8 coastal getaways that offer the perfect seaside reset

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Whether you cast yourself away to a timeless holiday town, picturesque peninsula or off-grid escape, Australia’s beaches, bays and islands are your ticket to exploring our great outdoors.

1. Tasmania’s islands

Travelling with: Lara Picone

a look inside Vipp Tunnel, Bruny Island
The sustainably designed Vipp Tunnel guesthouse is Bruny Island’s most exclusive stay.

An island festooned with smaller outcrops anchored in pristine waters, Tasmania has plenty of places where you can be entirely girt by sea. For excursions ex-Hobart, ferry across to Bruny Island to indulge your inner gourmand and stay at the brutally sleek Vipp Tunnel. You can join Great Walks of Australia’s newest multi-day hike on north-eastern Flinders Island. Or take in the wondrous wildlife and landscapes of Maria Island on its signature four-day walk and bed down for a night in the beautifully refurbished Bernacchi House. There’s also petite Picnic Island in Freycinet and the luxe private Satellite Island, to name but a few.

the Bruny Island in South Tasmania
Hop on a ferry across to Bruny Island. (Image: Pauline Morrissey)

2. Kangaroo Island, SA

Travelling with: Lara Picone

As far as playing island bingo goes, South Australia’s Kangaroo Island has plenty to cross off your game card. There’s inviting waters, white-sand beaches, photogenic landscapes, sea lions, history, wonderful produce and wine, and luxury lodgings (such as the impeccable Southern Ocean Lodge or Wander) to budget camping. It also has an intriguing sense of isolation that is all at once haunting and rejuvenating. The place to live out your cast-adrift fantasies, we’re calling icon status on this Aussie treasure.

Wander on Kangaroo Island
Wander on Kangaroo Island is embedded in the coastal wilderness. (Wander/ Remy Brand Creative)

3. Sleep by Ningaloo Reef at Sal Salis, WA

Travelling with: Katie Carlin

Sal Salis is designed to connect you to your surroundings: the placement of its tents captures the coastal breeze; light pollution restrictions mean views of star-studded night skies; and its location alongside the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef with its 700-plus species of fish, coral gardens and megafauna delivers unforgettable encounters. Travellers come here to swim with whale sharks, hike the ancient paths of Cape Range National Park and fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing against the fringing reef. There’s nowhere else like it.

the Sal Salis off-grid stay at Ningaloo Reef
Go off-grid at Sal Salis.

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4. Noosa, Qld

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Surfing Reserve, this Sunshine Coast region has a stunning and diverse natural environment that will have your eyes watering with the beauty and fragility of it all. Slap on your sunscreen for days spent outdoors on Kabi Kabi Country, from lingering on the golden sands of Main Beach to surfing the ‘Points’ and walking the scenic tracks in lush, forested Noosa National Park. Hiring a boat to cruise along Noosa River and the swirling sands of Noosa Spit and kayaking the wildlife-rich Noosa Everglades also make for immersive adventures.

an aerial view of Noosa National Park
Stroll along spectacular coastal walks at Noosa National Park. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Justine Bath)

5. Bellarine Peninsula, Vic

Travelling with: Lara Picone

A short jaunt from Melbourne and Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula often comes as a bit of a surprise for unsuspecting non-Victorians. From the passive waters of Phillip Bay to surfable beaches, towns worthy of a good potter around and unflinching vistas of the rollicking Bass Strait, this region is a mood board for holiday aspirations. Add to this a mussel tour at Portarlington, a summer dip in Point Lonsdale and an oceanside lunch at the locally finessed Tarra in Queenscliff.

a food plate at Tarra in Queenscliff
Tarra in Queenscliff is a favoured spot for beachfront dining. (Image: Chris McConville)

6. Norfolk Island

Travelling with: Lara Picone

Norfolk Island is an anomaly of absorbing beauty and astonishing history. As an external territory of Australia bobbing in the South Pacific, it’s wholly unique with a swashbuckling culture descended from British mutineers of The Bounty and their Polynesian families. Windex-hued waters, coral reefs and austere cliffs make for a landscape of enrapturing beauty, while the island’s Pitcairn culture is rich in community and warmth. Visit once and Norfolk will occupy space in your heart ever after.

a scenic view of Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island is a gem of the South Pacific that is worth exploring. (Image: Tourism Australia)

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7. Gold Coast, Qld

Travelling with: Lara Picone

Suddenly a few kids deep and hankering for sunny, margarita-filled days? It may never be the same, but the good news is the Gold Coast is here for this life phase. As the ultimate family destination for generations, the sun still shines, swimming spots such as Tallebudgera still sparkle and theme parks still beckon, from Dreamworld to Wet ’n’ Wild. Stay at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa or Dorsett Gold Coast for grown-up (but kid-friendly) fun.

a family relaxing at Tallebudgera Creek
Enjoy a beachside picnic at Tallebudgera Creek. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Jesse Lindemann

8. Chill at Elements of Byron, NSW

Travelling with: Lara Picone

Byron Bay’s appeal retains its lustre in perpetuity. There are tangible reasons for this, such as easy access, indisputable beauty, good surf and an aesthetic that seems to embody coolness. There are also more esoteric reasons that are often clutchingly described as the ‘Byron vibe’. Boutique accommodation has recently surged with plenty of mid-to-luxe options, but the reliably chill Elements of Byron remains a classic place to experience this ‘vibe’.

an aerial view of Byron Bay
Byron Bay is surrounded by incredible nature and an underwater ecosystem. (Image: Jeff Julia)
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8 Thredbo hiking experiences you can only have in summer

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

    For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

    From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

    These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

    1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

    Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
    Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.

    There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

    Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

    This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

    2. Super Full Moon Hike

    Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo
    Take in the might of a super full moon.

    The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike. Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

    Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

    3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

    Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike
    See dazzling celestial displays.

    What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

    It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

    Book now for 3 March.

    4. New Moon Hike

    New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko
    Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

    A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

    Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

    5. Thredbo River Track

    Thredbo River Track
    Take yourself along the Thredbo River Track.

    Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

    6. Merritts Nature Track

    Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes
    Stop at swimming holes along the way.

    On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track, where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

    The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

    7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit.
    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

    While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

    The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

    8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

    Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
    Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.

    If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

    The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

    Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.