12 trendy beach towns to visit this summer

Just-opened eateries, chic boutiques and genetically blessed locals flow throughout Australia’s most exhilarating beach towns and neighbourhoods.

As daylight lingers longer and the mercury rises, hours are better spent cooling off at the beach. But while the surf always soothes, the country’s trendiest beach towns deliver more than idyllic swims.

Cosy coastal pockets filled with new restaurants and bars, untapped retail therapy and unique coastal activities beckon from all over Australia. Here, we round up the most thrilling beachy locales.

1. Kirra, Qld

You’ve probably driven right past it on your journey from the airport to central GC, but don’t let Kirra in the southern Gold Coast slip away from you again. Its north-facing beach, flushed with white sand and crystal-clear water, provides tranquil swimming all year round while excellent cafes, shops and hipster bars keep the good times rolling off the sand.

Enjoy quiet time at Kirra Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The latest drawcard is the achingly cool Kirra Point Precinct and, more specifically, the Kirra Beach Hotel and Kirra Beach House within the multi-million-dollar mecca. Lavish lounging and cocktailing upstairs, and easy breezy pub dining downstairs, the two-pronged construction was unveiled in November 2023 as the precinct continues work on its forthcoming hotel and village square. Arguably the ultimate Queensland scene to be seen this summer.

Spend your beach getaway in Kirra. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

2. Frankston, Vic

Move over, St Kilda. Frankston is home to one of Melbourne’s most delicious beaches, complete with white sand and calm swimming conditions. Plus, all the beachy goodness is complimented by a string of stellar bars and eateries including Oliver’s Corner, a perfectly positioned beach bar within walking distance from Frankston Pier.

The suburb’s raised boardwalk screams out for lazy holiday strolls while epic street art, breweries and distilleries should all be explored. It is signature Melbourne culture set against a shimmering beach – a perfect summer escape, in our book.

Frankston is a perfect summer escape.

3. Kingscliff, NSW

Remember Noosa’s Hastings Street before everyone switched on? Kingscliff’s Marine Parade feels a lot like the Hastings of yesteryear, right on the verge of going boom. Sure, the town’s beaches are beautiful including Dreamtime Beach, which is calm and a hit with families, but it’s the surf-facing retail stretch that’s creating a buzz visitors adore.

Watch the day roll by in Kingscliff. (Image: Destination NSW)

Dotted with some of Kingscliff and the surrounding area’s best restaurants, plus clothing and homeware boutiques and outstanding cafes, Marine Parade is just one of Kingscliff’s charms. Salt Village, an upmarket retail complex and resort on beautiful Salt Beach, is also irresistible.

Cudgen Creek is a tiny, shallow creek in Kingscliff. (Image: Ryan Fowler; Destination Tweed)

4. Cottesloe, WA

A must-visit on any perfect Perth itinerary, Cottesloe is a tourist magnet thanks to its wonderous stretch of sand, one of Perth’s most beautiful beaches. While the scenery is jaw-dropping – think powder-white sand and a far-reaching coastline – there are also plenty of chilled-out pubs and family-friendly eateries to lose the afternoon in.

Go paddleboarding over the emerald waters of Cottesloe Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

If you’re struggling to part with that magical glistening water, an array of water sports is on offer and Cottesloe is also home to Sculpture by the Sea, the same event staged on Sydney’s Bondi Beach each year, so culture vultures should time their trip for March annually.

Check out the classic Cottesloe Beach Hotel. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

5. Bream Creek, Tas

Fancy a beach hang away from the crowds? Tasmania’s Bream Creek may be small, but its tranquillity is astounding as this beach town remains a local secret. It certainly won’t stay that way for long.

Bream Creek is small and tranquil. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Home to a thriving farmer’s market staged once a month, Marion Bay Beach, a stunning stretch of coastline, Bream Creek Vineyard, renowned for its award-winning sparkling wine, and picturesque rainforest and farmland, there’s a slow and breezy enchantment to be swept up in at this lesser-known paradise.

Bask in solitude at the stunning Marion Bay Beach.

6. Brunswick Heads, NSW

The north coast of NSW is flooded with beach holiday heavyweights and Brunswick Heads grows in momentum every sun-soaked season. It comes down to how it manages to retain its low-key village vibes – for now anyway – giving it a touch of exclusivity compared to cluttered Byron Bay.

Head towards the coast for ocean views. (Image: Brad Halcrow)

Head to Brunswick for Torakina Beach located right at the mouth of the Brunswick River, with hypnotising still waters made for families. There are trendy eateries in the middle of town so seek out Mullumbimby Street and Park Street for the buzziest restaurants and bars.

Brunswick Heads is an idyllic hideaway.

7. Noosaville, Qld

It’s hard to resist the glitz of Noosa Heads and Hastings Street but Noosaville, located a little more inland to Noosa Heads along the Noosa River, is filled with countless charms including an emerging craft brewing and distillery scene. And then there’s the cafes.

Noosa River meanders through the pristine wilderness of the Noosa Everglades. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Track down First Batch and Clandestino Coffee, two of Noosaville’s best caffeine pit stops, for your morning elixir and while you’re down in the industrial area, stay to swing by Seabourne Distillery before sniffing out Boiling Pot Brewing Co, two of the suburb’s best boozy must-visits.

When you’re ready for dinner, hip eateries line Gympie Terrace and you can always make like a local and grab fish and chips to eat on a waterfront picnic table.

Seabourne Distillery is the ideal boozy pit stop.

8. Glenelg, SA

Another picturesque beach town rising in popularity is Glenelg, about 20 minutes away from Adelaide’s bustling centre. Jetty Road’s bars and restaurants are impressive but to experience the essence of this fun-loving beach town, head to Moseley Beach Club right on the sand at Glenelg Beach.

Glenelg is a picturesque beach town rising in popularity. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

One of Australia’s best coastal bars, this glorious dining area offers the ultimate spot to enjoy sundowners and snacks between dips in the dazzling blue.

Sip cocktails in Glenelg at Moseley Beach Club. (Image: Hayley Hays Photography)

9. Busselton, WA

An underwater symphony of vivid sponges, coral and 13 man-made sculptures is bringing even more cool to Busselton in the Margaret River region of Western Australia, one of the country’s must-visit summer hot spots.

Busselton Jetty is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

The underwater sculpture and reef trail unveiled in December 2023, marks the beach town’s commitment to enhancing its marine life. And there’s plenty more action to celebrate above the water’s surface. Great wineries, sensational scenery and laidback locals who adore their hometown come on tap around here.

Discover Busselton’s underwater wonders. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

10. Byron Bay, NSW

Arguably Australia’s trendiest beach capital, Byron Bay shimmers with celebrity-spotting, killer eateries and bars, stylish clothing, jewellery and homeware boutiques and a youthful, energetic crowd all year round.

Explore the beaches in Byron Bay. (Image: Destination NSW)

The list of things to do in Byron Bay is always evolving as ambitious entrepreneurs launch new business ventures on every corner, but what makes Byron really special is how its natural wonders (beaches, coastal walks, cultural sites and more) remain unspoilt despite every man and his dog dropping into this sun-soaked northern NSW town right through the year.

Pull up a chair in Raes on Wategos. (Image: Madeleine Johnson/Sean Fennessy)

11. Lorne, Vic

Given one of our ultimate girl dinner hot spots around the country, Tottis, has set up shop in the not-so-sleepy coastal suburb of Lorne in Victoria, there’s no stopping crowds any time soon. Although it’s long been beautiful, Lorne is now officially the city’s most trendy beach locale and Tottis isn’t the only excellent eatery to bask in.

Teddy’s Lookout offers scenic views over the Great Ocean Road.

The Bottle Of Milk is a quintessential hipster burger joint while Pizza Pizza is the place to score a superb slice. As for its natural surroundings, the Great Ocean Road pit stop offers magical hinterland, idyllic swimming and an action-packed day-trip itinerary just two hours away from Melbourne CBD.

Take a peaceful walk along Lorne Pier.

12. Robe, SA

Gaining serious stream among foodies in the know, Robe is located 90 minutes from Mount Gambier on the Limestone Coast and produces some seriously exquisite seafood. Renowned for its crayfish, this pretty coastal town’s culinary talents prepare it expertly – try Sails at Robe, one of our favourite places in Robe to visit.

Watch the waves gently lapping at the shore. (Image: Mish and Kirk)

Fishing is also big here as salmon, mulloway and that delicious crayfish flow abundantly so head to the town jetty or jump in your 4WD and hunt for fins along the surf at Back Beach, Bishops, Long Beach and beyond.

Frolic in the white sand at Robe. (Image: Mish and Kirk)