MT Martha Beach has earned its place among Australia’s Top 10 beaches for 2026, rubbing shoulders with some of the country’s most celebrated coastal icons.
The official results of the Best Australian Beaches study were unveiled on 26 February revealing a stunning collection of beaches from across the nation, highlighting a diverse mix of coastal environments, from rugged southern shores to tropical northern coves.
While the beaches of Bate Bay in Sydney’s south claimed the prestigious number one ranking, Mornington Peninsula’s own Mt Martha Beach emerged as the eighth best beach on the list – making it the only Victorian beach to feature in the top 10.
Curated by veteran beach expert and Tourism Australia Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer AM, the annual list follows a comprehensive study of the coastline around Australia’s mainland and surrounding islands, with every state and territory represented.
Farmer, who has spent decades researching and visiting thousands of Australia’s beaches, said “this year’s list is a celebration of the quiet, soulful spots that define our coastal identity and offer a true escape for those willing to wander a little further”.
He said while he rarely had the chance to visit the Mornington Peninsula, he was “pleasantly surprised” with the Mt Martha community.
“It has a sense of peace about it, serenity if you like, probably because the tranquil in the water and it’s a fairly subdued coastal environment,” Farmer told The News.
“I think the bathing boxes obviously add a little bit of artistic allure, I suppose, compared to Brighton. When I arrived there, it felt like I really was in the wilderness. It was spacious, not just on the beach, but the whole area.
“It’s not an area that I’m familiar with, and I was quite keen to go to Sorrento and Rye and Portsea, which I think is known for its affluence. While Mt Martha might be on the fringe of it, it just seemed like a very authentic, quintessential Australian beach environment with some pretty authentic Aussies, and that’s very much a part of my criteria: what kind of community surrounded this area.”
Farrell said he is currently promoting Australia’s tourism offering internationally.
“We want to see more international tourists planning and booking an unforgettable holiday to Australia. Every dollar spent by tourists in Australia is new money for our economy, supporting local businesses and creating new jobs,” he said.
Tourism Australia managing director Robin Mack said the annual study played a key role in showcasing the breadth of Australia’s coastal environments and encouraging travel beyond traditional hotspots.
First published in the Mornington News – 3 March 2026