Wide Bay home to two of the best Australian beaches

February 1, 2022

Two Wide Bay beaches have been named in the top 20 Australian beaches for 2022, with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien welcoming the announcement today.

Australia’s Top 20 Beaches for 2022 is compiled by Tourism Australia’s Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer AM, who has visited most of Australia’s 11,761 coastal beaches in a career spanning more than 35 years.

Lake Wabby on K’gari (Fraser Island) made the list at number 18, while Noosa’s Alexandria Bay came in at number 15.

Mr O’Brien said it was fantastic to see Wide Bay’s beauty acknowledged, and it would be a welcome boost in publicity for tourism operators in Noosa and on K’gari.

“Alexandria Beach is an incredible secluded beach that is nestled in the Noosa National Park with its lush forest walking trails, and it forms an important part of Noosa’s World Surfing Reserve, so this listing will cement its place as a top spot that attracts visitors from all over the globe to the Noosa region,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Lake Wabby is a stunning attraction in its own right, and K’gari holds countless more attractions as one of Australia’s most pristine, precious natural environments that attract more than 350,000 visitors every year,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The island has been hit hard in recent years by devastating bushfires followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has also had a significant impact on Noosa – but tourists are showing they are keen to return and these two accolades will help local accommodation, hospitality and tourism operators bounce back stronger than ever.

“Wide Bay is fortunate to be home to many pristine beaches on the Fraser, Cooloola and Noosa Coasts, and I encourage everyone to explore the natural beauty of our coastline,” Mr O’Brien said

“While visitors are here in Wide Bay, I hope they also stop to explore some other iconic tourism gems, like the amazing coloured sands of Rainbow Beach, the heritage and history at Gympie, the picturesque and bountiful Mary Valley, and the quirky charms of Maryborough, or head out to the South Burnett for wineries and wide-open skies.”

Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer said one positive from the pandemic was that Australians have discovered some of the best beaches in the world are on our own doorstep.  

“Selecting the best beaches in Australia is certainly a challenge as we’re spoilt for choice with over 12,000 worthy candidates. No state or territory is left out as there’s a beach to suit everyone,” he said.

WELCOME TO WIDE BAY

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