11 Best Small Towns to Visit in Victoria
Victoria, a highly urbanized state with more than 70% of Victorians living in Melbourne, abounds in picturesque landscapes, with tons of foreshore and 36% of the state covered with forest. These towns, surrounded by nature, emanate local vibes, timeless charms, and modern attractions without crowds for families to experience. From the illustrious Mornington Peninsula to the charming Port Phillip Bay, you can escape to the beaches to surf in Lorne along the one-stop shop, the Great Ocean Road. From windsurfing in Port Fairy to swimming in the turquoise waters of Sorrento—no, not Italy—you can ski in Bright when it is summer back home!
Visit Dookie in the Goulburn Valley during spring for fresh produce or enjoy the rich, deep wines of the autumn harvest. The mountain town of Grampeld serves as your gateway to the Grampians, offering stunning wildlife, hikes, and scenic lookouts. Beechworth, located in the foothills of the Australian Alps, is also worth visiting. Just 70 km from Melbourne's center, French Island is a unique destination with beaches and self-sufficient residents living in an undisturbed environment, where you can observe Aboriginal footprints and explore the national park that covers two-thirds of the island.
Beechworth, North East
Founded during the 1850s gold rush, Beechworth is a well-preserved, historic town surrounded by natural beauty, with a population under 4,000. It attracts both local day-trippers and international tourists alike. The gold rush-era architecture provides visual delight as you walk through stunning scenery and indulge in exceptional cuisine. Provenance for Fine Dinner has earned two chef’s hats from The Age Good Food Guide, while popular spots like Bridge Road Brewers, known for craft beers, and Billson’s Brewery/Soda Bar, are favorite nightlife destinations. The town's charm is reflected in its well-maintained buildings such as the Beechworth Courthouse, Telegraph Station, and Powder Magazine.
Nothing gets you excited for adventures like getting a coffee from Tiny paired with irresistible pies from Beechworth Bakery. A visit to Old Beechworth Gaol immerses you in history before heading to Chiltern-Mt. Pilot National Park for stunning views of Woolshed Falls. Located in the foothills of the Australian Alps, about 270 km northeast of Melbourne, this town is one of Victoria's most beautiful spots, offering some of Australia’s best hiking trails in the mountains. The nearby King Valley features the famous "Prosecco Road" for wine enthusiasts, while the Head Beechworth Asylum, both spooky and popular, draws visitors after dark.
Bright, North East
This tiny town of around 3,000 at the gateway to the Alpine Region is popular for leisure hikes and biking, with beautiful nature on the doorstep along the Ovens River and Centenary Park. From spectacular fall foliage and the Bright Autumn Festival, Bright turns into a winter wonderland and the epicenter for all snow bunnies' favorite pursuits! These are the two most popular seasons, with crisp morning air and foggy mountain views, to enjoy the clearest days for sightseeing until the brisk evening. Wedged between Mount Buffalo and Falls Creek—some of the country's most beautiful nature's endeavors—Bright is synonymous with bushwalking during Australia's summer.
Mount Buffalo National Park is a perfect winter retreat for birdwatchers, offering warm-weather hikes and nature refreshment along routes like the riverside trail and Canyon Walk. Only 3.5 hours from Melbourne, a charming Victorian village makes an ideal weekend or weeklong escape, featuring cozy, elevated studios nestled in the wilderness. The stunning scenery extends into downtown, which boasts superb cuisine and a vibrant drinks scene with fine wines, breweries, and distilleries such as Bright Brewery, Billy Button Wines cellar door, and Reed & Co. Distillery.
Clunes, Northern Rivers
This tiny town enchants with deep connections to the early beginnings of the state, extending its silver fame to the screen as a star in Ned Kelly (2002) and Mad Max in the third season of The Leftovers TV show. The state’s best-preserved 19th-century buildings offer a spectacular backdrop for prowling modern attractions. In addition to movie sights and more bookshops than you have ever seen in your life, there are also cafes and bistros, with the RACV Goldfields Resort just 15 minutes away, and Clunes' regular author talks each month on the third Sunday!
Now getting exciting, Clunes is one of only 21 internationally recognized "International Book Towns" in the world—a bragging right that attracts most tourists. Greeting flocks of both local and world-wide bookworms, the weekend-long Booktown Festival in early May features non-stop literary discussions, author meets, and endless book browsing. The Goldfields town, in the shadow of the larger Ballarat just south, is not just a bookmark for bibliophiles, with rustic charms attracting families and historians to commune with the peaceful rhythms of the well-read community.
Daylesford, Macedon Ranges
Famous as a spa destination, Daylesford is the perfect spot for relaxing on your trip through Victoria. Its natural mineral springs attract thousands of wellness enthusiasts, including international visitors, who come to experience the unique spa culture and rich history that dates back to the 1850s. Originally a prominent gold rush town, Daylesford still retains its historic charm with period architecture and guided tours. The town is filled with art galleries, antique shops, and specialty stores where visitors can find souvenirs and learn more about its heritage. Just an hour and a half northwest of Melbourne, you can enjoy these attractions amidst the scenic foothills of the Great Dividing Range.
Daylesford isn't just for wellness enthusiasts; it's the perfect escape to unwind in a peaceful setting with distinctive stays like Lake House. Explore Convent Gallery as a true art lover, featuring both local and international works, while Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa is only a three-minute drive north. Stay relaxed at the lively Sunday Market, which remains bustling even in rain, and enjoy the scenic beauty and calming atmosphere of Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens, Passing Clouds Winery, and Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm, all ideal for leisurely strolls and sensory experiences.
Dookie, Goulburn Valley
The Goulburn Valley's true highlight is this historic agricultural town, which bursts into vibrant spring colors with yellow canola fields and bright green legumes. From the fiery volcanic sands to the lush wheat fields, it offers a rich sensory experience, where haystacks invite Instagram photos alongside wandering sheep and grazing cattle. Located about 27 km northeast of Shepparton in northern Victoria, this close-knit, progressive community resides in a scenic part of the Goulburn Valley, surrounded by three hills: Mount Major, Mount Saddleback, and Gentle Annie. Visitors can enjoy Dookie's renowned fertility during the summer-autumn harvest at local markets and eateries.
From leisure rides or walks along the Dookie Rail Trail to hikes up Mount Major, the nearby vineyards such as Rye at Tallis offer flavorful varieties with rich tastes unmatched elsewhere. The picturesque Mary Street features Dookie Flowering Sugar Gum and Dookie Nomadic Silos, offering charming shops, cozy spots, and the popular Dookie Emporium—a vintage cafe and treasure trove. You can escape the snow at home and unwind at Dookie Quarry's Secret Garden Gathering, where live music echoes against the rocky walls of the quarry. The town also hosts The Dookie Horticultural College nestled in the Mount Major foothills and the Gladstone Hotel, which boasts a fantastic restaurant.
Dunkeld, Maranoa
Some three hours from Melbourne, this tiny mountain town in the shadow of Mt. Sturgeon, at the southern tip of the Grampians/Gariwerd mountain range, is also just a hop on the bus from Ballarat! The Grampians offer spectacular hikes and wines, perfect when coupled with the delicious food to follow. You can hike up Mt. Sturgeon or Mt. Abrupt/Mud-Dadjug to bask in the sun, your own pride, and the gorgeous views over Dunkeld, while the adjoining mount, Piccaninny/Bainggug, is even accessible to kids.
Minutes from downtown, the Arboretum boasts beautiful space for strolls, relaxation, and picnics in the shadow of Mt. Sturgeon/Wurgarri. Dunkeld's culinary accolades start with its most rustic and famous Dunkeld Old Bakery, which has been delighting travelers since 1887 with handcrafted baked goods and even accommodation in the old baker’s residence! You can enjoy the best mountain views at the Royal Mail Hotel, with a range of dining options, or choose the charming bluestone cottages at the Mt. Sturgeon property, just 5 minutes away.
French Island, Western Port
Best for unique environment tales to tell back home, the crown of the Mornington Peninsula at the mouth of Western Port, French Island is the largest island in the bay. Comprising Western Port Biosphere Reserve, Mt. Wellington at 96 meters above, and 170 square kilometers of wander-worthy area, the isolated island is home to just over 100 souls, including historians and conservationists. You can see the several registered sites of the Aboriginal shell middens and scattered stones, as well as the remnants from a 1916 prison farm on Crown Land, declared a state park in 1979 and a national park twenty years later. Just 70 km from the heart of Melbourne, you can take a personal boat, opt for a passenger ferry from Stony Point, or use a car barge service from Corinella.
The French Island Marine National Park extends for 15 km along the northern shore, featuring protected wetlands and a diverse array of native plants and animals, including migratory birds among more than 260 species of fauna, 230 native bird species, and 580 plant species. The island is home to over 100 species of unique orchids and Australia's leading chlamydia-free Koala population, which is regularly used to replenish depleted colonies on the mainland. With farming and tourism as the main industries, skilled islanders offer services in art, craft, the nearby RACV Inverloch Resort, and fresh farm products like organic and grass-fed meats, oils, biodynamic produce, honey, nuts, and wine. Visitors can bike around the picturesque island, enjoy scenic bird-watching trails, visit local wineries, or relax on the beaches, spotting seals and dolphins.
Lorne, The Great Ocean Road
Easily accessible along the Great Ocean Road, this charming small town with only 1,300 residents is a true escape from city crowds. Lorne, a cool coastal spot for surfing on Louttit Bay at the edge of Great Otway National Park, is also the perfect place to chase waterfalls like the 30-meter Erskine Falls. With ten nearby waterfalls, including Phantom Falls and Sheoak Falls, or the option to hike a section of the 91-km Great Ocean Walk, it offers plenty of adventures. Attracting laid-back hikers, backpackers, and campers, Lorne is also a popular surf beach getaway on the Surf Coast. With eco-cabins, luxury hotels, and waterfront holiday apartments, there's a stay for every budget to enjoy nature in your style!
You can take the railway or a two and a half-hour drive from Melbourne via the iconic highway and stay centrally at the Lorne Hotel, accessible from all sides! From magnificent beaches to hiking trails, families love the fantastic walking track along the water, an adventure-inspired playground for kids, a beachside cafe, and a trampoline park. The waterfront main street headed by the Queenscliff Coastal Reserve features more fantastic cafes and browsable boutiques to shop and relax in the views. You can sprawl along the grassy area for a picnic and fun by the water, or enjoy the mellow vibes at The Bottle of Milk, with outdoor seating and an all-day menu.
Port Fairy, South West
The enchanting town of Port Fairy is one of the best stops along the Great Ocean Road! A longtime thriving fishing village offers tourists wide streets with gorgeous cottages and old stone churches to browse through the festive atmosphere. With places like Merrijig Kitchen, The Oak & Anchor Hotel, and Bank St. & Co., the town is also host to the most popular Port Fairy Folk Festival, one of the country's largest music festivals in March! Some four hours from Melbourne, Port Fairy is like the epitome of Australia's spirit, with rustic and modern charms in cafes, pubs, bars, and lovely boutique stores.
From historical walks to a popular golf course, beach cricket, and surfing, you can also take up SUPing, kayaking, or snorkeling in the clear waters. The beautiful beaches attract windsurfers and kite flyers in the warm breeze when it is snowing back home. East Beach is one of the coast's most family-friendly, while South Beach, or "Pea Soup," is best for swimming in the protected waters without a patrol. Port Fairy Day Spa is great to wind down after all the adventures, like exploring Griffiths Island, while plentiful accommodation options include the budget-friendly Big 4 Caravan Park or Seacombe House Motor Inn, as well as waterside hotels and luxury rentals.
Queenscliff, Greater Geelong (South)
This historic harbor town along the underrated Bellarine Peninsula offers illustrious streetscapes to get away from crowds and dive into the waters, the past, and foodie's heaven. Replete with family-friendly activities, many come to experience the Blues Train—like a party bus—with meals and drinks to the best blues artists in the country's rock, roll, and riff, while the Q Train takes you on a scenic journey along the former Geelong-Queenscliff railway. Headed by Port Phillip Bay, the quaint town boasts a seafood scene to remember, like Mi Shells Seafood, for fresh, locally caught seafood.
You can catch a ferry to the Mornington Peninsula with high tea onboard and return to the modern harbor for sunset, or it is the Queenscliff Brewhouse & Distillery with over 100 beers and bay views! From high-end eats at Saltbush Fine Foods with produce and delicious dishes, the local nooks along the harbor offer the best fish and chips of your life as you watch the boats come in. You can charter a boat for your own fishing excursion, sightsee around the bay, or head further to expand your horizons beyond the heads into the Bass Strait.
Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula
Ever heard of Sorrento? It's a lesser-known town compared to its lively Italian namesake, and many travelers don't venture past the tip of the Mornington Peninsula, just an hour and a half from Melbourne. Sorrento makes a perfect weekend getaway with its scenic nature trails, historic walks, and crystal-clear turquoise beaches that live up to its name. The foreshore is ideal for sunset strolls, capturing photos along the pier, and enjoying beachfront dining, galleries, and shops. As one of Victoria's most charming small towns, it offers various themed walks, such as the beautiful Millionaire’s Walk and the Sorrento-Portsea Artists’ Trail, encouraging outdoor exploration.
Commanding the furthest tip of the illustrious peninsula, the timeless Fort Nepean fortifications protected Melbourne during World War I and II! You can explore its tunnel complex with gun emplacements, the several coastal treks, and surrounding trails with panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay. While strolling the pier, why not kill two birds with one stone via an hourly ferry service to the historic Queenscliff? There's the favorite Sorrento Beach Motel with helpful staff and a delicious breakfast to make you feel most welcome, while the Oceanic Sorrento apartment complex is perfect for families and couples to stay minutes away from the water.
At 227,416 km2, Victoria is Australia’s smallest mainland state, housing the second largest population of all states in Australia. With a population of just under 6,000,000, Victoria hugs the tip of Australia's east coast. From more famous to some real undercover stars, the small Victoria towns dot the shores and countryside far enough from the crowds but with easy access to the glitz and glam of Melbourne. Australia's seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere, with a warm to hot climate in the summer from December to February and crisp winters from June to August.
The southern coastline along the Bass Strait separates Tasmania from the mainland, while the Great Ocean Road is a scenic drive between many coastal towns and cities—a delicious slice of sunkissed beaches, food scenes, and views. Beechworth and Daylesford reminisce of Australia's gold rush with grand nineteenth-century architecture and elegant gardens, while Port Fairy's wide streets remind you of the thriving fishing industry you can taste today harborside.
