Feel like you’re withering away in the hustle and bustle of the city or suburban lifestyle? Maybe a sea change is what you need.

Here are some fabulous places for sale in some of Australia’s best towns for a sea change – towns that are affordable and don’t come with hordes of seasonal tourists.

Tasmania

St Helens

If you love seafood, then St Helens is for you. On the north-east coast of Tasmania, it overlooks Georges Bay and is the state’s second-largest fishing port.

Your mainland friends and family will be envious of your new lifestyle, which will include morning walks along the shores of Binalong Bay and the Bay of Fires, where the water is pristine blue and dotted with lichen-covered granite boulders.

Later in the day, you might visit the wharf to throw in a line. Or, if you’ve become a true St Helens local, you might head out in your boat.

St Helens oozes a relaxed atmosphere while having all the services a city is expected to provide. What more could you ask for?

2 Talbot Street, St Helens

4 beds 3 baths 6 cars

$625,000

2 Talbot Street, St Helens, Tasmania. Photo: View.com.au

Victoria

Aireys Inlet

Nestled between Lorne and Anglesea, Aireys Inlet is on Great Ocean Road – one of Australia’s most famous and scenic coastal drives.

Start your day by walking to Currowong Falls or enjoying that geographical wonder, Split Point Lookout. Re-energise with a coffee from the local cafe or relax with a book by the beach.

If you need to get back in touch with the city lifestyle, you can catch  the latest movies or hit the shops in Victoria’s second city, Geelong. It is just a 45-minute drive away.

Here, you’ll always feel connected to an endless amount of beach and city opportunities.

4 beds 1 bath 3 cars

$860,000-$920,000

3 Pearse Road, Aireys Inlet, Victoria. Photo: View.com.au

Rhyll

Tucked in the north-eastern corner of Phillip Island, Rhyll is the best (quietest) place to experience all the island has to offer, without the hustle and bustle that can sometimes take over.

Rhyll has just a couple of restaurants and cafes, a fishing shop and a general store, so it remains largely untouched by tourists.

Its quaint jetty will become your favourite place to eat fresh fish and chips, while watching other locals catch their own dinners.

Rhyll is close to everything on Phillip Island, and there’s something for every age. Surf at Bells beach, say hello to the seals and penguins at Seal Rocks, feed pelicans at San Remo, ride your bike around the famous Grand Prix circuit, or simply make like a local and sit back and relax.

3 beds 2 baths 2 cars

$849,000

8 Ann Court, Rhyll, Victoria. Photo: View.com.au

New South Wales

Eden

Step aside Garden of Eden, the NSW town of Eden is the real deal.

This heaven on earth has rainforests, a beautiful coastline, golden sand dunes and is situated halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, perfect for a spontaneous road trip to either. Eden is also near Twofold Bay, which offers a plethora of activities and facilities.

Buy a boat and make the most of Eden’s harbour – the deepest natural harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. In spring, you might even see whales heading south for summer in Antartica.

Walk barefoot on the beaches, play hide and seek in melaleuca tunnels and discover the breathtaking views from Eden’s many cliffs overlooking the ocean.

31 Princes Highway, Eden

5 beds 3 baths 3 cars

$745,000

31 Princes HIghway, Eden, NSW. Photo: InHouse Real Estate

Yamba

Smack bang between Coffs Bay and Byron Bay is Yamba, a town that will suit anyone who likes life to be free and easy.

Start your day watching the sun rise at the Yamba lighthouse, then head to Yamba farmers’ market. Finish the day with rock fishing or catching waves at any of Yamba’s 11 beaches.

If you prefer calmer waters, Yamba is at the mouth of the stunning Clarence River, close enough to kayak through the Oyster Channel into the Wooloweyah Lagoon.

22 Taine Court, Yamba

4 beds 2 baths 2 cars 

$870,000

22 Taine Court, Yamba, NSW. Photo: View.com.au

Queensland

Bribie Island

Two hours’ north of Brisbane, Bribie Island has four small suburbs, all hugging its southern coastline.

It’s easy to be one with nature on Bribie Island, with a third of it still in forest. It’s also home to the 35-kilometre long Pumicestone Passage which has recorded sightings of dugongs, dolphins, turtles, and home to more bird species than the Kakadu.

Pick the kids up from school and choose from multiple beaches to surf, swim and snorkle. Bribie Island is a family-friendly place for all ages, year round.

33 Kakadu Circuit, Banksia Beach

5 beds 3 baths 2 cars

$890,000

35 Kakadu Circuit, Banksia Beach, Queensland. Photo: View.com.au

South Australia

Port Willunga

Fifty minutes south of Adelaide, the vibrant coastal town of Port Willunga is on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

It has all the culture and activities that Adelaide can offer, but – rather than a city – it’s a close-knit town with lots of beach fun.

If your ever get sick of snorkelling, surfing or swimming at the main beach, you could drive down the coastal freeway to Cape Jarvis and  hitch a ride on the ferry to Kangaroo Island.

If you need a break from the water entirely, head inland to Ashbourne to buy fresh fruit and produce at one of the many roadside stalls.

The best thing about being a local at Port Willunga is that you’ll never be short of wine – one of Australia’s best-known wine regions, McLaren Vale, is just a hop, skip and a jump away.

22 Ozone Avenue, Port Willunga

6 beds 3 baths 4 cars

$749,000-$799,000

22 Ozone Avenue, Port Willunga, South Australia. Photo: Magain Real Estate

Western Australia

Yullingup

Live the high life at Yullingup, where the surf is swell and you’re spoilt for choice with shops, restaurants, wineries and breweries, art galleries, cafes, spas and a pub.

Yullingup is just half an hour north of Margaret River, where you can explore multiple caves, or switch up the beach scenery by trekking one of the many eco walks.

3 Tilly Road, Yallingup

2 beds 1 bath 2 cars

$750,000

3 Tilly Road, Yallingup, Western Australia. Photo: View.com.au