Classic beachside destinations defined by sun, sand and sea. 

There’s a rhythm to coastal living that’s hard to resist. From early morning swims to summer afternoons on the water, these towns make the most of their seaside setting. According to our expert panel for Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns to visit, they deliver the kind of escape Australians return to time and again. 

1. Eagle Bay, WA 

Overall rank: 8/100 

Wadandi Country 

“This north-facing beach town is WA’s secret enclave of laid-back Aussie charm, where the luxe beach pads are just as fascinating as the beach itself," says panellist Quentin Long. Sitting atop Cape Naturaliste in Geographe Bay, this Margaret River beauty is a true scene-stealer with its powdery, pure-white sands and bewitchingly clear waters. Proximity to the nearby towns of Yallingup and Dunsborough, and the area’s exceptional wineries, means there’s plenty to do once you finally drag yourself away from the beach.  

Don’t miss: “The sugary fine sand and translucent water feels so pure you could bottle it – it’s hard to leave," says Quentin Long. And if you’re a diver, Eagle Bay’s clear waters have plenty to delight below the waves with the HMAS Swan wreck colonised by all manner of sealife.     

2. Noosa, Qld 

Overall rank: 9/100 

Kabi Kabi Country 

The exact opposite of the proverbial hidden gem, Noosa sits self-assuredly in a never-waning spotlight. This is all for good reason. Idyllic beaches that curve softy around forested national park, the Noosa World Surfing Reserve, and a clutch of cosmopolitan shops and incredible dining all double-tick the holiday checklist. The day’s loose itinerary drifts between sunning oneself at Noosa Main Beach, paddleboarding in Laguna Bay and long lunching in Hastings Street. Adding to the town’s stylish offerings is the recently opened Elysium Noosa Resort, which also invites non-guests in for Aperols and antipasti at the onsite Cibaria Restaurant. 

Don’t miss: “Lunch on the balcony of the surf club – it’s a must do," says panellist Sally Cope. 

3. Yamba, NSW 

Overall rank: 14/100 

Yaegl Country 

A long-serving town of the family break, Yamba has come of age in recent years. With pitch-perfect coastal charm, elegant stays and worthy eats, this Clarence River town lands with an easy kind of cool. A stay at the cliff-snug Il Delfino meets the Pacific horizon with Portofino style, while The Surf Yamba is a boutique hotel with smooth curves and nicely honed vibes. Although the caravan parks still swell with zinc-faced kids and harassed parents come the holidays, Yamba has plenty to offer away from that scene. As panellist Rae Johnston puts it: “This place is really special – the river, the ocean, the people, even the op shopping is great." 

Don’t miss: A pint at the Pacific Hotel Yamba; it’s mandatory after a dip in the ocean pool below. 

4. Agnes Water/1770, Qld 

Overall rank: 21/100 

Gooreng Gooreng Country 

Let’s clear this up: Agnes Water and 1770 are two towns very close together – not one town named twice. In fact, just 5.9 kilometres separate them and nobody ever visits one without hopping over to the other. Set in the Gladstone region, between Bundaberg and Rockhampton and only five hours from Brisbane, these Great Barrier Reef-adjacent twin towns are equally captivating with Queensland’s most northerly surf breaks, as well as access to the Reef at Lady Musgrave Island in just 90 minutes. Apart from their obvious beauty, the towns do quirky Queensland very well. 

Don’t miss: One of the few places on the east coast where the sun sets over water; head to the 1770 foreshore to watch the orange glow sink behind Bustard Bay. 

5. Esperance, WA 

Overall rank: 25/100 

Kepa Kurl Wudjari Country 

The sands on this east-facing curve of WA coast are so iridescently white they make sunglasses an imperative. Offset by aquamarine waters, Esperance is one of those truly special places that etch themselves deeply into your heart. “It’s a long way for most of us to get to," says panellist Catriona Rowntree, “but the effort pays off – truly breathtaking." While here, enter the Cape Le Grand National Park to visit Lucky Bay, where wild kangaroos are equally drawn to this stunning spot. Beach expert and panellist Brad Farmer concurs, calling it the “gateway to the best beaches in the west."   

Don’t miss: Esperance is also home to colourful lakes, which bloom pink from algae. They’re best glimpsed from above on a scenic flight. 

6. Portsea, Vic 

Overall rank: 80/100 

Bunurong Country 

You can drive the curve from Melbourne to Portsea in less than two hours, arriving at this last township on the Mornington Peninsula. This spectacular spot, on the edge of Point Nepean National Park, is well-known as a coastal haven of the ultra-rich. If you’re curious about how the top per cent of wealth is spent, gawk as you follow Millionaires’ Walk past meticulous gardens and stately mansions. Of course, it attracts money because it is simply breathtaking, but you needn’t manage a hedge fund to enjoy the beaches and national park. 

Don’t miss: Portsea is bequeathed with two coastlines, the bay side’s Front Beach and the ocean-edged Back Beach. “Sure, it gets way too busy, but having a front and back beach is super cool," says panellist Adrian Williams. 

7. South West Rocks, NSW 

Overall rank: 68/100 

Dunghutti Country 

Five hours north of Sydney/Warrane, this mid-north coastal town at the mouth of the Macleay River does a lot of heavy lifting for minibreak coastal stays. It’s a repeat favourite for its array of beaches, some offering gentle surf breaks for beginners, such as Trial Bay Main Beach and Horseshoe Bay, and others wonderfully secluded and accessed only by 4WD. “Highly desirable for holidays and stop-offs," as panellist Brad Farmer puts it. Away from the waves, Yarriabini National Park is a cool sanctuary of lush rainforest trails and mellifluously flowing creeks. 

Don’t miss: “Surfers have hogged this town for so long and rightly so. It’s shamelessly stunning!" says panellist Catriona Rowntree. If you are an experienced surfer, leave the smaller breaks to the beginners and paddle out at Back Beach or Gap Beach. 

8. Kiama, NSW 

Overall rank: 76/100 

Dharawal Country 

Kiama is an easy and well-worn city escape route, giving it classic beach town status. Less than two hours from Sydney, it’s surely been the catalyst for many sea-changers during the remote work era. While the famous blowhole has an undeniable eruptive allure (when it feels like performing, that is), it’s really more of a sideshow to the beautiful beaches, quaint township and 20-kilometre clifftop Kiama Coast Walk – all enjoyed with a cup of coffee from one of the many barista-level cafes in town. 

Don’t miss: “Everyone goes to Kiama for the blowhole, but I have another suggestion," says panellist Rae Johnston. “The Pines is a local dairy that runs an exceptional gelato bar, filled with incredible art and other local produce. Try the elderflower – you won’t regret it." 

9. Merimbula, NSW 

Overall rank: 83/100 

Djiringanj Country 

Panellist Irene Jones describes Merimbula as “blue water and holiday ease." Who really needs more than that in their beach town escape? It’s certainly enough, but in this Sapphire Coast pin-up just three hours from Canberra, you’ll also find plump, salt-laced oysters slurped on a jetty by a ramshackle boatshed, truly gobsmacking whale watching, and serene kayaking on not one, but two glassy-topped lakes – Merimbula Lake and the northside Back Lake.  

Don’t miss: Avid eaters of briny bivalves, be sure to join Merimbula Oyster Tours, where you’ll wade out into the shallows to shuck Sydney Rocks. And stop by Mitchies Jetty for an espresso. 

10. Inverloch, Vic 

Overall rank: 90/100 

Bunurong Country 

On route from Phillip Island to Wilsons Promontory, travellers find ample reason to pause in pretty Inverloch. Here, sheltered Anderson Inlet is frolic-worthy for everything from swimming to wakeboarding and windsurfing. Outside Point Smythe’s protective arm, accomplished surfers will appreciate the sets rolling in at Eagles Nest and Inverloch Surf Beach, while off-sand, there’s strollable cliffs, the Bass Coast Rail Trail and Bunurong Coastal Drive. The Gippsland village seems intentionally curated for lazy weekend mooching with worthy eateries and boutiques, but come the first weekend of August, the long-running Inverloch Jazz Festival tunes things up with plenty of jams. 

Don’t miss: “Inverloch is perfect in the summer holidays," says panellist Adrian Williams. If you’re taking the kids, lean into those carefree vibes with a stay at the Big4 Ingenia Holidays park, set right on Anderson Inlet. 

This article is part of Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns to visit, as chosen by a panel of industry experts, well-known Aussies and travel insiders. See our full list of 100 best Aussie towns here and visit the special 100 best Aussie towns hub here.