To assist adaptation planning and the implementation of adaptation strategies, identifying barriers and enablers to adaptation is important. Adaptive capacity, resource dependence, local climate exposure and sensitivity were used to assess socio-economic vulnerability to climate change for three Australian coastal communities. Higher adaptive capacity in the case study communities (St Helens, Tasmania (Tas); Bowen, Queensland (Qld); Geraldton, Western Australia (WA)) was associated with larger population size while greater resource dependence, and lower human and natural capital were associated with smaller populations. Socio-economic vulnerability was strongly influenced by climate exposure and sensitivity with the moderately-sized Bowen having the highest vulnerability to climate change. Adaptation strategies that used available assets, improved adaptive capacity or reduced socio-economic vulnerability were identified in partnership with local communities, including increased and diversified employment opportunities, the re-establishment of local fish markets and improving education and communication. The level of resources, or ‘capitals', available to communities can indicate where barriers and enablers to adaptation exist. Identified barriers to adaptation included a heavy reliance on one sector for employment and a lack of physical capital. Knowledge of the characteristics of a community or State can help prioritise adaptation strategies to reduce socio-economic vulnerability to marine climate change.