The 10 best beach towns in Australia

There are a lot of towns in Australia that visitors are quick to label “the next Byron Bay”, a title that’s both a compliment and a terrifying suggestion that any semblance of undiscovered serenity could soon vanish. With its beautifully unspoiled beaches, historic lighthouse and rapidly developing dining scene, Yamba might be the NSW town to which that (possibly unwelcome) moniker could most accurately apply. Yamba’s beaches are its main calling card – tucked behind dramatic headlands and bordered by ocean walls, each feels worlds apart from the last. For a really magical swim, follow the path into the bush from Spooky’s Beach and you’ll find Angourie Blue Pool – a huge pool bordered by a spectacular towering rock face, the site of a former quarry. Pack a picnic from Bowen’s deli and set up here for the day.

The crown jewel of this picturesque WA coastal town sits right on the water. Stretching 1.8 kilometres over the calm waters of Geographe Bay, the heritage-listed Busselton Jetty is an all-in-one playground for snorkelling, fishing or simply strolling along the shore. Busselton has brews to rival its stellar waterfront views, including Shelter Brewing Co and Rocky Ride, with Busselton Pavilion and The Goose making gorgeous spots for a sunset cocktail. 

The beach in Glenelg is one of the most popular in Adelaide, lying just on the outskirts of the city. What sets this beach town apart from the others is its diverting amusement park on the water’s edge. The Beachouse is complete with mini golf, waterslides, bumper cars (and boats), and arcade games for all-day entertainment. If you find yourself down south here in summer, the impressive Skyline Ferris Wheel is not to be missed for views as far as the eye can see of the coastline. Hot tip: don’t miss the opportunity of witnessing a pretty magical sunset where the action happens at the beach.

Sandwiched between an almost unbelievable amount of beaches for one town (seven to be exact), and rolling green fields, this seaside spot is a real easy way to get back in touch with nature. Spend the morning strolling up and down the main street’s boutiques and cafés, then grab a bite to go and eat at the park or by the renowned blowhole just up the road. If you’re feeling sporty, lace up your sneakers and embark on the Kiama to Gerringong coastal walk. It’s 12 kilometres of stunning cliff faces and deep blue water bays, but you can make the trek as short or long as you like.

Port Douglas is luxe. There’s no two ways about it, from seriously spectacular resorts with lagoon pool set-ups to seafood restaurants dotted along the main street. Don’t let the glitz and glamour blind you, though – the area is rich in natural beauty. It’s 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 pay a visit is actually in winter when the sun is out and the rain and jellyfish stay away. If visiting means summer all year round, we can’t really say no, can we?

Take a break from the winding Great Ocean Road to unwind in this idyllic Victorian seaside town. The sapphire waters that contrast the gorgeous green vegetation of the Queenscliff Coastal Reserve are a sight to behold. Its prime location on one of Australia’s most famous road trips has made Lorne a longtime visitor hotspot. It’s perfect for a bite to eat with its scenic restaurants like Totti’s and cosy cafés like Lorne Central. As for things to do, you won’t be short of options with the Lorne Sea Baths, countless waterfalls and plenty of arts festivals throughout the year ready to explore at your doorstep.

The locals in Coles Bay are just as friendly as any Australian small town, but it’s the views that will really make you question if this place is real. Grab a sweet treat from The Ice Creamery and meander down to the tables at the boat ramp for a picnic unlike any other. The small Tasmanian town is also the starting point of one of Australia’s most beautiful hikes – Wineglass Bay. Park at the Wineglass Bay Lookout car park before embarking on a bushwalk where you won’t be able to decide if the views at the top or the actual bay at the bottom are more beautiful.

You’ve got a gorgeous 1.2 kilometre stretch of sand, a national park and a strip of some of the best Australian clothing and food chains all within walking distance of each other. Does one need much more than that? Noosa is one of those towns that you visit and spend a little longer than usual walking past the real estate windows when you start thinking "Hey, I could get used to this lifestyle". It’s laid back without feeling too disconnected from the rest of the world – after all, Mecca, Lorna Jane, Yo-Chi, and Country Road are just some of the cult favourites gracing Hastings St.

With tranquil waters framed by Norfolk pines and a pastel pavilion right on the beach, Cottesloe feels like a vintage coastal postcard come to life. The consistent swell is favoured by locals for surfing, and a cheeky little reef awaits for some snorkelling fun. The shaded grassy area edging the sand is even set up in tiers to ensure maximal sunset viewing. What’s even better than watching the sunset below the Indian Ocean? Doing so at one of Australia’s top spots for a Sunday session. Cottesloe Beach Hotel and Ocean Beach Hotel are renowned for their refreshing drinks and even better atmosphere to close out the week.

Nail the beach-to-bar lifestyle at Shoal Bay where the laid-back country club is perched right across the road from the region’s playground for dolphins (and human beach-goers, too). Port Stephens’ most-eastern town has a wonderful way of grounding you – whether through setting up camp for a lazy beach day by some of the magical blue waters or by hiking the Tomaree Head Summit and taking in some striking scenes. The town is also a short drive away from some mind-blowing sand dunes where you can quad bike, sand board and ride camels, plus spot some seriously cuddly creatures next door at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary.