Australia’s coastline stretching for over 34,000 kilometres, promises a lifestyle unlike any other. That’s a staggering distance, offering a kaleidoscope of possibilities for those yearning for a life by the sea.
But beyond the undeniable allure of endless golden sands and turquoise waters, choosing the right coastal town goes deeper. From the bohemian charm of Byron Bay to the luxurious tranquillity of Palm Beach, each town has its own unique appeal. With their thriving economies, excellent infrastructure, and a strong sense of community, they have become some of the great places to live in Australia.
However, with so many options, where do you begin? Don’t worry. This guide dives into the most captivating coastal towns in Australia, perfect for seaside life.
Top 12 Coastal Towns to Live in Australia
| Australia’s Best Beach Town | Popular Attraction |
| Byron Bay | Cape Byron Lighthouse, Main Beach, Wategos Beach, Crystal Castle, Byron Bay Bluesfest |
| Noosa | Noosa National Park, Main Beach, Hastings Street, Noosa Everglades, Noosa Heads Coastal Walk |
| Yallingup Beach | Ngilgi Cave, Yallingup Beach, Cape to Cape Track, Margaret River wineries, Canal Rocks |
| Palm Beach | Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Palm Beach Walk, Pittwater, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Palm Beach Golf Course |
| Port Fairy | Griffiths Island, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy Lighthouse, East Beach, Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve |
| Port Douglas | Four Mile Beach, Macrossan Street, Mossman Gorge, Port Douglas Marina |
| Kiama | Kiama Blowhole, Kiama Coast Walk, Bombo Headland Quarry, Kiama Farmers’ Market, Minnamurra Rainforest |
| Margaret River | Surfers Point, Margaret River wineries, Cape to Cape Track, Margaret River Mouth, Gourmet food markets |
| Rainbow Beach | Carlo Sand Blow, Great Sandy National Park, Rainbow Beach Colored Sands, Inskip Peninsula, Double Island Point |
| Port Macquarie | Town Beach, Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Tacking Point Lighthouse, Koala Hospital, Billabong Zoo |
| Coles Bay | Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay, Hazards Beach, Cape Tourville Lighthouse, Coles Bay Jetty |
| Port Noarlunga | Port Noarlunga Jetty, Onkaparinga River National Park, Christies Beach, Moana Beach |
Byron Bay, New South Wales
Byron Bay is synonymous with its laid-back lifestyle and pristine beaches, making it a magnet for snorkelers and sun seekers alike. Beyond its surfing culture and trendy cafes, residents enjoy a vibrant community enriched by an eclectic arts scene. The Cape Byron Lighthouse stands sentinel over stunning coastal views, while the hinterland beckons with opportunities for bushwalking amidst lush greenery and waterfalls.
Byron Bay attracts residents with its bohemian charm, pristine beaches, and vibrant community life. The median house price exceeds $2 million, reflecting its desirability. Residents enjoy year-round surfing, beachside cafes, and cultural festivals like the Byron Bay Bluesfest.
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Noosa, Queensland
Noosa on the Sunshine Coast is renowned for its upscale lifestyle amidst natural beauty. It offers a luxurious coastal lifestyle with a median house price of around $2,070,500 million. It combines upscale living with natural beauty, including the tranquil Noosa National Park and sophisticated dining along Hastings Street.
Renowned for boutique shopping and fine dining along Hastings Street, Noosa combines luxury living with the tranquillity of Noosa National Park, perfect for bushwalking and wildlife spotting, including koalas. The Main Beach is a hub for surfing and sunbathing, complemented by a community that values active living and cultural events. Living in Noosa means embracing a sophisticated yet relaxed lifestyle enriched by its coastal vistas and vibrant community spirit.
Yallingup Beach, Western Australia
Yallingup Beach offers a serene coastal escape in Western Australia’s Margaret River region. Known for its world-class surf breaks and limestone caves, Yallingup attracts residents seeking a relaxed lifestyle amidst stunning coastal scenery and excellent wineries nearby.
Yallingup Beach provides a serene coastal retreat with a median house price of approximately $1.7 million. You can relish the region’s world-class surf breaks, limestone caves, and proximity to Margaret River’s renowned wineries, making it ideal for those seeking a chill yet active lifestyle.
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Palm Beach, New South Wales
Palm Beach, often referred to as Sydney’s ‘Hamptons’, epitomises exclusivity and natural beauty along the NSW coast. With a median house price exceeding $4 million, Palm Beach caters to those seeking luxurious coastal living. You enjoy access to pristine beaches, leisurely coastal walks to the iconic Barrenjoey Lighthouse, and a vibrant dining scene that complements its upscale atmosphere.
Outdoor pursuits like golfing and boating are popular, enhanced by proximity to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Living in Palm Beach offers a blend of sophistication and natural splendour, making it a coveted destination for coastal living near Sydney.
Also Read:Â 12 Best Suburbs to Invest in Sydney 2024
Port Fairy, Victoria
Port Fairy, situated along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, charms residents with its historic charm and scenic coastal views. Priced with a median house price of around 1,057,500, Port Fairy offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle enriched by local seafood delicacies and cultural events like the annual Port Fairy Folk Festival.
Source: visitgreatoceanroad.org.au
Access to Griffiths Island’s wildlife sanctuary and its relaxed pace foster a strong sense of community among residents who appreciate the town’s blend of history, natural beauty, and community spirit. Living in Port Fairy means embracing a coastal haven where history meets contemporary beach living.
Port Douglas, Queensland
Port Douglas is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, offering residents unparalleled access to world-renowned natural wonders. Its marina, Four Mile Beach, and vibrant Macrossan Street cater to a sophisticated lifestyle amidst tropical surroundings.
Port Douglas boasts a median house price of approximately $955,000, reflecting its premium coastal living near the Great Barrier Reef. You can also enjoy a sophisticated lifestyle with marina amenities, Four Mile Beach, and cosmopolitan dining along Macrossan Street.
Kiama, New South Wales
Kiama, nestled along New South Wales’ dramatic coastal cliffs, appeals to residents seeking a relaxed seaside town enriched by natural beauty. With a median house price of around $1,500,000, Kiama offers the best setting, which is highlighted by the iconic Kiama Blowhole and scenic coastal walks.
You can enjoy a calm atmosphere complemented by local cafes, art galleries, and outdoor activities such as kayaking along the Kiama Coast Walk. Living in Kiama means embracing a coastal retreat where dramatic landscapes meet community-oriented living, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a slower pace of life by the stunning beach.
Margaret River, Western Australia
Margaret River is famous for its premium wines, world-class surfing spots, and stunning natural beauty. It offers a laid-back lifestyle with gourmet food markets and art galleries, and it is close to surf breaks like Surfers Point and the famous Margaret River mouth. The area also has a thriving food and wine scene, farmers’ markets, and an array of outdoor activities such as hiking, humpback whale watching, and exploring ancient caves.
Margaret River’s median house price is approximately $747,500, offering a relaxed lifestyle amidst world-class surf breaks and vineyards. In this beautiful coastal city, you can embrace the region’s gourmet food markets, arts scene, and outdoor activities like hiking along the Cape to Cape Track.
Rainbow Beach, Queensland
Rainbow Beach is a hidden gem along Queensland’s Cooloola Coast. It offers residents a tranquil lifestyle with access to the Great Sandy National Park and coloured sands. Its pristine beaches, Carlo Sand Blow, and opportunities for beach fishing and 4WD adventures attract nature enthusiasts.
Rainbow Beach has a median house price of around $850,000, making it an affordable coastal escape near Great Sandy National Park. It offers pristine beaches, Carlo Sand Blow, and outdoor activities like fishing and 4WD adventures, perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
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Port Macquarie, New South Wales
Port Macquarie, on NSW along the east coast, blends coastal charm with urban convenience and offers residents a vibrant community and active outdoor lifestyle. With a median house price of around $847,950, Port Macquarie appeals to surfers who flock to Town Beach, nature enthusiasts exploring Sea Acres Rainforest Centre and history buffs visiting landmarks like Tacking Point Lighthouse.
Local events and a range of outdoor activities bolster the town’s community spirit, making it a popular choice for those seeking a balanced coastal lifestyle enriched by natural beauty and community engagement.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Places to Buy Investment Properties in NSW
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Coles Bay, Tasmania
Coles Bay, nestled within Tasmania’s Freycinet National Park, provides residents with breathtaking views of the Hazards mountains and Wineglass Bay. With a median house price of around $960,000, Coles Bay offers a serene coastal lifestyle characterised by serene beaches, hiking trails to Wineglass Bay Lookout, and local seafood dining.
Source: ourtasmania.com.au
You can immerse yourself in Tasmania’s natural beauty while enjoying a relaxed coastal environment that fosters outdoor exploration and community connections. Living in Coles Bay means embracing a tranquil seaside retreat where every day offers a new opportunity to enjoy Tasmania’s pristine coastal landscapes.
Port Noarlunga, South Australia
Port Noarlunga is a coastal haven renowned for its relaxed lifestyle and natural beauty. The town is distinguished by its pristine beaches, clear waters ideal for snorkelling and diving, and vibrant community atmosphere. Residents and visitors alike enjoy exploring the Port Noarlunga Reef, which has abundant marine life and is perfect for underwater enthusiasts.
The town’s historic jetty serves as a focal point for fishing and leisure activities, providing stunning views of the coastline and opportunities for relaxation by the sea. Port Noarlunga also boasts a variety of cafes, restaurants, and local shops that contribute to its leisurely charm. With a median house price of around $730,000, reflecting its coastal appeal, Port Noarlunga offers a blend of seaside tranquillity and community warmth, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a secluded beach lifestyle in South Australia.
Wrapping Up!
Australia’s coastal cities offer more than breathtaking scenery and lovely beaches; they also provide a lifestyle that effortlessly integrates natural beauty, community spirit, and a wealth of leisure activities. From the sun-kissed beaches of Queensland to the jagged cliffs of Western Australia, these coastal havens offer much more than stunning scenery.
These towns, with median property prices that reflect their appeal, offer a variety of attractions to suit a wide range of interests. Whether you’re looking for a dynamic surfing culture, gourmet cuisine and wine experiences, or peaceful seaside retreats, Australia’s best coastal towns offer a fulfilling lifestyle for those who want to enjoy the beauty and calm of coastal living.
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