We continue our look at favourite holiday places around Australia comparing holiday rentals with purchase prices. Previously we looked at top spots in Tasmania, Queensland and South Australia; this time it's Victoria, Western Australia and NSW.
Apollo Bay
Located approximately 2.5 hours south west of Melbourne on the Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay is one of many towns that sits along this great ocean drive which is home to the famous and spectacular Twelve Apostles. Long a favourite holiday playground to Victorians, Great Ocean Road is a hot spot throughout the long summer break. There are beautiful sandy beaches, rolling countryside and a vibrant village cafe lifestyle in the Apollo Bay with plenty of other options for exploring. If you're energetic, take the Great Ocean Road walk in whole or in part - it is a fantastic walk and not that difficult. A 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom 5 star villa across the road from the beach costs between $475-$525 per night. While there is no easily comparable property for sale, based on other prices and amenities, you could expect to pay upwards of $800,000 for a similar quality property.
Margaret River
For many years, the Margaret River region south of Perth was one of Western Australia's greatest secrets - which is precisely how most Western Australians wanted it to stay! But as the region's wines and food became better known, so did it come to attention as a wonderful holiday destination also to people outside of WA. The south west of the country has some of the biggest surf of Australia's vast shore line and the combination of sun, surf, majestic forests, whale watching, grapes and fine food is irresistible. It is an easy and relaxed escape only 3 hours from Perth, or worthy of a holiday in its own right. There are many accommodation options to choose from but prices probably reflect the booming mining economy in the west. You can stay in a stunning 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom tri-level home with a heated pool in a beachside location and only 10 minutes from the nearest vineyard for between $3,000-$5,000 per week depending on the time of year. A house in the same street with one less bedroom and bathroom could be yours for $1,980,000.
Sapphire Beach
Just north of Coffs Harbour - which is about half-way between Sydney and Brisbane - it's not hard to see how Sapphire Beach got its name. In contrast to the turquoise waters of the Bay of Fires on Tasmania's east coast, the ocean at Sapphire Beach is a deep blue. Coffs Harbour caters well for family holidays with many activities for all to enjoy- from golf, mini-golf, ice skating, fishing, horse riding, white water rafting and cycling. It is also the gateway to a stunning hinterland including rainforest walks, Dorrigo and the town otherwise known as Balmain-by-the-mountainside, Bellingen and its monthly markets. A 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom well appointed house with a pool and minutes walk from the beach in the exclusive Sapphire Beach area costs $5,250 per week at this time of year. A few doors away you can own much the same thing for $799,000.
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