The appeal of waking up to sunrise and being welcomed by a troop of kangaroos on the beach has secured Cape Hillsborough as one of Australia’s best beaches.

The recently announced results for 101 Best Beaches in Australia for 2017 also lists Cape Hillsborough as the Top 10 Beach in Queensland.

Author of 101 Best Beaches Australia, Brad Farmer, spent five months researching Australia’s 11,761 beaches to compile his list with the help of Sydney University coastal studies expert Professor Andy Short.

Mr Farmer said the key criteria for making the list was that the location had to posses ‘authentic and compelling attributes’ along with a beach one would recommend to a friend.

Horseshoe Bay Beach in Bowen made it to the list at #11 out of the top 20 Beaches in Australia, alongside popular beaches in Western Australia, New South Whales and South Australia.

Mackay Tourism General Manager Tas Webber said Cape Hillsborough was definitely a highlight for visitors to The Mackay Region.

“We’re proud to have one of the best beaches in Australia on our doorstep – but we’re not surprised.”

“Visitors always comment on how much they love waking up to capture sunrise with the wallabies and kangaroos. It’s one of those real, authentic Australian moments that everyone should experience.”

A full list of Top Australian Beaches can be found www.101bestbeaches.com