6 Summer Hotspots in Australia To Visit Now

Aussies flock to these favourite summer spots to savour their bright, breezy delights and sun-drenched days. Here’s the scoop and some secrets too.

Summer is calling and we challenge you to try to resist the allure of these Aussie hotspots.

1. Sunshine Coast, Qld

Whether it’s summer or not, the Sunshine Coast is a perennial hotspot, a year-round escape that attracts southern dwellers with its seemingly endless sunny disposition. From Noosa to Mooloolaba and Caloundra, Gympie and Coolum Beach, the warm, Windex-coloured waters beckon families, surfers and van-life wanderers alike.

an aerial view of Sunshine Coast, Qld — The sun-drenched Sunshine Coast. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

North enough to be beautifully warm, yet south enough not to be beset by jellyfish and crocs, this Queensland stretch is the sweet spot.

guests ordering drinks in a brewery during Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours — Tour the ‘craft beer capital of Australia’. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Where is it? An easy hour-and-a-half drive north of Brisbane.

What’s it all about? Sunshine, actually. The Sunshine Coast has about 300 days of sunshine per year, so the chances of barrelling into a rainy holiday are low.

Summer secrets: While the coast offers summer spoils, those volcanic-forged guardians, the Glass House Mountains , offer hikes, swimming holes and elevation where you can escape the heat.

Hot tip: As the self-proclaimed ‘craft beer capital of Australia’, there are, indeed, a near-excessive number of breweries at which to sink a cold one.

2. Gold Coast, Qld

A place like no other on the east coast, this elongated city stretch has often copped flack for showing its tackier side. From meter maids to schoolies and a penchant for overt enhancements, both cosmetic and architectural, the GC has historically modelled itself on an LA kind of style.

a girl heading to surf on the Gold Coast beach — Stay golden on the glittering Gold Coast

These days, though, it feels more low-key; with a vibe that embraces its bawdier side, while moving in a more understated direction. This is a fun, family-friendly and wildly entertaining place to go with long beaches, sky-high resorts and plenty to do from the sand to the hinterland.

waterfront dining at Rick Shores, Gold Coast — Soak up front-row sea views at Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads. (Image: Mathilde Bouby)

Where is it? Just one hour south of Brisbane, but with its own airport, it’s a brief and direct flight from most capital cities.

What’s it all about? The GC is a corridor of holiday vibes wedged between the ocean and national parks. As a destination, it ticks all the boxes from theme parks and beaches to nightlife, dining and arts.

Summer secrets: SoGo, or the southern Gold Coast, comprises the most up-and-coming suburbs, which includes Coolangatta and Currumbin.

Hot tip: Burleigh Heads is the undeniable culinary hotspot on the Gold Coast, from fine diners Labart Restaurant and Rick Shores to casual corner bakery Tarte and a string of cool wine bars.

3. North Coast, NSW

Holiday-happy towns perched to watch the Pacific are clustered along NSW’s north coast. You can make your way up this stretch from Sydney to the Gold Coast over about nine ambitious hours.

But dipping in and out of places such as Port Macquarie, Seal Rocks, Coffs Harbour, Yamba, Byron Bay and the Tweed turns the drive into a journey of lazy beach sessions, increasing subtropical landscapes and sun-drenched days.

a swimming spot in Yamba, North Coast, NSW — Make a splash in Yamba.

Where is it? The north coast extends from Newcastle, about two hours north of Sydney, all the way to Tweed Heads on the Queensland border.

What’s it all about? Vast beaches, bush-bound bays, sandy toes and salty skin.

Summer secrets: Yamba is a thrumming town come summer. But you can find a quieter enclave for a more bare-bones escape across the water at Iluka.

Hot tip: The hinterland towns of Bellingen, Bangalow, Burringbar and Murwillumbah are total charmers.

4. South Coast, NSW

An expansive ribbon of coast edged by crystalline waters that both gently lap soft-edged shores and pummel craggy cliffs, the South Coast is ripe for road-tripping.

an aerial view of Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay — Go barefoot on Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay. (Image: Destination NSW)

From city thrills in Wollongong to Kiama’s horizon-gazing town and the scattering of Shoalhaven’s exquisite coves – such as Jervis Bay, Lake Conjola and Vincentia – the south-east of NSW unfurls in one idyllic locale after the other.

a sunbed by the poolside at Motel Molly in Mollymook — Stay at Motel Molly in Mollymook.

Slurp briny oysters at shacks in Merimbula, ogle the animals at Mogo Wildlife Park and discover Eden’s killer whale trail.

opening an oyster on the Sapphire Coast, Captain Sponge's Magical Oyster Tours — Slurp oysters on the Sapphire Coast. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where is it? The South Coast essentially starts from Wollongong in the north, a 90-minute drive from Sydney, and from Wonboyn on the Sapphire Coast in the south, which is about six and a half hours from Melbourne.

What’s it all about? Sweeping cliffside coastlines, white sands and adorable towns that can feel wonderfully secluded and off-the-beaten-track.

Summer secrets: The Bermagui Blue Pool is the place to grab your Instagram money shot.

Hot tip: Try Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook, a renowned restaurant with rooms. Or Motel Molly , which is a cool retro update on a classic surf motel.

5. Great Ocean Road, Vic

Yes, it’s conceivable to drive the Great Ocean Road in a single day. But to do the theatrical beauty of this seascape and its connected townships any real justice, you must dedicate at least four days to see what can be discovered here.

driving along Great Ocean Road, Vic — Follow the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Your route may cling to the coastline or zigzag between beach and bush, but you’ll most certainly stop at the 12 Apostles in Port Campbell National Park , take in the Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet and slip into Port Fairy for a pint at the Oak & Anchor . The rainforest-cloaked Otways is also a draw for its waterfalls, treetop walkways and wildlife wonders.

Reach for the Sky Pods in Cape Otway, Victoria. (Image: Tofu Studio)

Where is it? The Great Ocean Road begins in Torquay, which is a little over an hour south of Melbourne.

What’s it all about? It’s 243 kilometres of beautiful, drama-filled coastlines.

Summer secrets: Avoid the crowds at the 12 Apostles and delight in the natural limestone plinths at the lesser-known and smaller-scale Childers Cove.

Hot tip: For road trips sans kids, check into the eco-luxe Sky Pods , where you can wake to views over the incredible Cape Otway landscape in a glass-walled cabin.

6. Margaret River Region, WA

Shouldered by forested national parks and punctuated by cool, artful townships where surfers watch the waves from beachside cafes, the Margaret River Region is a laid-back destination that rightfully deserves top billing on summer holiday hit lists. United by those exquisitely clear waters are the townships of Margaret River, Busselton, Yallingup, Dunsborough, Augusta, Cowaramup and Gracetown.

8 Paddocks inthe Margaret River Wine Region — Stay in a luxury chalet at 8 Paddocks in the Margaret River Wine Region.

The region is a draw for diverse activities and attractions that range from surfing glassy waves to enjoying incredible produce and visiting world-renowned wineries. It’s also known for its magical Karri forests, enigmatic caves and some of the best hikes on the continent. While thrilling surf breaks roll into the wilder shorelines, there are also plenty of frolic-friendly spots, such as the protected, pool-like Meelup Beach.

a table-top view of food at The Goose in Busselton, WA — Cut loose at The Goose in Busselton, WA. (Image: Taj Kempe Photography)

Where is it? A smidge over three hours by car from Perth. Or fly into Busselton Margaret River Airport.

What’s it all about? Surfing, wining and dining and stunning beaches.

Summer secrets: After a fire demolished Busselton’s iconic restaurant The Goose in 2021, it has returned to the glimmering foreshore overlooking Geographe Bay.

Hot tip: 8 Paddocks is a new luxe cabin experience just outside of Cowaramup.

The Great Ocean Road has captured the hearts of Australians with its astounding scenery since 1932, but going off-course can enrich your experience with untouched nature, foodie delights and charming towns.

It’s a chilly 16 degrees. My husband pulls on a steamer and jogs – as all seasoned surfers do – into the water. We’re at Bells Beach , the legendary break on Victoria’s Surf Coast that’s home to the Rip Curl Pro, the world’s longest-running event in competitive surfing. Each year, over the Easter long weekend, up to 40,000 people descend on the region for the event. Today, though, we have the beach almost to ourselves, and the less-than-favourable temperature doesn’t deter my husband from surfing this famous break.

Torquay to Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

The red dome of Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The nearby surf town of Torquay marks the starting point for the Great Ocean Road . Unfolding our map, which we have marked out with a highlighted route for our children to follow, we set off for lesser-known Anglesea, a chilled-out town 20 minutes south of here. Its wide, sandy beach is a gentler swimming option for our young family. Groms can learn to surf here with Go Ride a Wave, which also runs stand-up paddle boarding on the Anglesea River.

Split point lookout — The lighthouse overlooks the Shipwreck Coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

After a couple of nights in Anglesea, we hit the road again, first stopping at Aireys Inlet. Here we stretch our legs at Split Point Lighthouse, which was made famous by the 1990s television series Round the Twist, before driving under the Memorial Arch that welcomes us, officially, to the Great Ocean Road.

This 243-kilometre coastal road was built by returned First World War servicemen and serves as a permanent memorial to those who fought and died during the war. Carved into rock using hand tools and horse-drawn carts, it was a huge engineering feat and provided much-needed access to isolated coastal communities.

Lorne to Birregurra

Lorne is a delightful beachside stop for lunch and browsing boutique stores. It’s also the gateway to Great Otway National Park , which comprises a varied landscape of old-growth forests, cool-temperate rainforests, heathy woodlands and rugged coast. With the highest rainfall in Victoria, the region is home to many waterfalls – 10 of which are within 10 kilometres of Lorne.

Turning slightly off the main drag, we wind along a gum-shaded road to Erskine Falls. Here, our son leads the way through the hyper-green rainforest and down 200-plus stairs to the cascade that drops 30 metres into a lush fern gully. We hop over large boulders to get closer to the falls, enjoying the entire place to ourselves; it’s worth the return climb.

From Sheoak Falls Picnic Area, there are walking trails to Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, Won Wondah Falls and Kalimna Falls, some of which follow an old timber tramway from forest-logging days, which only came to an end in 2008.

You can follow your appetite north to the town of Birregurra, which is part of the Otway Harvest Trail that connects farm gates, markets, wineries, breweries and distilleries. It’s home to three-hatted modern Australian restaurant Brae , helmed by celebrated chef Dan Hunter, set among native gardens and an organic farm, and Otways Distillery, which produces small-batch spirits using local produce and botanicals.

Brae restaurant — Brae is a three-hatted restaurant in Birregurra. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Apollo Bay to The Otways

Back on track, the cliff-hugging stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay is breathtaking. At Teddys Lookout, we overlook the winding road ahead and St George River spilling into the ocean. We spend languid days in Apollo Bay, a buzzy seaside town that boasts a three-kilometre-long, crescent-shaped beach with a backdrop of rolling green hills. One evening, as the sun sets, we take the steep 10-minute walk to Marriners Lookout, which affords panoramic views of the ocean, hinterland and town.

A 15-minute drive along the road, Maits Rest is a lush rainforest gully that has been protected since the early 20th century. Wandering along the 800-metre boardwalk, we inspect the delicate moss-covered forest floor and the gnarled roots of 300-year-old myrtle beech trees, then crane our necks to see their canopies, some 50 metres above us. It’s therapy in nature.

Cape Otway to the Twelve Apostles

The southernmost tip of Cape Otway is a delightful detour, home to the 1848-built Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. We climb the narrow winding staircase to the gallery deck, explore the keepers’ quarters and telegraph station, and enjoy a coffee and some ‘famous’ scones at the charming onsite cafe.

It’s a pinch-me moment to finally see the Twelve Apostles in person. This unmistakable cluster of limestone stacks rising abruptly from the sea were never 12, however. When coined this in the 1890s as a marketing ploy, there were only nine; today, only seven remain after two collapsed in 2005 and 2009. We admire these Aussie icons from the viewing platform, in awe of Mother Nature’s ever-evolving artwork.

The Grotto is another natural attraction within Port Campbell National Park. (Image: Carmen Zammit)

Edging the wild Southern Ocean, this part of the coast – dubbed Shipwreck Coast – is made up of many sea-carved natural wonders including London Bridge, The Grotto and Gibson Steps. After exploring the lookout trails of Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool – its English name taken from the site of the 1878 shipwreck – we nestle into the sandy beach encircled by towering sandstone cliffs, as our children splash about on the water’s edge, and soak it all in.

Port Campbell to Timboon

Timboon Fine Ice Cream is part of a regional foodie trail. (Image: C McConville)

Just north of Port Campbell National Park, the region of Timboon is part of the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail, filled with purveyors of delicious foodstuffs such as Timboon Fine Ice Cream , Timboon Railway Shed Distillery and Apostle Whey Cheese. As an antidote to the indulgence, the 20-kilometre Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng Trail is a self-guided ride or walk between Port Campbell and Timboon through tall forests, over historic bridges and past sparkling lakes and farmland with grazing cattle.

Warrnambool to Port Fairy

Warrnambool building — A 19th-century building in Warrnambool. (Image: Peter Foster)

In Warrnambool, a town rich in maritime history, we take the four-kilometre Thunder Point Walk that traces the coast. The kids squeal when an echidna shuffles out from beneath the wooden boardwalk, and we stop to admire a seal lazing on a rock at the port.

Further along, the streets of quaint fishing village Port Fairy are lined with 19th-century cottages, old stone churches and Norfolk pines. Follow the historic walking trail to see some of the 60-plus National Trust buildings. Port Fairy is also home to Port Fairy Folk Festival (6-9 March), one of the country’s longest-running music and cultural festivals. You could time your road trip with the event for a fittingly celebratory end to any journey.

The Great Ocean Road can easily be done in three days, but we’ve spent a week on the road. The highlighted line on our now creased and well-worn map doesn’t follow the famous route precisely. It has sprouted branches in many directions, leading us to untouched rainforest and charming rural towns filled with culinary delights, and where we experienced some of our most memorable moments on the Great Ocean Road.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

The Monty is a highly anticipated, newly refurbished motel with a chic Palm Springs-inspired aesthetic set across the road from the Anglesea River. Basalt Winery in Port Fairy grows cool-climate wines such as pinot noir and Riesling in rich volcanic soil. Stay among the vines in its tiny home, complete with a kitchen, lounge area and outdoor firepit.

The Oak & Anchor Hotel has been a Port Fairy institution since 1857. Cosy up by the bar in winter or bask in the sunshine of the Lawn Bar in summer. The rooms are beautifully boutique with considered details, such as luxe baths for sinking into post-road trip.

Eating there

The Coast in Anglesea is a modern Australian restaurant focused on local ingredients. Grand Pacific Hotel has been a local landmark in Lorne since 1879 and recently underwent a restoration. It serves a mix of traditional pub and Italian fare alongside ocean views.

Graze is a cosy 40-seat dining room in Apollo Bay with a modern Australian menu complemented by regional wines. Apollo Bay Distillery offers tasting flights, a gin blending masterclass and serves woodfired pizzas.

6 summer hotspots in Australia to visit right now