Boiling Pot Lookout, Noosa, Queensland © Tourism & Events Queensland
Australia's Beach Vacation Spots
Not every stretch of sand is the same in Australia. Discover the different ways you can experience Australian beach culture at these incredible beach holiday destinations.
The Gold Coast’s 70km (44mi) of sun-drenched coastline is a mecca for surfing. From Burleigh’s beginner-friendly waves to the gnarly swell that hits Snapper Rocks, if there’s ever a place to pick up a board, this is it. But it’s not all about surfing in the ‘Goldie’ (as it’s affectionately called by locals) – dotted along these golden beaches are a host of hip restaurants and bars that offer sweeping views of the ocean.
This small town, a three-hour drive from Sydney, shines just as bright as its powdery white sand. In Jervis Bay, you’ll find some of the country’s most picturesque beaches, many featuring more wildlife than people. From the Instagrammable Hyams to the hidden pockets of Booderee National Park, there’s an idyllic spot for everyone here. When you’re not kicking back, join a dolphin cruise to meet the town’s friendly marine life including dolphins, turtles, fairy penguins and, in season, whales.
The Mornington Peninsula’s beaches are a showy bunch, thanks to a rainbow of beach huts peppered along the sand. Under the ocean, things get even better. Mornington boasts some of the best diving sites in the country, putting you up close to rare leafy sea dragons, seahorses, stingrays and puffer fish. But what the region’s beaches all have in common is their proximity to Mornington’s luxuries. There's an impressive collection of vineyards and breweries, and you’re never too far away from a sip of cool-climate wine.
This tropical town isn’t your average beach destination. While your first impression might be the beautiful palm-fringed coastline, there’s even more to Port Douglas than you might think. It’s here where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. With picture-perfect beaches and bucket list experiences in literally every direction, Port Douglas has well and truly earned its reputation as one of the best beach holiday destinations in Australia.
Margaret River has it all: exciting outdoor adventures, an epicurean food and wine scene and a coastline that’ll dazzle even the most seasoned travellers. The region’s beaches are just as diverse. Explore the family-friendly Busselton foreshore and jetty, surf the same waves as pro surfers, or leap into the ocean on a canyoning adventure. If you prefer ocean views over watersports, lace up your hiking boots to traverse the Cape to Cape Walk. There’s no denying it – Margaret River’s charm is infinite.
Byron Bay has a perfect balance of laid-back beaches and chic restaurants, bars and shops. Its coastline, dotted with breathtaking stretches of sand and wellness experiences, makes it easy enough to find your own pocket of stillness in the day. Breathe deeply at a sunrise yoga class, surf crystal clear waves and find your zen along a palm-fringed coastal path. Come evening, Byron’s trendy restaurants and live music bars are the perfect place to soak in that relaxed holiday lifestyle.
Leave busy behind. At beaches all along the Eyre Peninsula, the only footprints you’re likely to see in the sand are your own. Every inch of this coastline is nothing short of breathtaking, and if you’re not hopping along the endless string of beaches, you might find yourself cage diving with great white sharks, snorkelling with adorable sea lions, spotting kangaroos from your campsite or cruising along a deserted beach in a 4WD.
If you’re looking for a beach holiday that’s a little (or a lot) off the beaten track, don’t miss Esperance. The region’s white-sand beaches are just as hypnotic as its striking pink lakes and jaw-dropping national parks. But one of Esperance’s most iconic draw cards sits on the outskirts of Cape Le Grand National Park. Camp or day-trip to Lucky Bay to spot kangaroos lazing on the beach next to the impossibly bright turquoise waters. This only-in-Australia moment is truly one for the memory book.
Sydney serves up the best of both worlds on a beautiful blue platter; one minute you can be enjoying bustling city attractions and the next you’re stepping foot on a dazzling beach. There are over 100 beaches in Sydney, each with a unique charm and daily activities best experienced with friendly locals. In Bondi, join the morning crew for a sunrise surf or a coastal run; over in Manly, try an ocean swim from Shelly Beach. Follow it up with an Aussie coffee, of course.
The easy-going lifestyle rings true in Noosa, a quintessential beach town 2.5 hours from Brisbane. Families will love spotting wild koalas in the lush forest, watching an impressive number of longboarders (and their dogs) ride waves at the Noosa Surfing Festival and perusing the quaint town centre. At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with a cold drink and an epic view at the local surf club.
