Dreaming of sandy toes and coastal views without breaking the bank? Look no further! We’re rounding up Australia’s cheapest beach towns, so you can make your oceanside dreams a reality.
Australia’s best coastal towns are highly sought-after, leading to high property prices. However, affordable options exist. Explore towns with budget-friendly beach properties and consider purchasing coastal land to build your dream home.
Median house prices in the cheapest beach towns in Australia
| Cheapest Beach Towns | Mid-Range Beach Towns | Higher-End Beach Towns |
|---|---|---|
| Cardwell, QLD ($365,000) | Mission Beach, QLD ($550,000) | Eden, NSW ($725,000) |
| Geraldton, WA ($349,500) | Stuarts Point, NSW ($625,000) | Cowes, VIC ($780,000) |
| Strahan, TAS ($360,000) | Windale, NSW ($625,000) | Coffs Harbour, NSW ($759,000) |
| West End, WA ($320,000) | Venus Bay, VIC ($600,000) | |
| Ardrossan, SA ($372,500) | Penguin, TAS ($520,000) | |
| Portland, VIC ($430,000) | Port Lincoln, SA ($460,000) | |
| Sarina Beach, QLD ($530,000) |
Now let’s explore these amazing beach towns in Australia.
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- The Cheapest Houses in Australia
- The Cheapest Sydney Suburbs
- 6 Properties Under $200k On Sale Right Now
Cheap Beach Towns in New South Wales
Sydney isn’t the only cool place in the state. The best NSW coastal towns to live are actually affordable!
Eden NSW
- Sold price of this house: $600,000
- Median home price: $725,000
Known for its spectacular nature, Eden sits on the Sapphire Coast of NSW. You’re 476 kilometres south of Sydney and 553 kilometres east of Melbourne here which makes Eden the last major town on the NSW coast.
But perhaps if you’re looking to be frugal, this is the kind of distance you need to take. And if the outdoors is also a deciding factor, this is a pretty sweet spot for you. You’re in close access to beautiful parks, with surfing, diving and fishing calling out to you all summer long.
Add Eden to your interested areas on your Soho profile so you don’t miss out on any cheap beach houses for rent coming onto market.
Check out more real estate for sale in Eden NSW.
Stuarts Point NSW
- Sold price of this house: $800,000
- Median home price: $625,000
Once a fishing port, the town is now a great, cheap getaway destination for Sydney-siders. About a five-hour drive from the city is this warm, charming town with a beach, a river as well as blue water fishing spots.
And your search will be over when you discover this new contemporary beach house. Positioned in a peaceful cul de sac surrounded by quality homes, the residence sits on a fair-sized block offering yard access for your boat and van.
If a relaxed lifestyle in a coastal location halfway between Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie sounds appealing, this property is worthy of your inspection.
If you’re looking for cheap beach houses for sale in NSW, Stuarts Point should definitely be on your list.
Check out more real estate for sale in Stuarts Point NSW.
Windale NSW
- Price Range for this house: $730,000 – $800,000
- Median home price: $625,000
Windale offers a balance of urban conveniences and a peaceful community atmosphere. The suburb is located in the city of Lake Macquarie and is known for its leafy streets and friendly neighbours.
Windale has a variety of local amenities such as supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants. Additionally, it’s close to the city of Newcastle which is known for its vibrant cultural scene and offers access to more extensive shopping and entertainment options.
Just a short 7-minute drive from Redhead Beach, you have all the convenience of a beachside town without the price tag.
Like the sold property we featured? Check out more properties for sale in Windale NSW.
Coffs Harbour NSW
- Price Range for this house : $190,000
- Median home price: $759,000
While Coffs Harbour is quickly gaining traction in the real estate market, the prices are still reasonable for what the town offers—pristine nature, community spirit, and a restaurant scene that’s slowly and surely blossoming.
Many activities you can participate in are free of charge with whale watching, hiking and fishing as some of the best entertainment.
Coffs Harbour has its airport, so if you own real estate in Sydney and are looking for a vacation home, you’d be able to get there in an hour.
Having grown 14% in property value over the past 12 months, Coffs Harbour won’t remain affordable for long. Which is why this 2-bedroom property for just $220,000 is a steal. Act quickly before it’s gone!
See more available properties in Coffs Harbour NSW.
Cheap Beach Towns in QLD
Some of the cheapest coastal towns in Queensland are amongst our favourites!
Cardwell QLD
- Sold Price: $315,000
- Median home price: $365,000
To many, Cardwell is simply a holiday destination. Being the only coastal town between Townsville and Cairns, there’s quite a bit of distance from major towns. But you can definitely check out Cardwell to explore cheap beach houses for sale in Queensland.
But perhaps that’s exactly what you’re looking for. It’s a hop away from Hinchinbrook Island, known for its stunning beaches and soft, sandy shores. And we just love how this house makes you feel like you’re on a vacation all year-long.
Check out more properties for sale in Cardwell QLD.
Mission Beach QLD
- Sold price for this house: $510,000
- Median home price: $550,000
At Mission Beach, your closest big cities are Townsville and Cairns. But with 14 kilometres of gorgeous beach, perhaps nature will be a bigger priority.
Slow-living is synonymous with the name of this town. No crowds, no big commercial stores, and no traffic lights. Unlike perhaps the hustle and bustle of living in Brisbane at the opposite end of the state, Mission Beach allows you to be completely enveloped by nature.
Check out more properties for sale in Mission Beach QLD.
Sarina Beach QLD
- Price Range for this house: $430,000
- Median home price: $530,000
Golden sand and nesting turtles are what Sarina Beach is known for. But other draws often overlooked are the warm and friendly neighbours as well as the clean, green surroundings.
Sarina Beach is generally considered more affordable than larger coastal towns or popular tourist destinations in Queensland.
Housing prices are lower, however, the overall cost of living may be influenced by the need to travel for some services and amenities.
Check out more properties for sale in Sarina Beach QLD.
Cheap Beach Towns in VIC
If you’re looking cheap beach houses for sale in Victoria, you’ll find them in suburbs like Portland and Venus Bay.
Now, they might not be the cheapest beach towns to live in the world, with a median price around $500,000, but they are some of the most affordable in the state.
Portland VIC
Median home price: $430,000
Portland is one of the most budget-friendly Victorian coastal towns. Originally a European settlement, the town is charming and historic, with beautifully restored buildings in the main areas. That’s why it attracts a lot of holiday-goers.
It has a lively community, thanks to thriving, robust industries like fishing, aluminium and wool. Real estate is more affordable compared to other coastal areas and you’re in easy access to some of the best hiking trails and surfing waves in the region.
Check out more real estate for sale in Portland VIC.
Venus Bay
- Price Range for this house: $520,000
- Median home price: $600,000
Living in Venus Bay, Victoria, Australia offers a serene coastal experience that captivates residents with its natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle. It’s also one of the cheapest beachside suburbs in Victoria!
Nestled along the picturesque coastline, this charming seaside town boasts pristine sandy beaches, perfect for leisurely strolls and refreshing swims. And… if you look hard enough, Venus Bay is where you could get a beach home in Victoria for $275k!
Surrounded by lush coastal vegetation and rolling sand dunes, residents can enjoy an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Venus Bay exudes a strong sense of community, with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that fosters connections among neighbors.
With its tranquil surroundings, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking sunsets, Venus Bay provides a tranquil haven for those seeking a peaceful coastal escape in the heart of Victoria.
Why is Venus Bay so cheap? It could be a little more remote than other beach towns but you still have access to all the amenities you’d need!
Explore more real estate for sale in Venus Bay VIC.
Cowes VIC
- Sold price for this house: $649,000
- Median home price: $780,000
Cowes ticks a lot of our boxes. Affordability, primarily. But perhaps not for long as more people are seeing the draw in its natural beauty and convenience.
With the car ferry connecting Phillip Island to Mornington Peninsula, you’re that much closer to the city if you need it.
And another box it checks is its nature, naturally. With wildlife parks, lovely beaches, and the iconic Penguin Parade.
Check out more properties for sale in Cowes VIC.
Cheap Beach Towns in South Australia
Port Lincoln SA
- Price Range for this house: 335,000
- Median home price: $460,000
Touted as Australia’s seafood capital, Port Lincoln is also one of the more affordable beach towns on our list. Living here would offer you some of the country’s most captivating natural gems at your doorstep.
And this affordable coastal town in South Australia is truly gaining in popularity, with a 20% in house price growth over the past 12 months. So you should get in quick!
You can spend the weekend here spending nothing at all—starting and ending in Lincoln National Park. But don’t let the simple name fool you—it’s teeming with opportunities to boat, swim, birdwatch, whale watch and hike across verdant terrain.
Check out more properties for sale in Port Lincoln SA.
Ardrossan SA
- Sold price for this house: $260,000
- Median home price: $372,500
Friendly, safe, secure—these are some of the words used to describe Ardrossan. We’d also add affordable to that list, with the town being one of the cheapest in the country. Adelaide is a 50-minute drive away so access to the airport is fairly easy.
Community spirit is again one of the highlights in this South Australian beach town. But you’ll also find it a delightful mix of both holiday destination and port town.
Check out more properties for sale in Androssan SA.
Cheap Beach Towns in Western Australia
Geraldton WA
- Price Range for this house: $190,000
- Median home price: $349,500
If you’re looking for cheap beach houses for sale in WA, you might find them in the coastal city of Geraldton. It is the fourth-largest city in the state, with a population of over 32,000 people.
The city is known for its beautiful beaches, fishing, and its proximity to the Abrolhos Islands, a group of 122 islands located about 60 kilometers offshore.
Geraldton is a vibrant and growing city, with a lot to offer its residents and visitors. The city is home to a number of parks and gardens, as well as a variety of museums and art galleries.
Geraldton is also home to a number of sporting facilities, including a golf course, a swimming pool, and a number of sporting clubs.
As one of the cheapest beach towns in Australia, it is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. The suburb has a lot to offer its residents, and it is a great place to call home.
Explore more real estate for sale in Geraldton WA.
West End WA
- Price Range for this house: $180,000
- Median home price: $320,000
West End is one of the most affordable WA coastal towns and also a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and sunbathing. The suburb is also home to a number of walking trails that offer stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding countryside.
West End is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Western Australia. The suburb is also a convenient place to live, as it is just a short drive from the city centre.
West End is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. The suburb has a lot to offer its residents, and it is a great place to call home.
Explore more available real estate for sale in West End WA.
Cheap Beach Towns in Tasmania
Penguin TAS
- Price Range for this house: $429,500
- Median home price: $520,000
Penguin is a charming coastal town located on the north-west coast of Tasmania, approximately 17 kilometers east of Burnie. Named after the fairy penguin colonies that inhabit the area, this small town offers a unique blend of seaside living and rural charm.
The town has a relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere typical of small Tasmanian coastal settlements. Residents enjoy access to basic amenities including local shops, cafes, and a supermarket. The larger nearby towns of Burnie and Devonport provide additional services and facilities within easy driving distance.
Housing prices tend to be lower than in major cities or popular tourist destinations, potentially making it an attractive option for retirees, first-time homebuyers, or those seeking a sea change on a budget.
Explore more available real estate for sale in Penguin TAS.
Strahan, TAS
- Price Range for this house: $360,000
- Median home price: $360,000
Strahan is a small port town located on the west coast of Tassie, on the shores of Macquarie Harbour. Known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and as a gateway to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Strahan offers a unique living experience for those seeking a remote and picturesque location.
The town is surrounded by temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, and pristine waterways.
The historic charm of the town, with its well-preserved architecture, adds to its appeal and provides a strong sense of community and connection to the past.
However, Strahan’s remote location can also present challenges. The town has limited amenities compared to larger urban centers, with basic services such as a small supermarket, a few restaurants, and essential healthcare facilities.
The climate in Strahan is cool and wet, with significant rainfall throughout the year. While this contributes to the lush surrounding wilderness, it may not appeal to everyone and could affect liveability for those accustomed to warmer or drier climates.
Explore more available real estate for sale in Strahan TAS.
Like what you’re reading?
If you’re looking for a beachfront property for sale under $200,000, or cheap houses for sale in Hervey Bay QLD, we’ve got that too.
Now that you’re well informed on Australia’s cheapest beach towns, have you set up your match profile on Soho? Our algorithm learns what you like and sends you better properties so remember to swipe and shortlist!
But don’t just stop there, download the app to get the full Soho experience. And if you’re looking for more advice on buying your first home, check out our piece on what to consider first!
FAQ Section on The Cheapest Beach Towns in Australia
What is the cheapest coastal town to live in Australia?
The cheapest coastal towns in Australia are San Remo and Eden in New South Wales, with median house prices around $690,000. In Victoria, Cowes and Portland are budget-friendly, while Bicheno in Tasmania offers more affordable home prices.
What is the cheapest beachside suburb in Queensland?
Barney Point is one of Queensland’s most affordable beach suburbs. Located about 3.5 kilometers from the Gladstone region’s CBD, it had a population of 1,065 as per the 2021 census. For those seeking cheap beach houses in Queensland, Barney Point is a notable option.
Where is the cheapest place to live by the sea?
Affordable seaside locations include Orkney, Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire, Rhyl in Denbighshire, Lowestoft in Suffolk, Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex, Bridlington in East Yorkshire, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea in Northumberland, and Mablethorpe in Lincolnshire.
Where is the lowest cost of living in Australia?
The cheapest places to live in Australia include Adelaide, known for its food and wine culture; Cairns in northern Queensland; Sunshine Coast; Geelong; and Perth. These areas offer relatively lower costs of living compared to other Australian cities.
