7 Prettiest Downtown Strips In Australia
Between barrier reefs, expansive sandy beaches, and an abundance of wildlife, Australia is renowned for its natural beauty. But its small towns hold a different kind of appeal, where a single main street can carry a whole region's cultural heritage. From the historic points of Port Fairy to the artisan shops of Montville, discover the 7 prettiest downtown strips in Australia.
Sackville Street, Port Fairy
Welcome to Port Fairy, a seaside town at the western end of the Great Ocean Road. Between 19th-century cottages, an active arts scene, and excellent fishing, you will have plenty to do. Wander down Sackville Street to take in the historic buildings and local stores. Look for the Star of the West Hotel, originally constructed in 1856 as a colonial Georgian-style structure. Treat yourself to some ice cream, a cold drink, or homemade sweets from Rebecca's Cafe, and see what you can find in the local Ironbird Bookshop.
Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach, Queensland
Known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach is a fine place to experience the natural beauty of Australia. Several tour operators will take you on excursions to Whitehaven Beach, often ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches for its swirling white sands and clear waters. But Airlie Beach is also home to Shute Harbour Road, one of the prettiest downtown strips in Australia. Take in views of the Coral Sea from the Airlie Beach Lagoon, a popular spot for swimming right in town, and see prints of the local landscape captured by Shane Batham in the Into The Blue Gallery. You might even find the perfect piece to take home with you.
Main Street, Hahndorf, South Australia
Approximately 25 minutes from Adelaide, you will find Hahndorf, a historic German village settled by Prussian Lutherans in 1839. See the well-preserved German architecture as you meander down Main Street, featuring traditional Fachwerk buildings. Sample the creative varieties in the Somerled Wines cellar bar. Taste German specialty dishes, from pretzels to Schweinshaxe and chicken schnitzel, in The Haus Restaurant, before you try assorted old-fashioned candies in Hahndorf Sweets. Hahndorf Academy is a spot you cannot miss; see the rotating art exhibits in a 150-year-old heritage building. Ponder displays and artifacts on the First Nations Peramangk people, German settlers, and village life in the 19th century.
Emu Bay Road, Deloraine, Tasmania
Discover Deloraine, a Tasmanian town known for its vineyards, Victorian and Georgian buildings, and river landscapes. In town, you will find Emu Bay Road, one of the prettiest downtown strips in Australia. Prepare for a blast into the past as you see the well-preserved heritage buildings classified by the National Trust. Learn about the town's pioneering history with a trip to the Deloraine and Districts Folk Museum. Originally opened in 1864 as the Family and Commercial Inn, the museum now displays tools and exhibits on local horse racing history, vintage sewing machines, and farming equipment. Find gifts and souvenirs to take home in the SEPPENFELTS Emporium, Gifts and Books store, before you head over to Deloraine Train Park to see the suspension bridge, the river, and the steam train.
Leura Mall, Leura, New South Wales
Head into Australia's Blue Mountains to visit Leura, a village known for its gardens, historic buildings, and mountain scenery. Leura Mall, the village's central tree-lined main street, is filled with boutiques, cafes, and specialty shops. Enjoy a relaxed shopping experience among the cherry blossoms. Taste fine chocolates from Josophan's before you head over to the one-of-a-kind Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum and Tearooms, home to a collection of thousands of teapots gathered from around the world across five centuries. Another striking attraction is the Everglades House and Gardens. Whether you are interested in Art Deco architecture or inter-war period gardens, this site offers the best of both worlds.
Ford Street, Beechworth, Victoria
Between internationally recognized wines and dozens of buildings listed on the National Trust, Beechworth is full of treasures. Head over to Ford Street to discover the town's gems, from gold rush-era architecture to restaurants and cafes. Enjoy a drink in Bridge Road Brewers, where more than 20 tap house brews rotate in an 1850s Gold Rush-era coach house. If you prefer wine tasting, Eldorado Road Cellar Door Cantina is the place to be. Try handmade wines paired with local food in the heart of town. If you would like to spend some time in nature, unwind by Lake Sambell, a popular spot for boating and water activities, just a short walk away.
Main Street, Montville, Queensland
Head over to the Sunshine Coast to visit Montville. Whether you are interested in art galleries, boutiques, or venturing into Kondalilla National Park (home to the Kondalilla Falls), this hillside village is filled with things to do. Make your way to Main Street to discover one of the prettiest downtown strips in Australia, exploring the permanent display of the Montville Art Gallery, where dozens of regional artists showcase their work. Revitalize your mind at the Crystal Multiverse, seeing what crystals, spiritual tools, and quirky gifts you can find. Stop by Montville Cafe Bar and Grill to try seafood, steaks, and desserts in a Tudor-style building with a landscaped beer garden.
Takeaways
Whether you prefer resting on beautiful beaches, exploring the barrier reefs, or seeing mountainous landscapes, there is no doubt that Australia is filled with natural beauty. But if you venture off the well-beaten path to these small towns, you will discover distinct cultures, memorable eateries, and historical landmarks. Between the 19th-century structures of Port Fairy, the shops and one-of-a-kind museums of Leura, and the boutiques of Montville, it is time to explore the 7 prettiest downtown strips in Australia.
