Pristine water, soft sandy beaches, dreamy vistas and sunny days all come to mind when you think of Australia — and for good reason. With some of the best beaches in the world, you’ll be spoilt for choice by the near endless selection of beautiful locations to choose from. VroomVroomVroom has put together a list of some of the best road trips for beach lovers in Australia — now you can find your own little slice of paradise during your Aussie road trip.
Overlooking a beach near Byron Bay in northern New South Wales.
Byron Bay is the epitome of laid-back beach vibes. While the town of Byron Bay has developed into a weekend getaway hotspot for Sydney-siders and Gold Coast go-ers, its beaches have retained their laid back and natural feel.
Directions: Fly into the Gold Coast and get on the M1 in Tweed Heads West from Eastern Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway. Follow M1 to Myocum Road in Ewingdale. Take the exit towards Byron way from the M1 to Main Beach.
Highlights:
Relax on the beach, go for a swim and then grab brunch at one of Byron Bay’s many cafes.
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Main Beach, just a short drive away is Wategos Beach. There, you can walk up the steps to Cape Byron Lighthouse and enjoy a picnic looking out over the water.
Byron is famous for its whale watching. If you’re in town around June to October go on a tour and if you’re lucky you’ll spot these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
First Bay, Coolum, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
A headland near the famous Coolum Beach.
Coolum is where crystal-clear water meets small-town charm. With stunning scenic walks, lookouts, and restaurants popular with friendly locals, you’ll feel right at home relaxing in First Bay.
Directions: Fly into the Sunshine Coast Airport. Turn left onto David Low Way and at the roundabout take the first exit. Follow David Low Way to First Bay.
Highlights:
First Bay is a hidden gem in Coolum on the Sunshine Coast — consider it a local’s best kept secret. There are stunning forest walks surrounding the bay with lookouts where you can spot whales, dolphins and turtles.
As this beach is sheltered within a bay, the water is relatively calm compared to some of the more exposed beaches along the coastline.
Unlike some of its neighbouring locations, Coolum has a small-town vibe that makes it perfect for relaxing.
Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast, Queensland
Admiring the city skyline from Burleigh Heads.
Aside from the surf break, this location is the epitome of an Aussie beach — soft sand, blue water and stunning nature. Perfect for families, this is an ideal place to relax.
Directions: Fly into Gold Coast Airport and pick up your rental car. Take M1 to Tsipura Drive and then take exit 89. Continue on Tsipura Drive to Burleigh Heads.
Highlights:
Popular as a surfing destination, Burleigh Heads is widely known for its surf break. Even if you don’t surf, it is a great place to enjoy picnics and barbecues in the scenic parks overlooking the ocean.
Enjoy activities such as swimming and surfing at the beach. You may even be lucky enough to see the Quicksilver Pro professional surf contest live at Burleigh Heads.
Another thing to look forward to during your visit, is the Norfolk Island Pines — you’ll find some of the earliest trees planted on this coast, and they’re home to native Australian birds.
Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia
A sunset camel ride on Cable Beach near Broome.
Cable Beach is located in the northwest of Western Australia and is a stretch of white sand that covers 22 km of beach facing onto the Indian Ocean.
Directions: For an amazing road trip, you can drive from Perth to Cable Beach. This will take you approximately 24 hours, but there are stunning locations along the way to break up the trip. You can pick up your car hire in Perth and follow State Route 51 to National Highway 95. From there, follow National Highway 95 and 1 to Broome Road. Follow Dolby Road to reach your destination.
Highlights:
The southern end of the beach is where you’ll find Gantheaume Point — the perfect place to spot dolphins and whales.
You can also visit Minyirr Park which has walking trails behind the beach. There are three different walks you can do, and each takes you past the sea and through the nature surrounding this idyllic haven.
Have you really visited Cable Beach if you haven’t been on an iconic camel ride at sunset?
Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania
A local resident relaxes at Wineglass Bay.
Wineglass Bay is where a little slice of heaven is situated right in the middle of Freycinet National Park. Aside from essential beach activities such as swimming and relaxing, there is plenty more to do in this beautiful bay.
Directions: You can fly into Hobart Airport and hire your car rental. From there you can drive to Wineglass bay. Head to Grueber Avenue and continue onto Holyman Avenue. Turn left onto Cole Street and then right onto Coles Bay to your destination.
Highlights:
Try a stunning cruise around the area. There is plentiful wildlife and vistas to feast your eyes on, and what better way to do so than on a cruise around the bay?
Another way to explore this magical beach is to go on a kayaking tour of the beach and national park.
Go on a scenic drive to The Friendly Beaches along Coles Bay Road. You will see all the different beaches dotted along the way. You can also camp at Isaacs Point and go fishing.
Fleurieu Peninsula, Second Valley, South Australia
Rapid Bay Beach at sunset.
Second Valley is a secluded coastal town home to a stunning beach. Known as a hotspot for fishing and snorkeling, the rugged coastline and cliffs mixed with protected waters makes this an ideal holiday destination. With a near endless selection of things to do, this location is definitely worth the 45-minute drive from Adelaide.
Directions: You can fly into Adelaide Airport and pick up your rental car. From there, follow Sir Richard Williams Avenue to Sir Donald Bradman Drive. Follow Marion Road and Main Road to Hindmarsh Tiers Road in Myponga. Continue on Hindmarsh Tiers Road to your destination in Inman Valley.
Highlights:
Do you love fishing? If so, Fleurieu Peninsula is for you. There are beach and river options to choose from. You can also fish from the jetties and rocks.
Fancy a day of sailing, kite surfing and jet skiing? Fleurieu has it all! There are also scuba diving and snorkeling options.
Surfing conditions are so amazing, people travel from all over Australia to surf here.
Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island, Victoria
Stairs leading to the sand in Woolamai, Phillip Island.
Picture majestic pink granite cliffs following the coastline and countless walking tracks. Located on Phillip Island, Cape Woolamai really has it all.
Directions: You can pick up your car hire from Melbourne Airport and drive to Cape Woolamai. Head north-east on Departure Drive. From there, follow M2 and M1 to Pakenham and take the exit for C422 and M1. Follow C422, M420 and Phillip Island Road to Clearwater Avenue in Cape Woolamai to your destination!
Highlights:
Did you know that Cape Woolamai is where you will find the largest colony of Short-tailed Shearwaters? This area is also rich in Aboriginal culture where you will find ancient middens.
The world-renowned Pinnacles Walk is located here and is an essential hike to go on. It’s only four kilometres in length, and offers stunning views of the formations of towering rock that stretch out of the water. The rocks are this way due to the waves and wind shaping them over time.
One of Victoria’s most popular surfing beaches can also be found right here. Due do the amazing conditions, it was declared a National Surfing Reserve.
