Where is Australia’s priciest place to relax by the beach this summer?

Research by national real estate franchise PRDnationwide shows that Portsea and Sorrento on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula top the nation’s list when it comes to weekly median holiday rentals priced at $3146.50 a week.

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Sorrento on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

However for those prepared to travel a few kilometres down the Nepean Highway to Rye and Rosebud, the prices are less expensive.

You can holiday for seven nights at Rye for $1897. But it and Lorne ($1708) on the Surf Coast are still in the top 10 most expensive rentals.

“It’s interesting to note that colder climates don’t necessarily mean a cheaper holiday, with Victorian beachside spots commanding high prices across the coast,’’ says analyst Harrison Hall.

In stark contrast, Sydneysiders in search of affordable country costal holiday accommodation are somewhat spoiled for choice if they head well away from the more expensive northern beaches (Manly, Dee Why, Narrabeen) in the capital ($2380).

Hawks Nest, less than three hours’ driving time (225km) from Sydney’s central business district (CBD), represents the best value for money, with a median seven-night stay costing only $651.

Yamba in northern NSW.

Other spots in New South Wales offering attractive weekly holiday rentals include Yamba (671 km north of Sydney) with $770, Port Macquarie (390km north of Sydney) with $980 and Merimbula (525km south of Sydney) with $1050. For Canberra residents Batemans Bay will set you back $1172.50.

Harrison Hall says there is more good news for bargain hunters because many of the highly priced holiday spots around the nation have affordable alternatives nearby.

“For those looking at Sorrento you can expect to pay 60 per cent less in nearby Rosebud ($1260) while those looking in Broadbeach ($2327.50) on the Gold Coast can pay 52 per cent less if they head to Coolangatta ($1085),’’ he says.

Good old Manly beach.

In South Australia, a week-long stay in the coastal community of Robe will cost about $1190, while in Western Australia Margaret River holidaymakers can enjoy seven nights for a median weekly rental of $1627.

At Cable Beach in Broome, in the state’s far north, the same length of stay will cost you about $1050.

For those seeking to enjoy he environs of Freycinet (Coles Bay) in Tasmania, a week-long holiday there will cost them $1365.

Note: The research pricing covers holiday accommodation including apartments, houses and units.

This story was brought to you by The New Daily using data and other information from its real estate content partner, realestateVIEW.com.au