5 lazy coastal towns to rejuvenate in this spring

With spring having well and truly arrived, it’s time to head to the coast and find your incredible coastal paradise to laze away the days in. Australia is full of sleepy little towns by the ocean, where the days stretch into long, quiet evenings, and the only hustle and bustle on the main road is the magpies and kookaburras singing for you. Check out our list of the best coastal towns to send your relaxation through the roof this spring.

Blueys Beach - NSW

Bearing no relation to our favourite kids TV show, Blueys Beach can be found just south of Forster in the Myall Lakes region. Surrounded by rolling green hills and backed by crumbling dunes, the beach that lends the town its name is a quintessential NSW gem. Blueys is a hit with the families, and with plenty of space to spread out, there’s stacks of room to set up a game of cricket, throw a frisbee or just sit back and take it all in. Kembali Cafe is your stop for a morning coffee and a bite to eat before your day of rejuvenating begins. After a swim and a bit of lounging on the beach, head up to Boomerang Point Lookout to catch views of Blueys and neighbouring Boomerang Beach. A top spot for sunset, the lookout is a short walk from the main road and the path is well maintained. If you’re looking for a laid back way to spend the evening, the Pacific Palms Recreation Club is a short drive away on the side of Wallis Lake where you can sip a cold one and watch the sun go down over the lake.

Bowen - QLD

If you’re heading up to the Whitsundays but you want a little more space to yourself away from the crowds, the quaint little town of Bowen might just be your perfect stop. The North Queensland town is a short drive north of Airlie Beach, and brings all the tropical vibes you’re looking for without the crush of the crowds. There’s very few ways to better rejuvenate yourself than a tropical beach, and Bowen has plenty of them. Horseshoe Bay Beach is the locals' pick, and it’s not hard to see why when you step onto the pearly white sands of this little cove. Nearby Rose Bay Beach is dog-friendly, while Queens Beach is popular for fishing. After you’ve spent the morning catching the sun in paradise, head down to Le Sorelle Coffee House where you can fill yourself up with a big brekky and a classic Queensland milkshake. Spend the afternoon wandering the streets of the quiet town, finding thrift stores and cute cafes before learning some local history at Bowen Historical Society & Museum.

Lorne - VIC

Let Lorne be your one stop shop for relaxation, culture and cuisine this spring. This thriving coastal community a few hours south of Melbourne punches well above its weight with a well-established arts scene, and your rejuvenation journey begins at Qdos Fine Arts, an incredible blend of gallery, cafe and sculpture park where you can wander to your heart's content and enjoy some of Victoria's best artwork amongst the towering forest. Spend the afternoon at Lorne-Queenscliff Coastal Reserve , where you can play mini golf, skateboard, swim and check out the Big Paper Plane. Grab dinner at Ipsos , showcasing the freshest seafood of the south-east coast with a Mediterranean twist.

Denmark - WA

Copenhagen is great, but it’s notoriously difficult to drive a van there from the Australian mainland. Our version of Denmark is tucked away on the Rainbow Coast of WA and is virtually untouched by tourists in the springtime. Boasting verdant forests and sprawling egg-white beaches that meet to create an idyllic and rejuvenating environment, you won’t want to miss this little town as you traverse the Western state. Start your day with an early morning paddle along the gentle azure waters from Rivermouth Paddle Boat and Kayak , exploring the majestic coastline at your own pace under pale blue skies. Once you’ve had your fill of being atop the water, get amongst it at Greens Pools where you can frolic in crystal clear waters on your path to springtime rejuvenation. Lunch should see you at Boston Brewing & Willoughby Park Winery , with a generous grassy area for you to sit in the sun and taste some of the best beers and wines of the local region. Finish off your perfect day with a slow amble down Denmark River , admiring the local Karri trees and native wildlife. The crowds might flock to Margaret River, but you can find the best WA has to offer right here.

Beachport - SA

Rounding off our must-see, must-relax coastal spots in Australia is Beachport, located close to the Victorian border in our great Southern State. Not just abundantly rich in scenic beauty, Beachport is home to a stack of amazing historic buildings that showcase what life was like in 1800’s Australia. Start your day with brekky at the Waterfront Cafe at the Jetty , before walking down the jetty itself which has the honour of being the second longest in the state. After that, stroll through town to catch a glimpse of some of the history on offer. Don’t miss the Harbour Masters House, the old Customs House , or the Institute. Once you’ve had your fill of the sights head up to Beachport Conservation Park, where you can reset your batteries amongst aquamarine waters, pristine coastline and all the bird watching you can handle in this impeccably maintained natural wonder. Trails of all kinds branch through the park, so you can wander for as little or as long as you like before settling down in a quiet spot for an afternoon read. Watch the sun go down from the Beachport Viewpoint as you consider just how lucky you are to be in this little slice of heaven.

Australia is chock full of incredible coastal sights to explore in a van, and springtime is one of the best times of year to see the natural world blossoming into beauty. Before the crowds arrive for summer, treat yourself to a van from Camplify and seek out these amazing spots to rejuvenate in.