You know, when most people think of Australia, they might picture kangaroos and koalas, scary animals, iconic buildings like the Sydney Opera House, or even natural wonders like Uluru, but one must not forget about the beautiful beach towns in Australia. Australia has access to three Oceans (the Indian, Pacific, and Southern Oceans) and four seas (the Timor, Tasman, Coral, and Arafura Seas). Along all these coasts, you can find plenty of gorgeous beach towns in Australia, and in this article, we’ll show you the best of Australia’s seaside splendor!
But first things first…
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Lucky Bay (Western Australia)
Lucky Bay is located in Cape Le Grand National Park, about 43 km southeast of Esperance, and it’s known for its dazzlingly white quartz sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Its beach was named “whitest beach in Australia” in 2017 and crowned as the best beach in the world in 2023 by a few different travel magazines, so it’s the obvious option for those who are in love with nature and photography. What makes this beach even more noteworthy are the friendly kangaroos that inhabit the beach.
Getting to the beach by car or camper is recommended, as there are sealed roads that lead through the national park, where, after paying a small fee, you can access the beach. Facilities are limited to solar toilets and picnic shelters, but let’s not forget that the beach is in the heart of a national park, so that’s understandable. When it comes to things to do, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and wildlife spotting are the main activities to indulge in, and the camping site authorized by the park is the only place to stay nearby.
Where to stay: But if you don’t want to go camping, House on Main is a charming homestay/holiday house, which is pet-friendly, with a fully equipped kitchen, BBQ facilities, sea views, picnic areas, and free parking.
Coles Bay (Tasmania)
Coles Bay is set along the east coast of Tasmania and is the entry point to Freycinet National Park, home of the famed Wineglass Bay and granite Peninsula coastal trails. Coles Bay, with beachside bars and restaurants and watersports operators, has a comfortable coastal village vibe, and it lies just 60km east of Swansea via the Tasman Highway. Some of its main attractions include bushwalking to the Wineglass Lookout, kayaking through turquoise bays, and visiting local vineyards.
Where to stay? We recommend Freycinet Resort, rustic luxury chalets overlooking the bay, each with panoramic views over Coles Bay that offer heated rooms, free parking, free picnic baskets, and bushwalking tracks, making it ideal for both couples and adventure enthusiasts visiting Freycinet.
Port Macquarie (New South Wales)
Located at the Mid North Coast midway between Brisbane and Sydney (400 km north of Sydney, 500 km south of Brisbane), Port Macquarie offers a gorgeous mix of coastal beauty, history, beaches, and wildlife. It was initially established as a penal colony in 1821 and is now visited by tourists for its iconic dolphin cruises, coastal bush walks, and surf beaches such as Flynn’s and Town Beach. You can get there via the NSW TrainLink XPT or via bus (several different buses and trains are heading to the town every day).
Where to stay? Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges is a 4-star hotel located by the seashore offering rooms with gorgeous views of the coast, an outdoor heated pool, and near most of the town’s historic highlights (like the Glasshouse Theater and the Riverside Parks).
Kiama (New South Wales)
Just 120 km south of Sydney on the NSW South Coast, Kiama is a coastal town of natural wonders with the Blowhole, its iconic ocean pools, and picture-perfect beaches that are known as a surfer’s paradise. The name Kiama was given due to the phenomenon when water shoots up to 25 m from the volcanic rock.
A short coastal walk takes you to the iconic Blowhole Point, also known as the “Little Blowhole,” which is one of the most photogenic spots in this part of the country and the easiest way to reach Kiama is by taking a train which only takes 90 minutes from Sydney on the electrified South Coast line. There are also day trip tours that you can take if you don’t want to hassle with planning all the details (it’s quite affordable).
Where to stay: Nova Kiama is a 3-star hotel located just a block away from Surf Beach and a very short walk to the Blowhole with modern rooms, free parking, Wi-Fi, a pool, and a restaurant on-site.
Beachport (South Australia)
Deep in the Limestone Coast, located approximately 5 hours’ drive south of Adelaide, Beachport is a hidden coastal gem famous with its long wooden Jetty (the second-longest in SA), surfing spots, salt lakes, and the Bowman Scenic Drive. It’s the perfect spot for a laid-back summer holiday; you can wander over the coastal rock, be enticed by fresh crayfish, or bathe in the Pool of Siloam, a salt lake which is said to be as much as seven times saltier than the sea.
Where to stay? Bonnies of Beachfort is a gorgeous, luxurious holiday home, and it’s only a few minutes away from the jetty and main street.
Cottesloe (Western Australia)
Located just 13km west of the city of Perth (one of the world’s most geographically isolated cities), Cottesloe Beach is a historical town famous for its golden sands, clear Indian Ocean waters, melodramatic limestone pavilions, and, of course, the famous Perth Indiana Tea House.
The beach at Cottesloe can easily be reached via bus or train, and it attracts surfers, families, and sunset photographers throughout the year. The town’s streets are famous for the cute lawn-side cafes, casual restaurants, and the annual Sculpture by the Sea event, which is one of the main regional attractions.
Where to stay? Cottesloe Beach Hotel is a historic pub turned into a hotel with ocean-view rooms, conventional pub meals, spacious balconies, and simple en-suite quarters for a bargain price.
Broome (Western Australia)
Broome is a town located on the coast of Kimberley known for its tropical beauty, history, and outback charm, but perhaps the thing it’s most famous for is Cable Beach, which offers 22 km of white sand, turquoise water, and famous camel rides. Pearl farming is another activity Broome is known for, but we also shouldn’t forget about the town’s unique heritage in Chinatown, its ancient dinosaur footprints (featured in our Only in Australia guide), and a special wet-season spectacle: red sands, green vegetation and the dramatic monsoon skies that always appeal to storm-watchers.
Thrill seekers come here to ride camel safaris, 4WD beach drives, whale watching, sunset cruises, and cultural tours, and foodies visit Kimberley Sands or Matso Brewery to sample craft beers and native food. Despite its isolated position, Broome also has a vibrant arts and events culture, like the Shinju Matsuri festival.
Where to stay? Oaks Cable Beach Resort is a casual 4-star hotel located only 10 minutes on foot away and a few minutes’ shuttle to Chinatown.
Noosa (Queensland)
Noosa is a coastal paradise on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, approximately 130km north of Brisbane, that combines boutique chic with the finest natural scenery. Life in the town starts and ends on Hastings Street, the town’s most famous one, filled with cafes, restaurants, and galleries, and the Noosa National Park is located just a short drive away.
The nearest airport is Brisbane Airport, and from there, car hire or shuttle buses take you to Noosaville. A few other things the town is famous for include its beach culture, wildlife hikes (in the national park), gourmet food (especially seafood), whale watching opportunities, and kayaking.
Where to stay? Halse Lodge Noosa Heads is a 3-star lodge with large, cottage-like rooms for as low as $115/night, located near the beachfront and Hastings Street with garden terraces, communal lounge, and on-site dining.
Port Fairy (Victoria)
Port Fairy, a picturesque beach town at the mouth of the Moyne River, is located 290km west of Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. It’s a historical town that was established in 1843 and features 19th-century architecture, a vibrant arts scene, delicious food, and some of Australia’s finest beaches. The town is also the host of a few well-known summer festivals, including the folk music Fair and the crazy Moyneyana sheepdog trials.
The most direct way to get to Port Fairy from Melbourne is to drive via Princes Highway or to take a V/Line bus from Warrnambool. The town’s narrow center is completely walkable, and there are a lot of things to see while exploring on foot, including art galleries, boutique stores, cafes, and beachfront parks dotting the town’s historic streets.
Where to stay: Victoria Apartments provides luxury, roomy heritage-style accommodation fully equipped with modern amenities and with gorgeous views of East Beach and the river.
Shoal Bay (New South Wales)
Shoal Bay is located at the northern end of Port Stephens, 230 km north of the city of Sydney and a 15-minute drive away from Newcastle. It’s famous for its family beaches, calm (and scenic) waters, bush walks, and dolphin rides. Beaches like Rees and Samurai are some of Australia’s prettiest, and the Tomaree Head Summit is one of the most spectacular viewpoints along the coast from where you can observe the entire Shoal Bay.
You can get to Shoal Bay through Newcastle (Newcastle Airport) or through Port Stephens (via coaches or car hire).
Where to stay? Shoal Bay Resort & Spa-Japanese beachside inspired accommodation within metres of the Shoal Bay beach with peaceful and spacious rooms, spa services, onsite restaurant, and complimentary transportation to the Nelson Bay township every day.
Busselton (Western Australia)
Busselton is another coastal located approximately 220 km south of Perth along the iconic Bussell Highway, trademarked by the 1.8 km-long timber Jetty, the longest in the Southern Hemisphere but also its clear watered swimming beaches, the fun-filled family attractions, like King George Sound, jet boat rides, and the Busselton Jetty Rail and Underwater Observatory.
Where to stay? The Sebel Resort is an exquisite (and yet budget-friendly) beachside resort with large apartments, breathtaking ocean vistas, an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gymnasium, and restaurant facility.
Port Lincoln (South Australia)
Port Lincoln on Boston Bay lies at the southern end of the Eyre Peninsula, 280km away from Adelaide, and is often cited for being the Seafood Capital of Australia. Its port is always busy offering various activities, including but not limited to fishing, shark cage diving, oyster tours, and seafood restaurants.
A 30-minute flight from Adelaide or a scenic 7-hour drive can get you to the town, or alternatively, there’s a regional bus service that links the town to Adelaide. We strongly recommend hiring a car to get around and visit the surrounding national parks, beaches, and wineries. The cost of renting a car and hiring a driver is almost the same.
Where to stay: Port Lincoln Hotel is a high-quality 4-star hotel on Boston Bay with three bars, a restaurant, a fitness center, a heated pool, and rooms with a sea view, plus tea/coffee facilities.
Yamba (New South Wales)
Sitting at the head of the Clarence River in northern NSW, Yamba is a relaxed holiday town with sun-drenched beaches, cool surf breaks, and a leisurely-paced riverside town centre. It’s located around 670 km north of Sydney and 140 km southeast of Brisbane, and can be reached by daily coach (Premier Motor Service or NSW TrainLink SE), with interchange to Grafton rail station, or by renting a car and driving yourself.
It has everything you might expect to find in a popular surfing retreat, plus gourmet cafes, a couple of picturesque lighthouses, and wildlife encounter opportunities (dolphins, whales, or even kangaroos on the edge).
Where to stay? Yamba Beach Motel– located opposite the main surf beach- provides well-kept rooms starting at ~$120/night, free parking, BBQ spot, cycle garage, and an in-house cafe to grab breakfast.
Port Douglas (Queensland)
Situated about 70 km north of Cairns on the tropical Australian coastline in North Queensland, Port Douglas is a perfect base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. It’s one of the country’s hottest eco-tourism hubs, famous for round-the-year sunshine, the palm-fringed Four Mile Beach, chic shopping, outdoor cafes, and reef exploration tours from its marina. The nearest airport is Cairns Airport, a 1-hour taxi/ shuttle ride away.
Where to stay? Mantra PortSea is a forested, garden-style resort right off Macrossan Street (the main strip), and right across Four Mile Beach and reef tour operators with clean, spacious, and affordable rooms (starting at ~$160/night).
Apollo Bay (Victoria)
Apollo Bay is another beautiful coastal town along the Ocean Road, ~ 187 km west of Geelong, a gorgeous place where the rainforest and the ocean meet. It’s famous for its dramatic surfing beaches, the Great Otway National Park, and one of the most scenic coastal drives in Australia. The town is usually crowded during the summer, and more laid-back during the rest of the year (but the weather is still pleasant). You can get to the town via bus or train from Geelong or Melbourne.
Where to stay? Comfort Inn The International-a smooth mid-range hotel with nice spacious rooms, great location (short walk away from the beach and from the main street), and it also has a heated indoor spa, a gorgeous garden perfect for short walks, and an onsite restaurant/bar.
Lorne (Victoria)
Lorne is a traditional surfing town, lying in the rainforest of Otway Ranges, approximately 138 km southwest of Melbourne on the Great Ocean Road. The town can be reached via the windy coastal road near Shipwreck Coast and is known to have one of the best surf beaches in Australia, an easygoing atmosphere, a cliff-lined boardwalk, and a gorgeous historic pier. All these qualities make it one of the favorite getaway spots for Melburnians and a great day trip option for people visiting Melbourne.
Where to stay? Seafarers Lorne Resort is a small-scale resort located on Louttit Street, barely a minute’s walk away from the beach and the Lorne pier. It provides apartment rooms with a kitchen and balconies, spa suite facilities, free Wi Fi, and pool courts and tennis fields.
Brunswick Heads (New South Wales)
Brunswick Heads is a bohemian beach town just 15 minutes north of Byron Bay and 35 minutes away from Gold Coast Airport, famous for its surfing community and stunning beaches. It’s one of the most low-key towns compared to other beach towns in Australia with its traditional oak pubs, old-fashioned bookstores, cute corner bakeries, and outdoor cafes by the the Brunswick River, which speaking of it, is a great place for paddleboarding, kayaking, and one of the locals’ favorite picnic spots.
Where to stay? Brunswick Heads is a small budget-friendly hotel that is located within walking distance to the river and Main Beach. It has free bikes, cool contemporary decor, and a lush tropical garden.
Glenelg (South Australia)
Glenelg is one of the most famous beach towns in Australia; it has a perfect location, just 12 km away from Adelaide’s Downtown. The town’s highlights feature its vibrant jetty, golden sand dunes, the oceanfront restaurants and cafes, and the vivacious boardwalk.
There are sunset markets, outdoor bars, and beachside parks that are swarming with tourists throughout the year, and the Beachouse children’s Amusement Park is a favourite among families. Last but not least, the town also has something for history lovers- the historical Bay Discovery Centre that tells the history of Glenelg, the oldest settlement of Adelaide.
Where to stay? Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites is a nice, budget-friendly hotel with direct access to the esplanade.
Agnes Water & Seventeen Seventy (Queensland)
Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy (1770) are two adjacent coastal towns in Central Queensland that offer a laid-back beach escape halfway between Bundaberg and Gladstone. The Northernmost surf break of Australia is located in Agnes Water, where you can also find a lot of vibrant coral reefs and a couple of national parks (perfect for hikers).
Gladstone is the most convenient airport to reach these two towns. From the airport, you can get there by driving via the Bruce Highway. There are regional coaches available to go to Agnes Water, but not so often, so we suggest you rent a car or take a transfer.
Where to stay: North 1770 Motel provides rooms with air conditioning and good cleanliness conditions (~$120–150/night), a swimming pool, BBQ facilities, free Wi‑Fi, and an on-site restaurant that is available during restaurant hours.
Coffs Harbour (New South Wales)
Last but not least, we conclude this list of the best beach towns in Australia with Coffs Harbour, a town located roughly halfway between Sydney and Brisbane. The town is famous for its Big Banana Adventure Park, the dolphin shows, lovely beaches, and scenic rainforests. A few other places you shouldn’t miss visiting include Jetty Beach, Diggers Beach, and Muttonbird Island, as well as the Solitary Islands Marine Park. It’s also one of the most scenic skydiving destinations in Australia.
Where to stay? BreakFree Aanuka Beach is a scenic beachfront resort that encompasses everything you need in a modern accommodation facility- tennis courts, tropical gardens, swimming pool, and direct access to the beach.
How did you like this list of the best beach towns in Australia? Did you ever visit any of them? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.
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