Australia has more than 34,000 kilometres of coastline and most of the population lives near the ocean, and you see that Australia will have some very special beach towns. From historic fishing harbours and laid-back surf enclaves, to rainforest-backed tropical towns and charming holiday destinations, Australia's diverse waterfront attractions won't disappoint.
1. Airy Bay, Victoria, this sleepy seaside resort nestled on the Great Ocean Road is famous for its historic lighthouse. Hiking from the headland to the bifurcation point lighthouse is well worth it as you can enjoy stunning views of the Southern Ocean, canoe on the Pecarak River, or frolic on the gorgeous sands of Fairhaven Beach, the longest beach on the Great Ocean Road. Back in town, visit the Great Ocean Road Gin Tasting Room and Gin Garden for a hearty glass of wine.
2. Burleigh, Queensland, the bustling Gold Coast town of Belley Heads has a nice pine back beach with lots of lovely cafes, bars and restaurants and is just a stone's throw from the sand. Surfers flock here to test their mettle at breaks in Cape Hedland, while Burleigh Hyde National Park has beautiful scenery. Follow the paths around the rocky headlands and through rainforest reserves for stunning views. Another must-see is the Girongarh Cultural Centre.
3. Byron Bay, New South Wales, this bohemian seaside town known for its surfing and alternative lifestyle has a spectacular setting flanked by a subtropical hinterland nestled on a rugged headland. Not only is Byron Bay blessed with stunning views, it also boasts some of the best hideouts and impressive culinary destinations in the state. After visiting many of the interesting things about the town and surfing on the Golden Surf Spot Beach, hike to the historic lighthouse for spectacular views where you'll most likely see dolphins frolicking in the waves below.
4. Broome, Western Australia, the former pearl town of Broome has a rich history and a vibrant multicultural atmosphere, with ancient corrugated tin shops and buildings. Many of the inhabitants are descendants of pearl divers from Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines. Visit the Willy Creek Pearl Farm and head to the striking cable beach of red sandback. This is the best place to watch the sunset over the West Coast.
5. Apollo Bay, Victoria, Apollo Bay is one of the larger towns along the Great Ocean Road and is a great base for exploring Victoria's so-called Shipwreck Coast and Aowe National Park. In 1932, the Maritime Steamship Cassino sank, and you can see the anchor of the ship outside the post office. The Apollo Bay Fishermen's Cooperative is home to fish and crayfish that have just been caught from the sea. Or you can also go to Chris's Beacon's Restaurant and sample incredible produce.
6. Port Macquarie, New South Wales, located on the north-central coast of the state, Port Macquarie was once a colony of criminals and is now a top seaside town with lots of attractions. As the body skateboarding capital of the country, you can try the sport at one of the country's 17 stunning beaches. You can walk along the coast along the breakwater to Tucker Point Lighthouse and Lighthouse Beach to see eight of them. Another must-see is the beautiful Port Macquarie. There are plenty of great restaurants and bars where you can spend the night away, or join the locals for a sunset picnic and eat fish and chips or local oysters on the town's meadows.
7. Stanley, Tasmania, this beautiful seaside town off the northwest coast of Tasmania is a great place for potters. It was founded in 1824 as the administrative center of the Van Diemens Land Company. Featuring well-preserved stone houses, you'll discover quaint tea rooms and charming shops in the fishing port. You can then climb the ancient volcanic plug, or take a cable car overlooking the wild Bass Strait, where you might see seals and penguins.
8. MacKay, Queensland, the charming tropical city of MacKay sits between Queensland's sugar cane fields and the Coral Sea, with more historic buildings waiting for visitors to visit. Once a wealthy sugar town, it's full of beautiful Art Deco buildings, known for its artistic landscape, and don't miss the superb Art Spaces Gallery, admiring a variety of public artworks along the River Along the Bluwater Trail. Go on a traditional hike, rent a bike and take a spin around the beautiful parks and beaches. You can cool off in the free-swimming lagoon.
9. Nelson Bay, New South Wales, azure bays, golden beaches, and close encounters with indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins make the residents around Port Stephens beloved by Sydneysiders. From Nelson Bay, the region's main hub, a boat trip to dolphins is a big attraction, but the walking trails in Tomare National Park are also a big attraction, hiking up Mount Tomaray for the best views. From May to November, humpback whales migrate close to the coast. You can also jog on the wide sandy beach on a surfboard or on horseback and admire the dunes of Stockton Bay, Australia's largest dune system.
10. Avocado Beach, NSW, boasting sandy beaches and secluded lagoons, Avoca Beach is a place to attract families to escape. Kayak on the lagoon, swim in the ocean rock pools, or follow the trail to captain Cook's lookout on the headland between Evka and Copacabana. Don't miss a movie at the Vintage Avocado Beach Movie Theater.