With more than 33,000 kilometres of coastline, Australia has always offered home buyers an abundance of choice for a sea change, but for keen surfers not all beaches are created equal.
Skennars Head in NSW is a hidden gem for surf lovers. Image: realestate.com.au
A surf town is more than just a coastal community – it must have the right type of break, access, and conditions to safely ride the waves.
From Bondi and Bells Beach to Gracetown and the Gold Coast, many of the country’s best surfing spots have well-established communities and property prices to match; while others retain their "sleepy" status with limited amenity and tightly held housing.
Popular tourist towns like Byron Bay and Noosa Heads may seem to have jumped the shark for accessibility, with median house prices of $2,975,000 and $2,050,000, respectively.
However, price growth hasn’t stopped buyers from seeking out homes on the coast – particularly the eastern states – with research from the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) showing surf towns still draw the crowds.
The lure of a sunrise or post-work surf has been the motivation for many Australians embarking on a sea change. Image: Unsplash
In the latest quarterly Regional Movers Index, a collaboration between the RAI and the Commonwealth Bank, popular coastal regions saw the highest rates of internal migration for the 12 months to December 2024.
The Sunshine Coast, Greater Geelong and Lake Macquarie were the top three regional locations for movers, with the Sunshine Coast holding first position for the ninth consecutive quarter.
With such consistent demand for housing, new developments in surf towns are having their moment in the sun.
From luxury off-the-plan apartments to residential land estates, developers are delivering opportunities within traditional enclaves as well as up-and-coming townships.
Here are some burgeoning surf spots around Australia with new homes in the pipeline.
Bokarina, Queensland
Set between the established communities of Caloundra and Maroochydore, Bokarina is a growing hotspot on the Sunshine Coast.
This small beachside suburb enjoys nine kilometres of shoreline, including a seasonally patrolled surf beach, restaurants, sprawling parklands and a coastal walk.
Bokarina only recorded 1935 residents in the 2021 Census, but its population is on the rise as new projects approach or reach completion.
Apartment developments are particularly popular, offering a low-maintenance lifestyle and maximising the available land.
Construction is finished on the oceanside development Azzure Bokarina Beach, which features a total of 121 two- and three-bedroom apartments, priced from $875,000.
Boutique beachfront development Oasis is almost complete, offering 56 luxury apartments from $1,475,000, including two, three and four-bedroom floorplans plus penthouses.
Bask Bokarina, comprising three and four-bedroom apartments and penthouses, is under construction with the final stage now selling.
Bokarina has experienced strong price growth in the 12 months to March 2025, with the median house price up by 3.8% to $1,552,500 and the median unit price rising by 19.4% to $1.6 million, realestate.com.au data shows.
With views of the surf, Bask Bokarina is currently under construction. Image: realestate.com.au
Winchelsea, Victoria
It’s no surprise that towns around the Great Ocean Road on Victoria’s Surf Coast make the cut.
Unlike its beachside neighbours, inland Winchelsea has flown under the radar – but there are big plans for this small town, with its population forecast to reach 10,000 by 2050.
Named as one of the Surf Coast Shire’s two "growth towns," Winchelsea’s country charm and $650,000 median house price are appealing to those priced out of hotspots like Lorne and Torquay.
For buyers keen to get in before it takes off, a range of titled land is now selling at River View Estate, from $280,000 to $399,000, and The Green Winchelsea from $418,000 to $445,000.
Popular breaks are within an easy drive, including Jan Juc and renowned Bells Beach, and the picturesque Barwon River runs through the town.
Popular surf spot Jan Juc is within a half hour drive of new Winchelsea homes. Image: Unsplash
Skennars Head, New South Wales
Nestled between the serious surf destinations of Ballina and Lennox Head, the hidden gem of Skennars Head is about half an hour’s drive from Byron Bay.
Featuring stunning panoramas, from the pristine coastline to lush green walkways, this coastal hamlet has a population of just 1303, according to the last Census.
But Aureus, a new masterplanned development on the beachfront, is set to add about 400 homes to Skennars Head including residential lots, house and land packages and architect-designed townhomes.
The suburb’s median house price has risen by 8% in the 12 months to March 2025, to $1,625,000.
There is also a rare land estate currently under construction in Lennox Head. Home sites at Lennox Rise are priced between $720,000 and $895,000.
Residents of Aureus will be within steps of the beach. Image: realestate.com.au
Margaret River, Western Australia
Legendary to surfers the world over, the Margaret River region in WA’s South West features a whopping 135 kilometres of coastline and 75 breaks and hosts a pro championship tour in its hulking waves.
On top of the spectacular ocean attractions, Margaret River enjoys a wealth of natural beauty including old-growth forests, ancient caves, waterfalls, rivers and wildflowers.
Not to mention a famous food and wine region that thrives in the Mediterranean climate.
Yet, Margaret River’s median house price sits at a relatively affordable $825,000, despite 10.4% growth for the 12 months to March 2025.
There is plenty of development in the pipeline including Arbour, a premium masterplanned community with resort-style facilities, and Spindrift, a masterplanned estate which has sold out its previous releases.
Tunbridge Walk offers a small collection of just seven residential lots, starting from $330,000, is available within walking distance of the town centre.
Spindrift, at Margaret River, quickly sold out of all of its previous land releases. Image: realestate.com.au
Victor Harbor, South Australia
The Fleurieu Peninsula’s rugged coastline makes it a top destination for surfers in South Australia, with stunning waters and reefs that create otherworldly views.
Its peaceful town of Victor Harbor features 32km of coastline and is just 90 minutes’ drive from Adelaide, making it a "best of both worlds" sea-change location.
Despite its relaxed beach vibe, the town has a range of attractions and amenities for its 16,000-strong population including restaurants, shops and adventure options.
Camping and whale watching are other popular pastimes.
Lots are now selling at large new masterplanned community Océane Victor Harbor, which includes a total of 700 properties starting from $289,990 and is expected to reach completion by January 2032.
The current median house price in Victor Harbor is $692,700.
Lots are now selling at Océane at Victor Harbor. Image: realestate.com.au
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