A more spiffy version of local tin shacks, this little colony of ripple-iron buildings has the absolute advantage of absolute waterfront. The very end of Strahan's protected Macquarie Harbour (six times larger than Sydney's), with its silky dark water and perfect reflections, is less than a stone's throw from the window.

The decor and fittings provide all you need for a comfortable stay. For dinner you can pop over to the little restaurant, which has a good range of local wines and a surprisingly smooth level of service.

It's the kind of holiday place where you should make sure to take a morning or an afternoon off from scheduled activities. Sit on the verandah, gaze at the local wildlife and the landscape and unwind.