“I’ve heard people say, ‘This is what the Mornington Peninsula used to be like,’” Wightman said. “So now they’re looking for something further out because the Mornington Peninsula is so busy now.”
Attractions include hikes, fishing, charter boat tours and restaurants, while there are medical facilities, sporting clubs, schools and youth groups, she said.
“We live where people holiday,” she said.
She said entry-level houses started from $600,000, while a more spacious block might fetch $900,000 to $1 million.
2. The Farm
Shellharbour, NSW
Kiama – Shellharbour SA3 median house price: $932,500
The Farm at Shellharbour.Credit: Andy Zakeli
Killalea Beach, known as The Farm, is in the Killalea Regional Park.
It’s near Shellharbour and the suburb of Shell Cove, where attractions included a golf course and marina, said Adam McGrath, Ray White Shellharbour City and South Wollongong managing director.
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He said Shellharbour Village was the most popular spot to buy, and buyers were coming from nearby Sydney, the Southern Highlands and even Canberra, drawn to nature, surfing, watercraft activities, schools and easy access to the city.
”Water fronts, the highest prices are now hitting around that $7 million mark,” he said.
Less than three kilometres away, houses traded for $500,000 to $600,000, he said.
3. Cockle Creek
Huon Valley, Tasmania
Huon – Bruny Island SA3 median house price: $610,000
One for the true nature lovers, Cockle Creek in the far south of Tasmania sits almost at the edge of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area, a 120-kilometre drive south of Hobart.
Hamlets to the north include Recherche, Ida Bay, Lune River and Hastings, but few properties come up for sale.
4. Madfish Bay
Great Southern, WA
Denmark (suburb) median house price: $535,000
Madfish Bay is a five-hour drive from Perth on the south coast of WA, in William Bay National Park. Visitors can snorkel or fish in the sheltered bay.
The nearby town of Denmark attracted new arrivals from across Australia, Carters Real Estate Denmark licensee and director Ian Carter said.
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“We still have a villagey kind of atmosphere, and we’re 70 per cent national park and state forest, so if you’re into a tree change it ticks so many boxes,” he said.
He said entry-level homes cost $500,000 to $600,000, while a small acreage could cost $600,000 to $1 million and five acre-plus properties might fetch $750,000 to $1.5 million.
5. Pulu Blan Madar island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are a six-hour flight from Perth in the Indian Ocean, and offer stunning white sand beaches, jungles, birdwatching, snorkelling, fishing and kitesurfing.
Two of the 27 islands are inhabited – West Island and Home Island – but Pulu Blan Madar island can be reached on a motorised canoe tour.
6. Cylinder Beach
North Stradbroke Island, Queensland
Cleveland – Stradbroke SA3 median house price: $770,000
Homes in the Point Lookout area close to Cylinder Beach on Stradbroke Island, off the coast of Brisbane, are tightly held and buyers need deep pockets.
Cylinder Beach on Stradbroke Island made the list of top beaches in Australia.Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Dolphin Real Estate principal and director Olivia Cole said many vendors held their properties for 40 years plus, and she had a waiting list of cash buyers.
She sold a vacant lot of less than 600 square metres above Cylinder Beach in December for $3.5 million. Buyers in the “golden triangle” of Hopewell, Cutter and Prosperity Streets could pay $5 million plus.
“I think Straddie’s been undervalued for a long time,” she said, praising the pristine beaches, views and laid-back feel.
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“It’s what Byron and Noosa were 30 years ago.”
7. Lagoon Beach
Lord Howe Island, NSW
Lord Howe Island is a two-hour flight from Sydney, and Lagoon Beach in the north is ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Holiday home hunters may be disappointed, as land on the island is owned by the Crown, then offered in perpetual lease. Non-islanders can acquire a lease only in limited circumstances.
8. Long Beach
Robe, South Australia
Limestone Coast SA3 median house price: $400,000
Long Beach is close to the Victorian border and the west-facing beach is ideal to swim or surf, and allows visitors to drive their cars onto the sand.
In nearby Robe, houses have sold this year at every price point from $420,000 for an entry-level three-bedroom house to $2.95 million for a four-bedroom house on the beachfront.
9. Cow Bay
Far North Queensland
Port Douglas – Daintree median house price: $762,500
Cow Bay is north of Port Douglas on the edge of the Daintree Rainforest, near local eco-retreats and bed and breakfasts.
You can fish and walk on the beach, or enjoy the rainforest tours and cafes. But check with locals before swimming as there have been crocodile sightings.
10. Casuarina Beach
Darwin, NT
Darwin median house price: $640,806
Watch the stunning sunsets over the water in Darwin’s Casuarina Beach, or enjoy the views of white sands and clear waters.
Just be aware of local jellyfish and crocodile sightings.
The suburbs of Brinkin, Tiwi, Lyons and Muirhead are close to Casuarina Beach. Muirhead has a median house price of $727,500.
