5 Best Lakeside Towns in Australia

Australia is known for its unique wildlife, iconic landmarks, and laid-back culture. While many turn to Australia for its beaches, they also overlook the beauty of its ethereal lakes. Throughout the scenic countryside, there are plenty of lakeside towns offering historic roots, outdoor fun, and a sense of community. Towns like Daylesford offer world-renowned spas, while others, like Merimbula and Barmera, showcase outdoor recreation and community events. Others, like Jindabyne, highlight the diversity of the Land Down Under with forests, lake recreation, and even winter sports. With so much to offer, it is easy to see why so many Australians call these lakeside communities their home.

Here are 5 of Australia's best lakeside towns.

Jindabyne

Jindabyne is a beautiful lakeside town situated in the snow-capped mountains of New South Wales, Australia. Created by the damming of the Snowy River in 1967, Lake Jindabyne flooded the original Jindabyne township, prompting the present-day town to be relocated to hills overlooking the man-made lake. Its unique position gives travelers access to both lake recreation and skiing in the Snowy Mountains. Visitors enjoy kayaking, fishing, sailing, and swimming at notable attractions such as Claypits Beach. Banjo Paterson Park also has scenic walking paths, where people can walk or bike along the lake's shoreline. The Nuggets Crossing shopping center also brings the community together with local cuisine, boutiques, and lively events.

Daylesford

Daylesford is a renowned resort town in Victoria, Australia. It is known as Australia's spa capital and sits within a region that hosts the country's largest concentration of mineral springs. The mineral springs drew visitors in the 19th century, attracting tourists from around the world who came to drink and bathe in its mineral-rich waters. The renowned Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa celebrates this history, offering public mineral pools, steam rooms, and hammam salt spas. Besides its spa roots, it is known for its gold rush history, excellent cuisine, and thriving art scene. Art lovers enjoy The Convent Daylesford, a Catholic convent-turned-gallery that showcases hundreds of local artists. Nearby restaurants, like the celebrated Lake House, showcase its history, turning food into its own art form with Aussie farm-to-table dining.

Barmera

Barmera is a scenic lakeside town situated in the Riverland region of South Australia. About two and a half hours from Adelaide, roughly 220 kilometers up the Sturt Highway, it is celebrated for its main attraction, Lake Bonney. As the heart of Barmera, Lake Bonney serves as a hub for water lovers, who enjoy sailing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, and freshwater fishing. Visitors explore the region's agricultural heritage at the Cobdogla Irrigation and Steam Museum. The museum features steam train rides, traction engines, and interactive exhibits on the town's early history. The Bonney Theatre is also a local favorite, where visitors enjoy community events, outdoor movies, and digital art. The town also has main street boutiques along its shopping hub, Barwell Avenue. The local favorite features independent retailers selling their best clothing, handmade souvenirs, and homeware. For a larger shop, the Riverland Central Plaza sits about fifteen minutes away in neighboring Berri, with supermarkets, retail stores, and dining options.

Metung

Metung is a lakeside town located in East Gippsland, Victoria. Just 3.5 hours from Melbourne, its location between Lake King and Bancroft Bay gives visitors plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water. Known for its relaxed, upscale atmosphere, it is celebrated for its yachts and waterfront boardwalks. Its Shaving Point and Boardwalk offer walking paths and recreation, such as fishing, yacht watching, and spotting wildlife like black swans. Since the waters are relatively calm, many recreation seekers spend time boating, kayaking, or cruising around the scenic lake. To unwind, visitors relax at Metung Hot Springs, where they indulge in geothermal bathing pools while taking in the Australian scenery. The local village center also houses cafes, luxury hotels, and lakeside seafood restaurants.

Merimbula

Merimbula is a coastal town located in New South Wales, Australia. Surrounded by Merimbula Lake and the Pacific Ocean, it is a well-loved holiday destination celebrated for its sandy beaches, delectable seafood, and coastal attractions. Merimbula Main Beach is a favorite for surfing, swimming, and walking in the sun. For scenic views, visitors head to Short Point. The headland offers panoramic ocean views and is a popular spot for whale-watching and watching surfers tackle the waves. Merimbula also has lakeside dining featuring wide water views, upscale restaurants, and trendy cafes. Thrill seekers enjoy Magic Mountain Merimbula, where they can spend time on the park's downhill toboggan ride, water slides, and its rope adventure course. To unwind, people head to the Boardwalk to relax on the shoreline of the Merimbula Lake, birdwatch, and spend time with family and friends.

Wrapping Up

From Daylesford's mineral springs to Metung's waterfront scenery, each town shows a different side of Australia. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure, relaxing spas, waterfront dining, or peaceful natural scenery, these towns prove that Australia's lakes are worth exploring.