The 13 best beach towns in Australia

The crown jewel of this picturesque WA coastal town sits right on the water. Stretching 1.8 kilometres over the calm waters of Geographe Bay, the heritage-listed Busselton Jetty is an all-in-one playground for snorkelling, fishing or simply strolling along the shore. Want a sunset cocktail? Busselton has brews to rival its stellar waterfront views, including Shelter Brewing Co and Rocky Ride, with Busselton Pavilion and The Goose making gorgeous spots for a drink with a view. 

Time Out tip: For a fun day trip, drive 40 minutes to the famous Margaret River wine region.

This lesser-known coastal gem in the Great Southern region of Western Australia is one of WA’s best-kept secrets. Albany is home to many of Australia’s bluest beaches – including Middleton Beach, Emu Point and Little Beach – all just minutes from the CBD. This sleepy coastal town also boasts retro pubs, historic museums and local brews and bites, but its real magic lies in its natural surroundings and array of chill and friendly locals. 

Time Out tip: The best time to visit is during Wildflower season in spring (September to November), perfect for hiking the Bibbulmun Track and catching the end of whale-watching season (May to October). 

There are a lot of towns in Australia that visitors are quick to label “the next Byron Bay”, a title that’s both a compliment and a terrifying suggestion that any semblance of undiscovered serenity could soon vanish. With its beautifully unspoiled beaches, historic lighthouse and rapidly developing dining scene, Yamba might be the NSW town to which that (possibly unwelcome) moniker could most accurately apply. Yamba’s beaches are its main calling card – tucked behind dramatic headlands and bordered by ocean walls, each feels worlds apart from the last. 

Time Out tip: For a really magical swim, follow the path into the bush from Spooky’s Beach and you’ll find Angourie Blue Pool – a huge pool bordered by a spectacular towering rock face, the site of a former quarry. Pack a picnic from Bowen’s deli and set up here for the day.

Sandwiched between an almost unbelievable amount of beaches for one town (seven to be exact), and rolling green fields, this seaside spot is a real easy way to get back in touch with nature. Spend the morning strolling up and down the main street’s boutiques and cafés, then grab a bite to go and eat at the park or by the renowned blowhole just up the road.

Time Out tip: If you’re feeling sporty, lace up your sneakers and embark on the Kiama to Gerringong coastal walk. It’s 12 kilometres of stunning cliff faces and deep blue water bays, but you can make the trek as short or long as you like.

Nail the beach-to-bar lifestyle at Shoal Bay, where the laid-back country club is perched right across the road from the region’s playground for dolphins (and human beach-goers, too). Port Stephens’ most eastern town has a wonderful way of grounding you – whether through setting up camp for a lazy beach day by some of the magical blue waters or by hiking the Tomaree Head Summit and taking in some striking scenes.

Time Out tip: The town is also a short drive away from some mind-blowing sand dunes where you can quad bike, sand board and ride camels, plus spot some seriously cuddly creatures next door at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary.

If you're looking for an idyllic Aussie beach town, you can't go past Port Elliot. Located just one hour's drive from Adelaide CBD, this small coastal paradise is perfect for a quick weekender or a long, languorous summer holiday. With oodles of beachside accommodation on offer, charming historical streets and a bunch of great local food and drink around every corner, you can't go wrong with a beachy jaunt here. Take a stroll down The Strand, grab fish and chips from The Flying Fish Café and go for a dip at the picturesque Horseshoe Bay.

Time Out tip: Keep your eyes peeled for jumping southern right whales passing through each winter. 

Take a break from the winding Great Ocean Road to unwind in this idyllic Victorian seaside town. The sapphire waters that contrast the gorgeous green vegetation of the Queenscliff Coastal Reserve are a sight to behold. Its prime location on one of Australia’s most famous road trips has made Lorne a longtime visitor hotspot. Peppered with scenic restaurants like Totti’s and cosy cafés like Lorne Central, and rich with things to do, Lorne is a classic seaside escape near Melbourne. 

Time Out tip: Check out Lorne Sea Baths, explore countless waterfalls and keep your eyes peeled for plenty of arts festivals throughout the year that take over Lorne. 

This dreamy coastal town with a distinctly magical name is the very last coastal town you'll find on the Great Ocean Road, so basically, the end of the world. You'll find charming homes from the 19th century, towering Norfolk Pines and a bustling fishing port here, but what Port Fairy really pops off for is the wild world of the arts. From the famous Port Fairy Folk Festival to the local arts scene, you're bound for a multi-dimensional experience in this beautiful Victorian beach town. 

Time Out tip: You can cycle the 37 kilometres between Warnambool and Port Fairy, a beautiful coastal bike path that keeps the sea in sight the entire way. Or, if you're keen on travelling in two-wheeled style, keep an eye out for whales – from May to October, these majestic giants of the sea can often be spotted off the coast. 

This tiny coastal town in the north-west of Tasmania is pretty special. A 2.5-hour drive from Launceston, you'll find Binalong tucked away at the southern end of the pristine and turquoise-hued Bay of Fires. Binalong Bay is the ideal place to base yourself if you want to be smack-bang in the middle of some of the world's most remote and beautiful beaches. With a bunch of holiday accommodation, pristine seaside campgrounds and incredible game fishing on offer, Binalong Bay is basically a summer holiday paradise, where Mother Nature is the undisputed queen.

Time Out tip: This gingerbread cottage is our favourite place to stay in Binalong Bay. It features a Japanese-inspired onsen, a hidden reading nook and a heroic stone fireplace.

The locals in Coles Bay are just as friendly as any Australian small town, but it’s the views that will really make you question if this place is real. Grab a sweet treat from The Ice Creamery and meander down to the tables at the boat ramp for a picnic unlike any other. The small Tasmanian town is also the starting point of one of Australia’s most beautiful hikes – Wineglass Bay.

Time Out tip: Park at the Wineglass Bay Lookout car park before embarking on a bushwalk, where you won’t be able to decide if the views at the top or the actual bay at the bottom are more beautiful.