The best beaches offering affordable getaways for Australians
Summer is just around the corner, and Aussies are itching to get away and celebrate the warmer weather.
We love a good beach holiday, but as costs are constantly increasing, it's tricky to lock down a travel spot that won't break the bank.
9Travel has come up with an ultimate list of affordable beach holidays, based on flight options, accommodation, local prices, and beach infrastructure.
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Lombok is a laid-back alternative to Bali. Getty
Of course, the number one place for a low-cost beach destination is Bali. There's a reason so many Aussies flock there for their holidays.
But if you're looking for an alternative, Lombok and the Gili Islands are right next door and offer a much more laid-back beach holiday.
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Lombok, Indonesia
Lombok is all white sand beaches, lush jungle and volcanic mountains, offering a more authentic Indonesian experience than tourist-clogged Bali.
The Gili Islands, just off Lombok's east coast, are even more laid-back, with zero cars and nothing to do but soak up the sun by the beach.
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The Gili Islands have zero cars. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Both locations have low-cost accommodation options, including apartment rentals to help you keep the costs down.
Flights to Bali constantly go on sale, and the price of a meal at a local restaurant rarely exceeds $3.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Another Southeast Asian destination topping the list for a low-cost beach holiday is Da Nang, in Vietnam. This city has long sandy beaches, patrolled by lifeguards, with gentle waves suitable for the whole family.
Da Nang is a beach paradise. Getty
Beachfront resorts hover around $100 per night, with cheaper options set a few blocks back from the sand. Street food abounds in Vietnam, where you can get dinner for just a few dollars.
Though there are no direct flights from Australia, low-cost carriers have affordable airfare options that often go on sale.
Fiji
Fiji is also high on the list of affordable beach destinations. It's long been a staple for family holidays, but is also popular for romantic getaways and friend trips as well.
Fiji has great family friendly options. Supplied
There are constantly packages and sale fares to take advantage of, even for the high-end, five-star resorts. Compared to other South Pacific options, Fiji is a cheap holiday destination if you can lock in a deal.
Cebu, Philippines
Cebu in the Philippines is a great place for a low-cost island escape, if you manage to snag an airfare when it goes on sale. Jetstar has recently launched direct flights to Cebu from Brisbane, making things even easier.
This lush paradise has great snorkelling and island-hopping on a budget - a week-long stay in a mid-range hotel should cost about $350 total.
It's now even easier to fly direct to Cebu. Getty
Queensland
Keeping our sights at home, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast remain top of the list for low-cost beach holidays.
There are tons of apartments and three-star hotels on offer, which keeps the rates competitive, and plenty of daily flights from cities across Australia make it cheap and easy to access.
Plus, it's walkable, so no need to rent a car, and plenty of supermarket and casual food options help to keep costs down.
Adelaide's Glenelg is beautiful in summer. South Australian Tourism Commiss
Adelaide
Heading south, Adelaide's beaches, like Glenelg and Henley, offer a surprisingly good beach holiday in the summer months.
It's cheap and easy to fly to, and the beaches are just a short tram ride from the CBD.
Glenelg has some high-end hotel options if you want to go luxe, or there are a ton of self-catering accommodation options, and even a great holiday park right on the beach.
