Top Australian suburbs to buy a holiday home in 2022

If you’ve ever been on holiday in Australia, you would have definitely wondered what it was like to live there. Being in our backyard but entirely relaxing, the traditional holiday house or beach house is as much a part of the great Australian dream as home ownership.  With more domestic travel than ever before, more people will be looking to invest in holiday homes. We’ve compiled a list of the top up and coming holiday home destinations to buy in 2022.

What do we mean by ‘up and coming’?

•  These areas are ‘up and comers’ in the sense that they’re still affordable but are becoming more popular by the year. 
• They are all close to already-popular destinations. This means the infrastructure is already in place, established communities are nearby and they are all approximately 3 hours or less from the nearest CBD, meaning they’re easy to get to and prepare in terms of creature comforts for the holiday season
• They may provide a good investment, either in terms of capital growth, adding value or generating rental returns when you’re not staying there yourself. 

Homely Head of Industry, David Webb, explains, ”These areas have all snuck under the radar so far in terms of the housing market boom and also all benefit from being close to existing popular spots, but haven’t had quite enough attention to be unaffordable – yet.” 

Webb adds, “There’s never been a better time to consider your property portfolio and how a holiday home can form a valuable part of this, while providing the joy that only an Aussie holiday with the family can.” 

Here are Homely’s top rising star holiday home destinations for 2022

Holiday home destinations in Victoria

Corinella, VIC 3984

Just 1.5hrs drive from Melbourne CBD, Corinella has been dubbed by Homely locals as ‘Victoria’s best kept secret’. Corinella is an unassuming turn off on the way to popular destination Phillip Island that most summer traffic drives straight past. The town is known for its ‘un-touristy’ feel, relaxed lifestyle and great fishing.

• Median house price: $645,000
• Last 12-month median price change: 26.47%

See properties for sale in Corinella VIC 3984 on Homely. 

Ocean Grove VIC 3226

The twin coastal town of Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove is fast growing both as a summer destination and as the perfect place for a permanent sea change. Just 1hr40 drive from Melbourne CBD and less than 30mins drive from Geelong, Ocean Grove is just close enough to home. With well established dining and shopping offerings, as well as a wild natural coast and great food, Ocean Grove is on track to become the next Torquay.

• Median house price: $885,000
• Last 12-month median price change: 17.22%

Check out property listings for Ocean Grove VIC 3226 on Homely. 

Holiday home destinations in New South Wales

Callala Bay NSW 2450

Nestled in the northern end of the Jervis Bay area, just 20 mins from Nowra is Callala Bay. Here you’ll find powder-white sand and beautifully calm seas for swimming and snorkeling. Callala Bay is a 2h45min drive from Sydney and the Homely locals say it has ‘good fishing, nice views and friendly people’.

• Median house price: $800,000
• Last 12-month median price change: 16.79%

Check out property listings for Callala Bay NSW 2450 on Homely. 

Sanctuary Point NSW 2540

Just under 3hrs from Sydney, Sanctuary Point is home to a well-established township with all of the necessities you could ask for in a beachtown. Popular for watersports and as a family holiday spot, known for being the perfect place to access the rest of the Jervis Bay area.

• Median house price: $551,000
• Last 12-month median price change: 22.44%

Check out property listings in Sanctuary Point NSW 2540 on Homely. 

Holiday home destinations in Queensland

Currumbin QLD 4223

Just 1hr10min from Brisbane, Currumbin is the perfect holiday spot for families. Activity-rich with a thriving beachside community and beautiful beaches. Currumbin’s Pacific Parade also hosts a plethora of modern cafes and eateries. 

• Median house price: $670,000
• Last 12-month median price change: 17.83%

Check out property listings for Currumbin QLD 4223 on Homely. 

Woody Point QLD 4019

Just less than a 45min drive from Brisbane, Woody Point is a convenient weekend getaway with a relaxed seaside village feel. The top review for Woody Point on Homely states,“…it’s like the Australia I knew as a kid, cool old beach houses, people visiting on weekends and families!”

• Median house price: $575,000
• Last 12-month median price change: 10.58%

See property listings for Woody Point QLD 4019 on Homely. 

Top holiday home destination in Western Australia

Dunsborough WA 6281

The locals on Homely describe this beach town as ‘paradise 3 hours south of Perth’ – and they aren’t lying. One quick search of the area will show you its stunning, bright turquoise stretches of water. While it’s fast becoming the ‘go to’ summer spot for much of Perth, house prices remain affordable. 

• Median house price: $675,000
• Last 12-month median price change: 3.85%

Browse property listings for Dunsborough WA 6281 on Homely. 

Holiday home destinations in South Australia

Aldinga Beach SA 5173

Described as a ‘little patch of seaside bliss less than an hour of Adelaide’ – and to be honest, we’re already sold! Close to wineries with adorable cellar doors, a diver’s playground and all the charm you could ask for in a beachtown, Aldinga is popular yet still affordable. Why make it a day trip when you could have your own little place to escape to for days at a time?

• Median house price: $435,000
• Last 12-month median price change: 16%

Browse property listings for Aldinga Beach SA 5173 on Homely. 

Port Vincent SA 5581

Known as the holidayer’s playground on the Yorke Peninsula, Port Vincent is big for fishing, boating and sailing. The town is known as a go-to summer holiday destination throughout South Australia and has managed to keep its house prices nice and low despite the area’s immense summer popularity.

• Median house price: $320,000
• Last 12-month median price change: -5.88%

Browse property listings for Port Vincent 5581 on Homely. 

Top holiday home destination in Tasmania

Orford TAS 7190

Our top suburb review for Orford tells us “The nights are almost totally silent with masses of stars. Weekend traffic doesn’t exist. Park right outside everything. Your blood pressure will go down.” And to be honest – we’d like to move there full-time thanks! Just over an hour from Hobart, Orford is home to popular coastal walks, diving spots, swimming beaches and cute local shops.

• Median house price: $504,000
• Last 12-month median price change: 13.26%

Browse property listings for Orford TAS 7190 on Homely.

All median house price and 12 month price change data in this article is from Property Value by Corelogic.