Seven Easy Coastal Escapes to Book When a Change of Scenery Is Calling

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The beauty of a coastal getaway is that it doesn't always need a detailed plan. Days tend to unfold a little differently when you've got time for an extra swim, settle in for a long lunch just because, or follow a recommendation from a local that the guidebooks don't know about yet.

In partnership with Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites, we've rounded up some of our favourite places for a coastal recharge. From tropical Far North Queensland to laidback beach towns further south, these properties are designed for travellers looking to make the most of a few days away without overcomplicating things.

Oaks Port Douglas Resort

Amid tropical surrounds just outside the heart of town, Oaks Port Douglas Resort makes a strong case for slowing the pace right down in Far North Queensland. The sprawling lagoon-style pool is the obvious centrepiece here — complete with a swim-up bar and plenty of space to stretch out between dips — while the onsite spa and Oak & Vine restaurant make it very easy to settle into holiday mode without leaving the property.

Rooms range from hotel-style keys to larger apartment setups with kitchenettes and balconies — and every single room comes with either a balcony or a courtyard, making the resort equally suited to a couple's escape as it is to longer family getaways. And with Four Mile Beach, the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef all nearby, it's well positioned for travellers who like having a few options once they arrive. Find out more here.

Avani Mooloolooba Beach

Positioned just across from the shoreline, Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel is ideally situated for a Sunshine Coast getaway. The spacious apartment-style stays come with balconies, kitchen facilities and ocean views in select rooms, while the rooftop pool, spa and sauna offer an equally tempting alternative to the beach directly outside.

You won't need to venture too far once it's time for a drink or a bite to eat, either. At Sully's Rooftop, days drift easily from sunny breakfasts into sunset cocktails overlooking the ocean, while downstairs, the Lobby Bar keeps things relaxed with coffee and casual drinks throughout the day. For something moodier after dark, First Avenue Cellar & Bar brings a more intimate feel to the mix with curated wines, cocktails and a polished late-night atmosphere that taps into the Sunshine Coast's growing dining and bar scene. And with the esplanade, surf beach and a long lineup of cafes and seafood spots all within walking distance, it's the kind of stay where plans can happily stay loose for a few days. Find out more here.

Oaks Salamander Bay

Set between bushland and the water in Port Stephens and just a 10-minute drive to Nelson Bay, Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort is the kind of place made for long, lazy days spent mostly poolside. The sprawling lagoon pool — one of the largest pools in Australia — winds through the centre of the property, and features heated spas and direct access from select swim-out rooms, while larger apartment-style stays come with private courtyards and plunge pools for travellers keen to carve out their own little setup. There's also a heated lap pool, tennis court, gym and steam room onsite, plus relaxed dining at Laguna Blu when nobody feels like cooking. Find out more here.

Oaks Calypso Plaza

Perched on the edge of Coolangatta Beach, Oaks Calypso Plaza places you within easy reach of some of the Gold Coast's best surf breaks, cafes and laidback coastal energy. The resort's lagoon-style pool — complete with its own sandy edges and spa — sets the tone for slow afternoons between beach swims, while apartment-style rooms with balconies and kitchen facilities offer plenty of space to spread out.

Step outside and you're moments from oceanfront walks and the buzzing dining scene around Coolangatta and Kirra. For travellers chasing a classic Southeast Queensland escape without the pace of central Surfers Paradise, this spot hits a particularly sweet balance. Find out more here.

Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort

Tucked between Cabarita Beach and Kingscliff on northern New South Wales' Tweed Coast, Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort leans fully into a slower, more tropical style of coastal escape. Inspired by Balinese design, the property centres around two serene pool spaces — the expansive Grand Pool, perfect for long afternoons in the sun, and the quieter Balinese Garden Pool, set among tropical greenery for a more secluded dip.

Spacious suites come with oversized balconies, spa baths and full kitchen facilities designed for stretching out over a few easy days away, while the onsite restaurant, Spice Den, keeps the atmosphere going well into the evening with Southeast Asian share plates and cocktails. It's the kind of stay that naturally encourages slower mornings and lazy afternoons where all you need to work on is your tan. Find out more here.

Oaks Vue Suites Geelong

Positioned just back from the waterfront in the centre of town, Oaks Vue Suites Geelong makes a smart base for long weekends built around good food, coastal walks and scenic day trips along Victoria's Surf Coast. The apartment-style stays are neat, modern and generously sized, with many featuring bay views, kitchen facilities and balconies that make settling in for a few days especially appealing.

From here, you're within walking distance of Geelong's thriving cafe and dining scene and the city's popular waterfront promenade, while the Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road are a short drive away for those keen to keep exploring. It's an ideal option for travellers wanting a coastal escape that balances city convenience with beachside energy. Find out more here.

Avani Broadbeach

In the heart of Broadbeach and just a short walk from the sand, Avani Broadbeach Residences strikes a balance between beachside relaxation and Gold Coast energy. The apartment-style stays are spacious and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows, full kitchens and balconies designed to stretch a weekend into something a little longer, while the resort's pool (set to a balmy 28C all year round), spa, sauna and tennis give you every excuse to slow the pace between outings.

Downstairs, Cora brings Mediterranean-inspired dining to the property, while neighbouring venue The Beach Hotel keeps things casual with cocktails, live music and elevated pub fare. And with Pacific Fair, the light rail and Broadbeach's dining scene all right nearby, it's a strong option for travellers wanting a coastal getaway where everything feels close at hand. Find out more here.

To start planning your next coastal getaway, head to the Oaks website.