Trendy Beach Towns To Visit This Summer

Just-opened eateries, chic boutiques and genetically blessed locals flow throughout Australia’s most exhilarating beach towns and neighbourhoods.

As daylight lingers longer and the mercury rises, hours are better spent cooling off at the beach. But while the surf always soothes, the country’s trendiest beach towns deliver more than idyllic swims.

Cosy coastal pockets filled with new restaurants and bars, untapped retail therapy and unique coastal activities beckon from all over Australia. Here, we round up the most thrilling beachy locales.

1. Kirra, Qld

You’ve probably driven right past it on your journey from the airport to central GC, but don’t let Kirra in the southern Gold Coast slip away from you again. Its north-facing beach, flushed with white sand and crystal-clear water, provides tranquil swimming all year round while excellent cafes, shops and hipster bars keep the good times rolling off the sand.

kids enjoying at Kirra Beach, Qld — Enjoy quiet time at Kirra Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The latest drawcard is the achingly cool Kirra Point Precinct and, more specifically, the Kirra Beach Hotel and Kirra Beach House within the multi-million-dollar mecca. Lavish lounging and cocktailing upstairs, and easy breezy pub dining downstairs, the two-pronged construction was unveiled in November 2023, followed by the opening of Kirra Point Hotel in early 2024. Stage Two of the Kirra Point precinct will feature a second tower with a laneway precinct curated with boutique retailers such as a fresh food market, deli, bakery and gelateria. It’s slated for completion in 2026. Arguably the ultimate Queensland scene to be seen this summer.

a family bonding at Kirra Beach, Qld — Spend your beach getaway in Kirra. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

2. Frankston, Vic

Move over, St Kilda. Frankston is home to one of Melbourne’s most delicious beaches, complete with white sand and calm swimming conditions. Plus, all the beachy goodness is complimented by a string of stellar bars and eateries including Oliver’s Corner , a perfectly positioned beach bar within walking distance from Frankston Pier.

The suburb’s raised boardwalk screams out for lazy holiday strolls while epic street art, breweries and distilleries should all be explored. It is signature Melbourne culture set against a shimmering beach – a perfect summer escape, in our book.

Aerial shot of Frankston beach in Victoria — Frankston is a perfect summer escape.

3. Kingscliff, NSW

Remember Noosa’s Hastings Street before everyone switched on? Kingscliff’s Marine Parade feels a lot like the Hastings of yesteryear, right on the verge of going boom. Sure, the town’s beaches are beautiful including Dreamtime Beach, which is calm and a hit with families, but it’s the surf-facing retail stretch that’s creating a buzz visitors adore.

kids enjoying a walk along Kingscliff Beach — Watch the day roll by in Kingscliff. (Image: Destination NSW)

Dotted with some of Kingscliff and the surrounding area’s best restaurants, plus clothing and homeware boutiques and outstanding cafes, Marine Parade is just one of Kingscliff’s charms. Salt Village , an upmarket retail complex and resort on beautiful Salt Beach, is also irresistible.

an aerial view of Cudgen Creek Mouth, Kingscliff, NSW — Cudgen Creek is a tiny, shallow creek in Kingscliff. (Image: Ryan Fowler; Destination Tweed)

4. Cottesloe, WA

A must-visit on any perfect Perth itinerary, Cottesloe is a tourist magnet thanks to its wonderous stretch of sand, one of Perth’s most beautiful beaches. While the scenery is jaw-dropping – think powder-white sand and a far-reaching coastline – there are also plenty of chilled-out pubs and family-friendly eateries to lose the afternoon in.

a drone shot of the emerald waters of Cottesloe Beach — Go paddleboarding over the emerald waters of Cottesloe Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

If you’re struggling to part with that magical glistening water, an array of water sports is on offer and Cottesloe is also home to Sculpture by the Sea , the same event staged on Sydney’s Bondi Beach each year, so culture vultures should time their trip for March annually.

the property exterior of Cottesloe Beach Hotel — Check out the classic Cottesloe Beach Hotel. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

5. Bream Creek, Tas

Fancy a beach hang away from the crowds? Tasmania’s Bream Creek may be small, but its tranquillity is astounding as this beach town remains a local secret. It certainly won’t stay that way for long.

Marion Bay, Tasmania — Bream Creek is small and tranquil. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Home to a thriving farmer’s market staged once a month, Marion Bay Beach, a stunning stretch of coastline, Bream Creek Vineyard , renowned for its award-winning sparkling wine, and picturesque rainforest and farmland, there’s a slow and breezy enchantment to be swept up in at this lesser-known paradise.

the Marion Bay, Tasmania — Bask in solitude at the stunning Marion Bay Beach.

6. Brunswick Heads, NSW

The north coast of NSW is flooded with beach holiday heavyweights and Brunswick Heads grows in momentum every sun-soaked season. It comes down to how it manages to retain its low-key village vibes – for now anyway – giving it a touch of exclusivity compared to cluttered Byron Bay.

Brunswick Heads at sunrise — Head towards the coast for ocean views. (Image: Brad Halcrow)

Head to Brunswick for Torakina Beach located right at the mouth of the Brunswick River, with hypnotising still waters made for families. There are trendy eateries in the middle of town so seek out Mullumbimby Street and Park Street for the buzziest restaurants and bars.

the shores of Brunswick Heads, NSW — Brunswick Heads is an idyllic hideaway.

7. Noosaville, Qld

It’s hard to resist the glitz of Noosa Heads and Hastings Street but Noosaville, located a little more inland from Noosa Heads along the Noosa River, is filled with countless charms including an emerging craft brewing and distillery scene. And then there’s the cafes.

an aerial view of the Noosa River — Noosa River meanders through the pristine wilderness of the Noosa Everglades. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Track down First Batch and Clandestino Coffee , two of Noosaville’s best caffeine pit stops, for your morning elixir and while you’re down in the industrial area, stay to swing by Seabourne Distillery before sniffing out Boiling Pot Brewing Co , two of the suburb’s best boozy must-visits.

When you’re ready for dinner, hip eateries line Gympie Terrace and you can always make like a local and grab fish and chips to eat on a waterfront picnic table.

Seabourne Gin from Seabourne Distillery — Seabourne Distillery is the ideal boozy pit stop.

8. Glenelg, SA

Another picturesque beach town rising in popularity is Glenelg, about 20 minutes away from Adelaide’s bustling centre. Jetty Road’s bars and restaurants are impressive but to experience the essence of this fun-loving beach town, head to Moseley Beach Club right on the sand at Glenelg Beach.

a ferris wheel on Glenelg Beach — Glenelg is a picturesque beach town rising in popularity. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

One of Australia’s best coastal bars, this glorious dining area offers the ultimate spot to enjoy sundowners and snacks between dips in the dazzling blue.

Aerial shot of the Moseley Beach Club at sunset, Glenelg Beach — Sip cocktails in Glenelg at Moseley Beach Club. (Image: Hayley Hays Photography)

9. Busselton, WA

An underwater symphony of vivid sponges, coral and 13 man-made sculptures is bringing even more cool to Busselton in the Margaret River region of Western Australia, one of the country’s must-visit summer hot spots.

an aerial view of Busselton Jetty — Busselton Jetty is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

The underwater sculpture and reef trail unveiled in December 2023, marks the beach town’s commitment to enhancing its marine life. And there’s plenty more action to celebrate above the water’s surface. Great wineries, sensational scenery and laidback locals who adore their hometown come on tap around here.

fishes swimming underwater in Busselton — Discover Busselton’s underwater wonders. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

10. Byron Bay, NSW

Arguably Australia’s trendiest beach capital, Byron Bay shimmers with celebrity-spotting, killer eateries and bars, stylish clothing, jewellery and homeware boutiques and a youthful, energetic crowd all year round.

friends strolling around Whites Beach in Byron Bay — Explore the beaches in Byron Bay. (Image: Destination NSW)

The list of things to do in Byron Bay is always evolving as ambitious entrepreneurs launch new business ventures on every corner, but what makes Byron really special is how its natural wonders (beaches, coastal walks, cultural sites and more) remain unspoilt despite every man and his dog dropping into this sun-soaked northern NSW town right through the year.

Raes on Wategos, Byron Bay — Pull up a chair in Raes on Wategos. (Image: Madeleine Johnson/Sean Fennessy)

11. Lorne, Vic

Given one of our ultimate girl dinner hot spots around the country, Tottis , has set up shop in the not-so-sleepy coastal suburb of Lorne in Victoria, there are no stopping crowds any time soon. Although it’s long been beautiful, Lorne is now officially the city’s most trendy beach locale and Tottis isn’t the only excellent eatery to bask in.

the Teddy's Lookout in Lorne — Teddy’s Lookout offers scenic views over the Great Ocean Road.

The Bottle Of Milk is a quintessential hipster burger joint while Pizza Pizza is the place to score a superb slice. As for its natural surroundings, the Great Ocean Road pit stop offers magical hinterland, idyllic swimming and an action-packed day-trip itinerary just two hours away from Melbourne CBD.

walking along Lorne Pier at sunrise — Take a peaceful walk along Lorne Pier.

12. Robe, SA

Gaining serious stream among foodies in the know, Robe is located 90 minutes from Mount Gambier on the Limestone Coast and produces some seriously exquisite seafood. Renowned for its crayfish, this pretty coastal town’s culinary talents prepare it expertly – try Sails at Robe , one of our favourite places in Robe to visit.

two people sitting on a sun lounger by the beach at Robe, SA — Watch the waves gently lapping at the shore. (Image: Mish and Kirk)

Fishing is also big here as salmon, mulloway and that delicious crayfish flow abundantly so head to the town jetty or jump in your 4WD and hunt for fins along the surf at Back Beach, Bishops, Long Beach and beyond.

a couple walking along the white sand at Robe, SA — Frolic in the white sand at Robe. (Image: Mish and Kirk)

Time your visit to Margaret River just right, and you can spend the ultimate weekend wining, dining and exploring the region with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

Wine, world-class produce, surf, sun and beaches: it’s an alluring combination. And the reason so many pin the Margaret River region high on their travel hit-lists. There’s drawcard after drawcard to the southwestern corner of Western Australia, and the Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover food and wine festival showcases the best of it over the course of one weekend in November. It’s never been easier to sip, see and savour the Margaret River region.

In partnership with Pair’d Margaret River Region, Range Rover invites you on a seven-day itinerary of refined adventure, where luxury and exploration go hand in hand. It’s the perfect WA road trip, and there’s no better way to do it than in a Range Rover.

Day 1

the pool at Pullman Bunker Bay — Check into Pullman Bunker Bay.

There’s no more popular West Australian road trip route than that between Perth and the Margaret River Region. It’s an easily digestible, three-hour drive, with worthy pit stops along the way.

Make the first of them one hour and 15 minutes in, at Lake Clifton. Here, find a 2000-year-old living thrombolite reef. Drive for a further 40 minutes and chance meeting some of Bunbury’s dolphin population at Koombana Bay.

Pullman Bunker Bay is the final stop, just over three hours south of Perth. This beachfront, five-star resort is the ultimate base for exploring the Margaret River Wine region.

Day 2

After a leisurely morning breakfast with an ocean view, start your Range Rover and head towards the Dunsborough town centre. Browsing the decidedly coastal-themed goods of the town’s many independent boutiques is a great way to while away the hours, breaking up the sartorial with an artisan gelato snack stop, or some good old-fashioned Australian bakery fare.

Leave room; you’ll need it for the Good Natured Gathering dinner at Wayfinder. Indulge in a four-course feast by chef Felipe Montiel, which uses produce from the winery’s market garden to enhance a selection of sustainably sourced seafood and meat. But food is just the support act. It’s organic wine that’s the star of the show, generously poured and expertly paired to each dish.

Day 3

Settle in for cabernet at Cape Mentelle Winery.

With a grand total of 20 wines from vintage 2022 to try, it’s a good thing Cape Mentelle’s International Cabernet Tasting kicks off early. Make your way to the estate for a 10:00 AM start, where a global selection of wines will be poured blind, before a long lunch by Tiller Dining is served.

Given that the Margaret River is responsible for more than 20 per cent of Australia’s fine wine production, it’s only right to delve into it while in the area.

Continue exploring the region via taste and terroir aboard Alison Maree, a whale-watching catamaran, as you cruise Geographe Bay . Admire the rolling green hills and crisp white beaches of Quindalup in sunset’s golden light, all the while sipping through the Clairault Streicker catalogue and dining on canapes.

For a more substantial dinner, venture into Busselton for a seven-course British x Australian mash-up , courtesy of Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion) and Oliver Kent (Updown Farmhouse, UK). They’ll be putting their rustic yet refined spin on the likes of local marron, wagyu and abalone – championing the simple beauty of the world-class ingredients.

Day 4

Wrap your fingers around a wine glass and wiggle your toes into the sand at Pair’d Beach Club x Range Rover on Meelup Beach. Sit down to an intimate wine session with sommelier Cyndal Petty – or a four-course feast by Aaron Carr of Yarri – and revel in the open-air beach club, bar and restaurant’s laidback coastal vibe. It’s a whole new way to experience one of the region’s most renowned beaches.

Follow up a day in the sun with a casual Italian party at Mr Barvel Wines . Purchase wines –including the elusive, sold-out Nebbia – by the glass and enjoy canapes with the towering Karri forest as a backdrop.

If you’d prefer to keep it local, head to Skigh Wines for the New Wave Gathering , where the region’s independent wine makers and their boundary-pushing wines will be on show. Street-style eats, a DJ and complimentary wine masterclasses complete the experience.

Day 5

pair'd Grand Tasting — Taste your way through Howard Park Wines. (Image: C J Maddock)

Spend the morning at your leisure, driving the winding roads through the Boranup Karri forest in your Range Rover. Soak in the views at Contos Beach, and call into the small cheese, chocolate and preserve producers along the way.

Make your next stop Howard Park Wines for The Grand Tasting presented by Singapore Airlines . Numerous wine labels will be pouring their catalogues over four hours, accompanied by food from chefs Matt Moran and Silvia Colloca, with live opera providing the soundtrack.

Cap off a big weekend with one last hurrah at Busselton Pavilion. Six ‘local legends’ – chefs Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion), Mal Chow (Chow’s Table), Aaron Carr (Yarri), Ben Jacob (Lagoon Yallingup), Corey Rozario (Dahl Daddies) and Laura Koentjoro (Banksia Tavern) – will be preparing a dish each. Dance the night away as vinyl spins and the sun sets on another day.

Day 6

Ngilgi Cave western australia — Head underground. (Image: Tourism WA)

After a busy few days of wining and dining, it’s wise to observe a rest day. There’s no easier task than unwinding in the Margaret River Region, also famous for its high concentration of world-class beaches.

Relax on the grassy knoll as you watch the region’s most experienced surfers braving the World Surf League break at Surfer’s Point, or don your own wetsuit and try out one of Gracetown’s more beginner-friendly waves. Swimmers will find their Eden at Meelup Beach, Eagle Bay, or Point Piquet, where the sand is brilliantly white and the water as still as a backyard swimming pool.

Not into sun, sand, and surf? Head underground at Mammoth Cave, just one of the region’s many stalactite-filled caves.

Day 7

Burnt Ends event at Pair'd — Farewell the Margaret River.

Pack up your Range Rover with new favourite wines and newfound memories, ready for the three-hour journey back to Perth.

Prebook your discovery journey through the south-west corner of Western Australia with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

12 trendy beach towns to visit this summer