Top 11 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in Australia
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| Illustrated picture. Photo: Mixi |
So what do we know about the vast expanse of the Australian coast? What is undeniably impressive is the sheer diversity of natural and man-made landscapes that can be found all around it, from the more developed eastern seaboard to the dazzling Indian Ocean sunsets found in the west.
The List of 11 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in Australia
1. Aireys Inlet, Victoria
2. Byron Bay, NSW
3. Airlie Beach, Queensland
4. Port Douglas, Queensland
5. Apollo Bay, Victoria
6. Hyams Beach, NSW
7. Broome, Western Australia
8. Noosa Heads, Queensland
9. Cape Tribulation, Queensland
10. Port Fairy, Victoria
11. Kingscote, South Australia
Which are the Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in Australia?
1. Aireys Inlet, Victoria
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| Photo: TripAdvisor |
Nestled between the bush and the beach, this gorgeous hamlet sums up the enduring attraction of the rugged south-east Australian coast. The juxtaposition of diverse natural landscapes with picture-postcard landmarks and pristine white sandy shores are a sight to behold and attract large numbers of visitors each year. Visually, the town’s most prominent attraction is the Split Point Lighthouse and there are numerous walking tracks to enjoy close by, as well as many more spectacular trails taking you through the Great Otway National Park. The local creeks and beaches are great for fishing, too.
2. Byron Bay, NSW
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| Photo: SkyPix Aerial Photography |
Byron Bay is no doubt one of Australia’s most popular coastal towns — and for good reason. Located on New South Wales’ far-north coast, the tourist destination is loved by both locals and sightseers for it’s beautiful beaches, inviting atmosphere and laid-back, bohemian vibe. Take a long walk along the coast, kayak with dolphins and snorkel through the Julian Rocks Nguthungulli Nature Reserve, all before sitting down to enjoy a nice meal at one of the town’s celebrated restaurants. Kouzina is one of our favourites.
3. Airlie Beach, Queensland
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| Photo: Peninsula Airlie Beach |
For most visitors to Airlie Beach, their time here is a foretaste of the main event – a trip to the nearby Whitsunday Islands. Nevertheless, its position in our survey’s top ten is no surprise. The town has a delightful, laid-back tropical atmosphere that makes it ideal for acclimatising before your island adventures. The lush, green rainforest of the Whitsunday Coast imbues everyone who comes here with a sense of serene calm, while the quaint boutiques, cafes and shops of the town’s main drag achieve a similar effect. Set aide time to relax at the Airlie Beach Lagoon, too.
4. Port Douglas, Queensland
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| Photo: Visual Itineraries |
If you can’t make your way all the way to Cape Tribulation, then Port Douglas is another great beach town option. It is home to the beautiful 4 Mile Beach, a strip of palm-fringed white sand that hugs the coast around Port Douglas. Port Douglas also serves as an easy getaway to the Great Barrier Reef, which is located just an hour away by boat and offers easy access to activities in the Daintree National Park.
It’s a great place to both sail and snorkel – and if you’re looking to do either of those in an environmentally responsible fashion, check out Sailaway Port Douglas. On weekends the town buzzes with activities, from the Port Douglas Sunday Markets to live bands and Sunday sessions across town.
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5. Apollo Bay, Victoria
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| Photo: WeekendNotes |
You’ll find this Australian beach town along the Great Ocean Road, the famous drive to the 12 Apostles rock formations outside of Melbourne. Apollo Bay is also located at the foothills of Great Otway National Park, an area known for waterfalls and wild koala spotting. Apollo Bay is the perfect stop if you’re visiting the national park or headed along the famous road-trip route. It’s also a great beach town in Australia in its own right, with shopping, fine dining, and protected bays for swimming.
6. Hyams Beach, NSW
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| Photo: Travel Base Online |
Just a short three-hour drive from Sydney, Hyams Beach is a quaint coastal town in the Jervis Bay region that embodies the allure of its white sandy shores and clear turquoise waters. Perfect for both a summer getaway or a winter escape, the destination offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and the mystery of some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife. Swim with dolphins, watch for whales and set up camp at one of the destination’s welcoming campsites.
7. Broome, Western Australia
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| Photo Umfulana |
With its old corrugated-iron shops and buildings, former pearling town Broome has oodles of history and a lively, multicultural feel. Many residents descend from pearl divers who came from Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines and it has a strong indigenous heritage. Learn about it on a tour led by Bart Wigram, a Yawuru man who runs Narlijia Experiences. Other highlights are catching a movie at Sun Pictures cinema, the world’s longest-running open-air cinema, a tour of Willie Creek Pearl Farm, and heading to the striking red-sand-dune-backed Cable Beach. It’s a top spot for watching the dramatic west coast sunsets.
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8. Noosa Heads, Queensland
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| Photo: PlanetWare |
While Queensland boasts a number of pristine beaches, there’s something about Noosa Heads that makes it one of the state’s very best. Offering up an enviable laid-back atmosphere, it invites guests to switch off and relax while in town. Shop at local boutiques, set off on a scenic hike, visit the farmers markets or lay by the beach with a good book. Yes, you really can have it all.
9. Cape Tribulation, Queensland
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| Photo: Cape Trib Connections |
Cape Tribulation is a true hidden gem of Tropical North Queensland. Tucked away inside the Daintree National Park, it is the only place in Australia that offers a unique rainforest backdrop to the beautiful Cape Trib beach, providing travelers with a perfect combination of adventure and relaxation.
Here, you can spend the morning exploring the Daintree National Park, zipline through the lush green rainforest, or search for crocodiles on a boat cruise along the Daintree River. If you’re looking for a sustainable tour option near the beach, Jungle Tours and Trekking offers trips both into the jungle and into the sea – this is a great option for solo travelers and families alike!
In the afternoon you can switch gears, relax, and kick back on the golden beach, soaking up the sun or snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef that’s easily accessible right off the beach. At night, the Jungle Bar buzzes with travelers and locals alike, setting the scene for a great end to a perfect day.
| Accommodation In Cape Tribulation Safari Lodge: This Advanced Ecotourism Certified lodge is located in the rainforest region of Cape Tribulation, and it’s just a 10-minute walk away from Myall Beach. Daintree Rainforest Retreat Motel: An eco-friendly and secluded retreat that’s just a 25-minute drive from Cape Tribulation’s centre and 45 minutes away from Port Douglas. Epiphyte B & B: Enjoy amazing views from your private balcony or patio. The B&B-style accommodation is just a 5-minute drive from the Cow Bay beaches. |
10. Port Fairy, Victoria
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| Photo: Dreamstime |
The last destination on Victoria’s famous Shipwreck Coast, dotted with pretty 19th century cottages and old stone churches, this small fishing village positively oozes charm. While one might expect a certain sleepiness, it doesn’t take long to discover a surprising buzz, owing in large part to the village’s thriving cultural scene. Step away from the shoreline and into the built-up centre and you’ll find several antique shops and arts and crafts stores, while Port Fairy also hosts one of Australia’s largest music festivals, the Port Fairy Folk Festival, each year. As for pursuits more geological in type, don’t be surprised to see surfer dudes or paddle borders milling around either, as the village is a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts who regularly descend on its three main sandy beach areas.
11. Kingscote, South Australia
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| Photo: Travel Oz |
As Kangaroo Island’s largest town, Kingscote is an isolated yet alluring seaside city located on the island’s north coast. Here, you can visit the town’s popular rock pool, take a penguin tour with the Kangaroo Island Marine Centre, visit the famous Kangaroo Island Brewery, or graze on local produce at one of the many local cafes on the island.
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