15 Best Towns in Australia You Need To Visit In 2024

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One of the things we reflect most about when we think of our road trip around Aus, is how many amazing towns in Australia we found.

Australia is well known for its natural wonders, unique culture, and diverse wildlife, but not many people recognise the vibrant communities that make this country so special.

It’s the towns with their welcoming locals, their festivities and local traditions, that really get the heart of Australia pumping.

In this guide, we’ve shared our favorite towns in Australia. These places just grabbed our souls. They’re full of a lot of love and joyful memories.

We call them our best because they are the ones we can’t stop talking about. We feel they have a certain kind of magic.

The B B B Best Towns in Australia are…

The Best Towns in Australia

1. Broome, Western Australia

Nestled between Perth and Darwin in Western Aus, is Broome. It’s just a soul love I have with this place. I guess that could be all one needs to say.

If I were to have a winter retreat home, it would be in Broome. Life would give me no other options but to chill into beach living, cafe bumming, early morning yoga, and sunset drinks down on Cable Beach overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Just swaying to the groove like the palm trees that line the street.

When I want a bit of action, I just jump in the Ford Territory and go bush in one of the most unique and beautiful regions of Australia: the Kimberley. Red dirt, gorges, waterfalls, swimming holes, iridescent blue ocean, and boab trees.

It’s just pure love.

2. Bright, Victoria

Bright is just delightful! Australia’s own slice of alpine heaven.

We just love visiting this alpine high country region in Victoria. It’s the perfect place to getaway for families. We loved cycling around town and along the rail trail to cafes and wineries or spending the day swimming in the town river on a hot summer’s day.

Bright Brewery was an amazing place to unwind after. Refreshing summer cider in the beer garden overlooking the “best playground ever” for the kids.

3. Burleigh Heads, Queensland

Burleigh Heads is a great example of how towns can change with the vibrancy and spirit of those who move in.

We’ve visited here a couple of times and I was always a little ho-hum about it. I liked it, but I preferred Coolangatta on the Gold Coast. When we decided to end this road trip, we had a very strong calling to live in Burleigh.

We arrived and fell in love. Many locals, or newly locals, comment on how much it has changed over the past couple of years and has grown into this beautiful wholesome community. I’ve got a post coming soon sharing the reasons we love Burleigh.

But for a little insight now, it has the surfing culture, a vibrant outdoor lifestyle, an alternative scene, cool markets, awesome cafes with modern trends in food (almond milk in coffee is normal!), and a stunning National Park right on the beach. Burleigh’s my current bliss.

4. Byron Bay, New South Wales

Byron Bay in NSW has always been a place of healing for the local Aboriginal people. You feel that energy when you first drive down from the hinterlands.

I think that energy is spreading all the way up to Burleigh now as I feel it intensely here and notice it popping up with different health and well-being services.

Byron is a little touristy now, which is possibly making the energy a little stale, but we still love it.

It’s a great place to chill, there’s plenty to do with kids, the vibe is groovy, the food scene is great, the sunsets knock it out of the park, and the girls and I are in love with the Crystal Castle in the hinterlands.

Oh and don’t forget the Byron Bay Bluesfest! It’s where Ben Harper played just for Craig and I. #Ahhmemories. #highlightofmylife

5. Barossa Valley, South Australia

Okay, so we’re sneaking this one in as a region, rather than a town, but we felt we needed South Australia to have an appearance in our posts and really we absolutely loved the Barossa Valley (and Adelaide Hills region).

I knew it had some of the best wine in Australia, but I didn’t realise how great the food, scenery and people were also.

The Barossa has community warmth begging to wrap you up in memorable experiences and comforts that appeal to all of your senses. And I tell ya, I think they have the best damn gum trees in the country. I seriously think about them often.

6. Port Douglas, Queensland

Located in the Tropical North Queensland is the quaint and charming town of Port Douglas. Known as the gateway to The Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas is the perfect town to visit for those seeking nature.

As well as the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas is also where you’ll find the Daintree Rainforest, the largest rainforest in Australia and one of the oldest rainforest in the world.

Between the rainforest and the reef is Cape Tribulation, a remote headland with unspoiled natural beauty.

Closer to Port Douglas town center is Four Mile Beach, a beautiful beach with turquoise waters that are safe for swimming.

7. Port Fairy, Victoria

One of the most famous things to do in Australia is drive the scenic Great Ocean Road, from Torquay near Melbourne to Allansford near Port Fairy.

Although the drive can be done in a day, people usually spend over a week driving this road trip as there’s so much to see and do.

When it comes to finding a town to base yourself on the South Coast for this road trip, one that most people choose to stay in is Port Fairy.

This quaint and charming town is where the Moyne River meets the ocean and is famous for its idyllic, laid-back atmosphere and beautiful coastline.

It also has 19th-century architecture, and many of these old, historic buildings have been turned into guesthouses for those on the GOR trip.

Another town we like on the Great Ocean Road is Lorne, which puts you at close proximity to The Twelve Apostles.

If you time your visit right, you can even do some whale watching from the shores (April to November).

8. Hobart, Tasmania

The island of Tasmania is often missed off most people’s Australia itineraries, but we hope that this changes. We fell in love with the charm and vibrancy of Hobart, the capital of Tasmania.

Hobart is a quiet river town known for the bustling Salamanca Markets, excellent shopping, and old historic buildings.

The Battery Point neighborhood is packed with colonial-era cottages and old warehouses that have been transformed into boutique stores.

Hobart also has a foodie scene, with many top-class, award-winning restaurants serving up all types of international cuisine.

If you enjoy nature, there is a great hike up to a viewpoint on Mount Wellington from the town. Don’t miss nearby Port Arthur Historic Site and Bruny Island. I also loved my scenic flight from Hobart to Hazards Beach (one of the best beaches in Australia). Here are other towns to love in Tasmania.

9. Margaret River, Western Australia

Another small beach town in Western Australia we love is Margaret River. It’s known for its craft beer scene, incredible beaches, and world-class surfing.

As well as being a well known coastal destination, and where you can see whales migrating from June to November, it’s also an excellent place to get outdoors and do some hiking.

One of our favorite hikes in Margaret River is the Cape to Cape Track which passes through Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and has amazing cliff-side views.

10. Echuca, Victoria

Situated on the banks of the Murray River, a few hours drive North of Melbourne, is Echuca. This sleepy town is famous for having the largest fleet of riverboats in the world.

Ever since the 1860s, this small town has been a stopping point for paddle steamers and river boats, which you can learn all about in the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre.

Echuca is all about its history. Visitors can explore the old wharf, blacksmith’s forge, and charming heritage buildings.

For nature enthusiasts, Echuca has many tranquil bushwalks where you can find an abundance of native birdlife.

With its warm hospitality and unique blend of heritage and nature, Echuca is a hidden gem not to be missed.

11. Katherine, Northern Territory

Nestled where the Outback meets the tropics, between Alice Springs and Darwin, is the stunning town of Katherine, gateway to the River Katherine.

It’s known for its enchanting blend of natural wonders and ancient sites, from misty waterfalls, thermal springs, and majestic gorges like the world-renowned Nitmiluk Gorge, there is so much to see and discover here.

Explore the untamed beauty of Nitmiluk National Park, where you can canoe along the gorge’s tranquil waters or embark on exhilarating hiking trails to visit sacred aboriginal sites.

Katherine’s charm lies in its untouched landscapes and captivating experiences that allow you to reconnect with nature and witness the beauty of a land steeped in history.

12. Coober Pedy, South Australia

One of the most extraordinary small towns in Australia is the tiny town of Coober Pedy, a captivating country town nestled deep in South Australia’s outback.

This hidden gem offers a truly unique experience that sets it apart from other destinations. It’s famous for its opal mining history and cave dwellings.

Stay in an underground hotel, tour opal mines, and even fossick for gemstones. For art enthusiasts, be sure to check out the mesmerizing Painted Desert and discover why Coober Pedy has been featured in movies.

One of the main attractions of Coober Pedy is the chance to escape the ordinary and embrace the peculiar allure of this remarkable destination.

13. Tanunda, South Australia

Nestled in the heart of the renowned wine region of Barossa Valley, Tanunda beckons with its rich heritage and exceptional wine culture.

Derived from an Aboriginal word meaning “watering hole,” this historic town offers a delightful blend of old-world charm and natural landscapes.

Tanunda allows you to immerse yourself in the picturesque vineyards and indulge in world-class wine tastings at renowned wineries like Rockford Winery, Chateau Tanunda, and Langmeil Winery.

You can also explore the quaint village atmosphere, where you can browse local shops, savor gourmet delights, and experience the warm hospitality of the locals.

14. Noosa, Queensland

Nestled along the stunning Sunshine Coast, Noosa is a small town with an irresistible charm and breathtaking beauty.

This coastal paradise offers a multitude of reasons to visit and explore its wonders, from a chance to see humpback whales to relaxing in the serenity of Noosa National Park, where pristine beaches, scenic coastal walks, and abundant wildlife await.

Experience the thrill of surfing in crystal-clear waters from Noosa Main Beach, or embark on a tranquil adventure through the enchanting Noosa Everglades, or simply learn about the vibrant art scene at the local art galleries.

It hosts one of the most famous annual festivals in Australia, the Noosa Festival of Surfing, which takes place every year in March.

With its friendly locals, idyllic beaches, and endless possibilities for adventure, it’s no wonder why Noosa is a hot destination for Australians looking for a coastal town to escape to.

15. Surfer’s Paradise, NSW

Less than an hour south of Brisbane is Surfer’s Paradise on Australia’s vibrant Gold Coast. With its iconic three-kilometer strip of golden sand, this coastal gem offers a beach lover’s paradise.

But there’s more to Surfers Paradise than just its stunning beaches. It’s known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife, where entertainment options abound.

It also has a top-notch shopping scene, with bustling shopping centers and arcades, as well as plenty of boutique stores and vintage outlets.

Surfers Paradise is where you want to be if you’re looking for a Gold Coast town to chill out in.

Tours of Australia

If you were looking for group tour options in Australia, rather than traveling independent. Our preferred partner Globus has a range of Australian tours. Click links below and be sure to use our exclusive code in the blue box below.

• See all Globus Australia tours here
• See all Cosmos tours here (part of the Globus brand)

Final Thoughts on Towns in Australia

So there you have it, those are our favourite towns in Australia to visit if you want to experience the authenticity and charm of Australia’s communities.

We hope this guide inspired you to visit some of these towns and add them to your itinerary!