That’s a big ask! First we need to define what constitutes a beach that can be considered for this list. I am not talking about the longest or widest or most sandy etc, etc. By the way, the longest beach probably is the Coorong from Kingston to the Murray River mouth in SA. It is over 150km long. I did that with the boys some 15 years ago in my great GQ Nissan Patrol. That was a decent trip.

I would say that some of the defining criteria for the top 5 might be: (I would love to hear from readers what some of the other defining criteria might be).

• At least 1km long with a sandy beach of decent width at low-tide,
• Not dangerous to human life; ie no crocodiles, blue ring octopus, Box Jelly fish,
• Attractive natural setting ie defining natural beauty or pleasing features,
• Definitely not overdeveloped or overrun by human beings,

Top 5:

(Edited 2/12/16: I have now been on the 5th best beach in Australia. On a recent trip to Port Stephens and the Myall Lakes I have come across a glorious beach located on the north of Nelson Bay. Port Stephens is on the Southern part of Nelson Bay. The northern beach runs from the mouth of the bay and inland  for a few kilometers. It is called ‘Jimmy’s Beach. See pictures on list below.)

(26/10/2015) I cannot name 5 beaches that deserve to be in this list. I have not seen 5 such beaches. However I have been on one beach that definitely fits the bill.

So my first beach would be Cable Beach in Broome WA. I have been there several times.

Then I have three more beaches that might make the list.

The first could be the beach at Woodgate Qld. between the Theodolite creek and the Barrum river.  It is just sensational, stunning and has a chill factor when you are there.

The other beach is in Tasmania.  I think Wineglass Beach would have to rate!

The Whitsundays have:   Whitehaven Beach

I wonder what other readers may think.

So…….I  can propose only these:

1. Cable Beach, Broome, WA

2. Wood gate Beach  Qld

3. Wineglass Beach Tasmania

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=wineglass+beach+tasmania&biw=1366&bih=639&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CEMQsARqFQoTCOK3hM–38gCFQblpgodRzMKdg

  Pic credit:  Touchdowndownunder.wordpress.com

4.  Whitehaven Beach Whitsundays

5. Jimmy’s Beach @ Hawks Nest,  Nelson Bay NSW