City of Coffs Harbour, Media Release, 10 February 2025
It was never a tightly held secret and it’s even less so now with Woolgoolga Main Beach named the best on Mainland Australia.
The coveted accolade for the stunning location on NSW’s Coffs Coast is revealed in the just-released Best Australian Beaches 2025.
Woolgoolga (‘Woopi’ to the locals) Main Beach is feted by author Brad Farmer AM who has been rating the nation’s beaches annually for years.
The reputed yearly reports gain eyeballs across the country and internationally.
“Wow, what a fantastic honour. Woopi 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,” City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“This No.1 ranking on the Mainland will provide a real fillip for the local community and the tourist and business industries.”
Farmer’s wrap for Woolgoolga Main Beach stretches beyond its pristine golden sands, which nestle the village and its bustling boutiques and cafes.
“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,” he said.
“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 magical 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.
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 writes.
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.
Woolgoolga’s star rating in the 2025 best beaches list will prove beneficial for the Coffs Coast, according to Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison.
“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.”
You can check out Woolgoolga Main Beach and all the Coffs Coast has to offer – from food and accommodation to nature escapes and attractions through the free Coffs Coast Explorer app. You can download it here.
In 2021, The Coffs Coast was the first place in NSW to be certified as an ECO Destination which recognises the area’s commitment to providing enriching visitor experiences which step lightly on the environment.
