Dudley Beach has prevailed over more than 11,000 candidates to be named the 11th best beach in Australia.
Tourism Australia has published its annual list of best beaches in Australia for 2022, with a total of six NSW beaches making the top 20 and local favourite Dudley Beach placing 11th.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the beach’s unspoilt wilderness, green coastal bushland, golden dunes and turquoise waters made it one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
“This accolade demonstrates that the rest of Australia is waking up to the incredible beauty of the beaches we’re so lucky to have right along the Lake Macquarie coast,” Cr Fraser said.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife (NPWS) manage the beach and its facilities, which recently underwent improvements, including formalised parking, a new access ramp, picnic shelters and a surf viewing platform.
NPWS Lower Hunter Area Manager Mitchell Carter said Dudley Beach had been growing in popularity for some years.
“NPWS staff have worked hard to conserve this treasured spot surrounded by relatively unspoilt bushland, which is part of its allure,” he said.
The beach sits within the 500ha Glenrock State Conservation Area, one of the most-visited national parks in NSW.
“Glenrock is valued because of its Aboriginal heritage, threatened species such as squirrel gliders and endangered ecological communities including littoral rainforest,” Carter said.
Lake Macquarie City Council Tourism Manager Jacqui Hemsley said the beach was a popular site for surfing, strolling and sightseeing.
“The beach itself, and the rock platforms at its northern end, provide endless amazing opportunities to enjoy nature, capture fantastic photos and appreciate what our coast has to offer,” she said.
Dudley Beach remains unpatrolled despite its popularity, so swimming is not recommended.
The list was compiled by Tourism Australia’s official beach ambassador Brad Farmer and announced by Tourism Minister Dan Tehan on January 31.
Tehan said Farmer’s qualifications involved visiting most of the country’s beaches over the last 35 years.
“With more than 11,000 beaches to choose from, narrowing down the top 20 beaches must be one of the toughest jobs in Australia,” Tehan said.
Tehan said the 2022 list covered every state and territory and was designed to inspire holidaymakers worldwide.
“As Australia continues its successful reopening, we’re going to see a surge in tourists that will support jobs and businesses,” Tehan said.
“My message to the world is to start planning your next holiday to Australia and to include as many of our top 20 beaches on your itinerary as you can fit in.”
Misery Beach in Western Australia topped this year’s list and described Farmer as a stunning beach that ticked all the boxes.
Maia O’Connor
Information source: Lake Macquarie City