A five-kilometre stretch of coastline at Bate Bay in Cronulla, in Sydney's south, has officially been recognised as home to Australia's best beaches.
Tourism Australia's beach ambassador Brad Farmer, who assessed 12,500 beaches nationwide - including coastal, river, lake and gorge locations - ranked the Cronulla coastline among the country's top destinations, describing it as a "picturesque stretch of coastline that feels like a hidden gem right under your nose".
Despite its world-class qualities, Mr Farmer said the area remained remarkably accessible, with direct train links from Sydney's central business district and free parking.
The Bate Bay stretch includes nine beaches, among them Greenhills, Wanda, Elouera, Cronulla and Oak Park, as well as four ocean pools and the calm Gunnamatta Bay bathing enclosure.
"Cronulla has been in the shadows for a long time," he said.
"The focus has traditionally been on the harbour beaches, the eastern suburbs and the northern beaches, but it was a no-brainer to take a closer look at the southern coastline."
He described the area as Sydney's longest and most under-appreciated stretch of sand, noting its appeal lies in its affordability, accessibility and authenticity - what he calls the "triple AAA rating".
"You can catch the train to Cronulla for just a few dollars, and there's also free parking," he said.
In the eastern suburbs, parking can cost up to $100 a day. That makes Cronulla incredibly attractive for families and visitors.
"The welcome mat is out.
"It's cosmopolitan, but it still has that quintessential Australian beach character."
Other beaches rounding out the national top five included Pinky Beach on Rottnest Island in WA, Beachcomber Cove in Cape Hillsborough National Park in Queensland, Tallow Beach near Byron Bay in NSW, and Hellfire Bay, near Esperance in WA.
Mr Farmer said the rankings reflect a broader definition of what constitutes a beach.
"Regional and rural communities have incredible access to lakes, rivers and creeks," he said. "If it meets the definition of where water meets shore, it deserves recognition. It's about spreading the love."
Ellery Creek Big Hole in the NT rounded out the top 10.
He said the site had served as a place for locals and visitors to cool off for decades and held deep cultural significance.
"It is a beach experience in the most unlikely of places," he said.