With summer’s arrival in Australia, it’s the perfect time to head down under for a break on one of the continent’s countless beaches. To help you choose which one, here are 10 seaside resorts—from Tasmania to Western Australia, tropical Queensland to the outskirts of Sydney—where comfort is king and the setting is spellbinding.
1. Best for Country Swagger: Drift House
Where: Victoria’s Great Ocean Road on the blustery southwest coast is known for its wide expanses of sand and epic surf breaks—and, thanks to Drift House, accommodation that you’ll never want to leave. Located at the far reaches of the scenic coastal strip, Drift House is set amid Port Fairy’s wide, slow streets lined with full-skirted Norfolk Island pines.
Why: A pilgrimage along the Great Ocean Road is enough of a reason to consider a visit to Drift House, its four individually designed rooms set over two floors of a bluestone building and crafted with just the right amount of color, salvaged timber, artwork by the owner, and bathrooms decorated with Japanese tiles—one also comes with a balcony overlooking the Moyne River and an open fireplace. Instead of a restaurant, expect generous breakfast hampers, which are best enjoyed by the pool. Music fans will want to visit in March for the Port Fairy Folk Festival.
Lay of the Sand: While the closest water is the Moyne River, which Drift House overlooks, Port Fairy’s long East Beach is just a short stroll away. Visitors can also cross a causeway to Griffiths Island, home to the town’s historic lighthouse and an important breeding ground for migratory shearwater birds from September to April annually.
61-3/5568-3309; doubles from US$268
