Blow the budget on a luxury beachhouse

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Every family will have a different idea of luxury, but one thing is guaranteed – your dream holiday home is out there.

Whether it’s a separate kids’ retreat, an amazing infinity pool, a modernist haven in Tassie with floor-to-ceiling glass doors or a Balinese-inspired villa in Noosa, you’re bound to find a place with the perfect luxury extras you’ve always dreamed of.

So go on – why not go all-out this year?

 

Try there…

NSW: Ocean Muse, Port Stephens

This sprawling seaside abode in Port Stephens is flanked by national parkland, creating a luxurious enclave for a family or group to settle in and enjoy the infinity-edge lap pool, amazing views over the bushland out to the ocean, and many bells and whistles.

It’s well–equipped for kids and adults, with a billiards room, large decks, open–plan living and dining and a large garden that’s perfect for playing a spot of cricket after a day at the beach. There are three bedrooms, including one master ensuite set in its own pavilion and another with four single beds. From $800 per night (five nights-plus). 02 9331 2881.

VIC: Zealandia, Portsea

Handily positioned between Portsea Front Beach and Portsea Back Beach on the Mornington Peninsula, Zealandia is a testament to 50s modernist architecture and design. Beautifully furnished, it’s best for families with older children.

With three bedrooms, three living areas, outdoor entertaining areas and an inground pool, you’d be forgiven for never actually making it out the front door. From $500 per night (two night mid-week stay) to $6000 per week (summer peak, one week minimum). Sleeps six. 0418 121 779.

Fin more option with our guide to the best places to stay the Mornington Peninsula.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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TAS: Avalon Coastal Retreat, Swansea

If there’s a better view from a beach house, we’d like to hear about it. Perched atop a headland overlooking Oyster Bay on the east coast of Tasmania, this ‘modernist coastal dreaming home’ does everything in its power to embrace the stunning landscape, with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, sensational outdoor dining areas, even a Huon pine bathtub from which to enjoy the views.

There are wonderful creature comforts inside, too: robes and slippers, coffee machine, heated floors, an open fire, gourmet kitchen and even a gourmet mini bar. With full beach kit at your disposal and direct access to a secluded beach, it’s kind of a no-brainer. From $900 per night (Sun-Thurs) or $1000 per night (Fri/Sat). Sleeps six. 1300 36 11 36.

SA: Kangaroo Island Villa, Kangaroo Island

Inspired by European villas, the light, airy and curvaceous Kangaroo Island Villa gives you plenty of choices. Enjoy an indulgent lie-in in your circular ‘tower’ bedroom, with its expansive ocean views – or rise early and nip down to the jetty and beach, only a minute away at .

Should you enjoy an outdoor jacuzzi under the stars before or after your barbecue on the deck? Go for ‘house only’ accommodation, or splash out on the ‘full service luxury’ option, where a private chef prepares all meals, snacks and beverages for you? Oh, the dilemmas.

It’s easy to handle all this tough decision making when you’re staying in a place this exceedingly lovely, though. From $590 per night for one room plus $25 for each additional room used (low season) or $950 per night (peak season) for accommodation only. Sleeps six; rollaway bed available for $25 extra. 02 9331 2881.

For more check out the best 8 places to stay on Kangaroo Island.

NT: Mandalay Luxury Stay, Darwin

This gorgeous, colonial-style stone residence on Darwin’s Esplanade carries echoes of the region’s history, from the influence of Colonial traders and Chinese settlers to indigenous art, and combines location with luxury living.

The bedrooms open out onto the grand verandah, with views overlooking Darwin harbour, plus a pool. From $445 per night for one bedroom or $645 per night for three bedrooms (low season) up to $995 per night for three bedrooms in peak season. Enquire about wet season specials. Sleeps six. 08 8942 3012.

For more option check out our guide to Darwin accommodation.

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QLD: Balinese Beach House, Noosa

Your own private beachside oasis lies just on the other side of the Balinese-style wooden doors to this unique property on Noosa’s North Sunshine Beach. All airy white spaces punctuated by lovely wooden beams, this conveniently located home is like its own mini–resort, with a saltwater pool, poolside cabana and loungers, daybed and breezy front balcony with beach views.

From $450 per night (low season) to $1000 per night (Christmas). Minimum stays apply. Sleeps six (extra charges apply for additional guests). 0421 887 520.

For more here is our guide to the best places to stay in Noosa.

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This hidden region in Victoria is home to a peaceful lake trail

    Craig Tansley Craig Tansley
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    Video credit: Tourism Australia

    From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding. 

    You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.  

    1. Lake Tyrrell  

    Lake Tyrrell
    The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell, is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.  

    2. Nhill Lake  

    There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.  

    3. Lake Bringalbert  

    Lake Bringalert
    Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

    Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.  

    4. Lake Hindmarsh 

    If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh. Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.  

    5. Pink Lake 

    pink lake
    The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Also known as Loch Lel, the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

    pink lake
    Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland. 

    6. Lake Lascelles 

    Lake Lascelles
    You can camp at Lake Lascelles.

    On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake, or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.  

    Blow the budget on a luxury beachhouse - Australian Traveller