10 Storybook Towns In Australia
Across Australia, travellers can discover charming small towns that really do look and feel like they emerged from classic storybooks. There’s Yulara, the wonderful Northern Territory town that’s home to the natural wonders and rich Aboriginal culture of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Then, at Port Douglas, one can experience the ancient groves of the Daintree Rainforest and the marine life sanctuary of the Great Barrier Reef. Lord Howe Island has its own unique natural landmarks like the Ball’s Pyramid sea stack, while Coldstream comes across as a real-life fairy tale with its fertile vineyards and magnificent wineries. And for the most heavenly white sand beaches, one must head out to the splendid shores of Esperance. With so much to see and do at these storybook towns, visitors can easily turn the page and launch a new chapter of a fully satisfying and exciting journey.
Yulara, Northern Territory
Right in the heart of Australia (and at the southern end of the Northern Territory) is Yulara, a town that opens up to some of the Commonwealth’s most iconic landscapes. Of course, the big attraction out here is Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, which preserves the Uluṟu sandstone monolith that the Pitjantjatjara Aboriginal people have long held as sacred. But while one’s exploring the national park, it’s also worth stopping at the Cultural Centre to learn more about Aṉangu indigenous culture and find some Aboriginal-made art. And at the Kata Tjuṯa side of the park, folks can hike into the lush Waḻpa Gorge desert oasis where local wildlife find refuge, then get an intimate view of Kata Tjuṯa’s colourful sandstone domes at the Valley of the Winds.
For the perfect Uluṟu getaway, one can stay at the indigenous-owned and operated Ayers Rock Resort. Not only does this resort offer some of the closest accommodations to the national park, but it also has a variety of enticing dining options, plenty of fun and insightful guide-led experiences, and even the full-service Red Ochre Spa on site.
Port Douglas, Queensland
What happens when the world’s oldest tropical rainforest meets the planet’s greatest expanse of coral reefs? Well, we end up in the marvelous Queensland town of Port Douglas! In case anyone’s wondering, the Daintree Rainforest truly is the oldest-known tropical rainforest (dating back some 135 million years), and Daintree National Park is perfect for experiencing magical landscapes and spotting native animals like Southern cassowaries, Bennett’s tree kangaroos, Ulysses butterflies, and Boyd’s forest dragons. From there, a short drive south leads to Mowbray National Park and its magnificent natural landmarks like the pyramid-shaped Black Mountain and the grand cascades of Mowbray Falls.
Meanwhile, Port Douglas’ Coral Sea coast is adorned by the one and only Great Barrier Reef, and Silversonic Dive and Snorkel Adventures offers catamaran sailing excursions from Port Douglas to great local diving and snorkeling spots at sea. Or, for a more laid-back beach day, one can stay in town and enjoy the long stretch of golden sand at Four Mile Beach. Whatever one decides to do in and around Port Douglas, one can make the nearby Silky Oaks Lodge their perfectly luxurious “base camp,” as this boutique resort offers 40 opulent treehouse-style suites right at the foot of Daintree National Park.
Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
Sitting in the Tasman Sea between mainland Australia and New Zealand is the otherworldly paradise of Lord Howe Island. This volcanic island is home to a number of dazzling beaches, including the calm waters of Lagoon Beach that are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and the sanctuary zone of Ned’s Beach, where fish like wrasse, garfish, spangled emperor, and bluefish often swim close to shore. For those who really want to “go out there,” they can book a sail with Dive Lord Howe and head out to snorkel and dive at Ball’s Pyramid, the 551 metre-tall sea stack (the world’s tallest!) where wildlife like Ballina angelfish, rainbow runner fish, sea turtles, and dolphins often hang out.
While there’s plenty to do at sea, landlubbers will also find a lot to experience on the island, including thrilling hikes to Lord Howe’s highest peak at Mount Gower. And then, there’s Capella Lodge, the island’s Michelin key award-winning boutique resort at the foot of Mt Gower, sporting spacious suites, delectable dining, and a soothing spa on site.
Thredbo, New South Wales
Situated high in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales (NSW), about 210 kilometres (or 131 miles) south west of Canberra (ACT), is the signature Australian Alpine village of Thredbo. Though Thredbo is best known as a prime wintertime ski destination, there’s also plenty to experience during the warmer months, including hiking to the 2,228-metre summit of Australia’s tallest mountain at Mount Kosciuszko. In addition, Kosciuszko National Park has the Thredbo Valley Track that’s ideal for mountain biking, the stunning glacial lake and alpine wetlands at Blue Lake, and the tranquil historic fishing hole at Bullocks Hut.
After a long day exploring the Australian Alps, one can retreat to the comfy and cozy confines of The Eastern Thredbo Village. These luxury vacation rental homes combine sleek Nordic and Japanese design aesthetics, and they’re located right in Thredbo Village near the major trails and other local amenities.
Mallacoota, Victoria
Perched at the north-eastern corner of Victoria’s Gippsland coast is the lovely beach town of Mallacoota. Speaking of beaches, Betka Beach near Mallacoota’s central village is ideal for swimming and surfing. Farther south, Quarry Beach has over a kilometre of sandy foreshore guarded on both ends by ruggedly beautiful headlands featuring quarry-like layers of ancient rock. And down at the aptly named Secret Beach, travellers can stretch out at this secluded cove, and they might even be able to explore the sea cave that’s only accessible during low tide.
Even for those who prefer to explore on dry land, Croajingolong National Park has plenty of inviting (and some satisfyingly challenging) hiking trails, including the Genoa Peak Walk that leads up through the leafy forest to phenomenal panoramic views at the top of the mountain. Whenever one is ready to call it a day, one can relax and kick back for the evening at Gipsy Point Lodge, a boutique inn surrounded by national park lands that provides direct access to Mallacoota Inlet, and it’s a short drive from the region’s famed beaches.
Coldstream, Victoria
Nestled in Victoria’s enchanting Yarra Valley, around 48 kilometres (or 30 miles) east of Melbourne, is the refreshing wine country town of Coldstream. A key highlight here is Coombe Yarra Valley, the fairytale-like estate that the opera star Dame Nellie Melba made her new home in 1909, and one where visitors can now book appointments to enjoy lavish lunches, do a proper high tea, and taste their own selection of fine wines at the cellar door. And since this is wine country, folks can head out with a designated driver and discover plenty more high-quality wines at local wineries like Coldstream Hills and Riverstone Estate.
If, for whatever reason, one can use a break from wine tastings, it’s a lovely drive out to TarraWarra Museum of Art and their acclaimed collection of modern and postmodern art set on a spectacular hillside campus. And for the full spectrum of Yarra Valley elegance and hospitality, it’s worth a stay at Chateau Yering, a 250-acre estate crowned by a stately Victorian mansion. Not only does this chateau feature 32 uniquely designed suites, but it also has an abundance of delicious delights at Sweetwater Café and Eleonore’s Restaurant.
Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania
Right in between the Forestier Peninsula and the Tasman Peninsula is Eaglehawk Neck, a small town with some of Tasmania’s greatest landmarks and attractions. One such attraction is Pirates Bay, a beach surfers love for its solid swells, but also a family-friendly beach with gorgeous tidepools. Even better, this beach sits right by the Tessellated Pavement, a unique geological phenomenon where a set of tile-like rocks stands by the Tasman Sea.
Since Eaglehawk Neck is largely surrounded by Tasman National Park, there’s a whole lot more to explore in the area. In particular, Tasmans Arch is a natural bridge that towers over the rocky shore, and Waterfall Bay marks a special corner of the coast where a waterfall drops over perpendicular cliffs into the wide open sea. Once one’s ready to wrap up for the day, Eaglehawk Pavilions makes a welcoming retreat with private pavilion homes sporting spectacular views of Pirates Bay below.
Hahndorf, South Australia
How on earth did a Prussian-style town end up 27 kilometres (or 17 miles) east of Adelaide? Basically, a group of German Lutherans migrated to Australia and began settling in this part of South Australia in 1838, and locals have sought to preserve their town’s German heritage ever since. Along Mount Barker Road, visitors can find historic treasures like the Hahndorf Academy, a 150-year-old building that now houses a gallery featuring works by local artists. Then, there’s the Hahndorf Inn, a Bavarian-style bierhall and restaurant that’s been serving patrons since 1863. A short stroll away, Hahndorf Hill crafts award-winning small-batch wines with local grapes. And just up the road, Beerenberg Farm is a true family-run operation growing their own strawberries and making their own tasty lineup of gourmet jams, chutneys, sauces, and dressings.
For those wanting to stay at the centre of it all, it’s hard to beat The Haus Studios. These studio apartment cottages are located right by The Haus Restaurant, and they’re within an easy walk of most other top attractions in town.
Esperance, Western Australia
On the southern coast of Western Australia is the marvelous town of Esperance, a beach town that looks and feels like a real-life coastal paradise. That sentiment only strengthens once one visits the nearby Cape Le Grand National Park, an ethereal stretch of coastline where kangaroos roam the bright white sandy beaches, and where visitors can go swimming and surfing in the clearest blue water of the Great Australian Bight. Closer to town lies Wylie Bay, another spectacular beach where massive white sand dunes lead to a great local surf spot. Even in town, one can find beautiful beaches like the secluded-feeling Lovers Beach near the harbour, and the tranquil shores of Blue Haven to the west.
After one has had a full day at the beach, the beachy chic vibes can live on at Esperance Chalet Village. This “casual, yet stylish shelter” offers cute A-frame studio chalets at an ideal location between the town centre and Cape Le Grand.
Exmouth, Western Australia
On Western Australia’s North West Cape is the curious town of Exmouth, a town where the bright, colourful desert meets Australia's largest fringing coral reef at sea. Just beyond town limits is the natural wonderland of Cape Range National Park, a nature preserve where travellers can see local wildlife like black-footed rock wallabies, euros, and red kangaroos at Yardie Creek, then marvel at the dramatic red cliffs of Mandu Mandu Gorge. Meanwhile, the park’s Indian Ocean coast opens up to the UNESCO-recognised Ningaloo Reef, and Oyster Stacks is a wonderful spot to go snorkeling and look for marine wildlife like sea turtles, whale sharks, and various tropical fish. And at Turquoise Bay, visitors can enjoy a powdery-soft white sand beach where the coral reef sits just a few metres from shore.
In case anyone craves some more quality time and special experiences at Cape Range National Park, they’re in luck. Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef offers “all-inclusive barefoot luxury” with their eco-conscious deluxe safari tents, and they provide all guests with the opportunities to swim with humpback whales and whale sharks at sea, spot native turtles in the wild, do guided gorge walks, and even do nighttime stargazing sessions.
Write Your Own Enchanting Story At These Idyllic Australian Towns
For many travellers coming to Australia, this country on a continent seems like a magnificent storybook come to life. For Australians, this is simply their real-life story. There really is an expansive Outback crowned by perhaps the world’s most famous sandstone monolith, and there’s a wondrous expanse of coastline where the world’s oldest tropical rainforest meets the world’s largest coral reef system. One can ascend to the great heights of the Australian Alps, and one can venture down to the beach town where the whitest sands reach dazzling turquoise sea water. Clearly, there’s no shortage of incredible places worth exploring across Australia.
