Quiet Pacific Palms, a three-and-a-half-hour drive north of Sydney, has some of the most underrated beaches in NSW and two national parks – Booti Booti National Park and Wallingat National Park. Spend your days surfing and snorkelling at Blueys Beach before tackling the Booti Hill and Wallis Lake Walking Track, which runs alongside both the ocean and the lake. After a day in the wilderness, make yourself at home in one of the guestrooms at Pacific Palms Resort – some include kitchens and balconies with mountain views.

Nestled on the Mornington Peninsula, about a 90-minute drive south of Melbourne, Sorrento’s calm beaches are ideal for a family-friendly paddle. Grab a coffee and berry-topped ricotta hotcake from local favourite Stringers then take a stroll down Ocean Beach Road, the town’s main strip, which is lined with shops in historic limestone buildings. The recently refurbished InterContinental Sorrento makes for a chic base during your stay, offering five-star accommodation in a heritage-listed building with sweeping views of the township and Sorrento Beach.

Arguably most famous for its dazzling landscape, this area of the Kimberley region also produces some of the finest pearls in the world. See how technicians seed and harvest the pearls on a heli-farm tour at Willie Creek Pearl Farm, which includes a scenic flight, boat cruise, a pearling masterclass and lunch. Whether you’re on a romantic getaway or holidaying with kids, the Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa, the only beachfront resort in Broome, is the ideal spot to relax and view the spectacular sunset.

Lorne has long been a playground for boardriders, campers and leisure seekers. The seaside town (just a two-hour drive from Melbourne on the majestic Great Ocean Road) has plenty to offer, including bushwalks through the Otways, fishing from the iconic pier and that glorious beach. Take a lunchtime pitstop at Pizza Pizza for tasty pizzas and settle in for the evening at the relaxed Ocean House, a sleek five-bedroom concrete-and-timber tribute to the Surf Coast landscape.

It’s coastal Australia but not as you know it. A two-hour flight north of Perth brings you to Exmouth and the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. March to July is the peak season for swimming with whale sharks, while summer is ideal for snorkelling through the coral, keeping an eye out for sea turtles. On land, the Cape Range National Park spans about 50,000 hectares and its limestone ranges offer incredible hiking and wildlife spotting. Look out for emus, echidnas and black-flanked rock wallabies.

This sub-tropical town three hours north of Brisbane is named after its distinctive multi-coloured sand dunes. Admire the dunes while walking the Carlo Sandblow track, which also offers fantastic views over the coast to K’gari (Fraser Island). After a day exploring the seascape, head to the Rainbow Beach Hotel for a hearty selection of classic pub favourites such as chargrilled steak, pizza and pasta.

Drive two-and-a-half hours north-east of Hobart and you’ll reach the charming town of Bicheno. Experience the magic of nearby Governor Island Marine Reserve, a haven for divers, where, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot dolphins, draughtboard sharks and rock lobsters. Visit the spectacular Bicheno Blowhole before sunset for great photo opportunities then stay back for an after-dark excursion with Bicheno Penguin Tours, where you’ll get within metres of the little guys.

Nhulunbuy is an excellent base for exploring East Arnhem Land. Immerse yourself in the culture of the Yolngu people, who have inhabited this area for more than 60,000 years, with a First Nations-run tour — you'll gain insight into the local Yolngu culture with immersion into their stories and special connection to the land and sea. Sleep under the stars at one of many secluded camping spots including Walkabout Lodge, which has 12 powered camping sites on its grounds.

The Ultimate Way to Experience the Kimberley