Stefan Bradley
IT’S the squeaks, the surf and the sea.
Wellington beach lovers only have to drive a couple of hours to reach the best beach in Australia, while still holding on to Gippslander pride.
Gippsland’s very own Squeaky Beach has just been named Number 1 in Tourism Australia’s annual list of Australia’s Top 10 Beaches!
This is the first time a Victorian beach has earned first place – with the top spot usually going to New South Wales or Queensland.
Situated in the glorious Wilsons Promontory National Park and enclosed by massive granite boulders at both ends, Squeaky Beach earns its distinctive name thanks to the famous white quartz sand that squeaks beneath your feet as you stroll along.
Destination Gippsland Chief Executive, Terry Robinson said the region had many fantastic beaches, and shared his thoughts on why Squeaky Beach received the top honour.
“I think Squeaky Beach has a winning combination of an incredible white sand beach surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, coastal bush and wildlife,” he told the Gippsland Times.
“The distinctive boulders at either end capture the imagination and, of course, the squeaky sand is a novelty people travel from miles around to experience.”
Mr Robinson said it was a fantastic place to surf.
“The annual list of Australia’s best beaches is compiled for Tourism Australia by Brad Farmer, he’s a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia and is an ocean conservationist, best-selling author of Surfing Guide to Australia and the founder of National Surfing Reserves and the Surfrider Foundation Australia,” he said.
“So Squeaky Beach probably appealed as it’s one of the best surf spots at The Prom.”
Squeaky Beach can be easily accessed on foot from the carpark but, if you’re after the full experience, walk from Tidal River to take in some epic views across Tidal River, Norman Bay and Squeaky Beach (6.34km/1.5-hour walk).
With January over and kids going back to school, visiting numbers may have peaked for 2024 already, assuming news of its best beach accolade doesn’t bring them back in droves!
“I don’t think visitation will increase massively, but we should see some increase in visitor numbers as people come to check out Australia’s number one beach and test out the ‘squeak’ for themselves,” Mr Robinson said.
“Squeaky Beach, and The Prom in general, is at its busiest during the January summer holidays, once school goes back there are less people visiting – particularly mid-week.
“Hiking is hugely popular at Wilsons Promontory, the walk from Tidal River out to Pillar Point and around to Squeaky Beach is one of the most popular short hikes, offering up epic views across Tidal River, Norman Bay and Squeaky Beach.
“The beaches are obviously a huge drawcard, and young families especially love paddling in the shallow waters of Tidal River. Wildlife spotting is another popular pass-time, particularly the wombats who roam through the campsites at dusk!”
While it’s a huge deal for our region to have the best beach in Australia, Wellington residents don’t necessarily have to drive all the way to Wilsons Prom for quality coastline.
“Gippsland is blessed with so many beautiful and unique beaches along our stretch of coastline,” Mr Robinson said.
“Norman Beach, Sandy Point and Cape Conran are some other great surf beaches and, of course, the Ninety Mile Beach is such an asset to our region – it was recently recognised by Ranking Royals and World Atlas as the second longest beach in the world!
“We’re so lucky to have such a vast, largely untouched, stretch of sandy beach right here in our own backyard.”
Mr Farmer, who is an Australian coastal veteran and one of Tourism Australia’s Friends of Australia, said the list of beaches is refreshed each year to highlight different destinations and to showcase the diversity of beaches Australia has to offer.
“The list of ‘best beaches’ attracts headlines both here in Australia and in key international tourism markets around the world. That’s why I take the chance to uncover some of those destinations that might not be well-known but are home to some of Australia’s, and in my opinion, the world’s, best beaches,” Mr Farmer said.
Tourism Australia Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison said their research consistently shows beaches are one of the “greatest drivers of international visitor demand to Australia”.
Squeaky Beach has also been included in Lonely Planet’s newly released book – Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches: 100 of the world’s best beaches. Squeaky Beach was one of only nine Australian beaches named in the top 100.
Squeaky Beach is not a patrolled beach, unlike the nearby Norman Bay.
Mr Farmer has warned swimmers to always swim between the flags, where possible, and if you can’t get to a patrolled beach, assess conditions and plan how to stay safe before entering the water.
