Whitsunday Islands, Australia A list of the bluest water from around the world would not be complete without honouring the Whitsunday Islands. The region is widely recognised for being a gateway to the Great Barrier reef, however the 74 islands that make up the magical paradise have plenty more to offer.

While Australia is world-renowned for its pristine coastline, the title for the "bluest" water is most frequently awarded to Lucky Bay in the Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia. Scientific studies and tourism surveys often highlight this specific bay for its brilliant, high-contrast turquoise hue, which is exacerbated by its sand, officially rated as the whitest in Australia. The lack of organic matter and the specific grain size of the silica sand reflect light in a way that creates an almost neon blue appearance. Other top contenders include Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays, famous for its 98% pure silica sand and swirling cerulean waters, and Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay, New South Wales. In the Northern Territory, the Tiwi Islands offer deep azure tones, while Wineglass Bay in Tasmania provides a sapphire blue contrast against pink granite peaks. For travelers in 2026, Western Australia remains the premier destination for those seeking that specific, "unfiltered" blue that looks like a postcard come to life, often accompanied by the famous local kangaroos that sunbathe on the shore.