8 Australia Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life
Australia is home to most of Oceania’s largest cities, including vibrant hubs like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. In addition, Australia has many of the world’s most incredible natural wonders, from the world’s largest coral reef system on the Pacific Coast to the massive sandstone monolith in the Outback that may be the nation’s most beloved landmark. And as you continue to explore Australia’s smaller towns and backcountry regions, you will discover a more relaxing pace of life that lends itself to sipping world-class wines, wandering through coastal rainforests, and taking in the views where the colourful desert meets the sea.
When you’re down to take your time to experience the quieter corners in the “Land Down Under,” you might want to make your way to these eight Australian towns with a slower pace of life.
Yulara, Northern Territory
Situated in the MacDonnell Region of the Northern Territory, Yulara places you within easy reach of Australia’s most iconic sandstone rock formation, yet there’s plenty more to explore around this town. Of course, you will likely want to come for Uluṟu, the 500 million-year-old sandstone monolith that the Aṉangu Aboriginal people have long considered sacred. Uluṟu is part of the larger Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, which also includes the Valley of the Winds and the beautiful sandstone domes of Kata Tjuṯa, as well as the Cultural Centre that has two galleries featuring traditional Aboriginal art and artisan goods.
If you’re planning to spend some extra quality time in and around Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, rest assured that Yulara is home to Ayers Rock Resort. Not only is this the area’s largest and most comfortable resort, but it’s also an Aboriginal-owned and operated property that offers plenty of guided tours and unique experiences that let you immerse yourself in Yulara’s immense natural beauty and Indigenous culture.
Port Douglas, Queensland
Nestled on the lush, leafy coast of tropical North Queensland, Port Douglas is so special that it sits by two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. To the north of town is the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest living rainforest that’s home to an astounding array of plants, along with native animals like estuarine crocodiles, white-lipped tree frogs, southern cassowaries, and musky-rat kangaroos. While exploring the inland rainforest, it’s also worth a stop at Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre to view local Indigenous art, go on a Ngadiku Aboriginal-led Dreamtime Walk, and do a self-guided tour of this gorgeous jungle.
At the coast, Port Douglas opens up to the Great Barrier Reef, and Four Mile Beach is the picture-perfect place with its pristine tropical wilderness, palm-adorned coastline, and clean water for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. And for the easiest (and poshest) access to the beach, book a stay at the low-key yet high-class Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel.
Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
When you’re really in the mood to get away from it all, make a truly great escape to Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea between mainland Australia and New Zealand. While this island is accessible via flights from Sydney, Port Macquarie, and the Gold Coast, it looks and feels far removed from the troubles of the world. If you fancy a bushwalk into the wilderness, take the Little Island track for a meandering yet satisfying journey into the forest, where you can continue hiking all the way up Mt. Gower if you’re walking with a local guide. Or, if you prefer an easier day outside, book a tee time at the Lord Howe Golf Course and enjoy the majestic views of Mt. Gower and the Kentia palm forest.
Not only does Lord Howe Island provide plenty to see and do on dry land, but the sea is also an attraction unto itself. More specifically, Dive Lord Howe offers amazing diving expeditions out to Ball’s Pyramid, the world’s tallest sea stack at 572 metres (1,877 feet) and a prime location to spot whale sharks and schools of pelagic fish, as well as the rare Ballina angelfish. And for plenty more unique experiences, try a stay at Capella Lodge, the island’s premier resort that exemplifies quiet luxury with its contemporary design and incredible oceanfront setting.
Katoomba, New South Wales
Around 100 kilometres (62 miles) west of Sydney is the town of Katoomba, the perfect launch pad for all sorts of adventures in the Blue Mountains. Since Katoomba is largely surrounded by Blue Mountains National Park, you will be within easy reach of iconic landmarks like the Three Sisters, a set of three sandstone peaks formed over thousands of years of erosion that the local Gundungurra and Darug Aboriginal communities have long considered sacred. But if you crave a longer journey into the mountain wilderness, try a bushwalk to the Ruined Castle to discover another beloved Blue Mountains rock formation, or opt for a multi-day hike to the soaring heights of Mount Solitary.
After a long and busy day in the mountains, treat yourself to a meal at Tempus for a modern take on local Australian cuisine, and a refined country retreat at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa near the Three Sisters viewing area.
Mount Beauty, Victoria
Perched in the Victorian Alps, about 354 kilometres (220 miles) north-east of Melbourne, Mount Beauty might just be home to Australia’s best mountain to ski. A short drive away is Falls Creek, offering some 450 hectares of skiable terrain, up to 380 metres of vertical drop, and a good mix of beginner-friendly and more advanced runs. If you prefer a more untamed skiing experience, Alpine National Park also has some great backcountry touring areas, including Mt. Nelse. Keep in mind, however, that you will likely need a guide to reach Mt. Nelse during the snowy season.
Even if you’re not inclined to go skiing, there’s plenty to do around Mount Beauty, including the scenic Mount Beauty Gorge Walk, where you can hike by a lovely creek and find a refreshing swimming hole worth dipping into during the warmer months. Whatever you end up doing, rest assured that the award-winning Astra Falls Creek boutique hotel will help you feel right at home with its comfy yet chic Euro-style alpine design.
Cape Otway, Victoria
With Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse, an abundance of lush temperate rainforests, and a spectacular coastal backdrop where Bass Strait meets the Southern Ocean, Cape Otway simply must be seen and experienced firsthand to be believed. Start at Cape Otway Lightstation, first built in 1848 and still an illuminating beacon on the Great Ocean Road. From there, you will find a whole lot more to experience around Cape Otway National Park, including the Great Ocean Walk that ventures through pristine coastal wilderness from Apollo Bay all the way to the Twelve Apostles. Or, for a more chill experience, head down to Station Beach and enjoy the quiet, secluded atmosphere.
Once you really feel like slowing down and kicking back, check into Bimbi Park, a delightful camping and glamping site at the heart of Great Otway National Park, and a place where you can often spot local wildlife like koalas, echidnas, wallabies, and over 80 bird species.
McLaren Vale, South Australia
McLaren Vale may only be about 43 kilometres (27 miles) south of Adelaide, yet this town anchors South Australia’s most exceptional wine country region. While here, make sure to visit local wineries like Angove Family Winemakers for super premium organic and biodynamic wines, and Primo Estate for their signature Italian-style JOSEPH wines and olive oils. And for a truly unique spectacle, pop over to the d’Arenburg Cube for its signature postmodern architecture, as well as on-site art exhibits, a top-floor tasting room for their d’Arenberg wines, and the fresh, seasonal fare at d'Arry's restaurant.
If you crave the ultimate wine country experience, try a stay at Hotel California Road @ Inkwell Vines, a stylish luxury micro-hotel set on a working vineyard that’s fully sustainable with on-site solar power and water conservation features.
Exmouth, Western Australia
While there are plenty of places across Australia to relax and enjoy a slower pace of life, there’s nothing quite like the gorgeous beaches and stunning landscapes of Exmouth on Western Australia’s North West Cape. At sea, experience the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park, an expanse of warm and clear Indian Ocean underwater wilderness that’s perfect for snorkeling to find tropical fish, swimming with whale sharks, and spotting additional marine wildlife like humpback whales and manta rays. Meanwhile, on land, visit Cape Range National Park for beautiful natural landmarks like Charles Knife Canyon and Yardie Creek, and to spot additional native wildlife like emus, wallaroos, red kangaroos, dingoes, and echidnas.
Even if you just want an easy, breezy day at the beach, there’s Bundegi Beach, a pleasant golden-sand beach near town that works well for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing. And for plenty more quality time at the beach, book a stay at Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort, which boasts a prime location by Town Beach and comfortable apartment-style accommodations.
Slow Down and Enjoy the Pleasant Pace of Life in These Australian Towns
Whether you seek an easy weekend getaway or a longer journey to de-stress and reconnect with Mother Nature, these eight Australian towns with a slower pace of life might be your perfect destinations. Go to Yulara for the magical beauty of Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa, and head to Lord Howe Island for the pinnacle of laid-back island life. Try McLaren Vale for the exquisite sights, sounds, and flavours of wine country, and visit Exmouth for the wondrous scenery of Cape Range and Ningaloo. No matter how you like to slow down and relax, these Australian towns invite you to take your time and appreciate all they have to offer.
