Aireys Inlet, Victoria
The old lighthouse at this little beach town on the Great Ocean Road is its main draw. Split Point Lighthouse is accessible for daily excursions and offers fantastic views of the Southern Ocean, making the climb up the headland well worth it. After, enjoy some kayaking on Painkalac Creek or some fun in the sun on Fairhaven Beach, which is the longest beach on the Great Ocean Road. While in the city, reward yourself with a well-earned drink at the Great Ocean Road Gin Tasting Room and Gin Garden.
Lorne, Victoria
Lorne is another place you really must see while traveling Victoria's well-known coastal road. The charming town, which has many shops, boutiques, and cafés, is a great place to meander around. It is surrounded by tall gum trees on one side and the picturesque Louttit Bay on the other. Visit the Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre at the Lorne Visitor Centre to learn the history behind the construction of the biggest war monument in the world. Make sure to visit the Great Otway National Park and Erskine Falls, and indulge in some delicious fish & chips alfresco on the pier.
Burleigh Heads, Queensland
Burleigh Heads, a busy Gold Coast town, with a charming beach flanked by pine trees and a plethora of charming cafés, pubs, and restaurants only steps away from the shore. The point break near the headland draws surfers, while Burleigh Head National Park offers breathtaking views. For peak views, take the trail through the rainforest reserve around the rocky headland from Tallebudgera Creek. The Jellurgal Cultural Centre is another important place to see if you want to learn more about the Yugambeh people, who have historically guarded the Gold Coast.
Pacific Palms, New South Wales
Located on New South Wales' mid-north coast, Pacific Palms is home to a number of quaint, peaceful coastal towns, lakes, forests, and breathtaking beaches, some of which are particularly noteworthy (Boomerang Beach, Blueys Beach, and Elizabeth Beach). East of Seal Rocks settlement, take in the views from the 19th-century Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse (photo). You are welcome to remain here as well. At Blueys Beach, enjoy the surf and go snorkeling, or climb into Booti Booti National Park from Elizabeth Bay. At the northern end of the beach, there is a walking track that leads to Seven Mile Beach, a popular location for winter whale viewing.
Broome, Western Australia
Rebuilt as a pearling town, Broome boasts a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere and a wealth of history with its historic corrugated-iron houses and stores. It has a significant indigenous tradition and many people are descended from pearl divers who immigrated from Malaysia, the Philippines, and Japan. Take a tour with Bart Pigram, a Yawuru man who owns Narlijia Experiences, to learn about it. A visit to Willie Creek Pearl Farm, seeing a film at Sun Pictures, the world's oldest outdoor theater, and seeing Cable Beach, which is backed by beautiful red sand dunes, are some more highlights. It's a great location to take in the breathtaking west coast sunsets.
Port Douglas, Queensland
One of Queensland's trendiest beach towns, Port Douglas was once a sleepy fishing community but now has luxury resorts, fine dining, and a glamorous marina. Its location, sandwiched between the jungle and the reef, is just stunning. Explore the delights of the Great Barrier Reef by taking a stroll down the palm-lined Four Mile Beach, having breakfast with the birds at the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary, and then venturing out onto the Coral Sea. You can snorkel just off the coast of the Low Isles coral cays if you take a catamaran there. The town's quaint Sunday markets are well worth a visit, and Daintree Rainforest is located nearby to the north.
Port Macquarie, New South Wales
On the mid-north coast of the state, Port Macquarie, a historic convict settlement, is a popular coastal town with much to do. Known as the bodyboarding center of the nation, you may try bodyboarding at one of its 17 gorgeous beaches. Take the coastal walk along the breakwall to Tacking Point Lighthouse and Lighthouse Beach to see eight of them. The excellent Port Macquarie Koala Hospital is yet another must-see. You may spend your nights at a variety of fantastic eateries and pubs, or you can join the locals for a delicious fish and chips or local oyster picnic on Town Green as the sun sets.
Read Also: Wine Regions in the World to Visit
Bicheno, Tasmania
Bicheno, a charming tiny beach village, is an ideal starting point for discovering Tasmania's breathtaking east coast. It's conveniently located just north of the Freycinet Peninsula, making it a good area to spot some of the state's unusual animals. Take a glass-bottom boat trip of the Governor Island Marine Reserve to witness a variety of marine life, visit East Coast Natureworld to witness Tasmanian devils, wallabies, and wombats, and take a dusk tour to witness fairy penguins making their way back to their burrows. At the charming Lobster Shack, owned by a local couple, savor freshly caught Tasmanian Southern Rock Lobster as well as other delicious seafood from the area.