There’s nothing as good as spending an Aussie summer beachside. But fighting for a car spot, busy beaches and fully booked out restaurants? Not so much fun. These are our top picks for the best beach towns in Australia where you’ll be met with soft sand, crystal-clear water and great dining options – all without the crowds.
Just south of the Queensland border, Kingscliff has all the appeal of its Northerly neighbours but without all the crowds of people. It’s a favourite spot for families, sporting types and nature lovers, with loads of fishing, whale-watching, scuba diving and surfing.
Big things come in small packages in Crescent Head, a low-key surf town with one of the longest right-hander point breaks on the east coast. If you’ve worked up an appetite taming the waves (or being pummelled by the surf), it’s time to hit the Crescent Head Country Club, where your dinner will come with views of the ocean, estuary or golf course.
Recently voted Australia’s most liveable town, it’s easy to see why Kiama charms so many people. Yes, the beaches are spectacular and yes, you may even see whales, but the dining is superb too. Head to Miss Arda for delicious, family-style dishes with a distinct Middle Eastern tilt and soak up great views of Kiama harbour at Diggies Kiama, where the bright white décor is sure to brighten your day.
On the Coffs Coast is where Sawtell resides. With charm in spades, this quaint village boasts a lengthy pristine beach, as well as a main drag rich in eateries, boutiques, and galleries to entertain visitors during their time spent away from the sand. Decent dining is refreshingly in no short supply around here – local fave Hilltop Store is the passion project of former Sydney hospo heavyweights.
On the traditional lands of the Bunurong People Inverloch is a family-friendly destination with inviting, calm waters. Inverloch’s café scene is strong, so get ready for some coffee-fuelled fun. Start with brunch in the courtyard of Bluette on Bear before grabbing a freshly baked Swedish bun from Invy Baker. Looking for a place to stay? Check out (and check into) The Silo House, a stunning architectural home (where you can sleep in a silo) featured on Grand Designs Australia.
Sometimes a beach town is so good that you hesitate to tell others about it. Mallacoota is one such place. Nestled in Croajingolong National Park, this gorgeous spot is renowned for its pristine lakes and beaches. And even better for those hot summer days, Mallacoota is known for its cooling ocean breezes. Your next great escape awaits.
With historic cottages, stone churches and wide streets lined with Norfolk pines, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a seaside dream at Port Fairy, a charming fishing village at the western end of the Great Ocean Road. If you’re looking for a place to stay, don’t go past The Drift House, a boutique, award-winning hotel where every one of the six guest suites is an Instagrammer’s dream.
According to Indigenous stories, the rippled, coloured sands at Rainbow Beach were created when a beautiful Aboriginal woman fell in love with the rainbow. It’s not hard to see why everyone falls in love with this spot that stretches from Noosa’s north shore to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). Follow the locals to Arcobaleno On the Beach for handmade Italian food that’s authentic and super fresh.
Paradise found is an understatement when it comes to this small rainforest village which forms of the quartet of towns in Mission Beach. About 1.5 hours drive from Cairns, this place is largely untouched – picture a destination of dreamy beaches fringed by foliage, with the Great Barrier Reef (and Dunk Island) right on your doorstep. Drop by the Bingil Bay Cafe while in town, or The Pocket a little further afield.
Okay, so it’s not exactly under-the-radar, but Port Douglas in tropical north Queensland has it all – access to the Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree rainforest, not to mention excellent dining options. Make sure you visit on a Sunday and go to the iconic Port Douglas market but get there early to nab an artisan doughnut from Duke’s Doughnuts (we’re talking beauties like the cookie dough and brownie batter doughnut with vanilla bean custard).
It’s a tiny town, but what Robe lacks in terms of population, it makes up for with scenery. Think stunning beaches, limestone cliffs, historic buildings and a glimmering ocean. With five main beaches, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Our pick? Long Beach for its consistent surf and lack of rocks.
The Murray River meets the Southern Ocean in the historic river port of Goolwa, just one hour from Adelaide. The town, framed by a stretch of sugar-white sand, really comes to life in odd-numbered years for The Wooden Boat Festival, where you can fulfil all your seafaring imaginings with vintage sailing yachts, riverboats, clinker boats and canoes.
This under-the-radar beach town is found on the much adored Yorke Peninsula, a few hours drive from Adelaide. There’s little to do around here, but that’s entirely the point, and that’s not to say this place is lacking in sandy stretches. Head to Sultana Point Beach for a swim, or a fish, or the ocean pool if it’s laps that you crave instead.
Once you’ve walked along one of the longest timber-piled jetties in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s time to explore some of the foodie delights in Busselton. Alberta’s is a must-visit spot for extraordinary brunches that turns into a fabulous evening eatery, while the rooftop beer garden at Holly’s is worth a visit, particularly for the desserts (think deep fried apple pie with caramel).
It’s the wilderness that surrounds Walpole in the South-West of the state. Of course that includes plenty of classically rugged West Oz coastline (and big wave surf break The Right) but there’s also ample to do without getting your feet wet, like the famed Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, where you can walk among 400-year-old natural wonders.
