Before delving into Squeaky Beach, let’s understand how this beach earned the title of Australia’s best beach for 2024. Who decides the best beach? Based on what criteria? And is there a fair and transparent selection process?
The answer is: Brad Farmer. Yes, Brad Farmer, a beach activist, author, and former Australian beach ambassador who has visited nearly 12,000 beaches in Australia and its surrounding islands. He is responsible for compiling the list of the top 10 beaches in Australia each year, sponsored by Tourism Australia.
Brad Farmer states that he selects beaches based on various factors such as beauty, cleanliness, safety, biodiversity, culture, history, and appeal. He aims to showcase lesser-known beaches with great potential to become attractive tourist destinations.
One of the beaches that caught his attention is Squeaky Beach. He describes it as a “beach masterpiece,” impressed by the squeaking sand, majestic rocks, crashing waves, and its proximity to Wilson’s Promontory, the oldest and largest national park in Victoria.
He also notes that Squeaky Beach is “very Australian” with its distinctive flora and fauna, such as emus, wombats, and kangaroos. That’s why Brad Farmer chose Squeaky Beach as Australia’s best beach for 2024. But is his reasoning strong enough? Is Brad Farmer truly objective and competent in evaluating beaches? Does he have personal or political interests in promoting specific beaches? Is he influenced by media, advertising, or public opinion? Does he overlook other beaches that might be more deserving of the title?
