Emma Willemsen

Australia has no shortage of stunning beach towns to switch off and embrace a slower pace of life. While Byron Bay gets all the glory as one of the country’s most sought-after beachside escapes, there are plenty of other pristine (and often underrated) towns that are just as beautiful.  From the east coast to the west, we’ve curated a list of ten blissful beachside towns for your next sun-soaked getaway. Forget about the crowds, parking headaches and overpriced hotels – these relaxing spots are all about good vibes only.  🌊 The best beaches in Australia for sun, surf and sand🤘🏾 Australia's top nudist beaches🏄 All the best places to go surfing in Australia

Just 2.5 hours drive from Melbourne is Apollo Bay, a seaside town where you can explore some of Victoria's lushest landscapes, dine on regional food and beverages and enjoy plenty of fun activities such as wildlife tours and golfing by the seaside. It's rife with fresh local seafood, a history of shipwrecks and panoramic ocean views, perfect for a delicious, historic and relaxing getaway.  You’ll also find landmarks like the Cape Otway Lightstation just a half hour's drive away, as well as the unforgettable 12 Apostles only an hour's drive from the main street of Apollo Bay. And in exciting news for Victoria, it was our state's only beach to make a list of Australia's best beaches.  Looking for more weekend guides? These are Victoria's best getaways to try.