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Annual leave doesn’t have to mean red-eye flights, multi-city sprints and cramming an entire week’s worth of activities into just one weekend. Sometimes the best way to cash in on your hard-earned leave is to book a slow-paced getaway, where the only items on your agenda are sleep-ins, ocean swims, sunset strolls and maybe a cheeky massage.
If you’re looking for a true reset, Australia has plenty of chillaxed beach towns where fewer crowds, calm waters and fresh sea air do wonders for the soul. Here are eight of our favourite quiet coastal escapes.
1. Swansea, TAS
A gorgeous gateway to Freycinet National Park, this sleepy seaside town sits just under two hours from both Hobart and Launceston on Tasmania’s wild east coast. Swansea's “town centre” is nothing more than a charming seaside strip, home to the local museum, longstanding general store, and a handful of quaint galleries that double as cosy cafés. Absolute bliss!
2. Port Douglas, QLD
Positioned between two UNESCO World Heritage wonders – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef – Port Douglas is the perfect quiet seaside escape in tropical Queensland. The town is nice and compact, making it easy to walk or cycle around, and a strict local rule ensures no building stands taller than a palm tree. Plus, there are plenty of bougie resorts and restaurants for a bit of barefoot luxury.
3. Mission Beach, QLD
For an even quieter tropical north Queensland escape, this old-school Aussie beach town offers uncrowded palm-fringed beaches, relaxed open-air eateries and a cute community vibe. The sheltered waters of Mission Beach stretch for 14 kilometres, and you can walk for hours and rarely pass another person. It’s also the ideal launchpad for day trips to the nearby Dunk and Bedarra Islands.
4. Yamba, NSW
Likened to “what Byron Bay was 30 years ago,” Yamba strikes the perfect balance between a sleepy fishing village and a stylish coastal retreat. This NSW Northern Rivers gem is home to 11 distinct beaches, meaning you can find a spot protected from whatever way the wind is blowing. After a day in the sun, you can retreat to one of the town’s adorable boutique hotels and resorts.
5. Crescent Head, NSW
Loved by locals on NSW’s mid-north coast, Crescent Head feels like a retro 1970s beach town where life revolves around tides, coffee and barefoot strolls. There are no chain stores, shopping centres or high-rise apartments, and the town is so walkable you’ll barely need your car. Crescent Head is also a world-famous surfing reserve for those who unwind best on a board.
6. Exmouth, WA
Given its remoteness, this sleepy coastal town located 1,270 kilometres north of Perth is ideal for a laid-back road trip. Exmouth has barely any traffic lights, zero high-rise hotels, few crowds and no rush. You can take time exploring the ancient limestone canyons of Cape Range National Park, drift snorkelling at the world-famous Turquoise Bay, and sleeping under starry night skies untouched by city lights.
7. Robe, SA
You’ll want to bring a robe so you can relax to the max at this pretty Limestone Coast town, located 3.5 hours south of Adelaide. Robe’s Long Beach is one of Australia’s few shores where you can drive onto the sand, offering plenty of secluded spots to go for a swim or set up a sunset picnic. There are also kilometres of coastal trails for those who like to unwind with a brisk walk.
8. Port Fairy, VIC
Located around four hours west of Melbourne, Port Fairy feels like stepping straight into a historic English seaside village. While the town is famous for hosting the iconic Port Fairy Folk Festival every autumn, for the rest of the year, you'll find a little coastal village with a good beach and very little else. Great if you're after some forced relaxation.