Yamba, NSW
Why we love it: With near-deserted beaches, top fishing spots and a sleepy village vibe, the north-coast town of Yamba is so laid-back it’s almost horizontal.
Where to stay: At the Sands Resort [sandsatyamba.com.au], take your pick of garden villas or contemporary apartments overlooking Pippi Beach, from $330 a night.
How to get there: Fly into Ballina Airport, then head south on the Pacific Highway for 100 kilometres.
Port Stephens, NSW
Why we love it: A collection of sandy coves and mirror-flat bays, Port Stephens promises a bush-meets-beach experience, just two hours north of Sydney.
Where to stay: One Mile Beach Holiday Park [onemilebeach.com.au] offers campsites and low-fuss cabins, from $64/$189 a night.
How to get there: From Sydney, take the F1 north towards Newcastle, then hop onto the Pacific Highway a Hexam. From there, it’s 45 minutes to Port Stephens.
Mollymook, NSW
Why we love it: Mollymook’s sugar-white sands, gin-clear waters and mint-green golf courses make for the ultimate summer cocktail.
Where to stay: Boutique retreat Bannisters [bannisters.com.au] has everything from ocean-view rooms to private beach houses, from $395 a night, plus fine dining from Rick Stein.
How to get there: From Sydney, travel three hours’ south along the A1. From Canberra, take the B52 to Batemans Bay, then head north on the A1.
Broome, WA
Why we love it: On the edge of the desert, Broome delivers camel treks, covetable pearls and Indigenous insights for a beach break that’s beyond the norm.
Where to stay: At Pinctada Cable Beach Resort [pinctadacablebeach.com.au], chic studios start at $228; villas are upwards of $533.
How to get there: Fly into Broome Airport from Perth, Darwin, Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne.
Yallingup, WA
Why we love it: Yallingup’s world-class surf breaks and protected reefs are within easy reach of Margaret River’s famed wineries and gourmet provedores.
Where to stay: Pitch a tent or rent a cabin at family-friendly Yallingup Beach Holiday Park [yallingupbeach.com.au], from $54/$185 a night.
How to get there: Fly into Perth, then hire a car for the three-hour drive south.
Wye River, VIC
Why we love it: With a laid-back pub, handy general store and a smattering of holiday homes, tiny Wye River is the Great Ocean Road’s most relaxed port of call.
Where to stay: Set in bushland above the beach, Totties Place [tottiesplace.com] comfortably sleeps six, from $595 a night.
How to get there: From Melbourne, take the M1 to Geelong, then join the Great Ocean Road; Wye River is 20 minutes west of Lorne.
Sorrento, VIC
Why we love it: A favourite among Melbourne’s style set, Sorrento boasts photogenic streetscapes, city-smart dining, plus neighbouring wineries, hot springs and golfing.
Where to stay: Book at stay at the architecturally designed Oceanic Apartments [oceanicgroup.com.au], from $290 a night.
How to get there: At the tip of the Mornington Peninsula, Sorrento is a 100-kilometre drive from Melbourne, or catch the ferry from Queenscliff.
Port Willunga, SA
Why we love it: Stand-up paddleboarding, a cliff-top kiosk and an endless curve of sand: Port Willunga feels like a locals’ secret, even at the height of summer.
Where to stay: The pared-back cottages at the Victory Hotel [victoryhotel.com.au] start at $150 a night.
How to get there: From Adelaide, make the 50-minute drive south, stocking up on McLaren Vale wines en route.
Rainbow Beach, QLD
Why we love it: The jumping-off point for Fraser Island, enchanting Rainbow Beach is home to multi-hued sands, rugged 4WD tracks, and some of Australia’s best skydiving.
Where to stay: At Rainbow Beach Holiday Village [rainbowbeachholidayvillage.com], unpowered campsites are just $30; villas start at $125.
How to get there: This secluded spot is 150 kilometres north of the Sunshine Coast.
Agnes Water, QLD
Why we love it: Located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, Agnes Water is the most northerly surf beach on the east coast, delivering aquatic thrills above and below the waves.
Where to stay: With mod lodgings and a cool central pool, Agnes Water Beach Club [agneswaterbeachclub.com.au] has apartments that start at $200.
How to get there: Fly in to Bundaberg Airport, an hour’s flight north of Brisbane; from there 1770 is a two-hour drive north, near Agnes Water.
Have we missed your favourite Australian beach town? Share the love in the comments below.
* All prices are high-season rates.
