There are a bounty of coastal hamlets littering the East Coast, with the more famous offerings like Byron Bay and Noosa undeniably stunning, but not particularly well-versed in seclusion. If it is a slice of solitude that you seek, or the easy going ways associated with a small coastal town you’re in luck – we’ve uncovered a handful of under-the-radar destinations scattered along the East Coast that make for an easy way to spend the summer holidays.
Part of the Shoalhaven Region and just over 2.5 hours from Sydney, Vincentia is the perfect, no frills coastal town. It’s home to 6.5 kilometres of powdery white sand beaches, all you have to do is choose the patch of beach you want to kick back and relax at. The crystal clear blue waters of the region make it a prime spot for snorkelling and water activities like stand-up paddle boarding.
Comfortably close to Byron but far enough to feel a world away is Cabarita Beach, 30 minutes north of Byron’s beaches. Perched on the Tweed Coast, Cabarita came to the nation’s attention thanks to its resident luxury haunt Halcyon House. But its beach is just as worthy of your time – the cove at Norries Headland is considered one of Australia’s best. These days the food options are just as tempting, including Italian-ish haunt No.35 Cabarita and fine diner Pipit in neighbouring Pottsville.
Crescent Head, NSW If surfing is on your mind you’ll no doubt already be a fan of Crescent Head, a true coastal gem nudging Kempsey about five hours north of Sydney. Surfers have long been flocking to the Macleay Valley destination for its point, which is considered one of the best surf spots in the nation. And while it may not be traditionally associated with food spoils or accommodation on par with the capitals, times are changing, with new places to stay arriving thick and fast – the team behind Bali’s The Slow, will welcome Sea Sea next year, a hotel, restaurant, and gallery in one.
Perched on the southern side of the Great Barrier Reef are the twin villages of Agnes Water and The Town of 1770. While a trip to the reef (and its residents like Lady Musgrave Island) while here is encouraged, the serene seaside towns themselves are rife in fishing, diving, and surfing potential courtesy of their cluster of secluded beaches (which actually claim the title of most northern surf break in Queensland).
It may be Noosa that tends to attract the attention on the Sunshine Coast, but that’s not all that this stunning string of beaches and beachside villages has to offer. 15 minutes drive south of Noosa’s main drag of Hastings Street sits the community of Peregian, clustered around a main square of quaint bistros, and boutiques. Coastal charm is the forte of this precinct, which plays host to a lengthy sandy stretch out front, regular markets, and a healthy population of cafes, including local favourite Hand of Fatima.
Hardly under the radar, but definitely a quiet(er) coastal town worth mentioning is Lorne, sitting pretty along the Great Ocean Road. If it’s not the beach itself that attracts you to its borders, its fast rising status as a foodie destination will. Chef Jo Barrett is behind a renaissance of the local bowlo, taking over the pans of Little Pickett at the Lorne Bowls Club. Not to mention Merivale has just confirmed that Lorne (or specifically the Lorne Hotel) will be the home to the first Totti’s outside of Sydney’s borders.
Sitting in South-Western Victoria, around three hours from Melbourne is the fishing village of Port Fairy. This place is the last stop along the state’s Shipwreck Coast and has charm in spades thanks to its mingling of historic cottages and churches, fringed by towering Norfolk pines. But not all the action here is on shore – marine life is plentiful, with sightings of whales, seals, and dolphins common, especially during winter.
