11 Most Charming Small Towns in New South Wales
New South Wales (NSW), with its 2,137 km-long coastline and dense bushland, is a haven for holidaymakers seeking relaxation and adventure. Each town offers year-round entertainment, family attractions, and a distinct culture. Kingscliff is ideal for those craving relaxation with its serene beaches. For a bohemian experience, Yamba is the perfect destination.
Known as the "First State" or "Premier State," NSW is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east, Victoria to the south, South Australia to the west, and Queensland to the north. While not the largest or richest state, it boasts captivating towns. Kingscliff, nestled in the heart of the Gold Coast near the border, is renowned for its blissful beaches. Yamba, on the other hand, exudes a charmingly bohemian vibe. These towns rely on tourism, offering charm and local hospitality while retaining their authentic allure and pristine natural beauty.
Bermagui
Bermagui, with fewer than 3,000 residents, is rich in natural beauty and attractions. The Bermagui Blue Pool, an ocean lagoon, offers breathtaking views and chances to spot dolphins, whales, and seals. Located along the scenic Bermagui River, this town remains authentic and free from typical tourist traps. It's ideal for peaceful kayak excursions on Wallaga Lake, a site meaningful to the local Aboriginal community. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, fishing, and boating here. Situated on the Sapphire Coast, the town provides access to stunning beaches and beautiful coastal trails, including Mimosa Rocks National Park and Cuttagee Beach.
For fishing enthusiasts, the local waters are teeming with various fish such as morwong, kingfish, snapper, yellowfin tuna, and black marlin. Notable landmarks include Camel Rock and Horse Head Rock, located just north of town. The continental shelf, only 20 km offshore, is a hotspot for deep-sea fishing. Dining options in Bermagui offer stunning waterfront views, with local cafes like Boneless Vegetarian Cafe and Gulaga Wholefoods serving dishes that feature locally-produced wine and fresh seafood. The town also has fantastic vantage points for scenic walks, from the busy harbor to the inviting beach. For cultural experiences, the nearby Montreal Goldfield provides a glimpse into colonial history, and the town's calendar is filled with festivals such as Reboot in Bermagui and Sculpture Bermagui.
Berry
Berry, a charming town as delightful as its name suggests, serves as a perfect destination for shoppers. Its lively main street is lined with modern boutiques and award-winning restaurants. Whether you're searching for homeware or one-of-a-kind décor, there are plenty of treasures to buy for yourself or as gifts. Surrounded by lush greenery and the deep blue sea, this scenic town feels like an architectural paradise. Enjoy a walk through the Berry School of Arts, visit the Berry Museum, browse antique markets, and head to the renowned Seven Mile Beach National Park.
The town is renowned for its high-quality cafes, fine dining options, and spontaneous culinary experiences. Visitors can enjoy people-watching at diverse outdoor markets and terraced cafes. Don't miss the iconic Berry Donut Van, and take time to explore the town's lesser-known side streets and alleyways for more hidden treasures. Berry provides a tranquil retreat from busy crowds, making it a popular seaside getaway just two hours from Sydney in NSW's Shoalhaven region.
Currarong
Located at the northern tip of the scenic Beecroft Peninsula, Currarong faces the beautiful Jervis Bay. This family-friendly town is a haven for animal lovers, with dolphins, seals, and penguins often seen nearby. The Jervis Bay Marine Park offers great spots for whale watching, swimming, and water sports. The village's clear waters and stunning sandstone cliffs add to its charm. Currarong, a lovely part of the Shoalhaven region, is surrounded by peaceful beaches and interesting rock pools, offering activities from fishing to reef diving.
Abrahams Bosom Beach, the main beach of the town, features protected waters, a picnic area, and two trailheads. The Wreck Walk is a scenic one-hour path that passes the shipwrecked SS Merimbula from 1928. The beautiful Coomies Walk provides ever-changing views of the headlands. Visitors can stay in holiday houses with access to stunning beaches and secluded coves, hike through Abrahams Bosom Reserve, or relax at Wilsons Beach and Lobster Bay. Gosangs Tunnel offers spectacular views of the rugged coastline. The remaining areas of the Beecroft Peninsula, which the navy manages, are open on weekends and holidays for additional coastal walks, including Honeymoon Bay and the Point Perpendicular Lighthouse.
Echuca Moama
Famous for their tourist hospitality, these two charming towns along the mighty Murray River are home to traditional paddle steamers and the iconic Moama Botanic Gardens—"a labor of love for locals." This long-term community project, one of the nation's first native gardens designed for arid and semi-arid Australian landscapes, lets you explore features like a rain garden and a dry billabong amid indigenous plantings. From their bustling local market to the popular Perricoota Pop and Pour Festival, a vineyard hopping tour offers unique tasting experiences of the fruits of local labor.
The twin towns of Echuca and Moama, known for their established food and wine trail, make a perfect weekend getaway for indulgence. Just under an hour’s drive from Moama, Restdown Wines spans 445 hectares and offers a stunning organic vineyard, winery, and beef farm that feels like a remote haven, highlighted by its remarkable wetland boardwalk. Visitors can choose self-guided or guided walks, enjoy wine tastings, and savor meals cooked on indigenous hearths, all while preserving original scar trees that remain untouched.
Eden
Nestled between a national park and the stunning Twofold Bay, the aptly named town is surrounded by mountains and historic sites, and is famous for its fascinating whaling history. The bay is the third-deepest natural harbor in the Southern Hemisphere, known for the legendary wild killer whales that once hunted alongside the Yuin people and European settlers. Today, as a top whale-watching destination in Australia, Eden's waters draw thousands of humpbacks migrating close to return to Antarctic waters. From the Pinnacles Loop walking trail to Lennards Island lookout, the breathtaking north-south coastline features beaches and hidden coves. Also, the incredible Ben Boyd National Park is just across the bay or a short coastal drive away.
Aslings Beach is perfect for surfing and exploring rock pools, while Snug Cove features caves to discover. Cocora Beach is a family favorite with its soft sands and amenities. To the south, the secluded Wonboyn Beach, where the lake meets the stunning Disaster Bay, is nestled between Ben Boyd National Park and Nadgee Nature Reserve. Visit now before the new Gravity Eden Mountain Bike Park, opened last month, becomes popular among bikers. It offers over 58km of top-quality, machine-made trails through Nullica State Forest, including a beginner's loop at the main trailhead just outside Eden.
Griffith
If you're interested in wining, dining, and Italian heritage, Griffith will captivate you, with over 60% of the population being of Italian descent! Its first vineyard, established in 1912, is among the many thriving wine producers in the region. Highlights include De Bortoli Wines' internationally acclaimed Noble One Botrytis Semillon, Yarran Wines' cellar door with its stunning vineyard views, and Calabria Family Wines. The Griffith Italian Museum, part of the Pioneer Park Museum, showcases over 40 historic buildings. Additionally, the Griffith Regional Art Gallery offers an impressive art collection.
Griffith is located in the Riverina region, one of Australia's most productive areas, often referred to as the "food bowl." The region's lushness is reflected in Griffith, where you'll find abundant markets and fruit stands offering grapes, oranges, and more. There are also opportunities to explore the area's multicultural heritage and vibrant celebrations, often featuring an abundance of food and wine. Don't miss Zecca Handmade Italian and La Scala on the main strip, and Yarran Wines, known for hosting Sip + Stretch outdoor yoga events.
Huskisson
Huskisson, at the heart of Jervis Bay, is renowned for its natural beauty, situated within a marine park and surrounded by pristine bushland. Its favorable location on the South Coast of the Shoalhaven region makes Huskisson's waters a haven for marine life, including dolphins, fur seals, penguins, and weedy sea dragons. You can join Jervis Bay Wild or Dolphin Watch Cruises to see the resident dolphins in Jervis Bay Marine Park. Dive Jervis Bay and Woebegone Freedive offer diving and snorkeling adventures in the park's prime locations.
Boasting some of Australia’s finest beaches just a short drive away, Hyams Beach to the south offers some of the country's whitest sands, ideal for intimate gatherings and swimming in clear waters. Enjoy surfing, free-diving with seals, and kayaking with Sea Kayak Jervis Bay, where you might encounter dolphins and migrating whales. Spend an evening at a local brewery, or experience Jervis Bay Stargazing, where an astrophysicist presents eye-opening astronomy displays at sunset. The Beach Studio is conveniently located in town, while Minke Whalers Cottage offers accommodation at Hyams Beach.
Kangaroo Valley
Kangaroo Valley is renowned for its stunning natural scenery, scenic hiking trails, and diverse wildlife. It is home to the historic Hampden Bridge, a Victorian suspension bridge from the 19th century with distinctive sandstone towers that resemble a medieval castle. As one of New South Wales' most beautiful riverside towns, it offers options like camping and boutique hotels, and is just minutes from breathtaking valleys, creeks, and unique swimming spots. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant flora and fauna of Morton National Park, including the well-known Fitzroy Falls.
A quick detour off the South Coast, Kangaroo Valley is one of the few enclosed valleys in the world. Here, you'll find plenty of waterfalls, river kayaking, canoeing, and numerous walking trails, ensuring you won't miss the ocean waves. This charming town, a bit of bushland paradise, lies 45km inland from Kiama behind a coastal escarpment. While the drive uphill can be long, the journey is worth it for lush forest trails and cascading waterfalls. Whether visiting the Kangaroo Valley Farmers Market in the morning or exploring hikes like the Red Rock Trig or Drawing Room Rocks during the day, the valley provides a great farm-to-table dining experience.
Kingscliff
Kingscliff, known for its sleepy seaside village charm, is a quintessential escape on the NSW North Coast. Located just south of the Queensland border, the town features a series of blissful beaches and enjoys relatively low crowds, attracting surfing enthusiasts and holidaymakers. Nearby, there is the serene Fingal Head, near the mouth of the Tweed River, and to the south, Cabarita Beach, known for its consistently great surf. Kingscliff is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, offering opportunities for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling with green sea turtles.
Kingscliff serves as a gateway to the rest of the Gold Coast, with ample surfing, paddleboarding, and opportunities to soak up the sun and beach culture. The calm Tweed River, ideal for sailing, provides a vantage point for whale watching along the coastline from May through November. The Australian Longboard Surfing Open is a highlight for visitors, even those not typically interested in water sports, while families enjoy attractions like Tropical Fruit World and walks in Cudgen Nature Reserve and Springbrook National Park. For individual pursuits, visitors can indulge at Sambara Spa or explore the New Age Gallery.
Orange
For a quaint and peaceful escape in New South Wales, the town of Orange is an ideal choice. Known for attractions such as the Orange Botanic Gardens, Cook Park, and the Swinging Bridge, Orange has established itself as a premier destination in Central NSW. It's home to Mortimer's Wines and Philip Shaw Wines. As a hub for fresh produce and local viticulture in the Central Tablelands, Orange offers impressive vineyards, especially stunning during the autumn harvest season. Transforming into one of the country's snowiest cities, Orange remains lively with over 40,000 residents, offering a retreat from the summer heat.
Orange is a favored getaway for Sydneysiders, boasting gardens and public greenspaces. It's a short trip from the city and features attractions like the Oriana, Orange Regional Gallery, and Orange Regional Museum. With opportunities for family play, culture, and entertainment throughout the year, it's the perfect town to unwind after outdoor adventures. The Sonic and Jumbled, created by local businesswoman Pip Bret, offer everything from home goods to fashion and coffee. For accommodations, consider The White Place boutique hotel, which also has a store for curated homewares, jewelry, and fashion. Alternatively, glamping at Nashdale Lane Wines via Airbnb feels like a budget-friendly retreat.
Yamba
Life and holidays in Yamba, an increasingly trendy enclave at the mouth of the Clarence River on the Far North Coast, revolve around the water. With a beach suited for every mood and weather condition, dolphins dominate the river, surfers flock to Angourie Beach, and whales are visible off the coast in winter. Enjoy a sunrise yoga session on the beach with The Yoga Room, savor fantastic coffee at Yum Yum Angourie Cafe & General Store, and don't miss the sourdough donuts from Irons and Craig!
Yamba's relaxed vibe, stunning nature, sunshine, and salty air make it feel like a second home. Visit the Island Collective for shopping or art classes, a unique combination. Stay at The Boathouse, a charming self-contained cottage with a jetty. Don't miss Sandbar, a seafood restaurant serving three generations, and the Pacific Hotel, known for having the best bar views in town. The historic Yamba Lighthouse, dating back to the mid-19th century, is ideal for an afternoon picnic or photos. Enjoy local fish and chips or fresh produce from the weekly farmers' markets for a seaside meal, and watch whales until the moon rises over the water.
The original inhabitants of NSW witnessed the arrival of the first Europeans in 1770, when Captain James Cook landed and erroneously declared the land uninhabited, subsequently claiming it for Britain. In the Sydney area, you can still find Aboriginal rock engravings depicting humans, whales, and wallabies, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous peoples.
In Eden, located between a national park and the magnificent Twofold Bay, you can uncover fascinating legends about whales. This area is known for its scenic beauty, encompassing mountains and historical sites. Berry is renowned as a shopping paradise, offering trendy boutiques and award-winning restaurants. On the other hand, Orange is famous for its winter snow, contrasting with its summer season, but it is not the nation's snowiest city. That title typically goes to cities in the Australian Alps, such as Thredbo or Perisher in New South Wales.
