Australia beats Greece for World's Best Beach Award

Australia has surprisingly beaten countries like Greece for “World's Best Beach” after one of its beaches took out the prestigious accolade.

Palm Cove in Australia's northeast has been named the world's best beach, beating out rivals in Hawaii, Greece, and Fiji, according to Conde Nast Traveller magazine.

The two-kilometer stretch of pristine white sand, backed by rows of palm trees, is located in Australia's "Croc Country" and was battered by Tropical Cyclone Jasper late last year.

"Recognition of Palm Cove as the world's number one beach by an award-winning travel magazine and website only validates what locals already know about Palm Cove," said James, a local resident.

Many other Australian beaches also made the list, including Wategos Beach near Byron Bay, Mona Vale Beach in Sydney's northern suburbs, and Noosa in Queensland.

Other top contenders included Honopu Beach on Hawaii's island of Kauai, Ora Beach in Indonesia, and Dune du Pilat in France.