A new report from the Roy Morgan Institute of Research has revealed Australia’s most budget-friendly beachside destinations.

According to the latest figures from the Roy Morgan Holiday Tracking Survey, the average cost per night of a domestic holiday is $151 per person — but these famous coastal destinations come in well below that.

“With almost 60,000km of coastline (including islands), Australia has something for every kind of beach-holiday lover,” says Roy Morgan Research industry communications director Norman Morris.

“Resort-filled coastal playgrounds, family-friendly seaside hamlets, surfing hotspots, remote tropical islands and magical marine wonderlands: it’s all here, and — as the latest data from Roy Morgan Research shows — not necessarily as expensive as one might expect.”

Topping the list of affordable destinations is Queensland’s World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. Celebrated for its rainforest, freshwater lakes and stunning beaches, a night there will set you back, on average, just $94 per person.

The average cost per night has been calculated to include all expenses — food, accommodation, travel and entertainment.

“It’s certainly possible to pay the big bucks for a beach holiday in the Sunshine State — Port Douglas and the Whitsundays being two high-profile examples,” Mr Morris says. “(But) it is just as possible to go the budget-friendly route, somewhere like Fraser Island or Bundaberg.”

Australia’s ten cheapest beach destinations, according to the Roy Morgan Holiday Tracking Survey

  1. Fraser Island, QLD ($94 per night)
  2. Yorke Peninsula, SA ($102 per night)
  3. Geraldton / Kalbarri, WA ($107 per night)
  4. McLaren Vale / Cape Jervis, SA ($111 per night)
  5. Lady Elliot Island / Bundaberg / Childers, QLD ($111 per night)
  6. Ningaloo / Exmouth, WA ($112 per night)
  7. Bay of Fires, TAS ($113 per night)
  8. Mornington Peninsula, VIC ($114 per night)
  9. Lake’s Entrance, VIC ($115 per night)
  10. Esperance, WA ($115 per night)

On the other end of the spectrum, the Survey found that New South Wales’ Lord Howe Island was Australia’s most most expensive coastal town for travellers, with a night’s stay costing an average of $341. In Queensland, Port Douglas ($245) and the Whitsunday Islands ($220) were the most expensive beachside destinations.

Where’s your favourite spot to take a beach holiday in Australia? Have your say in the comments below!