10 Best Australia Towns For A Weekend Trip
Considering Australia is one of the world's largest landmasses, it should come as no surprise that this Oceanic nation has an abundance of amazing places to escape for the weekend. There's the town in the Outback of the Northern Territory that sits by perhaps the Commonwealth's most iconic sandstone monolith, as well as the Queensland beach town that abuts the world's largest coral reef system and the world's oldest rainforest. Moving down to New South Wales, travellers can explore the scenic "birthplace of Australia." Then, in Victoria, folks can savour the bold flavours of the storied Yarra Valley wine country. And in Western Australia, there's a beach town with a wealth of splendid white sand shores.
It might be time to prepare for a great weekend escape. Here are ten of the best Australian towns for a weekend trip.
Yulara, Northern Territory
At the arid yet vibrant heart of the Australian continent lies Yulara, the town that sits by perhaps the Northern Territory's most famous and beloved natural landmark. Without a doubt, people come here from across the nation and around the world to view Uluṟu, the 348-metre tall sandstone monolith that the Pitjantjatjara Aboriginal people have long held sacred, and one that UNESCO officially recognises as a World Heritage Site. Yet while visiting Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, folks will find plenty more to explore, including the Muṯitjulu Waterhole where wallabies occasionally show up for some refreshment, the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Cultural Centre that showcases thought-provoking Aboriginal-made art, and the soaring and seemingly "glowing" rock domes of Kata Tjuṯa.
To further enhance a special weekend at Yulara and Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa, folks can stay at the Aboriginal-owned Ayers Rock Resort and take their pick of budget-friendly and top-tier luxury accommodations. In addition, the resort offers a number of unique cultural experiences, the full-service Red Ochre Spa, and a host of delectable dining options.
Port Douglas, Queensland
What happens when we combine some of the world's oldest surviving tropical rainforest with the world's largest coral reef system? Well, we reach the splendid Tropical North Queensland town of Port Douglas. Over at Mossman Gorge, visitors can experience many of the incredible wonders of the Daintree Rainforest and do a fully-immersive, Indigenous-led Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk. Then, there's Mount Lewis National Park, a prime expanse of rainforest-clad mountains that still contains traces of Australia's origin story as the part of the prehistoric continent of Gondwana, along with opportunities to spot rare wildlife like Mount Lewis spiny crayfish, golden bowerbirds, giant blue earthworms, and Daintree River ringtail possums. Shifting to the coast, Newell Beach is a pristine two and a half kilometre stretch of coast that's ideal for fishing and boating. And right in the heart of town, Four Mile Beach is Port Douglas' gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and a wonderful family-friendly beach for swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, kite surfing, and snorkelling.
Set within easy walking distance of Four Mile Beach, Tropical Nites offers spacious townhouses suitable for families, groups, and those who simply want some extra room to roam. All townhouses feature full kitchens, spacious living areas, wifi internet, air conditioning, and even working washers and dryers.
Byron Bay, New South Wales
Around 165 kilometres south of Brisbane, the New South Wales beach town of Byron Bay might just be Australia's gnarliest hub of surf culture. For those looking to embark on their surfing journeys with some expert guidance, Soul Surf is one of Byron Bay's premier surf schools and offers a comprehensive suite of programs for surfers at all levels. Meanwhile, for those ready to get going on their own, Wategos Beach, west of the historic lighthouse, is a pleasant and family-friendly sheltered cove, while Tallow Beach, south of the lighthouse, is a prime spot for more seasoned surfers to ride waves in the Tasman Sea, and for birdwatchers hoping to see ospreys, white-bellied sea eagles, and pied oystercatchers in the wild. And for a different side of local culture, it's a short jaunt inland to reach The Farm, Byron Bay, a comprehensive farm-to-table experience where folks can tour this working regenerative farm, greet the local farm animals, and feast on the freshest flavours featuring the most locally-sourced ingredients.
Located on the shores of the secluded and exclusive Belongil Beach, Shambhala provides a luxurious oasis of serenity while keeping guests close to many of Byron Bay's best attractions. Here, guests can choose from four spacious and stylish cottages that are all expertly designed to maximise that sense of zen.
Tenterfield, New South Wales
High in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales' New England region, Tenterfield forever holds a special place as the "birthplace of Australia." More specifically, Sir Henry Parkes delivered his "Tenterfield Oration" in 1889 that played a major role in advancing what would become the Federation of Australia in 1901, and the Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts lets visitors tour this special place where history was made. About a block away, the Tenterfield Saddler is a 130-year-old landmark that the singer-songwriter Peter Allen forever immortalised in his 1972 song, Tenterfield Saddler. For another view of Australian heritage, it's a scenic drive north to Boonoo Boonoo National Park, a romantically beautiful expanse of granite cliffs, flowing waterfalls, and lush habitat for wildlife like brush-tailed rock-wallabies, vulnerable spotted-tailed quolls, platypuses, and kangaroos. And to the east, Timbarra National Park protects some 1,772 hectares of soaring mountain peaks and serene river flats.
Returning to town, the Royal Tenterfield provides plenty of friendly local hospitality alongside comfortable motel rooms and delicious fare at Munro's Bar & Kitchen.
Mallacoota, Victoria
Shifting down to the East Gippsland coast of Victoria, Mallacoota opens up to some of the nation's most spectacularly beautiful beaches and many opportunities to enjoy pure coastal paradise. Closest to town is Betka Beach, an excellent surf spot and cool place to go swimming. A little way south, Quarry Beach presents an oceanfront wonderland adorned with various layers of exposed rock, while Secret Beach provides a more secluded-feeling environment with a sea cave that's only accessible during low tide. And farther south, Croajingolong National Park is full of dazzling white sand beaches, temperate rainforest, ruggedly rocky headlands, and ample opportunities for hiking, swimming, diving, snorkelling, and sea kayaking.
After a long and hopefully very fun day exploring the region's great expanses of coastal wilderness, folks can head back into town, check into The Wave Oasis, and discover a pleasant retreat complete with apartment-style accommodations, super-fast Starlink internet, an electric car charging station, and even their own on-site farm that produces fresh fruit, veggies, and eggs.
Healesville, Victoria
Just 67 kilometres, or 42 miles, east of Melbourne, Healesville showcases many of the finest sights, sounds, and flavours of the fertile Yarra Valley. A major draw here is the Healesville Sanctuary, a wonderful space to see native Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos, platypuses, dingoes, wombats, and emus in a safe and nourishing environment. Then, there are the wineries of Healesville, including the high-quality cool-climate varietals of Centare Vineyard, and the award-winning wining-and-dining at Riverstone Estate. And for something different, Four Pillars Gin Distillery lets folks see where the magic is made. And by magic, we mean award-winning gins made with Australian ingredients like grains, oranges, lemon myrtles, and pepperberry.
Set on a private ridge north of town, Kangaroo Ridge Retreat makes a setting for a quiet retreat with its sweeping mountain vistas, on-property wine bar, spa-style bathrooms, and individually controlled air-conditioning.
Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
Perched in the heights of the UNESCO-honoured Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is Cradle Mountain, an ethereal expanse of temperate rainforest. Since the town sits within Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, there's so much alpine wilderness to explore, with the Overland Track serving as one of Australia's finest trails for multi-day backcountry hikes. Of course, there's also the path up to Cradle Summit and the remarkable panoramic views at 1,545 metres, or 5,069 feet, above sea level. Also in the area is Dove Lake, one of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks and a scenic journey through rainforest. And at Devils@Cradle, folks can see native animals like eastern quolls, spotted-tailed quolls, and Tasmanian devils in their natural habitat.
For the ultimate Cradle Mountain sojourn, guests can book a cabin at Cradle Highlander. This four-hectare bushland property offers 16 cabins made with Tasmanian timber and all individually designed to ensure a distinctly Tasmanian experience.
Hahndorf, South Australia
Hahndorf may only be about 27 kilometres, or 17 miles, east of Adelaide, yet this town brings the essence of a German farm village to South Australia. At Beerenberg Farm, visitors can taste six generations' worth of family tradition with the farm's homemade jams, chutneys, and sauces, along with their strawberry farm where visitors can pick their own fruit during the season. Then, at Ambleside Distillers, folks can do a tasting flight of Ambleside's premium gins and enjoy a relaxing lunch overlooking their gardens. Also in town is Hahndorf Hill Winery, a boutique winery that specialises in Austrian grape varieties and other cool-climate varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. And for some more tasty treats, the German Arms Hotel, which traces its history to 1839, serves a delicious melange of classic German dishes and Australian pub favourites.
With a prime location on Hahndorf's main street, The Haus Studios provide a very convenient launchpad for exploring the town. Even better, these cottages also provide plenty of comfort with plush bedding and sleek bathrooms inside, and a lovely garden setting outside.
Esperance, Western Australia
Set on the Southern Ocean coast of Western Australia, Esperance brings to real life the otherworldly visions of pure white sands meeting sparkling turquoise waters. This especially rings true at Cape Le Grand National Park, where western grey kangaroos roam freely at this park that also abounds in dream-like white sand beaches. Meanwhile, near the centre of town, Lovers Beach is a surprisingly secluded-feeling cove with a uniquely relaxing vibe. Turning west, West Beach is a longer white sand beach that's great for surfing and seasonal whale watching, while Blue Haven presents a calmer beach ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Heading back towards town, Esperance Chalet Village makes a "quiet alternative" to the typical hotel with its distinct A-frame chalets in an undisturbed parklike setting by Bandy Creek.
Exmouth, Western Australia
Near the northern tip of the North West Cape of Western Australia, Exmouth makes an inviting gateway to a colourful tropical desert wilderness at the edge of one of the world's largest fringing reefs. In the interior of Cape Range National Park, Mandu Mandu Gorge is an amazing place to go bushwalking and potentially spot some rare black-footed rock wallabies in the wild. Then, at Yardie Creek, visitors can do a bushwalk or a guided boat tour on the river and spot wildlife like red kangaroos, euros, and ospreys. Turning to the coast, Turquoise Bay is an incredible beach to go swimming and snorkeling at a coral reef garden. And for another view of Ningaloo Reef, Lakeside is a calm, sheltered beach that's ideal for spotting rays, sharks, anemones, and sea turtles.
Staying at Cape Range National Park, Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef makes a unique eco-luxury resort with its idyllic setting by the open Indian Ocean, a selection of expert-guided bushwalks on land and snorkelling excursions at sea, complimentary use of equipment like kayaks and paddleboards, incredible destination dining on site, and an elevated "down to earth experience" at their deluxe glamping tents.
After Working for the Weekend, It's Time to Relax in These Easygoing Australian Towns
Across Australia, people will discover a number of dazzling destinations to make the perfect weekend getaway. Yulara opens up to the beautiful desert wonderland of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, while Port Douglas makes an inviting portal to the UNESCO-honoured Daintree Rainforest on land and Great Barrier Reef at sea. It's always surf's up at Byron Bay, and it's a marvelous ascent to the alpine wilderness of Cradle Mountain. And out west, Exmouth sits at the edge of one of the world's largest fringing reefs.
With so many options for wondrous weekend trips, it may be hard to limit oneself to just one weekend to explore Australia's amazing small towns.
