All the Beautiful Beaches I Photographed on the East Coast of Australia in 2024
Finding beautiful bays and beaches on the Australian East Coast is easy, but knowing how to shoot them is another task entirely, even as a photographer. Whilst this is by no means an exhaustive list, it’s one that I’ve spent a lot of time on, but I think it’s important to share; Australia’s coastline is beautiful, but we get stuck going to the same places, and I love exploring, it’s definitely part of my work. Travel is wonderful, and I hope to do more of it. I think it’s important to note the nudist beaches as well; you should always talk to your talent about your intention, and with sensitive places like this, be respectful. I wouldn’t recommend shooting if there are people around at these locations. You should ensure that you never make people uncomfortable.
Not everything is published on my blog, so I’ve linked examples where I have them! If this list helps you out or you want to support my work, you can donate here or buy a copy of one of zines or prints.
Sunshine Coast
• Noosa Main Beach: Iconic and bustling, with crystal-clear water. (Shoot example)
• Sunshine Beach: A quiet dog beach with beautiful cliffs, trees, and walking tracks. (Shoot example)
• Tea Tree Bay: A serene hideaway with incredible sunsets, rocky outcrops, and lots of tourists and surfers. (Shoot example)
• Alexandra Bay (Nudist Beach): Untouched beauty with lush surroundings and soft sand, technically not a nudist beach anymore but locals still will treat it this way.
• Coolum + Third Bay (Nudist Beach): Lots of beautiful greenery matched with large stone rocks, ideal for intimate and serene shoots. (Shoot example)
Brisbane Area
• Bribie Island: A tranquil island getaway with pristine beaches and natural backdrops. (Shoot example)
Gold Coast
• Elephant Rock: Iconic rock formations with dramatic beachscapes, perfect for bold and dynamic shoots. (Shoot example)
• Burleigh Heads/Miami Beach: A versatile location with a shallow walk around the base of the cliffs, beautiful rocks, and long beach views (Shoot example)
• Coolangatta: Coastal charm with panoramic ocean views and quiet beach vibes. (Shoot example)
Byron Bay
• The Pass: Popular surf spot with picturesque headlands and incredible sunsets. (Shoot example)
• Tallow Beach: Expansive and moody, especially with sea spray ideal for sunrise or stormy weather shoots. (Shoot example)
• Wategos: Feels like a tropical getaway with incredible sunsets, and beautiful sunrises across at Little Wategos with headland views. (Shoot example)
• Belongil: Quiet and low-key, perfect for minimalist, natural-style shoots. (Shoot example)
• Broken Head: Remote and dramatic, with lush vegetation meeting the ocean. (Shoot example)
• Kings Beach (Nudist Beach): A hidden gem with secluded coves and stunning water. (Shoot example)
Mid-Coast
• Hawks Nest: A tranquil retreat with untouched beaches and serene backdrops.
Central Coast
• Norah Head: A striking location with a lighthouse and rugged coastal scenery. (Shoot example)
• Redhead Beach: Rugged beauty with striking rock formations and cliffs.
• Dudley Beach: Quiet and pristine, surrounded by lush vegetation.
• Maitland Bay: Secluded and untouched, ideal for quiet, naturalistic shoots.
• Lobster Bay: A hidden cove with clear water and dramatic rocky shores.
Sydney
• Resolute Beach: A secluded spot with natural beauty and rugged coastal vibes.
• Palm Beach: One of Sydney’s most famous beaches due to its long history with Home and Away and beautiful Light House. (Shoot example)
• Bilgola: A quieter option with a big ocean pool, a mixture of rock pools, and perfect beachfront houses. (Shoot example 2nd half of shoot was @ Bilgola)
• Curl Curl: A surfer’s paradise with dynamic waves and an active atmosphere.
• Long Reef: Scenic and expansive with unique rock formations.
• Warriewood: A tucked-away gem with cliffs and a peaceful vibe. (Shoot example)
• Turimetta: Moody and photogenic with striking coastal colours. (Shoot example)
• Little Manly: A calm, family-friendly bay with soft, warm light. (Shoot example)
• Cabbage Tree Bay: Crystal-clear water and vibrant marine life. (Shoot example)
• Clontarf: A laid-back beach with soft sand and leafy surroundings. (Shoot example)
• Castle Rock: A hidden nook with intimate coves and natural beauty. (Shoot example)
• Chinamans Beach: A hidden nook with intimate coves and natural beauty. (Shoot example)
• Balmoral: Classic Sydney charm with sheltered waters and elegant beachside vibes. (Shoot example)
• Obelisk (Nudist Beach): Secluded and private, perfect for daring and bold shoots.
• Chowder Bay: Unique harbour-side location with historical charm. (Shoot example)
• Whiting Beach: A tiny, hidden cove with gentle waters and lush surroundings. (Shoot example)
• Mosman Bay: Harbour-side beauty with stunning city views. (Shoot example)
• Hornby Lighthouse: Iconic and historic with breathtaking harbour views. (Shoot example)
• Gordons Bay: A tiny bay with lots of sea life, beautiful rocks, and unique wooden fixtures. (Shoot example)
• Bronte: Famous ocean pool always very busy, but a beautiful spot to shoot. (Shoot example)
• Maroubra: Rugged beauty with expansive sand and surf, the south-end rock pools are especially beautiful. (Shoot example)
• Little Bay: Sheltered and peaceful, ideal for windy days due to its protection, beautiful at both sunrise and sunset and a great spot for winter shoots. (Shoot example)
• Voodoo Point: Rugged and dramatic, with wild waves crashing against rocks. (Shoot example)
• Yarra Bay: A hidden gem with calm waters and golden sands. (Shoot example)
