Median prices in holiday hotspots like Byron Bay in NSW and Lorne on Victoria's Surf Coast have gone through the roof in recent years, but for buyers looking to secure a holiday home this coming school break there are still options available, if you cast your net further afield.
Ray White Chief Economist Nerida Conisbee has named the five ideal holiday home locations that offer beachside bliss with a price tag under $1 million, with strong rental and price growth prospects to boot.
Yamba, NSW
Those looking for Byron Bay's chill vibes without the price tag would do well to take a look at Yamba, located at the mouth of the Clarence River in northern NSW.
With a median dwelling price of $735,000 it's a far cry from the $2.5 million median prices in Byron Bay.
"Although prices have increased a lot, the median is still under $750,000 and there is no doubt, it has lots of lovely beaches," Ms Conisbee said.
"It also has a lighthouse, has regular farmers markets and what looks to be a lively main street which makes it already very Byron Bay-like without too many adjustments required."
Listings in Yamba are currently slim according to Ray White Yamba's Daniel Kelly.
His agency has just listed a three-bedroom property at 70 Coonawarra Court with a guide of $800,000.
Mr Kelly said that Yamba had seen increasing interest from out-of-town buyers in recent months, though the area had always been known as a holiday hotspot.
"It has been a really popular holiday spot for many years and it's not an uncommon story to find someone who lives here who used to holiday here and loved it so much that they moved," he said.
Evans Head, NSW
Ms Conisbee nominated Evans Head, in the Richmond-Tweed region of NSW, as another holiday hotspot that was still within reach of many buyers.
Prices there currently sit at a median of $891,500.
Elders Real Estate's Brody Aleckson is currently marketing 1/39 Bottlebrush Crescent, Evans Head.
The freestanding duplex property consists of three bedrooms and two bathrooms and is currently being utilised as an investment property.
Crescent Head, NSW
Another regional holiday destination with future potential is Crescent Head, according to Ms Consisbee.
Located 340 kilometres north-east of Sydney in the Kempsey Shire, the median price in Crescent Head is currently $850,000.
The population at the 2016 census was 1,531.
This four-bedroom property at 2 Baker Drive is slated for auction this weekend with a guide of $900,000 to $980,000.
The property, listed with Elders, has been refurbished and features include a deck and vegetable garden.
Listing agent Nathan Wilson of Elders said that Crescent Head had long been popular with tourists from throughout the state.
"It is a bit of a tourism hotspot - we've had quite a few people coming here for years and obviously this year more than most," he said.
"The local market here with the tourism industry is quite hot and every auction has sold at auction or prior to auction," he added.
He said that the town attracted tourists with its surfing and access to national parks.
Inverloch, Victoria
Moving south, Ms Conisbee nominated Inverloch in Victoria's Gippsland region as an ideal holiday hotspot.
Located 143 kilometres south east of Melbourne, the town of 5,437 is popular with wind and kite surfers.
With a median price of $769,500, Inverloch could be an ideal location for holiday home hunters priced out of the trendy Surf Coast and Mornington Peninsula.
Stockdale and Leggo Inverloch is currently advertising a five-bedroom property at 26 Tamara Crescent with a price tag of $779,000.
Agent Adam Leys said that interest had primarily been from Melbourne-based buyers, which was a typical situation for Inverloch properties.
The property's position made it an ideal candidate for holiday letting although it had most recently been used as a permanent rental.
Inverloch was proving popular with buyers looking for a holiday home within easy commute of Melbourne.
"The key thing is that its within that two hour ring of Melbourne that everyone wants to stick to," he said.
"Price wise it's still very affordable compared to the Peninsula or Surf Coast. It's sort of like areas like Blairgowrie and Flinders before they got out of control," he said.
Corinella, Victoria
Another Gippsland location worth a look was Corinella, said Ms Conisbee.
114 kilometres south east of Melbourne and a short drive to tourist attractions on Phillip Island, the town has the most affordable median price of any destination on this list at $640,000.
This property at 13 Wright Street is being advertised with a guide of $700,000 to $745,000 with agency @realty.
Features include an entertaining deck and teenager's retreat, according to the listing.