WITH its pure white sand and azure waters, Queensland’s Whitehaven Beach has long attracted celebrities like Chris and Elsa Hemsworth and avid travellers alike however the world-famous hot spot has failed to win the title of World’s Best Beach.
In Canadian travel website FlightNetwork’s annual list of the world’s top 50 beaches, compiled by more than 1200 travel professionals across the globe, Shipwreck – or Navagio Beach – on the Greek Island of Zakynthos took out the coveted number one spot.

Located in a secluded cove on the island’s north-western shores and surrounded by towering cliffs, this idyllic enclave can only be accessed by boat. Adding to Shipwreck’s unique charm is the rusty Freightliner MV Panagiotis, which ran aground in the waters around Zakynthos during a storm in 1980, which sits on its golden sands.
“Shipwreck will make all your wildest dreams about postcard-perfect destinations come true,” FlightNetwork said. “Swimming in these turquoise waters whole soaking in the breathtaking surroundings is a memory to cherish for life.”
Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays came in at number two while Hidden Beach in the Philippines, Praia Do Sancho in Brazil and Tulum in Mexico rounded up the top five.

Six Aussie hot spots also made the 50-strong list with Blinky Beach on Lord Howe Island coming in at number 30 and Hyams Beach in New South Wales’ Jervis Bay placing at number 33.
Western Australian beaches Cable Beach and Lucky Bay were ranked 34th and 35th respectively while Tasmania’s Wine Glass Bay came in at 44.