Something similar to an internal alarm clock seems familiar to nearly every Australian who grew up in the country with abundant wildlife, and the sound of birds chirping in the trees. As the temperature rises and we fall to the pre-Christmas hurry, a voice somewhere inside tells us it is time for a beach vacation, especially for those who are not living in the quiet and humble life of the country’s surrounds. We have scoured the coastline to get some of the best beach houses to travel to but not only for the holiday factor but also for stunning Australian décor, with holiday houses shinning in luxurious style and design; from the adorable retro shack with the sandy path leading to the shore, through to the new-wave beach houses which are in a class all to their own.

Pretty Beach House, Central Coast, NSW

This house located in the Central Coast of NSW, brings the Aussie beach home into a whole new level of luxury including modern decoration and design. Dine in the atrium dining area in your own personal pavilion, in the wine cellar or al fresco surrounded by Australian plants. Each pavilion provides water views, a king bedroom with a dressing room, open-plan sitting room, fully stocked bar, combustion fireplace, private deck with a day bed and a heated plunge pool.

Ala Moana, Hamilton Island, QLD

Push open this house’s solid wood wooden door, and enjoy uninterrupted views across the sublime turquoise waters of the Whitsunday Islands. Inside you’ll find an open-plan kitchen, dining room for dinner parties together with your personal chef (at an extra cost), separate living room with Aboriginal art, custom-made oversized lounge and groovy armchairs from Space Furniture, a TV room, chic iconic outdoor furniture and much more. Pietra Grigio marble is used throughout the home and a soothing water feature runs down the buildings back to a bubbling spa and infinity pool. Additionally, there are five luxurious guest rooms.

Zealandia, Portsea, Victoria

This classic 1950s beach house has an old-time Hollywood glamour texture with its decorative lines, classic designer furniture and backyard pool. While the home is full of the likes of many popular Melbourne icons, it’s also perfect for that getaway trip. Within the house, the interior design style of different original artworks and other timeless pieces somehow remains unpretentious. Named after a New Zealand boat that once sailed between the heads of Port Phillip Bay, Zealandia includes three bedrooms, a slate fireplace, central heating, a leather Eames recliner and quirky fixtures like an old surfboard suspended on the living room wall and native artwork such as fish traps and tribal sticks.

Altitude Beach House, Great Ocean Road, VIC

This newly opened beach house is set within the Otway National Park on a hill with coastal views and is large enough for groups of 12. Children receive their own escape and rumpus room, while adults can relax with everything at their fingertips, such as deep window tub with panoramic views and sumptuous master bedroom having a large circular window. There are another three baths, two outside decks, barbecue, modern kitchen and home appliances (including two TVs with DVD, Foxtel and integrated surround sound system). Bush-walking paths are on its doorstep, surfing beaches within sight and the famous Wye River Pub is a brief stroll away. There are loads to research about the nearby area, including secluded bays, fisherman’s shacks and beautiful beaches. After your surf, have a hot or cold shower at the frangipani-filled tropical garden and admire the beach homeware surrounding you. You are close enough to all the action of the bays, but it’s only a two-minute stroll along a sandy pathway to Australia’s most famous surfing beaches.

The Summer House, Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia

Using its “Hamptons” inspired feel, this three-bedroom escape brings a new level of elegance to the Fleurieu Peninsula. The all-white home features dark wood flooring, designer furniture, king-size beds, two king-size single beds and a modern kitchen. This is a home with covered deck created from spotted gum which forms the heart of the home, with coastal home decor doors leading from the living room, all the to the master bedroom. A short stroll along a scenic coastal walkway is Horseshoe Bay, where you will find the Flying Fish Restaurant and Kiosk, while the adorable township features diverse stores.

Bay of Fires Lodge, Tasmania

This iconic eco-lodge can be found in the Bay of Fires, which Lonely Planet describes as the “hottest travel destination for 2009”. Once the exclusive domain of guests taking the four-day Bay of Fires Walk, the lodge now could be hired for private use. The four-wheel-drive driven by our young and competent host virtually swims through rivers to get to the wild coastal destination. After showing us to our comfortable guestroom, one of 10, we’re treated to a feast of “fish in a bag” and dessert accompanied by local wine.