Ten beach towns to visit in Australia (that aren't Byron Bay)

The sleepy coastal town of Exmouth is adjacent to the Cape Range National Park and the 300-kilometre Ningaloo Reef – a region that’s drop-dead gorgeous and brimming with vitality. Located about 1,270 kilometres north of Perth, it’s a nature lover’s playground with one of the longest fringing reefs on the planet, meaning in many places the coral comes right up to the beach. You can swim with whale sharks, spot black-footed rock wallabies at Yardie Creek, or take a guided walk through the fossil-crusted Mandu Mandu Gorge, which has been inhabited by humans for about 30,000 years. This is coastal Australia at its finest.

We could think of worse places to holiday than in the crystal-clear waters of Coffin Bay. Located in the pristine Eyre Peninsula – Australia’s major seafood hub – this beautiful bay is the place to go for the plumpest and freshest oysters in South Australia. Slurp up the little morsels straight from the source on a scenic cruise, spot native wildlife on a hike through Coffin Bay National Park, or hunt down one of the many secluded beaches. Our top pick is Almonta Beach, where you’ll find untouched wilderness, sparkling waters, and sand so white it almost blinds you.

When you’re in need of a sea change, head to the cruisy beachside town of Bicheno on Tasmania’s spectacular east coast. Halfway between Freycinet National Park and Douglas-Apsley National Park, Bicheno is a playground for outdoor adventures – from hiking, fishing and snorkelling to penguin tours and whale-watching trails. If visiting during the cooler months, time your trip with Bicheno Beams, Tasmania’s major winter light festival. Rug up in your winter woollies, bring a thermos of hot chocolate and settle in for the dazzling light display, with two shows alternating each night. 

If you’re hoping for a stereotypical Aussie beach getaway, hit up Newcastle. This coastal city, just a two-hour drive (or 2.5-hour train trip) north of Sydney, was named the ninth most underrated travel destination in the world. Once a mining town, Newcastle has undergone something of a gradual glow-up in recent decades – with hatted restaurants and top-tier hotels joining its low-key landscape of local diners and boutiques. Our favourite local gem here is Merewether Ocean Baths – the largest ocean baths in the Southern Hemisphere – closely followed by the adorably named Nobby’s Beach. Newcastle’s 450-metre-long Memorial Walk also ranked as Australia’s most underrated tourist spot in 2024, offering the perfect balance of history and scenery, with a big dose of nature and salty ocean air.

This tropical town in Far North Queensland is the perfect blend of laid-back and luxe. From seriously spectacular resorts with lagoon pool set-ups to casual fish and chip shops dotted along the main strip, it really offers the best of both worlds. Located just an hour’s drive north of Cairns, Port Douglas is sandwiched between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef so you can tick off two World Heritage-listed sites in one day. The town is so far north that the best time to escape here is actually in winter when the sun comes out to play and the rain and jellyfish stay away. If visiting means summer all year round, we can’t really say no, can we?

Arguably one of Victoria’s most popular tourist hotspots, the Great Ocean Road winds along the southwest coast, ending up just before Warrnambool. The seaside city’s Whale Trail is a drawcard for local and international tourists alike, as is its five-kilometre Foreshore Promenade, which was named Australia’s best scenic bike trail in 2024. For those seeking rest and relaxation, the Deep Blue Hot Springs are a must-visit. This open-air sanctuary comprises 15 different bathing experiences, including rock pools, sensory caves and cleansing waterfalls. Absolute bliss!

Escape the crowds in Perth, Broome and Margaret River, and head to this lesser-known coastal gem in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. Albany is home to many of Australia’s bluest beaches – including Middleton Beach, Emu Point and Little Beach – all just minutes from the CBD. Sun and sand aside, the rugged coastline is dotted with striking rock formations, peaceful nature trails and panoramic lookouts perfect for spotting whales in winter. Meanwhile, those looking to take it easy can explore its historic museums and sample local brews and bites. 

Without wanting to sound too much like a Nicholas Sparks novel, some places in life are so beautiful they take your breath away. And boasting turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and bush-flanked rivers, Narooma is one of those spots. The idyllic South Coast town is located a five-hour drive from Sydney, and a million miles away from care. Love oysters? You’re in luck. Narooma is in the middle of Australia’s Oyster Coast and every May, oyster farmers, chefs, producers and eaters come together for the shucking-good Narooma Oyster Festival. But you don’t need to be a fan of shellfish to experience the pristine area. From swimming with playful seals to dining on the water and watching the sunrise over Australia Rock, there is plenty to see and do in Narooma. 

You don’t need to fork out for honeymoon-priced hotel rooms to enjoy a tropical weekend getaway to the world-famous islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Airlie Beach is an accessible gateway to the glittering waters of the Whitsundays, the silica-white sands of Whitehaven Beach (ranked fifth best in the world), and the technicolour marvels of the world’s largest coral reef. With year-round sunshine, you can spend endless days sailing the seas, exploring the national parks (fun fact: the Whitsundays is 70 per cent national park), snorkelling with schools of brightly coloured fish, or dining just steps from the bright blue waters of Airlie Bay. 

Just 2.5 hours drive from Melbourne, Apollo Bay is a beloved seaside town rife with fresh local seafood, a history of shipwrecks and panoramic ocean views. Nearby landmarks include the Cape Otway Lightstation, just a 30-minute drive away; the unforgettable 12 Apostles, only an hour's drive from the main street; and Apollo Bay, Victoria’s only beach to make a list of Australia's best beaches in 2023. As part of a huge Great Ocean Road glow-up, the famed coastal region is set to receive a $12.61 million facelift, complete with a new boardwalk for seaside strolls, and an expanded harbour building, which is currently home to the town's fishermen's co-op – one of very few left in the country.