Australia's 10 best beaches named in annual Tourism Australia list with Stokes ... trends now
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The gong for best beach in Australia has gone to a little-known South Australian 'natural beauty' after it knocked out popular favourites vying for the top spot.
Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island edged out beaches in NSW and Queensland to become the state's first-ever beach to reach the number one position.
The picturesque and secluded Stokes Bay beat almost 12,000 beaches nationwide to be crowned Australia's best beach for 2023.
Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island (pictured) edged out beaches in NSW and Queensland to become the state's first-ever beach to reach the number one position
The beach (pictured) is touted by locals as Kangaroo Island's 'hidden gem' and hailed for its family-friendly appeal
The secluded South Australian beach eclipsed more famous strips of sand such as Sydney's Balmoral Beach (pictured) and the sunshine state's Rainbow Beach, which came in at number 10 and three respectively
It eclipsed more famous strips of sand such as Sydney's Balmoral Beach and Rainbow Beach on Queensland's Cooloola Coast, which came in at number 10 and three respectively.
Tourism Australia's beach ambassador Brad Farmer compiled the list and gave his reasons why Stokes Bay went to number one.
'This is a sprawling island of immense natural beauty, brimming with wildlife on land and in sea,' Mr Farmer told Nine News.
It is also home to one of the most famous wine regions in the country and has been described as 'uniquely Australian'.
Touted by locals as Kangaroo Island's 'hidden gem' and hailed for its family-friendly appeal, Stokes Bay features a tidal swimming pool that makes it ideal for wading and snorkelling.