It’s the great Australian summer ritual: packing up and moving towards the beach and staying in some great Lorne accommodation. However not all beach towns are developed equivalent– some are fab for families, or places that party all night long; others are low on action and huge on relaxation. Find the one that fits you with our convenient overview of the finest beach towns along the east coast of the nation just in time for summertime.
Sorrento, Victoria
Vibe: Don’t be tricked by the heritage buildings: Sorrento offers a beach holiday with a buzz and accommodation with modern house designs.
Destinations: Swim with the fur seals at Chinaman’s Hat and the dolphins out in the bay. Feeling less energetic? Stroll the Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail, go gallery hopping or travel the shops along Ocean Beach Road. After supper, catch a band at the Sorrento Pub.
Don’t miss: Drinks in the Portsea Pub’s warm beer garden is an afternoon routine.
Where to stay: It’s worth going out of town for the smooth created Quarters at the Flinders Hotel. For a more central area, attempt the Sorrento Beach Motel.
Arriving: Take the Nepean Highway southeast from Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula. Sorrento is a 1 1/2- hour drive on the brand-new Peninsula Link Freeway.
Byron Bay, New South Wales
Gorgeous beaches, fab coffee, bar right on the sand … not surprising that ladies comes here with with their shoes online they bought.
Port Douglas, Queensland
Plenty high-end accommodation with amazing home design, medical spas, and great restaurants to keep you going for weeks.
Avoca, New South Wales
An old-fashioned movie theater and seaside markets draw crowds at this main coast family favourite.
Lorne, Victoria
Even if the sun’s not shining, arts festivals and the Great Otway National Park leave visitors spoiled for choice.
Broadbeach, Queensland
Friday night markets, upmarket restaurants plus those Gold Coast theme parks and an instant holidays vibe – yep, still among Australia’s most popular holiday spots to rock out the womens boots.
Best for: Families
Torquay, Victoria
Ambiance: Victoria’s surf capital is a hit with families, with plenty of water sports available, from swimming at the sheltered Front Beach to snorkelling at Point Danger (never fear– it’s far less frightening than the name recommends).
Dining: Best meals in the area can be discovered at Scorched, a modern restaurant with a beach view.
Where to stay: The Wyndham Resort is brilliant before kicking off your great ocean road accommodation spree, offering ocean views, indoor and outdoor pools and a tennis court. The Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park provides camping sites and cabins.
Arriving: Take the Princes Freeway from Melbourne. Torquay has to do with a 90-kilometre drive south-west on the Bellarine Peninsula.
