A beach in Queensland, where swimmers must wear stinger suits for eight months of the year, has been voted the best in the world for 2025.
Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, famous for its pure-white silica sands and turquoise waters, faces the presence of marine stingers, such as jellyfish, from October to May due to warmer water temperatures, making stinger suits highly recommended.
Big 7 Travel, a global travel site, has listed Whitehaven Beach as the top of its annual 50 best beaches in the world, surpassing Anse Source d’Argent in Seychelles and Ksamil Beach in Albania.
In its seventh year, the list is compiled using past media results, social media buzz, and editorial team insights.
The Queensland government describes the beach as “one of the world’s greatest natural treasures,” known for its unique white-silica sands, brilliant aquamarine waters, secluded beach camp sites, and incredible walking tracks.
Consider visiting Whitehaven Beach between June and September to avoid stingers and other people.
Whitehaven Beach is praised for its natural beauty, including its unique white-silica sands and brilliant aquamarine waters. It is also mentioned that the beach is home to marine stingers, including jellyfish, from October to May when the water temperatures are warmer, which makes the use of stinger suits highly advisable.
According to a Whitsundays tourism marketer, Nathan Johnston, the chances of being stung by box jellyfish or Irukandji are low, especially when wearing stinger suits and carrying vinegar for treating stings. He compares stinger suits to wearing a seatbelt in a car, highlighting their importance for safety in certain situations.
