Beach and Beyond: Aussie Coastal Holidays with Amazing Inland Adventures

People are naturally wired for adventure. We grow from it, thrive on it, and bond because of it. Studies have shown, for instance, that one way to keep passion alive with a partner is to embrace ‘self-expanding activities’ together. Any activity that feels new, exciting, and challenging will do. Best of all, you don’t need to jump off a plane Tom Cruise-style, trek the Himalayas, or ski down a treacherous slope. Instead, consider heading to Australia, where you can lie on a sun-kissed beach at sunrise and visit a lush rainforest, ancient rock formation, or hidden waterfall before the sun sets. Below are just a few sandy spots where you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Esperance in Western Australia

Esperance is a postcard-perfect coastal town renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches, pristine waters, and impressive wildlife. It is home to numerous beaches, including Lucky Bay, a five-kilometre stretch of powdery white sand that kangaroos sometimes stop to play at. Wharton Beach is another favourite, as it boasts soft white sands, clear waters, and great surfing opportunities, with dolphins often joining surfers in the revelry.

Yet another beach to catch is Twilight Beach, with its stunning rock formations and gorgeous views. Once you’ve enjoyed your share of surfing and marine life observation, you can amp it up a bit with a visit to Cape Le Grand National Park, which is just a short drive (around 45 minutes) from Esperance Town. Le Grand is a wonderland of ancient rock formations, panoramic hiking trails, and wildflowers. Walk up to Frenchman Peak (a short, 3km hike) and take in the 360º views of the coast and the heathlands. There is a sizeable cave at the summit, where you can enjoy a bit of shady rest. 

For a longer-lasting adventure, embark on Le Grand Coastal Trail, a 15km trail that leads to one of the area’s most famous whale-watching spots. Along the way, you will take in the beauty of coastal cliffs and, if you visit in the springtime, dazzling wildflowers in bloom. You can also visit Lake Hillier, a bubblegum pink lake whose hue can be attributed to a combination of the microalgae Dunaliella salina and high salt levels! Another choice is to book a helicopter ride to enjoy aerial views of Cape Le Grand, Lucky Bay and over 100 islands scattered offshore.

Narooma in New South Wales

Narooma is known for clean, clear beaches, such as Bar Beach South (a popular choice for SUP enthusiasts), Handkerchief Beach (ideal for picnics), and Surf Beach (known for its relatively uncrowded, relaxed surfing experience). If you’re planning on spending endless days in search of top waves, bring your wetsuit for greater portection.

When it comes to swimwear Australia also has numerous styles, including hybrid swimwear for cold-water swims. Bring a sturdy pair of boots as well, as Narooma also has all the land-based adventures a traveller could seek. Just 20 minutes away is Gulaga Mountain, a sacred site for the Yuin people with great spiritual significance.

If you’re up for a 14km hike to remember, take the track that starts at Tilba Tilba and keep walking until you encounter lush rainforest, moss-covered granite boulders, and wildlife such as koalas, wallabies, echidnas, lizards, and geckos. Narooma and its surroundings are known as a hotspot for bird lovers thanks to their wide range of habitats—open bush, rainforests, wetlands, and coastlines. Bird species to watch out for include lyrebirds, black cockatoos, king parrots, rosellas, bowerbirds, and sea eagles.

If you’re into camping, there are many bush camping spots near Narooma. Just a 15-minute drive away is Mystery Bay Campground, with a stunning eucalypti forest on the coast. Expect to encounter sugar gliders, possums, and boobook owls by night.

The Bodalla Forest Rest Area, located within a tall spotted gum forest, is also nearby. Frogs, nocturnal birds, and marsupials call this area home. You can also camp at the base of Gulaga Mountain or head to Eurobodalla National Park, which has two famed camping grounds (Lake Brou and Congo) and a host of wildlife, such as wallabies, owls, bats, and goannas.

Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia

Exmouth is the main town on the tip of the North West Cape, while Ningaloo Reef stretches along the Coast, offshore from Exmouth and Coral Bay. At Ningaloo Reef, you can swim with whale sharks, enjoy snorkelling and diving expeditions, and spot manta rays and humpback whales in the wild.

Coral Bay, to the south of Exmouth, is a laidback town where you can also embark on snorkelling adventures or ride in a glass-bottom boat. If you’re up for an even more active experience, head to Exmouth & Cape Range National Park, kayaking through its steep-sided canyon with its stunning red cliffs or hiking across the rim of Yardie Creek Gorge.

At Pebble Beach and Osprey Bay, you can catch wild emus and enjoy a refreshing swim before you head back home. This area also has multiple camping sites. Head to Osprey Bay, Mesa, or Tulki Beach to enjoy a peaceful sleep beneath the blazing stars. 

Port Lincoln in South Australia

If you associate Australia with the great white shark, then you simply cannot miss out on Port Lincoln, a rugged area known for its impressive cliffs. Cage dive with great white sharks, safe from their bite but close enough to witness their power and grace.

If you’re lucky, you’ll also catch seals basking and dolphins swimming. Beyond the beach, head to Lincoln National Park and enjoy a four-wheel-drive ride through sand dunes or hike along coastal trails like the 2.3km return Stamford Hill Hike, which will lead you to a beautiful lookout over Boston Bay. From here, catch the sunset and take the kind of photographs that will stun your followers on the ‘Gram. 

For a longer trail, try Donington Loop, which is 6.3km in length and which features a walk along the coast with beach, bush, and lighthouse views. While you’re walking, look out for wildlife such as western grey kangaroos, emus, and goannas, particularly in the Cape Donington Lighthouse area. 

Apollo Bay in Victoria

Apollo Bay is known as a relaxed surf town along the Great Ocean Road. It is set at the foothills of the Otways on the lands of the Eastern Maar People. The Bay has pristine water where you can swim, dive, surf, kayak, and paddle. Land lovers will also be spoiled for choice, as they can opt for horse-riding adventures, shopping, or driving to the Otways to discover mainland Australia’s oldest lighthouse. If you’re into bikinis Australia is the place to show them off and shop for more items for your collection.

When it comes to bathers Australia is known for brand that prioritize sustainability and durability. This is, after all, one of the sunniest spots in the globe, a place where fashion is nees to protect skin from the ozone layer as much as it needs to look chic and on-trend. Apollo Bay has many cute stores where you will find swimwear in the latest colours and cuts. There are great stores for kids, too, so make sure to take at least one item home to impress friends and loved ones.

If you love walking, head to the nearby rainforest, where you will find verdant fern gullies and romantic waterfalls. You can also enjoy an exhilarating mountain bike ride along the ranges or walk amid the treetops along the Otway Fly and have a bird’s eye view of the majestic Otway Ranges.

Wildlife lovers will also be spoiled for choice. Just a few animals to look for are gentle koalas, elusive platypuses, and golden glowworms. If you’re visiting in May, and you’re a marathon runner, take note! The Great Ocean Road Marathon takes place, offering panoramic views of the ocean and attracting runners from across the globe.

There are many camping grounds to choose from, including BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park, Marengo Family Caravan Park, and Apollo Bay Camp Grounds. If you’re staying with family, know that some of these parks have kid-friendly playgrounds, heated pools, light shows, and other features that can make your stay extra special. 

Jervis Bay in New South Wales

Jervis Bay, located just two-and-a-half hours from Sydney, is home to stunning bioluminescent beaches, which are illuminated by the presence of Noctiluca scintillans, a marine species commonly known as “sea sparkle.” Beaches where you can observe these phenomena include Barfleur Beach, Hyams Beach, Blenheim Beach, Scottish Rocks, and Orion Beach.

Although bioluminescence can occur at any time of the year, it is more common during warmer months, especially after rainfall (since nutrient runoff stimulates the growth of Noctiluca scintillans). The best time to visit these beaches is during the nighttime, when the beach is at its darkest. The beach definitely isn’t the only place to experience a sensation of wonder. Head to Booderee National Park, where you will find Australia’s only Aboriginal-owned botanic garden.

Go hiking along Munji Track or the Streamers Beach Trail, or head to the Cape St George Lighthouse for stunning ocean cliff views. Jervis Bay National Park has a host of trails to choose from as well. These include White Sands Walk (a coastal walk that winds inland through the bush) and Scribbly Gum Track (where you can photograph the unique-looking bark of the scribbly gum tree as well as colourful parrots in the trees). 

Like all the other beach villages and towns mentioned, there are many camp grounds where you have both beach access and bush surrounds. Finally, if you’d like to learn more about Aboriginal culture, join a Koori-led bushwalk and learn about traditional land care, bush food, and Dreaming stories linked to the area.

Australia is home to world-famous beaches, but those covered in traditional media typically only scratch the surface. There are many more secluded beaches that may fly under the radar. As you have seen, there are numerous choices for families wishing to enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife-watching adventures inland. Therefore, wherever you decide to go, make sure you don’t miss out on the best your chosen area has to offer.

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Contributor: Charlotte Danzig