Forget battling Chris Hemsworth for a parking spot in Byron Bay. Two Aussie underdog beach towns are rising through the ranks, offering a slice of coastal paradise without the Hollywood price tag.
Savvy investors are ditching the Byron Bay rat race and setting their sights on South Australia’s charming Robe and Victoria’s Phillip Island – both tipped to be the next big thing.
In Robe, the home town of Adelaide Crows captain Jordan Dawson, you can drive your 4WD right onto Long Beach before hitting the swells.
On Phillip Island, you might just spot a Hemsworth with both Chris, Liam and their parents owning property there.
And the best part? You don’t need a Hemsworth-sized fortune to get in on the action.
While Byron Bay’s property prices have climbed to a staggering $2.24m, Robe and Phillip Island offer a similar lifestyle without the Hollywood price tag.
In Robe, home of Adelaide Crows captain Jordan Dawson, the average property sells for around $553,745, while $800,000 will settle you comfortably on Phillip Island.
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Chris Hemsworth may have left his mark on Byron Bay – but could he do the same for Phillip Island and Robe in SA.
So could both of these underdog beach towns become the next Byron Bay? Ray White Group chief economist Nerida Conisbee certainly thinks so.
“What’s happening with Byron Bay is that it’s spread out to north and south, so a lot like capital cities where, if you can’t afford one area, you move on to a neighbouring one and that keeps pushing up prices,” she said.
“So for people seeking a similar lifestyle, Phillip Island is becoming quite popular. It has a surf beach and village feel…similar to Robe in SA.
“However, Victoria seems to be the area that’s still a bit undiscovered (as a holiday destination) and hasn’t seen the same (price growth) as other areas.
“So for those looking for a bargain – and a similar lifestyle to Byron – you’ll find that the cheaper areas are in the east, starting at Phillip Island.”
A view across Forrest Caves Beach on Phillip Island. Picture: NCA Newswire / Nicki Connolly
And while the coastal hamlet with a bridge to access it from the Victorian mainland hosted The Block in 2024, it had its own star-power appeal for a lot longer.
Property records show that Liam and Chris Hemsworth, as well as their parents Craig and Leonie, bought a home for $1.6m in a secluded pocket of Phillip Island in 2012.
It’s a more modest space than the sprawling compounds the Hollywood heavyweight brothers own in Byron Bay, but might be a bit closer to the relaxed, surfing-centric lifestyle they enjoyed while growing up on the island in the 2000s.
Phillip Island based real estate agent Greg Davis said the popular spot had been going through a transformation since the pandemic that was making it more like Byron Bay than ever before.
Mr Davis said in addition to Hollywood heart-throbs the Hemsworths, others calling it their home away from home included famous musicians, sporting greats and business leaders.
“It’s certainly on the map now, with TV shows for travel, The Block and other real estate shows coming out here,” he said.
Robe has long been a popular destination for surfers and water sport enthusiasts.
As for Robe, it’s all about the town’s authentic village atmosphere that’s driving buyer demand, according to Linda Tait, who runs Tait and Tait Real Estate plus Robe Getaways.
“We’re fortunate to be a few hours’ drive from Adelaide, away from major airports, which helps us maintain that village feel,” she said.
“People adore being able to stroll down the street, kids can ride their bikes, and families can enjoy Long Beach, where you can drive right onto the sand.”
Tait notes that while values surged during COVID-19, Robe has managed to hold onto those gains, unlike many other similar areas.
“COVID brought more South Australians to Robe, who might have previously visited Victor Harbor,” she said.
“Our COVID spike was around 22 per cent, and we’ve maintained those prices. This year, we’ve seen an 18 per cent growth from 2024.”
Alongside Robe and Phillip Island, Ms Conisbee highlights Wallaroo, Moonta, Victor Harbor, and Christies Beach as prime contenders for affordable beachside investments under $1 million.
Chris Hemsworth enjoys a mid-winter surf in Byron Bay.
As for those looking for a bargain under $500,000, Port Augusta, Solomontown and Whyalla in SA could entice investors, as well as George Town and Smithton in Tasmania, Barney Point and Forest Beach in Queensland, Dundee Beach in the Northern Territory and Portland in Victoria.
Conisbee said those looking to snag a beachside bargain should consider the cooler months to make their move.
While potential savings vary, some studies suggest discounts of 0.51 per cent to 1 per cent compared to other times of the year.
“Selling in winter in a beach side location is generally not something people do. If they are selling, they are potentially a highly motivated seller and that’s where you could get a bargain,” she said.
“Reduced competition means better deals and more favourable negotiation terms. While summer offers more choices, winter offers a higher chance to save money.
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