9 Australia Towns With Unforgettable Main Streets

There is always something depressing about a careworn main street with boring cookie-cutter architecture and zero character, an ode to town planners’ lack of imagination. At the other end of the spectrum are main streets that stop you mid-step, that instantly set your heart on fire. Surprisingly, it all boils down to little things: handsomely preserved buildings, beautiful cherry blossoms in the heart of town, or even lush and peaceful green spaces. Think of grass and flowers. You see them once, and the view is stamped into your memory. Starting with Beechworth, discover 9 Australia towns with unforgettable main streets.

Beechworth, VIC

Beechworth is tastefully framed by the Victorian Alps and is in a lush and lusty landscape that features verdant valleys, rolling hills, and beautiful views on almost every side. It was settled in the 1830s and called Mayday Hills, a reference to the area’s breathtaking layout. Although it was once the centre of the Ovens Valley goldfields, Beechworth is today a much sought-after resort for outdoor lovers. Ford Street, the town’s main drag, is speckled with beautiful red-brick buildings and feels like a thoughtful re-enactment of the 1850s. Pop inside the legendary Beechworth Bakery, a regional icon that has been a staple of the town for about 150 years. The pies and pastries here are savory and nothing short of phenomenal. Beechworth Historic Court House, also along the stretch, is currently home to the Kelly Trials Exhibition and provides a peek into the activities of one of the nation’s most infamous outlaws. Picking up the theme, Old Beechworth Gaol is a time capsule that provides intriguing details about Ned Kelly's life and activities.

Berry, NSW

Berry is steeped in history and exudes a feel that is nostalgic and Colonial. The mix of countryside atmosphere and historic buildings can make a first-time visitor feel like she is walking straight into a movie set. Queen Street, Berry’s main thoroughfare, has sections that are lined with beautiful trees that provide shade, a feature that makes walking fun and easy. Berry Museum, once a bank, keeps interesting artefacts and documents from the town's past. If you are looking for chocolate croissants that hit taste buds with a pow, your best bet is Milkwood Bakery, a lovely, 13-year-old establishment next to the post office. There is also Utopia Furnishings, if you're looking for a cool, reasonably priced gift. The best part? Sidney is just two hours down the road.

Maleny, QLD

Are you looking for a small, beautiful town with a creative flair, where art pours out from almost every open space? Maleny, a vibrant town in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, has been steadily positioning itself as South East Queensland's premier art destination. Mapple Street, the town’s nerve centre, has a mix of interesting shops and galleries, including Ben Messina Landscapes Gallery, the best place for lovers of landscape photography. You will find cool, reasonably priced prints that can lift the character and mood of your living room. Peace of Green Gallery, along the same stretch, keeps a wonderful array of unique handcrafted items by local artists. Otherwise, pop inside Maleny Food Co. Cafe if you love cheese and gelato, because your taste buds will be giddy for hours.

Strahan, TAS

Anyone who thinks bigger means better has never set foot in Strahan, a tiny but breathtaking community that serves as the gateway to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The beauty around the area is wild, rugged, and unusual. The first thing that hits you when you first visit the town is its seclusion. Strahan, one of the best places to live in Tasmania, is the last town on Tasmania's west coast and one of the most isolated places on the planet. You will love strolling along the harbor, a nice, swoon-worthy stretch known as the Esplanade. The Coffee Shack, just across the road from the West Coast Visitor Information Centre, is the best place to enjoy a hearty breakfast with a view. A few steps away is the Ship That Never Was, an upbeat venue that often performs a play based on a daring event that took place in 1834. Just don’t miss the Gordon River Cruises, a spectacular, 6-hour voyage to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Daylesford, VIC

Slide into your flip flops and enjoy a main street full of character and vintage charm, where the old blends beautifully with the new and creates a space that looks so Norman Rockwell. That is Daylesford, a swanky town with several fun-filled festivals, including the largest LGBTQ festival in rural and regional Australia. Vincent Street, the town’s eclectic hub, is lined with cherished names in the culinary scene, such as Larder Daylesford, one of the best cafes in the area. Clayfire Gallery Daylesford, on the eastern side of Vincent Street, keeps a fantastic range of sculpture, paintings, and glassware. The trick is to start at the Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre, especially if you want help with mapping your visit so you can hit all the crucial touchpoints in the area. There is also the Daylesford Museum & Historical Society, an imposing red-brick building where you will enjoy wonderful displays about the town’s culture and history.

Yackandandah, VIC

Yackandandah is a living museum. For how else would you describe a charming town with handsomely restored buildings, many of which date back to the 19th century? And the best part is that many of these buildings still work and serve the community, although several are today repurposed into different things: cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. Yack, which shortens the mouthful of a name, is hands-down among Australia’s prettiest villages. The town’s centre, now classified by the National Trust of Australia, stirs the soul with a deep sense of nostalgia. A pairing of lamb and mint jelly pie at the Gum Tree Pies should start you off, after which you should sample the excellent collection of hats at the Feather & Drum Custom Hat. There is also Vintage Alley, for beautiful jewelry and interesting knick-knacks, and Beechworth Bakery, for flavor-filled pies and pastries.

Margaret River, WA

Wine. Surf. Style. These, among others, are among the reasons Margaret River is among the most popular tourist spots in Western Australia. If you did not receive the memo, the area around Margaret River is known for some of the best Chardonnays in the nation. And the same is true of Cabernet Sauvignon. Bussell Highway, the town’s main drag, is a country-coastal mix beautifully lined with mind-rousing art galleries, including REDSEA Gallery, a delightful space where a bespoke environment sweetly blends with stunning artwork. A few steps away is the Margaret River Bakery, whose almond croissants are a magical redefinition of taste and flavor. Margaret River Old Settlement, just a whisper off Bussell Highway, provides an interesting glimpse into the life of the town’s early settlers. Also, the Margaret River Organic Garden, still on the main drag, is filled with beautiful flowers to see and admire.

Leura, NSW

Little Leura has a dreamy, tree-lined Main Street that evokes a sense of wanderlust, especially during autumn. It is a beautiful stretch strewn with antique stores, glorious gardens, and art-deco charm. The thing is, Leura is beautiful any time of the year, but in autumn, it is completely something else. Although you will find several jaw-dropping beauties outside the Mall, including the insanely beautiful Everglades, the main strip, with its cherry blossoms, will compel you to pay attention. Bakehouse on Wentworth serves crispy pastries and is a fantastic spot to start off. Also, it is the best place to go, especially if you want to be introduced to kangaroo pies. If you have kids or are longing for something that will bring you back to your childhood, The Candy Store is what any local will recommend. Pick a unique, high-quality gift at the aptly named Leura Cabinet Of Curiosities, before heading to the Nook, a charming space filled with creativity and unique handmade items.

Port Fairy, VIC

Any town with the word “fairy” will instantly pique your interest. But regardless of what the name evokes, Port Fairy, one of the most overlooked towns in Victoria, was named for a boat. Still, this should not make your chest fall. With its cobblestoned streets, soothing sea breezes, and beautiful bluestone buildings, Port Fairy still looks and feels surreal, unlike the wooden planks that make a boat. You will find fine examples of 19th-century architecture in a space where more than 50 buildings are classified by the National Trust. White-washed cottages, many of which were built by whalers, are today fully restored and transport the mind to the town's bygone era. Sackville Street, which anchors the town, is an eclectic row of restaurants, boutiques, and other small, locally owned shops, such as Pash + Evolve, a treasure trove of beautiful jewellery, candles, and stylish, high-quality clothes. Port Fairy Confectionery, a few steps away, is one of a few places where you will find salted liquorice diamonds. The Village Green is a beautiful place to sit down and people-watch, while Coffin Sally serves a delicious range of flavorful pizzas that will place heaven on your taste buds.

If you always struggle to remember what a main street looks like, it is because that main street did not leave any impression on you. Such a town, regardless of what you read about it, does not deserve a second visit. Main Streets are like books. You only need to pick the best. Choose the ones with a scintillating atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and a breathtaking backdrop. Fortunately, Australia is star-studded with several towns with colour and character. You now have your work cut out.