Australia is home to one of the world’s most epic coastlines, the largest reef in the world, and world-class diving – so it makes total sense that when planning a trip to the coast of Australia, you should look to stay in a beach house.
If you are considering beach houses in Australia as your next accommodation choice, well you’re in for a treat. With its year-round warm climate, staying in a house by the beach is second nature to people here. The properties here have been perfectly designed for kicking back by the sea and ushering in a week or more of absolutely no worries, mate.
Think outdoor spaces, deckings, outdoor showers, surfboards and kayaks on hand, and swimming pools. Australians know how to build a home.
If that sounds great to you, then you’re going to love what comes next. In this guide, I have included all the things you will expect from a beach house, what to look for, and of course, a list of the best of the best beach houses in Australia.
So, let’s get started!
In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in Australia for One Night
Absolute Beachfront House at Hardwicke Bay
For hands down the best beach house in Australia, look no further than this beachfront gem. Situated in the Hardwicke Bay on the Yorke Peninsula of South Australia, this idyllic spot features a large deck looking out across the sea.
- Magazine Bay Cave
- Longbottom Beach
- Burners Beach
Is this amazing Australia Beach House booked for your dates? We’ve got your back with our other favourite properties below!
Staying in Beach Houses in Australia
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Beach houses in Australia come in all shapes and sizes. Big ones, small ones, ones with national parks right on the doorstep, ones that look like they’ve probably been featured in a design magazine.
There really is a lot of choices when it comes to beach houses in Australia. It’s one massive island, after all, and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful (and biggest) beaches in the world. Not to mention the fact that you’ve got coral reefs and islands ringed by white sand off the Eastern Coast.
So what can you expect from staying in a beach house down under? Well, for starters almost always you’ll have a swimming pool. That’s pretty much a given. Next up is ample use of outdoor space. Aussies know how to live outside, and that is exemplified in the indoors-outdoors living going at many of the best beach houses you can find in Australia.
And even if there’s not some insane deck situation going on, there will be at least a large balcony or patio. More often than not there’s a BBQ area to use, or a fire pit – or even a full-on alfresco kitchen. You may even be lucky enough to have a hot tub. Pay more and obviously, you’ll have swankier amenities, and sleeker design credentials added to your stay.
The spaces are pretty open plan all in all. Kitchens have dining areas attached, which spill over into living rooms with decently sized TVs. Then again, you’re not here to watch TV. You’re here for the seaside vibes, which is helped by the fact that many beach houses have huge windows that let the awesome sea views do the talking.
No matter if you’re in South Australia, Bondi Beach, or just outside Perth, the wide-open sea surrounding Australia always looks epic.
What to Look For in a Beach House
Of course, the first thing you are going to consider is where to stay in Australia. With the largest stretches of beach in the world, you’ve got your work cut out in finding a spot for your vacation. If possible, I highly recommend an East Coast road trip, which runs along the Great Barrier reef and has access to many incredible islands.
If you’re only in Australia for a short week, then you might want to stay closer to Sydney and Bondi beach, where you can have the best of both worlds – beach time and city adventures.
You also need to think about money. Whether you’re looking for a beach house in Australia on a budget, or if you’ve got money to spare for a truly over-the-top stay in outright luxury, you can find somewhere awesome.
My advice would be to always opt for somewhere with big outdoor spaces, which can be had at the most expensive and least expensive properties out there. Trust me: you’ll be using it A LOT.
As for the best places to find your Australian beach house, I’d say Airbnb in Australia is a great shout. The ability to talk directly to your hosts is helpful, the amount of photos of each property is very decent, and the sheer choice on this particular site is unreal. Not to mention the previous guest reviews which makes it easy to understand what to expect.
VRBO and Booking.com come in at a distant second-place to Airbnb, in my opinion, but there are some good options on those platforms. Wherever you look, you do have to do some sleuthing through search filters which is a bit of a hassle, so I’ve taken that hassle away from you and listed the best of the best below.
Absolute Beachfront House at Hardwicke Bay
- > $$
- > 10 Guests
- > Large deck
- > Fully-equipped kitchen
SaltHouse – Phillip Island
- > $
- > 4 Guests
- > Great Location
- > Cosy Interior
Eco Beach Home Steps from the Beach
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Bath with sea views
- > Coffee machine
Palm Trees Forever
- > $$$
- > 8 Guests
- > Direct Beach Access
- > Stylishly Designed
Historic Harbour Masters House
- > $$
- > 10 Guests
- > Historic Building
- > Thoughtful Touches
Alchemy on Island Beach Kangaroo Island
- > $$
- > 6 Guests
- > Secluded
- > Family-friendly amenities
Beautiful Nightcliff Cottage
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Swimming pool
- > Food trucks!
The 15 Top Beach Houses in Australia
By now, you’ve probably got a good idea of what to expect from a beach house in Australia, right? Well, now you can see for yourself!
Below is my very own carefully curated list of beach houses in Australia to suit any type of traveler and budget.
Stunning Home in Hardwicke Bay | Overall Best Value Beach House
For hands down the best beach house in Australia, look no further than this beachfront gem. Situated in the Hardwicke Bay on the Yorke Peninsula of South Australia, this idyllic spot features a large deck looking out across the sea.
You’ll be right on a safe swimming beach here, which is ideal. The house also comes with everything you’ll need: a fully-equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, and plenty of style. But most of all, you can’t beat being able to tumble out of bed and literally right onto the beach.
With the beach right on the doorstep, this beachfront gem is ideal for families, a group of friends, or a couple. In fact, pretty much anyone will love staying in this stylish Australian beach house, which comes with everything you’ll need for a comfy stay.
SaltHouse – Phillip Island | Best Budget Beach House in Australia
This place has a warmth to it that makes you instantly slow down. Cosy, unpretentious, and full of small details that show real thought, it’s the kind of spot where you can happily spend a weekend doing very little. The out-of-town setting gives it that windswept, tucked-away feel, and the rabbits hopping about everywhere add to the charm.
Inside, the high ceilings and big windows keep it feeling light and airy, while the fireplace and jacuzzi bath bring the comfort. The interiors strike that balance between simple and stylish, never overdone, just the right touches to make it feel inviting. There’s even a collection of books that pulls you in for those slower mornings.
Being just off Surf Beach on Phillip Island, the location is hard to beat. You can hear the ocean from the bedroom and wander down to watch the waves whenever you like. It’s a place that feels both calming and inspiring, whether you’re here to write, read, or just let the days drift by.
Eco Beach Home Steps from the Beach | Beach House for Couples
This stunning coastal cabin has been set up as the ideal romantic getaway. Tucked way in Port Gibbon, a small rural community 200 kilometers from Adelaide, this is also an eco-friendly retreat.
Suiting those looking for unique accommodation in Australia, the design has also been carefully considered to give you pure, uninterrupted beach views.
The interiors have also been decked out with high-end amenities. The bath, in particular, is awesome: you can soak for hours with sea views.
Palm Trees Forever | Best Beach House for a Group of Friends
When a place is called Palm Trees Forever, you know it delivers. Out the back, the ocean is right there, framed by palms and backed by the sound of waves rolling in. It’s one of the few true beachfront stays in Cairns, and this original San Remo shack leans into that barefoot, Far North Queensland vibe in the best way. Thoughtfully styled with an eye for simple beauty, it feels like the kind of place where time slows down and every moment just clicks.
Inside, the house has everything you need for an easy, laid-back stay, with all the small touches that make it feel instantly welcoming. Step outside and you’ve got a backyard view that makes it hard to imagine leaving. Between the shaded spots to sit back with a book and the open spaces to just watch the waves roll in, there’s no shortage of places to unwind. You’re close enough to walk to local favourites, but truthfully, most of the magic is right at your doorstep.
Decked Out By The Sea | Epic Beach House for Groups
Spread across three stories, and boasting a huge terrace, this beach house is another great shout if you’re heading to Oz with a group of mates. Located in Cliffton Beach, Queensland, one of the best parts of this beach house is being able to spot dolphins playing in the sea from the terrace.
Other than dolphin-watching, you can spend days splashing around yourselves in the large, saltwater pool, hanging out in one of the multiple chilled living rooms, or cooking up a feast for your friends in the kitchen. Definitely, a place to make memories.
Historic Harbour Masters House | Over-the-Top Luxury Beach House
The Historic Harbour Masters House is as close to the ocean as you can get in Beachport, with the jetty right next door and town just steps away. It’s the only true oceanfront property in the area, recently brought back to life with a renovation that keeps its historic character while adding all the modern comforts. You’ve got ducted heating and cooling, Bose Bluetooth speakers, free WiFi, and Netflix, all tucked inside a home that feels timeless.
Inside, the mix of restored details and carefully chosen artwork gives the place a refined edge without losing its coastal soul. Every space feels thoughtful and welcoming, with an elegance that’s more relaxed than hotel polish but just as impressive. The location speaks for itself: mornings with the ocean on your doorstep, days spent between the beach and the jetty, and evenings unwinding in a house that makes it easy to forget about the rest of the world.
Beach Kangaroo Island | Best Beach Home for Families in Australia
Make your next family vacation one to remember by booking yourself into this stunning beach house. Tucked away on the beautiful beach on Kangaroo Island, this is truly a space to escape. Spend days here chilling on the deck or swimming in the waters of a safe swimming beach.
The house itself features picturesque clapboard exteriors and beach-inspired interiors and comes complete with modern furnishings and large windows that let the view do the talking.
Beautiful Nightcliff Cottage | Best Beach House for Backpackers
Backpackers in Darwin, Australia may be associated more with hostels than beach houses, but that doesn’t mean independent or long-term travelers have to follow the norm. In fact, it’s very possible to get your own beach house in Australia as a backpacker.
For the best example, try this place. It’s a modern apartment overlooking the sea and has everything you’ll need: kitchen, balcony, big comfy bed. The quiet complex where it’s situated also gives you access to tennis courts, a swimming pool, and cafes. Food trucks swing by every night to serve food as well.
Peace & Plenty | Amazing Luxury Beach House in Australia
Peace & Plenty has two self-contained guest wings, each with its own fully renovated bathroom and uninterrupted views over Great Oyster Bay. The central living, dining, and kitchen area is comfortable and stylish, furnished with carefully chosen Tasmanian pieces. The kitchen is modern and practical, while every room keeps the bay and Freycinet Peninsula in view.
Mornings are made for watching the sunrise over the water, and evenings are best spent on the deck as the Hazards catch the last light of the day. The indoor heated pool is perfect for a quiet swim, and the Southeast Asian and Japanese textile art throughout the house can take you away to faraway lands. When you’re not taking in the epic views, stroll along deserted Nine Mile Beach just 70 metres away along a private path from the house.
Bruny Boathouse | Best Beach Home for Solo Travelers
The Bruny Boathouse looks out across the d’Entrecasteaux Channel, with views stretching to Satellite Island and Hartz Mountain. Set in the heart of Alonnah, it’s a relaxed base for exploring Bruny’s wild side. Breathe in the sea air beneath the gum trees, gather around the fire pit, or sink into the outdoor bath and watch the stars roll by.
Inside, the place is warm and comfortable with views that pull you straight outside. The Alonnah walking trail starts at the front door, making for an easy morning wander where wallabies and birdlife often show up. Even better, The Bruny Baker’s fridge sits just down the way, so fresh pastries are never far off.
Beaumonts House | Best Beach House for a Weekend in Australia
Only got a weekend in Australia? Or want to get away from the city for the weekend? Then you may want to give this place a try. Featuring a stunning location right along the beach in Byron Bay, this beach house has been perfectly curated for a quick getaway.
Inside you’ll find interiors decked out in stylish shabby-chic and huge windows that allow for awesome panoramic views. There’s also not just one but two outdoor decks. As well as a roll-top tub with sea views, there’s also an office where you can get a bit of work done if needs be.
Ocean Farm | Beach House With an Epic Location
Allow us to introduce you to the best beach house in Australia – in terms of its utterly astounding location, that is. It’s set in a modern farmhouse in Gerringong, around an hour from Sydney, which is the perfect place to stay if you want to combine city break and beach break.
Here you can explore 200 acres of nearby rainforest, hike on trails in Budderoo National Park or walk past grazing livestock, and follow the coastal walking track with dramatic sea views.
The house is immaculate and boasts an insane infinity pool as well as sliding doors that open up to the breathtaking sea view. The beach? Mere steps away. And as a bonus, there’s a fish-and-chips joint right nearby.
Beachcomber House | Best Beach House for Views
If the views weren’t enough for you from that last place, don’t worry: we made sure to find somewhere with views in mind.
Beachcomber House, also set on Kangaroo Island, is situated high up, so you get an amazing vista over five kilometers of white sand beach lapped by the turquoise sea. It’s basically paradise, and you can see it from pretty much everywhere in the beach house.
The beach is great for just about everything: chilling on, boating, swimming, you name it. The house itself is open plan, with high ceilings and all the amenities you’ll need.
Iquique Hideaway | Best Beach House for Honeymooners
Situated in Victoria, this private cabin is ideal for honeymooners who want to get away from it all and be secluded. That said, it’s not far from civilization, with the town of Rye just a few minutes’ walk away. The house itself is nestled in two acres of native bush garden and is actually part of an adjoining national park.
Here you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves on your luxurious king-size bed, and spend mornings sipping coffee and bird-spotting. Nearby, enjoy kicking back at the famous Peninsula Hot Springs, or take a private path through the sand dunes down to the beach.
Blu Peter Penthouse | Most Beautiful Beach House in Australia
If you like your beach houses replete with perfectly curated design, then you’ll want to make a note of this place.
Situated in North Coogee, a suburb of Perth, this stunner of a property features a showstopper of a deck, making the most of space and really showcasing indoor-outdoor living. You won’t want to go back to living inside the whole time after staying here.
Like sunsets? Then you’ll love viewing them from here, either from the hammock or the hot tub.
Don’t Forget Your Australia Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Australia Beach House
There you have it: those were the best beach houses in Australia. It turns out that people there really know how to make staying by the sea an art form.
BBQs, decks, swimming pools, kayaks, surfboards, huge windows for panoramic sea views – it’s all here and it makes Australia easily one of the best places in the world for a beach vacation.
While it’s also not the cheapest place in the world, it’s very possible to stay in a beach house on a budget here. That makes things affordable for backpackers and families looking for a getaway alike. It’s a cliche, but it’s true, there’s something for everyone.
And while you’re here, there’s one last thing I’ll mention, and that’s travel insurance. If you’re traveling from outside Australia to enjoy all its beach house goodness, then you may want to consider getting yourself some insurance. You never know when you might need it.
