Bate Bay Tops 2026
Bate Bay’s collection of beaches in Sydney’s south has been named Australia’s top beach destination for 2026 in the Best Australian Beaches study, curated by Tourism Australia Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer AM following a nationwide review of mainland and island coastlines.
The 2026 top 10 list spans every state and territory and includes Bate Bay Beaches (NSW), Pinky Beach (WA), Beachcomber Cove (QLD), Tallow Beach (NSW), Hellfire Bay (WA), Godfreys Beach – The Nut (TAS), Inskip Point (QLD), Mount Martha (VIC), Smoky Bay (SA) and Ellery Creek Big Hole (NT). Farmer said the list also supports coastal conservation across Australia’s more than 12,500 beaches.
“The community-minded Bate Bay Beaches are, quite simply, stunning with the vast 4.8 kilometre stretch of undeveloped sand at Greenhills, Wanda and Elouera (Sydney’s longest) and to many other beaches such as Cronulla, Oak Park Beach and four more. In all, a collection of nine beaches, including four ocean pools and Gunnamatta Bay still water bathing enclosure made the final cut, ticking almost every box against an exhaustive 130-point evaluation criteria. With glorious golden sands and a cosmopolitan vibe, this picturesque stretch of coastline feels like a hidden gem right under your nose but is easily accessible by train from the city centre,” said Mr Farmer.
“This year’s list is a celebration of the quiet, soulful spots that define our coastal identity and offer a true escape for those willing to wander a little further.”
“Whether it’s the remote allure of Beachcomber Cove or Hellfire Bay, these beaches offer a ‘slow-travel’ experience. They are places where you can still hear the wind and the waves rather than the crowds, providing a deep, authentic connection to the land and sea, with many First Nations stories.”
Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell and Tourism Australia Managing Director Robin Mack said the rankings help promote Australia’s tourism brand and encourage visitors to explore beyond traditional hotspots, with Farrell citing strong US visitor numbers and Mack pointing to the list’s showcase of coastal diversity nationwide.
Qantas Loyalty Shakeup
Qantas has announced significant changes to its frequent flyer program, including allowing members to roll over a portion of unused Status Credits. Members will be able to carry forward up to 50% of unused credits (subject to tier caps), replacing the current system where credits reset to zero at the end of each membership year.
While the rollover feature may make it easier to maintain Silver, Gold, or Platinum status once achieved, Qantas will increase the number of Status Credits required to retain those tiers. The airline also confirmed it will retire its Green Tier and Points Club Plus schemes.
The end of Green Tier means members will no longer receive the annual bonus of 50 Status Credits or 10,000 Qantas Points for completing five sustainability-related activities. The Points Club Plus sunset removes complimentary Qantas Club membership for members earning 350,000+ points through non-flight activities.
Finder research indicates loyalty programs remain deeply embedded in Australian consumer behaviour, with 91% of Australians belonging to at least one rewards program. The data shows 41% collect Qantas points, 34% collect Velocity points, and 9% of Australians think about earning frequent flyer points daily.
“Qantas says its goal is simplification, and the ability to roll over some Status Credits is very welcome, as is the ability to get more Status Credits on the ground.
“However, the disappearance of Points Club Plus does somewhat devalue the ongoing partnership with Woolworths.
“Smart frequent flyers will want to ensure they’re getting maximum value from credit card usage and bonus points to keep their totals high.
“Many of the changes aren’t happening until later this year, which in itself could be a cause for confusion.”
RAYS Returns 2026
The Sarawak Tourism Board has announced the return of the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) for its third edition, running 24–26 June 2026 in Kuching under the theme “Youth: Many Ways, One Planet”. The summit, funded and organised by the Sarawak State Government and endorsed by ASEAN, PATA and UN Tourism, will bring together more than 700 youth participants from all 11 ASEAN countries alongside 17 speakers from Malaysia and abroad.
Hosted in Sarawak’s rainforest setting, the programme will include keynote dialogues, youth-led labs and policy-focused sessions, plus offsite excursions to protected rainforest sites. Delegates will also attend the opening day of the Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 as part of the summit itinerary.
“RAYS reflects Sarawak’s conviction that youth must not be placed at the edge of sustainability conversations, but firmly at the centre of them. Through this summit, Sarawak positions itself as a convening hub for youth-led climate leadership in the region, a space where ASEAN’s diverse voices converge, where collaboration is nurtured, and where shared responsibility is strengthened.”
New for 2026 is the Planet Futures Forum, a scenario-based climate simulation intended to build skills in negotiation and systems thinking and to produce a negotiated RAYS Youth Declaration. Outcomes will also be extended through a new 12-month RAYS Fellowship Programme for 10–15 young leaders focused on climate governance and applied action.
Registration is now open, with Early Bird passes priced at RM200 until 15 March 2026, followed by RM350 general passes, RM250 alumni passes, and group rates from RM250 per person depending on delegation size.
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