Where is Australia's best beach for 2018?

Australia's "leading beach expert" has released the definitive list for the new year.

No.1 for 2018: Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island in Queensland. Source: AAP

With over 50,000 kilometres of coastline, Australians know they've got more than a few good beaches on their doorstep - but which beach is the best?

Brad Farmer from Tourism Australia, dubbed Australia's "leading beach expert", delivered his findings on Thursday alongside Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop.

Queensland's Nudey Beach took the number one spot.

Tourists enjoy the tropical waters of Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island. Source: AAP

Located on Fitzroy Island, off the coast of Cairns, the beach was selected for its "offering of pure tropical assets." 

Mr Farmer made the announcement from the 15th best beach, Cottesloe Beach in WA.

Along with co-author Professor Andy Short, Mr Farmer has visited every single one of Australia's 11,761 beaches and judged them on three key criteria: affordability, accessibility and how 'authentically Australian' they were. 

While every state has a beach in the top twenty, Queensland dominated the rankings, claiming five of the top 20 beaches in Australia.

Here is the full list of Australia's 20 best beaches for 2018: 

1. Nudey Beach (QLD)

2. Horrocks Beach (WA)

3. Dreamtime Beach (NSW)

4. Cossies Beach (Cocos Keeling Islands)

5. Burleigh Heads (QLD)

6. Seal Rocks (NSW)

7. Bay of Fires (TAS)

8. Quobba, Red Bluff (WA)

9. Dolly Beach (Christmas Island)

10. Second Valley (SA)

11. Neds Beach (Lord Howe Island)

12. Little Beach (WA)

13. Wineglass Bay (TAS)

14. Moonee Beach (NSW)

15. Cottesloe Beach (WA)

16. Agnes Waters, 1770 (QLD)

17. Horseshoe Bay (QLD)

18. Kitty Miller Bay (VIC)

19. Mindil Beach (NT)

20. Cylinders (QLD)