Top 5 Coastal Escapes for a Crisp Autumn-Winter Getaway (Because the Beach is for Legends Year-Round)
Top 5 Coastal Escapes for a Crisp Autumn-Winter Getaway (Because the Beach is for Legends Year-Round)
Look, I get it. Most people hear “beach” and immediately think of melting under the summer sun, dodging rogue frisbees, and somehow getting sand in their sandwich even though it was sealed. But let me tell you—hitting the coast in autumn and winter? Game. Changer. The crowds are gone, the scenery is even more stunning, and you actually get to enjoy the sound of waves without someone blasting a portable speaker nearby. So, if you’re ready to embrace the off-season beach magic, here are my top picks for an unexpectedly epic coastal escape.
1. Byron Bay, NSW: Where You’ll Pretend You’re in a Lifestyle Magazine
Byron in winter? Pure bliss. The water is still warm enough to dip your toes in (or full-body plunge, if you’re brave), and you can finally explore the streets without tripping over a crowd of influencer wannabes. I took my Boatshed7 beach blanket, found a quiet spot at Wategos Beach, and felt like the main character in an indie film. Bonus: fewer people means more whale sightings. Byron in May? 10/10, would recommend.
2. Apollo Bay, VIC: For the Dramatic Cliffside Vibes
If you love a beach with cinematic energy, Apollo Bay in autumn is where it’s at. I packed my insulated Boatshed7 cooler bag with some fancy cheese (because, why not?) and had a picnic overlooking the wild waves. The best part? No one was around to judge me for eating brie straight from the block.
3. Noosa, QLD: Where You Can Still Pretend It’s Summer
Noosa in winter is a dream. It’s warm, the National Park walks are next level, and you won’t have to fight someone’s aggressively large beach umbrella for a good spot. I set up my Boatshed7 umbrella, brought a book, and felt like I had discovered a life hack no one else knew about.
4. Esperance, WA: The Most Instagrammable Place Ever
Esperance beaches look like they were Photoshopped, but they’re real. The sand? White as snow. The water? So blue it hurts. I threw down my Boatshed7 beach towel, tried to take a cute barefoot walk in the cold sand, and ended up sprinting back because, surprise—it’s chilly in winter. But totally worth it.
5. Bruny Island, TAS: Because Who Doesn’t Love a Little Rugged Beauty?
If you’ve never watched the sunset over the wild Tasmanian coast, fix that immediately. I brought my Boatshed7 blanket, poured myself a questionable amount of hot chocolate, and had a one-person beach meditation session. It was a vibe.
So, there you have it. Don’t sleep on the winter beach escape—it might just be the best travel decision you make all year. Grab your Boatshed7 gear and get out there!