9 Best Small Towns to Visit in New South Wales
Ah, Australia: the captivating Land Down Under to dive into nature, water, the underwater world, and small towns' timeless charm! Add in lively rooftop bars, quaint cafes, and mesmerizing arts and culture like Victory Theatre Antique Center with murals in Blackheath, Mudgee Observatory, and the Avoca Beach Theater, a cinema in Terrigal, and you've got entertainment day to night. From coastal gems to bucolic charms, NSW knows no limits to beauty, sprinkling it like fairy dust into the small towns.
With popular surf beaches, hidden coves, and everything in between, the foreshore dining scene impresses with a wide variety of local flavors and favorite dishes. From the stunning The Waterfront Mall to numerous waterfalls just a short trip from downtown Leura, Blackheath is an eclectic, local, retro, and unmissable Blue Mountains getaway. The small town of Brunswick Heads boasts a pristine surfing beach along the entire coastline all the way to Byron Bay, where more sea, sun, and sand await.
Berry, South Coast
Berry, a star of NSW-tripping, is a true South Coast gem within the aptly named Shoalhaven region of NSW. Just over two hours from Sydney, the drive-in is absolutely stunning, ending at the picturesque Grand Pacific Drive, or it's just three scenic hours by train from the city! Nestled between the coast and lush valleys, Berry Downtown, a walkable area, offers a real epicurean experience along the Main Street. You'll meet friendly Sydneysiders who love vacationing here, whether over dinner at tasty restaurants, browsing upscale shops, or staying next door at stylish accommodations that won't break your budget, making this charming village one of the best destinations in NSW!
From the beautiful beaches to the nearby wineries, there are diverse nature walks with interesting trails like the Berry Historical Walk for a step back in time. With more heritage displayed at Berry Historic Museum and Berry Courthouse, the historic storefront with antiques and collectibles is a great way to explore years of history and gather knowledge along with keepsakes. You will feel like a local in the relaxed, lively community at The Berry Markets, or Country Fair, on the first Sunday of the month at Berry Showground, with local produce, flowers, breads, and cheeses. From heritage shops to a leisurely afternoon tea at The Berry Tea Shop, don't miss The Treat Factory for a sweet treat before heading to Kangaroo Valley or Jaspers Brush!
Blackheath, Blue Mountains
Blackheath, eclectic, local, and retro, is an unmissable gem in the Blue Mountains of NSW! Home to the Victory Theatre Antique Center, it makes a striking sight from the outside, featuring a colorful Jenny Kee mural and high-quality antiques and collectibles inside. You can enjoy the region's best of its diverse nature at Campbell Rhododendron Gardens, Blackheath Gardens, and Centennial Grove Grotto "Canyon," all just a short walk from downtown. The vibrant dining scene promises only fresh, local ingredients, including the popular Blackheath Growers Market held every second Sunday from February to December. From lively bistros to the beloved, travel-inspired Cinnabar Kitchen, you can unwind with a local cider, wine, or dinner.
Quiet and peaceful within the mountains, with rainforest vibes and lush hiking trails, get your bearings at the town's Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on world-class bushwalks through the Blue Mountains. It's just a short drive from Bridal Veil Falls and Govetts Leap Lookout, which offer sweeping views over the densely wooded Grose Valley, and further along, the Anvil Rock and Wind Eroded Cave Lookout! The iconic Clifftop Trail connects Govetts Leap to Evans Lookout, while the Grand Canyon Track winds through rainforest. The charming village, nestled in nature's embrace within the Blue Mountains National Park, welcomes visitors with an open attitude, inviting them to experience its bohemian soul through cozy cafes and galleries, attracting the like-minded, the curious, and the wild at heart.
Bowral, Southern Highlands
Bowral, a quaint nest in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, is the best town for lovebirds and honeymooners to coo over picturesque sights on all sides, like a sensual stroll along the flower-lined paths at Corbett Gardens. A real South Australian gem with great pride in its child, the iconic cricket superstar, Sir Donald Bradman, you can visit a museum in his honor, the Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame. An easy hike to the Bowral Lookout rewards you with views to bask in the scenery, the sun, and your own pride. Other highlights include the Mount Gibraltar Reserve, Corbett Gardens, and Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens, all near the highway through town.
The bucolic Southern Highlands are a perfect escape for nature lovers, with spots like Cherry Tree Walk ideal for a picnic. With wineries nearby, it offers a great balance of exploration and relaxation, where you can unwind with a glass later. The cafe scene in Bowral is exceptional, and missing out on cafe hopping is a missed opportunity—it's a favorite among locals and a true epicurean delight. For Instagram-worthy moments, spend an afternoon enjoying the classic Trawl with a good book at Plantation over a renowned coffee. If Java isn't your preferred beverage and you favor the Queen's favorite drink, Your Vintage Occasion elevates the experience, making you feel like royalty in a vintage emporium and antiques market over high tea.
Brunswick Heads, North Coast
This tiny, unspoilt gem along Australia's north coast at the mouth of the Brunswick River boasts a surfing beach along the whole coastline all the way to Byron Bay, 15 minutes away! Retaining its olden-day charms, Brunswick Heads is a traditional seaside village with timber bridges. You can cross the riverside to Torakina, a safe and quiet beach. Nestled between a serene, protected rainforest on the north bank and a harbor with a small marina on the southern side, it is a favorite escape for hikers, fishermen, and boaters!
Moreover, Mt. Chincogan and Mt. Warning serve as stunning backdrops for idyllic hinterland hikes, such as along riversides and up to the small town of Mullumbimby. With motels, holiday parks, and vacation homes available, you can rent an apartment or a family-friendly hotel to explore the region, including nearby towns like Ocean Shores, New Brighton, and South Golden Beach. Tyagarah Nature Reserve stretches along the shoreline and farther south, showcasing pristine coastal scenery. Adventure seekers enjoy exciting water sports, while traveling families and couples appreciate strolling and picnicking at Torakina Park, with Footbridge Cafe offering outdoor dining for all to enjoy!
Byron Bay, North Coast
Surf, sand, and sea prevail in Byron Bay, a small town of endless charm and fame crowning the far north coast of New South Wales. With beautiful stretches of sand for every taste, The Main, Clarkes, and Wategos beaches are family-friendly, and Belongil Beach is partially dog-friendly. Cape Byron Lighthouse offers foot-access to Australia's easternmost beach, Little Wategos, while every coastal vantage point is great for spotting dolphins, turtles, and even whales from May through November. You can swim offshore in Cape Byron Marine Park and catch thrills diving from Julian Rocks with Sundive Byron Bay, Wild Byron, and Out of the Blue Adventures. No wonder it is a favorite extended stop among local hippies and sealovers, where even world designers and celebrities seek out the boho vibes over adventures!
Headlined by a dramatic coastline, the balmy, sun-bathed Byron Bay with scuba diving and a rainforest hinterland is also a creative community with an innovative food scene of forward-thinking restaurateurs. Like a fairytale come to life, you can wake up to a morning surfing lesson or beach yoga while watching the sun rise over the most easterly point in Australia with frolicking dolphins and take a serene afternoon paddle ride on a kayak along playful marine life. The laidback downtown, with coffee shops and boutiques, is home to local markets for fresh food and craft and a pub run with live beats like Stone & Wood Brewery. You will encounter some of the country’s top musicians who headline the region’s epic festivals, which transform the little town into a hive of celebration.
Leura, Blue Mountains
Leura, a vintage town just east of Katoomba, is the "jewel in the crown" of the Blue Mountains, with a number of fascinating bushwalks. The downtown, both everchanging and timeless, captivates you on a stroll through vibrant contrasts, where sights and attractions greet you around each turn while the distinct Edwardian-style buildings emanate an aura of warmth. There are inviting cafes for java and all styles of dining, like brunch at Instagrammer's favorite Sorensen’s Glasshouse Leura Garage with the best Mediterranean cuisine.
The expansive Everglades Gardens are perfect for a leisurely walk, combining iconic Australian bush with European-style landscapes. From easy to challenging hikes for all ages, families can enjoy unforgettable views at the Leura Cascades, which features a picnic area, Gordon Falls, and Sublime Point, all just south of downtown. From there, you can head east to Jamison Lookout, spend a day exploring the Leura Forest on an epic hike, or end your day in nature by visiting the Leuralla Toy and Railway Museum, showcasing toy and railway memorabilia.
Mudgee, Central West
Mudgee, a quaint NSW town with character and charm circa the 19th century, has something for every traveler's R&R from the city. Nestled in the Cudgegong River valley, the enchanting countryside harbors many wineries, vineyards, and a distillery, where you can let the bucolic vibes and views take the last of your worries over gourmet experiences of a lifetime. Back in town, virtuoso arts enthusiasts and avid culture fans rejoice at the state-of-the-art Mudgee Arts Precinct, Australia’s newest regional gallery with contemporary exhibitions and workshops. You can stroll along the nearby Cudgegong River and Lawson Park Sculpture Trail, while Brett Niven Ceramics is a working studio and shop in the heart. Sculptures in the Garden is an art lovers annual traditional meet amid outdoor sculpture exhibition for over a decade now.
There is fantastic hiking and camping at Goulburn River National Park and Coolah Tops National Park, with more of the same bushwalking as well as kayaking just east at the Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp on the Cudgegong River. You can have all this picturesque landscape in the palm of your hand via a hot balloon ride with Balloon Aloft! Wollemi National Park is World Heritage-listed, while the Drip Gorge to the north is a walking track along the Goulburn River to the "Great Dripping Wall," a sandstone wall that seeps rainwater. Twenty minutes away, the Windamere Dam is ideal for water sports, fishing, bushwalking, and camping under Mudgee's clear skies for stargazers. Mudgee Observatory is just a hop away to see the Milky Way galaxy up close with a range of telescopes, as well as night and day tours, a theater, and a flat-screen planetarium.
Terrigal, Central Coast
Broad, golden-sand beaches, underwater adventures, and exciting nightlife define this small town. You can really relax away from the everyday in Terrigal to the sounds of top surf breaking and a food and drink scene buzzing with rooftop bars along the boutique-lined Norfolk pine-lined Esplanade. Don't mistake Terrigal for a wild spring breaker's escape either; the tranquil Terrigal Beach and old-school nostalgic feel in town will bring you back to the basics over shareable family moments. Terrigal is easily accessible along the central coast, away from the maddening crowds, and into the charming local buzz.
The seaside vibe from the tranquil lagoon and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world attracts swimming, surfing, and socializing—local style. From Terrigal Haven, a small, sheltered cove across the main beach, to the thriving local market scene, you can choose your kind of lively or switch between the vibes, while The Skillion is an iconic landmark with views for all of the spectacular, sunkissed town. The elegant Avoca Beach Theatre is unmissable as a nominee for the top 10 most beautiful cinemas in the world, with other accolades like stylish interiors and dramatic surroundings during its eclectic movie program and regular live events.
The Entrance, Central Coast
Making a real entrance into your quaint coastal itinerary, this town with a loud name is a long-time favorite escape from the city for a day trip or a whole vacation along the central coast. A popular holiday resort with surfing beaches, there is also attractive foreshore parkland and an enormous lake with recreational areas. You can bike along the Boardwalk pathway, following the channel eastwards from Memorial Park with rest points like parks with playgrounds and picnic areas. The family-friendly open-air mall, The Waterfront, was designed with kids in mind to feature cafes, eateries, and fountains that turn on a carnival atmosphere during the school holidays.
You can mingle with local beachgoers along the turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and surfing, just a short walk from the foreshore eateries, ice cream parlors, and live music pubs. The classic Long Jetty offers a variety of retro shops and cozy cafes, while High Street serves as the lively hub of downtown with local sights and hidden gems. An adventurous bike path leads you from Skate Park to Chittaway Point and around the stunning Tuggerah Lake, providing amazing water views. Picnic Point at the northwestern corner of the southern peninsula is a popular family park with a boat ramp. Venture further to Pelican Island just offshore, a breeding ground for migratory wading birds, or go inland to learn about history at the Entrance War Library Museum, which displays memorabilia from the Crimean War.
Add a few NSW destinations to your Australian bucket list for land, water, and even airborne adventures from day to night. Home to the country’s largest and most cosmopolitan sparkling capital, Sydney, you can enjoy easy access to iconic sights, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, expansive bushland, rainforests, and a sophisticated dining scene. These towns are popular getaways for Sydneysiders, but the charming mix of timeless attractions surrounded by nature appeals to families and everyday travelers alike.
Allegedly Australia’s most diverse state, NSW, is home to the city of Sydney. From the meandering waterways for refreshing dips inland to Australia’s highest mountain, you can enjoy every type of snow sport here when it is summer back home! With a plethora of towns in between the endless stretch of golden-sand beaches from north to south and a vast, colorful outback, these are the best towns to visit in South Wales.
