9 Best Towns In Australia For A Two-Day Recharge
Australia is renowned for its stunning weather, diverse wildlife, and extensive coastline of golden sandy beaches. Yet there is so much more to this fantastic country than what you've seen in run-of-the-mill travel videos. The world's sixth-largest country is home to numerous towns that make for great weekend getaways. Whether you prefer to spend time near the water or want to venture deeper into the mainland, there is bound to be a perfect destination for you. So let's take a look at some of our favorites!
Goulburn, New South Wales
Roughly 90 km (55 miles) from the nation's capital of Canberra, you'll find the charming town of Goulburn. With a population of around 24,565, Goulburn is rich in history, heritage, and charm. The Lieder Theatre Company is a spectacular place to catch a live performance while in town. Initially opened in 1891, it’s one of the oldest established theater companies in Australia, still putting on performances to this day! Be part of history by catching a show there.
From there, you can spend time at the Historic Waterworks Museum to learn a bit more about the town's unique history. Of course, one of the best things about Australia is the famously sunny weather. There are few places better for enjoying the outdoors than Belmore Park, situated right in the center of town. While you're in Goulburn, you can stay at the family-friendly Mercure Goulburn hotel.
Gladstone, Queensland
Founded in 1853, the coastal town of Gladstone sits between the Calliope and Boyne Rivers, making it a water lover's dream. When visiting the community, you can enjoy the great outdoors at Spinnaker Park, featuring walking trails and play areas right by the water. To learn a bit about the town's naval history, make sure to stop in at the Gladstone Maritime Museum.
While there, you can step aboard an actual decommissioned ex-Australian Navy Fremantle Class Patrol Boat! When you get hungry, stop in for a bite at local favorite Auckland House. From there, you can spend time at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum to view some fantastic artwork. Gladstone is about 517 km (321 miles) away from the state capital of Brisbane, home to the Brisbane International Airport. So while you're in Gladstone, you can stay at the Harbour Sails Hotel.
Mount Gambier, South Australia
Nestled on the slopes of a dormant volcano sits the town of Mount Gambier. The area enjoys warm summers and mild winters, making it a perfect destination year-round. The worst Australian winter weather you'll usually face is rain. As a result, there is rarely a bad time to trek up to the top of Mount Gambier and enjoy stunning views of the area. One of its most iconic attractions is the Umpherston Sinkhole, also known as the Sunken Garden, a breathtaking limestone cave collapse transformed into a lush, terraced garden filled with hanging vines and flowers. It’s a must-see spot for photography and picnics.
To get up close and personal with some of the area's wildlife, pay a visit to the Echo Farm, where you can meet and learn about various four-legged friends. While there, you can tour the farmhouse museum to get a glimpse at how early European settlers to the area lived. If you're a fan of jazz, then make sure to visit at the beginning of May for the annual "Generations In Jazz" festival! While you're in town, you can stay at the cozy Mount Gambier Motel.
Colac, Victoria
Imagine walking along the shores of Lake Colac, when the sun hits the water just right, you'd swear you're in paradise. Currently home to around 10,500 people, the charming town of Colac has something for everyone. The lake itself is great for kayaking or simply relaxing on the shoreline and soaking up the sun. On the shores of Lake Colac, you'll find the Colac Botanical Gardens. This massive green space spans 16 hectares, about the size of 30 football fields.
Golfers will love spending time at the world-class Colac Golf Club. While you're in the area, you can stay at the Otway Gate Motel, located in the heart of Colac's shopping district. In March, the town hosts its annual Kana Festival. For over 60 years, the event has celebrated the area's passion for all things sports. Whether you visit Colac at any time of year, you're sure to have a great time.
Geraldton, Western Australia
Established by Europeans in 1850, the coastal town of Geraldton has long been a destination for adventure seekers. The clear blue waters and windy days are perfect for water babies. Spend time swimming, surfing, or windsurfing at Town Beach. Or to get an up-close and personal view of another world as you go scuba diving. If you're skilled and daring enough, you can even visit some undersea wrecks that make their home in the briny deep.
To learn about Geraldton's fascinating history, you can visit the state-of-the-art Museum of Geraldton, which features interactive exhibits. Every October, the town hosts the annual "Sunshine Festival", said to be one of the nation's longest-running festivals. Getting to and from the city is a snap. The Geraldton Regional Airport is about 10 km (16 miles) away and offers flights to Perth. While you're in town, be sure to visit the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral to admire its stunning architecture.
Warrnambool, Victoria
Nestled in the south-west of the Australian state of Victoria is the charming town of Warrnambool. During your visit, you can stay at the Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs. The Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground offers fun for all ages, with a children's play area and maze. The Warrnambool Art Gallery gives you a chance to view some breathtaking artwork.
To experience some of the town's fascinating history, visit Flagstaff Hill. The historic district of Warrnambool features cobblestone streets and over 40 historic buildings, including the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village Museum. During the day, you can take a self-guided tour of the village. However, the magic really happens after the sun goes down. Come nightfall, the town comes alive with a multi-million-dollar light-and-sound show that tells the area's maritime history. Shiver me timbers, that sounds like something not to be missed!
Horsham, Victoria
The beautiful town of Horsham is a bit of everything rolled into one. Art lovers will enjoy the outdoor silo street art. The amazing mural is one stop on an outdoor art crawl project that stretches across 700 kilometers (434 miles). While in town, you can also spend time at the Horsham Regional Art Gallery. The town's May Park is a great spot to relax in the sun while taking in the local scenery.
When you get hungry, stop by local favorite Baa 3400 for a bite to eat. If you crave the roar of an engine and love the smell of petrol (gasoline), you will want to visit the Blue Ribbon Raceway in nearby Kalkee. During your time in Horsham, you can lay your head at the Royal Hotel. The local landmark has been serving hot meals, cold drinks, and comfy beds since 1881! As a fun fact, Horsham is the birthplace of actress Portia De Rossi, best known for her time on the American comedy "Arrested Development."
Mudgee, New South Wales
261 km (162 mi) north-west of Sydney rests the charming town of Mudgee, and the keyword there is "rest". The town's name is believed to have been derived from the Aboriginal Wiradjuri language, meaning "resting place" or "place of rest," among other interpretations. This idyllic town is currently home to 11,457 residents. During your visit, you can spend time at the Robert Stein Motorcycle Museum, a collection featuring two-wheeled motorized mechanical marvels spanning five decades from the 1920s to the 1970s.
To learn about the town's local history, you can visit the Mudgee Museum. For a unique chance to see the countryside, you can go on a self-guided bike tour. A short tour will take about 2 days and includes accommodations and an e-bike. You would have to supply your own playing cards for the spokes, though. During the evenings, you can get an other worldly experience when you visit the Mudgee Observatory. While you're in town, if not on a biking tour, you can stay at the Paragon Hotel.
Busselton, Western Australia
Established by Europeans in 1852, the coastal town of Busselton has long been a holiday destination, and it's easy to see why! There is something romantic, distinctive, and almost magical about the town's famous jetty. At over 6,000 feet (about 16-and-a-half football fields) long, it offers an incredible view of the water and the city of Busselton. The famous landmark is perfect for a stroll at any time of day. One of the most amazing attractions in town is unquestionably the Busselton Underwater Observatory.
Travel 26 feet (about 8 meters) below the water's surface and view a vibrant oceanic alien world. To learn about the town's fascinating history, visit the Busselton Museum. For those who've dreamt of stepping into the shoes of Robin Hood, William Tell, or Marvel’s Hawkeye, you're in luck. The Primal Archery Range in nearby Abbey teaches you to fire an arrow at nearby targets. Getting to and from town is a snap thanks to the nearby Busselton Margaret River Airport. Just 6.5 km (4.0 mi) from the town center, the airport offers flights to Sydney with Jetstar Airlines.
It's easy to think of Australia in terms of what pop culture has shown us. For many, the mere mention of Australia evokes images of seemingly endless coastlines that merge seamlessly with sandy beaches. While that is clearly true for much of the country, there is so much more to this Amazing nation than koalas, kangaroos, surfing, and movies about some angry guy named Max. The "Land Down Under" is packed with communities that are bursting with history, culture, and amazing ways to spend a weekend. Just don't forget the sunscreen!
