11 Of The Most Adorable Small Towns In Australia
The Commonwealth of Australia is a nation so large that it largely occupies its own continent. And yet, when tourists think of Australia, they tend to focus on a few key landmarks in major cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne. There is far more to explore beyond the big cities, from the UNESCO-recognised tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef to majestic desert landscapes and the Indigenous heritage of Uluṟu. Even better, travellers can discover tranquil mountain scenery in the Australian Alps, some of the world’s finest wines, and a few more pleasant surprises.
Take a closer look at 11 of the most adorable small towns in Australia.
Yulara, Northern Territory
At the southern end of the Northern Territory is Yulara, home to one of Australia’s most beloved natural landmarks. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is where visitors will find Uluṟu, the giant sandstone monolith that has long been held sacred by the Pitjantjatjara Indigenous community. But while exploring around the park, visitors can also view the Aboriginal art galleries and learn more about local culture at the Cultural Centre, and they can do the walking tracks at the Valley of the Winds and take in the otherworldly desert scenery at Kata Tjuṯa.
For those hoping to stay near the park and enjoy more authentic local experiences, Ayers Rock Resort offers a range of hotel options, a variety of great local cuisine, a full-service spa, and numerous curated activities on-site and at the park.
Yungaburra, Queensland
Situated on the Atherton Tablelands of Far North Queensland is Yungaburra, a small town with explosive natural beauty. Crater Lakes National Park has two distinct bodies of water, Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham, that were both formed by volcanic eruptions, yet they are now surrounded by cool and lush rainforest. In addition, there is Curtain Fig National Park, which protects an endangered mabi forest and the famed Ficus virens fig tree with aerial roots that form a “curtain” as they drop 15 metres to the forest floor.
Heading towards the centre of town, travellers will find a Viewing Platform and can spot platypus swimming in the local creek, along with other local wildlife. From there, it is a lovely drive or bike ride to Eden House Retreat, a picturesque boutique hotel surrounded by tropical gardens yet within easy reach of the town’s boutiques and cafes.
Port Douglas, Queensland
Port Douglas may be a beach town in Tropical North Queensland, but this is no ordinary beach town. Heading inland, visitors can venture into the verdant wonderland that is the Daintree Rainforest. The Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre is a great place to experience Indigenous-led Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks into the rainforest and view local Indigenous art at the on-site gallery. At Daintree National Park, one can discover even more of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest, which is one of the world's oldest.
Meanwhile, at the coast, Four Mile Beach serves as Port Douglas’ gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, where a set of pretty rock pools at the northern end lead to a long and largely undeveloped stretch of sandy beach that is perfect for swimming and beachcombing in the Coral Sea. And for more quality time at the beach, the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas, is an inviting oceanfront resort with everything one needs for the perfect beach vacation.
Byron Bay, New South Wales
Around 100 kilometres (or 62 miles) south of the Gold Coast (Queensland) is the New South Wales town of Byron Bay, a town that looks and feels like a paradise fantasy come to life. One can begin to discover this by doing the Walgun Cape Byron Walking Track, which leads from grasslands and rainforest to the town’s historic 1901 lighthouse. To the north west of the lighthouse, Wategos Beach is a wonderful beach for swimming, surfing, paddling, and spotting local aquatic wildlife like bottlenose dolphins. And to the south, Tallow Beach may be Byron’s best beach for seasoned surfers craving big and consistent waves to ride.
For easy access to Main Beach, Tallow Beach, and Byron Bay’s central village, visitors can stay at Cape Beach House, a lovely boutique inn with well-appointed guest rooms that have all the amenities guests will need to feel right at home.
Bellingen, New South Wales
About halfway between Brisbane (Queensland) and Sydney on NSW’s Mid North Coast is Bellingen, a town that abounds in creative energy and gorgeous aesthetics. In town, visitors can stop at the weekly Bellingen Farmers Market to find a wealth of fresh local produce, meats, and seafood, along with artisan breads, pastas, jams and chutneys, and other treats. And at Bellingen Brewing Company, one can feast on house-made wood-fired pizzas alongside their own craft beers and organic Australian wines.
To the west of town, there is another world to wander into at Dorrigo National Park, an ancient Gondwana rainforest full of spectacular waterfalls and native animals like koalas, river dolphins, and wompoo fruit-doves. And heading back, one can check into The Belfry Bellingen and find a historic bed-and-breakfast with uniquely designed guest rooms optimised for comfort.
Narooma, New South Wales
It is about a 218-kilometre (or 135-mile) journey from Canberra (Australian Capital Territory) to Narooma, and it is one that leads to an exceptional coastal wonderland on NSW’s South Coast. For starters, Surf Beach has the remarkable Glasshouse Rocks that were formed some 440 to 510 million years ago, along with a patch of igneous pillow lava formed by an eruption of a submarine volcano. To the north lies Bar Beach South, one of Australia’s safest beaches for children to swim, snorkel, and play at the shore.
If anyone craves more exciting excursions at sea, one can hop aboard a boat tour to Barunguba Montague Island to see NSW’s largest colony of Australian and New Zealand fur seals, one of the Commonwealth’s largest little penguin breeding sites, humpback whales, and orcas. Meanwhile, back on the mainland, Amooran Oceanside Apartments and Motel make a comfortable “base camp” while exploring Narooma and the NSW South Coast region.
Bright, Victoria
Perched in Victoria’s High Country is Bright, a town that lives up to its name with its bright and beautiful Great Dividing Range mountain scenery. At Mount Buffalo National Park, adventure seekers can explore this “island in the sky” with the lovely swimming hole at Lake Catani and plenty of picturesque walking tracks. To the south of town, there is also Alpine National Park, home to expert-level hiking trails that lead to two of Victoria’s highest summits, Mount Bogong and Mount Feathertop.
After a long day up in the mountains, adventurers can return to town and score some much-needed refreshments (and great grub) at the Southern American-style The Yard Bright pub. And for anyone looking for a refined mountain hideaway, Hara House is a posh boutique hotel with everything from a mineral water swimming pool to spa services to a tiki bar and on-site bike loans to make guests feel right at home in Bright.
Lorne, Victoria
Lorne may only be about 142 kilometres (or 88 miles) south west of Melbourne, yet this Victoria beach town feels a world away from the troubles of the outside world with its laid-back Mediterranean vibes. The town is largely surrounded by Great Otway National Park, and key local standouts include the gorgeous waterfalls at Erskine Falls and Phantom Falls. And at the coast, Lorne Beach is perfect for an easy day surfing and sunbathing.
Staying right by the coast, the Sandridge Motel may have the best location of any accommodation options in Lorne, and it is a nice way to enjoy comfy digs by the beach without breaking the bank.
Stanley, Tasmania
On the north-west coast of Tasmania lies the village of Stanley, a town that explodes in otherworldly natural beauty. Without a doubt, The Nut State Reserve is worth visiting to explore the core of a long-extinct volcano that continues to define Stanley’s landscape, and it is a great spot to see wildlife like short-tailed shearwaters, peregrine falcons, Australian kestrels, and little penguins. Just to the north of The Nut, Godfreys Beach is another prime location to spot little penguins, and it is ideal for easy strolls along the Bass Strait shore.
For those more interested in time travel, Highfield Historic Site is a 1832 gentleman’s estate that offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of British colonisation of Tasmania. And for those craving a much more immersive throwback, Ship Inn Stanley is a classic 1849 inn that continues to welcome guests to stay in their timelessly elegant suites.
Angaston, South Australia
At the heart of South Australia’s famed Barossa wine country region is the town of Angaston, perhaps the ideal launch pad for tasteful excursions that please the palate in the best ways possible. Oenophile travellers can stop at the cellar door for Lambert Estate to try their fine Shiraz and Merlot wines, and head to the cellar door of Thorn-Clarke to sample their selection of Pinot Gris, Chardonnays, Rieslings, and Rosés while noshing on local produce, meats, and cheeses.
No visit to Angaston feels complete without a trip to The Barossa Valley Cheese Company to peruse their selection of exceptional artisanal local cheeses, including cheddar, halloumi, and creamy farmhouse cheeses. For another pleasing experience, Country Pleasures Bed & Breakfast offers lovely and comfortable cottages to stay in for the night.
Margaret River, Western Australia
Nestled on the South West coast of Western Australia is Margaret River, a truly world-class town that shines from its crystal-clear ocean water to its glasses full of exquisite local wines. Food and wine lovers will likely quickly fall in love with Margaret River’s amazing wineries, including the organic-focused and family-owned Voyager Estate, and Cape Mentelle with its award-winning Cabernets, Chardonnays, and Shirazes.
While Margaret River is known for its fine wines, it is also beloved by surfers for its epic waves, and Surfers Point regularly draws big wave surfers from all around the world. (Even for those not keen to jump in the Indian Ocean, it is worth coming for the gorgeous views to catch along the Cape to Cape Walk Track.) If anyone wants more quality time by the sea, Margarets Beach Resort is the place to stay with comfy apartment-style accommodations just 500 metres from Gnarabup Beach.
Exciting Experiences in These Adorable Australian Small Towns
From coast to coast, Australia has many small towns that are simply adorable. There is Yulara, the incredible town at the foot of Uluṟu and at the heart of a vibrant Aboriginal community. Heading to the Pacific coast, Port Douglas is a gorgeous beach town nestled between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, and Byron Bay may be NSW’s gnarliest surfer town (in the best possible way). And for those seeking the finer things in life, Angaston anchors South Australia’s fabulous Barossa wine country region, while Margaret River is a wine town that doubles as a surf town in Western Australia.
No matter what one hopes to see and do in Australia, these small towns go big in scenery and adventures.
