• Beach and island holidays

Summer is coming: Australia's best beach towns

With summer just around the corner, Ute Junker leaves no grain of sand unturned in her guide to the best beach towns on Australia's east coast.

• Inspiration

Guide at a glance: Avoca Beach

Lee Atkinson finds there's much more to do than laze on the sun-kissed sand. Although that's good, too.

• Adventure holidays

Open invitation to go below deck

A scuttled navy warship on the central coast has become a thrilling scuba site. Michelle Wranik heads for a cabin.

• Michelle Wranik

• Hotel reviews

Avoca Palms Resort, review: Girls just wanna have fun

It's no boys allowed when Sarah Whyte and her friends hit Avoca Beach.

• Weekend getaways

The Acreage B&B, Avoca Beach review: In the silent minority

Between beach and bush and just beyond suburbia, Angie Schiavone finds a serene bed and breakfast on acreage.

• Beach and island holidays

A break, with tradition

Shaney Hudson returns to a string of beaches full of memories: Terrigal, Avoca, Copacabana and MacMasters.

• Beach and island holidays

Avoca Beach - Sleep

Avoca Beach (including Copacabana).

• Beach and island holidays

Avoca Beach - Eat

Avoca Beach (including Copacabana).