrenheit (although the water may be a bit invigorating for a swim in July).