MELBOURNE'S BRIGHTON AND PORTSEA BEAT BYRON BAY FOR PRICE GROWTH OVER THE PAST DECADE, WRITES SUE WILLIAMS.
They're each as well known for their beautiful beaches, stunning coastline and great cafes and restaurants nearby, as they are for their lovely homes.
Yet when it comes to capital growth, house prices in Australia's premier beachside suburbs have pretty much ebbed and flowed, often matching economic tides. 
"These are economic discretionary purchases in prestigious coastal locations, and they haven't got up the same head of steam as they had before the GFC," says Domain Group senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson. "They're a pretty mixed bag overall, but some have been much stronger than others."
The best performer has been Brighton in Melbourne, with 95 per cent price growth over the past decade to a median of $1.95 million and a highest sale of $10.6 million.
Kay & Burton Bayside agent Ian Jackson says it's simply always had so much going for it. "It has a great beach, the pier, lovely restaurants, public transport and four to five really good private schools. There's a lot of traditional and modern homes along tree-lined streets."
Portsea on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula also fared well, with 73.9 per cent price growth, with a top sale of $9,750,000.
Next came NSW's Byron Bay, with 71.3 per cent growth and a top sale of $6.3 million. "That's been an exceptional market and remains a favourite holiday home location for the rich and famous," says Dr Wilson. "With Sydney values doing so well, cashed-up Sydney buyers are still going there, and it has a wonderful cachet."
Mount Eliza, also on the Mornington Peninsula, reported 68.8 per cent growth, while Sydney's Bronte finished strongly with a rise of 60.5 per cent, to a median of $2,567,500 and a top sale of $9 million. "Bronte is simply one of the best beaches in Australia," says local McGrath agent Emilee Tayyara.
Perth pin-up Cottesloe came in sixth, up 52.2 per cent in 10 years to a $1,705,000 median, and a top sale of $5,475,000, while Adelaide's Glenelg took seventh place with a 15.7 per cent rise. It had a top sale of $1.55 million, while its median sits at $635,000 - a reflection of its mix of top houses and cheaper apartments.
Main Beach on the Gold Coast fared less well with 11 per cent growth to an average price of $1,988,700; Palm Beach with 9.3 per cent to an average of $2,689,167, with a top sale of $5.1 million; and, in 10th spot, Noosa Heads which, despite a top sale of $5.9 million, showed no growth over 10 years.
Melbourne
Brighton
6 Campbell Street
$4.5 million+
Within easy walking distance of the beach, the elegant, Jon Friedrich-designed classical home over two levels has five bedrooms and 4\xC2&#189; bathrooms, as well as a pool, central courtyard and spacious terrace. "It also has a really flexible floor plan, which is fantastic," says Kay & Burton Bayside agent Ian Jackson, who's selling by expressions of interest. Four bedrooms and a private office are on the upper floor, as well as a rumpus room and bathrooms. Downstairs is the last bedroom, along with a media room. A series of french doors links the courtyard to the terrace.
Adelaide
Glenelg
Solstice, 33 Cygnet Court
$4.6 million+ *
OUR COVER HOUSE:Architect-designed on the most expensive street in South Australia, the five-bedroom, five-bathroom waterfront Solstice has the marina to the left, the beach to the right and the ocean directly ahead. There's a sun deck with 360-degree views. "It's on the best block of land in the best street," says Victor Velgush of Refined Real Estate, who's selling via expressions of interest. Features include a plunge pool, lift and four-car garage. (* The last price achieved in the street.)
Sydney
Bronte
6 Bayview Street
$7 million
One of only a small number of homes in an exclusive pocket of Bronte, this three-level, six-bedroom, three-bathroom home has been in the same family for 23 years. "They're now downsizing and moving on, and we're getting a lot of interest," says McGrath agent Emilee Tayyara, who has listed it for auction on   November 28. "It has fabulous views, never to be built out." The house has several entertaining terraces. The late Heath Ledger once owned a home in the neighbourhood.