Sea breezes, a soundtrack of crashing waves, salt water, sandy feet; there’s no argument that staying by the beach is a slow-paced tonic for busy souls.
With a bounty of oceanside homes—some renovated, others in their retro glory—dotted across country, we’ve pulled together the ultimate list of the best beach shacks in Australia you can actually book. It’s time to make those summer dreams a reality!
OYSTER CATCHER
Huskisson, NSW
There are old school beach houses with small rooms and low ceilings, then there’s Oyster Catcher Huskisson — an architecturally designed, breeze-inviting, relaxed-living abode that is easily one of the very best beach shacks in Australia. Opening onto a huge timber deck and flanked by native plants, this home is somewhat hidden from the street, creating a sense of remoteness, despite being in a small-town on the south coast of New South Wales. Gather your swimmers, beach towel and favourite book and beeline to the end of the street for a morning spent bobbing in the crystal-clear waters of Huskisson Beach or further along, Moona Moona Creek. When hunger strikes, pop your sandals on and take a wander into town for a delicious pub feed at the local hotel where the beer and holiday vibes will be well and truly flowing.
KIRWOOD COASTAL
Blairgowrie, VIC
Bringing a 1940s shack into the modern world, Kirwood Coastal is a fresh, pastel-friendly, seaside sanctuary on the Mornington Peninsula. From white VJ walls, comfy furniture that’s not too precious and an outdoor area you’ll spend hours enjoying, if you’re looking for the best beach shacks near Melbourne, this Blairgowrie gem is favourite. While away your days at the beach and nights by the outdoor fire; and for every minute in between, there’s an authentic Japanese bathtub to soak in, books to comb through and games to fire up your competitive side.
WHALE SONG
Falmouth, TAS
A shoo-in when it comes to the best beach shacks in Australia you can actually stay at, this old fisherman’s hideout in Tasmania is well-known amongst slow travellers. Not only is Whale Song an oceanfront abode, but its sea-infused interior will pull you in with its brick fireplace, second-hand furniture and cosy, sun-filled nooks. Spot migrating whales from the couch, unwind to old-school vinyls or head down for a hot soak in the outdoor tub. If you’ve ever considered making the move to Tassie in search of a simpler way of life, this Slow Stay could tip you over the edge.
MAGGIE A-FRAME
Magnetic Island, QLD
If you’ve been dreaming of a tropical island getaway, where the sunsets are fluorescent orange, the waters are teeming with fish and palms are the closest thing you’ll come to a high-rise, then a stay at the welcoming Maggie A-frame is the Aussie beach shack for you. A short ferry ride from Townsville, it’ll be impossible not to be rocked into a state of chill before even stepping foot on the serene Magnetic Island. Use this cute self-contained a-frame as your base and spend your time lazing in the hammock, snorkelling, or hiking through bushland and spotting koalas or rock wallabies along the way.
CHAMBLS SHACK
Verona Sands, TAS
Mid-century modern aficionados will adore the retro vibes pulsating from this next beach shack. Exposed beams, floor-to-ceiling windows, plenty of timber and the original 70s kitchen combine to make Chambls Shack, in the Tasmanian seaside village of Verona Sands, the kind of memorable stay that can only come from a well-loved space. Hit the sandy beach below, gather round the firepit or dive into the deep sofas—word has it, they are so comfortable you’ll want to take them home.
DRIFT BEACH SHACK
Weymouth, TAS
Packed with personality, Drift Beach Shack is where coastal meets boho meets mid-century… and it works! After you’ve finishing ogling at the record collection, refurbished sofas, heavenly woollen throws and those ocean glimpses, get outside and explore Weymouth’s peaceful river and beach. Or, head a little further afield where mountain bike trails and wine-tasting await in Tassie’s stunning Tamar Valley.
