Integrated coastal management (ICM) has been the basis for coastal planning and management since the 1970s. The theory and practice of ICM is based on the premise that increased integration of planning and management in the coastal zone will lead to improved environmental and social outcomes for the coast. In the context of global and national trends, this thesis examines the application of ICM in three place-based coastal case studies in Victoria: the Gippsland Lakes, Point Nepean and the Geelong region. The particular focus is on the twin challenges of coastal urbanisation and the impacts of climate change. Through a wide range of applied research techniques including focus groups, the research explores the pressures, issues, impacts and implications for ICM and beyond. The case studies point to a number of important implications for ICM and identify opportunities for a more sustainable approach to coastal planning. In reviewing the research findings, a set of five steps and six principles are proposed to respond to policy failures and provide for a transition to more sustainable coastal planning in Victoria. The five steps involve expanding the theory of ICM to be outcome based and regional in its approach to coastal planning and management. In the context of climate change, a more adaptive and systems approach has been incorporated along with recognising the even greater importance of community engagement in coastal planning processes during a period of increased uncertainty and change. The principal instrument for change is a tripartite intergovernmental agreement on sustainable coastal planning underpinned by a set of six principles. These include: agreed and shared outcomes for the coastal environment to facilitate horizontal and vertical integration; an adaptive and systems approach integrating science and urban planning drawing on experience and knowledge in both disciplines; incorporation of the shared outcomes and an adaptive approach into urban and regio nal planning systems for local implementation; regional governance arrangements for integration of policy outcomes and community involvement; capacity building for sustainable coastal planning including interdisciplinary research and community education and long term monitoring and evaluation. The transition from ICM to sustainable coastal planning does not discard ICM but rather incorporates its strengths and adapts the concept to meet the twin challenges of coastal urbanisation and climate change. Further research questions are posed to indicate how the research findings could be further developed as part of a future coastal research agenda. The research findings seek to make a contribution to the theory and practice of ICM to build a pathway to coastal planning for the benefit of our coast and future generations.