Caves Beach, located about 90 minutes north of Sydney, has just been named one of the best beaches in Australia, taking the 9th spot on Tourism Australia's prestigious 'Best Australian Beaches 2025' list. Known for its stunning coastal caves and family-friendly atmosphere, this beautiful location has long been cherished by local residents and now is finally receiving broader recognition.
The announcement came from Brad Farmer, the official Beach Ambassador for Tourism Australia, who described picking Caves Beach as part of the top ten from nearly 12,000 contenders as "not an easy job." He emphasized the unique allure of Caves Beach, calling it "truly wondrous to explore on a low tide." Farmer noted the beach is surrounded by other beautiful landscapes, including historic Catherine Hill Bay and various surf-friendly sandy stretches.
With its sandy shores, intriguing rock formations, and the picturesque sea caves, it’s no surprise Caves Beach has captured the attention of both tourists and locals alike. Steve Smith, the secretary of the Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club, highlighted the beach's accessibility and popularity, particularly for snorkelers and paddleboarders. He noted, "When you look at the things to do for visitors, you've got the strip of beach, and then you've got an absolutely glorious part of the world, stretching for another five kilometres to the south." This seamless blend of fun activities and natural beauty has made Caves Beach rise the ranks.
Notably, over recent years, the beach has seen an increase in visitors, particularly from Sydney daytrippers. The Lake Macquarie City Council estimates over 112,000 people flocked to Caves Beach during the peak summer months of December and January, surpassing visitor numbers at the more notoriously busy Redhead Beach. This marks the first time Caves Beach has drawn more visitors than its close neighbor, highlighting its growing popularity.
Lake Macquarie's local government has actively worked on promoting Caves Beach as part of its 'Visit Lake Mac' campaign, which has included various advertising efforts emphasizing the region's natural beauty and recreational activities. Club president Max Hoste credited these initiatives, stating, "They basically use three poster children, which are the lake, the Watagans mountains, and Caves Beach, to promote visiting Lake Macquarie."
Significant upgrades to beach amenities have also contributed to Caves Beach's attractiveness. Mr. Hoste pointed out improvements made over the past 18 months, including the development of community areas for the public near the surf club, which significantly improved the beach experience. He said, "You had this fairly unattractive area next to the surf club, and it's been turned lifetime enhancement on quality of recreational zones." Such efforts have transformed the beach's ambiance and increased its appeal to visitors.
The honor of being listed among Australia’s top beaches has been warmly welcomed by local authorities. Mayor Adam Shultz commented on the significance of Caves Beach being recognized nationally and how it aligns with the long-held belief among residents about the beach's suitability for families and outdoor activities. “Caves is such a standout because it's unlike any other patrolled beach on the NSW coast,” he said. “It is such a family-friendly spot, and there are so many other activities right on its doorstep.” His sentiments resonate with those living nearby, who have long known the beach's potential for tourism.
This year’s top beach award went to Bay of Fires in Tasmania, with Caves Beach being one of only two NSW beaches featured on the list. Woolgoolga Beach ranked second, demonstrating the growing recognition of diverse Australian beaches beyond the more famous hotspots like Bondi and Bells Beach. According to Brad Farmer, this year's list showcases what Australians have known all along, reminding everyone of the beautiful, unique coasts waiting to be explored.
Caves Beach’s inclusion marks yet another recognition for the Lake Macquarie area. The local community is hopeful this accolade will lead to continued growth and sustainable tourism practices, ensuring the beach remains accessible and enjoyable for both residents and visitors alike for many years to come. With both its natural allure and its burgeoning reputation, Caves Beach seems poised to become one of Australia’s must-visit coastal treasures.