The Best Coastal Holiday Spots in Australia

There are more than 10,000 beaches in Australia. Yep. Ten. Thousand. If you’ve got a spare 30 years up your sleeve, you might just be able to visit each and every one of them. Failing that, your best bet is to pull together a shortlist.

Mind you, a shortlist is no mean feat. Dotted along Australia’s 36,735 kilometres of coastline are a glut of coastal towns boasting not only the picture-perfect vista, but the supporting scene to help you live your best #beachlife.

Here are some of the places we’d be adding to any shortlist, post haste.

Tas | NSW | SA | Vic | WA | Qld

Coles Bay, Tas

The seaside village of Coles Bay sits oh-so-pretty on the edge of Freycinet National Park, between the dramatic Hazards mountains and Great Oyster Bay.

Wineglass Bay and Hazards mountains in Freycinet National Park near Coles Bay. (image: Tourism Tasmania/Chris Bray Photography)

Outdoor activities are ripe for the picking – a kayaking tour with Freycinet Adventures is a must – while Wineglass Bay Cruises can zip you around the spectacular coastline, complete with sea caves, blowholes and waterfalls, in style.

On the food front, it’s all about fresh local produce and seafood is king – think oysters, mussels, scallops and rock lobster. Be sure to check out Freycinet Marine Farm . A tourism icon, Saffire Freycinet gives new meaning to the term ‘luxury resort’. But if your budget doesn’t stretch that far, give the lovely Freycinet Lodge a whirl.

Freycinet Lodge. — Stay in the luxurious Freycinet Lodge Coastal Pavilions. (Image: RACT Destinations)

Huskisson, NSW

Less than 200 kilometres south of Sydney, Huskisson is the hub of oceanic wonderland, Jervis Bay. With beach after dreamy beach, this biodiversity hotspot is a delight, no matter how you prefer to spend your summers.

Join a dolphin or whale watching tour with Jervis Bay Wild or grab a schooner and keep a look out from the always popular Husky Pub deck, which can accommodate you overnight in one of eight guest suites.

Whale watching in Jervis Bay — Join a dolphin or whale watching tour. (Image: Destination NSW)

You can also find yourself a home among the gum trees at Paperbark Camp . On the dining scene, The Quarters Huskisson is a slick eatery and bar, and 5 Little Pigs is a hit on the cafe scene.

Yamba, NSW

Positioned at the mouth of the Clarence River, Yamba has been described as Byron Bay without the crowds, so you can see the appeal. The region is a surfer’s paradise – nearby Angourie Beach was declared a National Surfing Reserve in 2007 – and there are great spots for wading, fishing and snorkelling, too. Not up to task? Yamba-Angourie Surf School can help.

Turners Beach Yamba — Yamba is a surfer’s paradise. (Image: Destination NSW)

There is no shortage of great places to dine – try Beachwood Cafe , Drift and Karrikin – and the Pacific Hotel is just the spot for beers with a view. Bed down at The Sands or Il Delfino Seaside Inn .

Spot dolphins at Main Beach in Yamba. (Image: Destination NSW)

Robe, SA

Beaches are fantastic for all manner of pursuits, but it’s not often you can glide across the sand on four wheels. Welcome to Robe, home to pristine Long Beach, one of the few Australian beaches on which you can drive.

Drive on the sand in Robe at Long Beach. (Image: Mark Fitzpatrick)

Robe is big on small-town charm as a wander between the main street’s boutiques and eateries will illustrate. Grab an award-winning cup of ‘joe’ at Mahalia Coffee , be sure to secure a dinner reservation at Sails , and don’t miss the unique offering at sustainable Robe Town Brewery . Some quality time at Cape Dombey Obelisk, which sits atop the region’s famous limestone cliffs, will leave you marvelling at this masterpiece of nature.

Find the iconic Cape Dombey Obelisk in Robe. (Image: Elliot Grafton)

Sorrento, Vic

A picturesque village on the Mornington Peninsula, Sorrento is equal parts sophistication and coastal appeal. Stylish boutiques, galleries and antique outlets share the main street with a selection of cafes and restaurants.

Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula — Sorrento is a picturesque village on the Mornington Peninsula. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Pop into the Sorrento Brewhouse for casual dining plus a selection of local beer and wine, or indulge at the fine-dining restaurant Loquat . Between them, Sorrento’s beaches, and the many nearby, offer great conditions for surfing, swimming and the like, while fishing trips, seal- and dolphin-watching excursions and other tours depart from the front beach pier.

Fishing boats in Sorrento — Find coastal appeal around every corner at Sorrento. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Stroll along the Sorrento Long Pier. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Stay at Hotel Sorrento , a peninsula institution. You’re also blessed with Mornington Peninsula’s renowned wine region on your doorstep.

Yallingup, WA

When idyllic beaches meet exceptional wineries, you know you’re in for a treat. In the celebrated Margaret River region, Yallingup has been luring surfers for decades while the crystal-clear lagoon at Yallingup Beach does more than satisfy swimmers and snorkellers. Gastronomes also love Yallingup. All manner of palates are catered for, with Chow’s Table , Barnyard 1978 and Cape Lodge Restaurant among the delicious options. For wineries, try Wills Domain and Swings & Roundabouts . Yallingup is also home to an arts precinct, and then there is nature’s very own gallery, provided by surrounding Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.

Port Douglas, Qld

From an undiscovered fishing town to a glittering tourist attraction, Port Douglas is a Tropical North Queensland gem, and it all began with the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort.

The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas — The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort started a transformation in Port Douglas.

More than 30 years later, and a few refurbishments down, the Sheraton still stands strong and is in good company now with the Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa, and Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas . It’s the white-sand beaches and lush tropical rainforests that epitomise this region, plus a modern cafe and bar scene.

Sunset views over Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas.

Activities are endless in this slice of paradise: try river drift snorkelling with Back Country Bliss , get acquainted with Aboriginal traditions on a cultural tour with Walkabout Adventures , or soak up the tropical vibes on a Sailaway sunset cruise. Meanwhile, the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest are both within a stone’s throw.

Sailaway Tours Port Douglas — Soak up the tropical vibes on a Sailaway sunset cruise

Burleigh Heads Beach, Qld

The Gold Coast can be almost anything you want it to be. Laidback beach culture? Check. Glitz and glamour? Check. Wellness hub? Check. Want all of the above? Then it’s Burleigh Heads Beach for you.

Find coastal chill at Burleigh Heads Beach on the Gold Coast. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

A bustling hub, Burleigh has always delivered on coastal chill and, with help from a few new(ish) faces, is now arguably the Gold Coast’s premium dining destination. Enjoy unparalleled views and mouth-watering cuisine at Burleigh Pavilion or Rick Shores ; feel the style ooze from every corner of Labart – and the list goes on. Stay at Bon Sol, an interior masterpiece on the water.

Enjoy unparalleled views and mouth-watering cuisine at Burleigh Pavilion. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.

The best coastal summer holidays in Australia