9 Prettiest Small Towns In Australia

Being one of the largest countries on earth, Australia covers its entire continent. Throughout this vast country, volcanic craters, white sand beaches, and rolling farmland make a home for humans and their exotic animal neighbors. Some of these animals, such as the camel, the kangaroo, and penguins, can be found roaming the pristine shoreline alongside tourists. Hidden gems are sprinkled throughout this ethically and ecologically diverse country, within the small towns that make this ginormous country so special. Keep reading to discover the hidden gems nestled within the prettiest towns in Australia.

Leura

Situated on the edge of the Blue Mountains National Park, this town is packed full of stunning sights. To experience this beauty, walk along the Leura Cascades, where a stone archway leads to a majestic pathway alongside streams that opens to an incredible lookout point of valleys and waterfalls. See the beautiful valley with a warm cup in hand at Everglades House & Gardens, which has more to offer than its terraces and mountain views. This inter-war period (after WW1 and before WW2) garden houses a tea room where visitors can enjoy local apple cider, ginger beer, or the traditional Devonshire tea.

Tea culture is thriving in Leura, where a vast collection of teapots from all over the world can be found in the Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum. The collection here shows that teapots come in such a wide variety of styles, materials, and sizes. From whimsical to elegant, porcelain to cast iron, and tiny to large. Tea has been a prominent custom in every country, and teapots from Africa, China, America, and beyond have found their way to this impressive collection.

Margaret River

Start the journey of discovering Margaret River’s most gorgeous spots at Rotary Park on the river’s edge. Nestled along the river, the park serves as a memorial to the pioneers of the timber industry, featuring a replica steam engine that visitors can climb into. Along with the engine are gardens and picnic tables, as well as original buildings from historic settlers that still stand among the greenery, such as a milking shed and a group house. For a mixture of beautiful scenery and delicious flavor, head to Voyager Estate. All the wine here is made on the property to reflect the unique qualities of the Stevens Valley. Finally, get acquainted with local wildlife at Capes Raptor Centre, Western Australia’s largest bird of prey sanctuary. Not only are these raptors fascinating to behold, but the center also teaches visitors about the birds' natural behaviors and the unique sensory abilities that they use to hunt. The pathways are surrounded by orchids and wildflowers, creating a spectacular sight in both the sky and on the ground.

Stanley

Start the voyage through Stanley by seeing it from above at the remnants of an ancient volcanic plug, now lovingly called “The Nut”. Tourists visit The Nut to take the short but steep walk to its summit, where a plateau overlooks the town, the sea, and lush green farmland. Those who prefer not to take the trek can opt for the chairlift instead. For a leisurely beach day, head to Godfreys Beach, which is an east-facing beach that is locally beloved for its protection from strong westerly winds. These sands are home to large rocky reefs and a large colony of penguins.

Explorers can see these penguins as they head to their burrows at night via a viewing station. The platform is illuminated with red lights, making it perfect for viewing in the darkness without disturbing wildlife. Switch from natural wonder to the wonder of human creation at the Highfield Historic Site, which marks the first European occupation in North-West Tasmania. Here, find architecture from the early 1800s that showcases the craftsmanship of those early settlers.

Bright

Bright is within the foothills of Victoria’s High Country. The most beautiful places the high country has to offer are right in the middle of this small town, at Canyon Walk. This nature preserve has pathways that wind through forests and past streams. The Ovens River flows through the town as well, making a great spot for picnics or strolls. This river is home to endangered species, including the Squirrel Glider and the Powerful Owl. Finally, head to Huggins Lookout to see Bright from above. This 1.6 km trail is a short but steep walk to the top, where stunning panoramic views of the town nestled within its lush valley and the surrounding green peaks await.

Port Fairy

Port Fairy is home to a small island (only 1.5 km long and 0.8 km wide), known as a haven for its resident animals, such as the “muttonbirds” that populate the shores. Griffiths Island was once a cluster of tiny islands, now fused together within the Moyne River. Taking the 400-meter trek across the island leads to a lighthouse built in 1859, a beacon that led immigration, trade, and fishing ships to Port Fairy when it was considered one of Australia’s largest fishing fleets. After the island adventure, swim in the sea at East Beach. The beach is renowned for its calm, gentle waves, making it an ideal spot for paddleboarding. On the south side, another shore welcomes those who want to explore unique coastal formations. Pea Soup Beach No. 2 features Basalt reefs (made from volcanic rock) that are approximately 100 meters offshore, making for great sightseeing and amazing photographs.

Hahndorf

Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement is full of cobblestone streets and historic architecture that nods to the German immigrants who created a home here. Enter one of these historic homes at the preserved home of Hans Heysen, a famous Australian landscape artist. Built in the 1870s, the home is an immersive time capsule surrounded by colorful gardens and bushland that clearly inspired Heysen’s famous paintings. The house is full of the artist's original sketches as well as historic artifacts, making this a great place to visit for creatives and historians alike.

To understand heritage in this town, visit the family farm that has been handed down through six generations. At Beerenberg Farm, visitors get to pick their own strawberries while enjoying a walk through the fields. These berries make a great jam. Those who would rather buy it than make their own can visit the farm shop that sells delicious jams, chutneys, and other homemade goods. The farm also has a cafe that provides cooking demonstrations as well as cups of coffee. For more delicious flavors, head to Hahndorf Hill Winery, known for its flavorful Vienna-inspired selections as well as its traditional Australian varieties. Guests can also pair their glass with a cheese plate or chocolate.

Esperance

Esperance is home to many top-rated beaches, such as Lucky Bay, which borders the Southern Ocean. Wild and curious kangaroos hop along the white sand, dipping their feet in the turquoise sea alongside tourists. For a more intimate experience, go to the nearby Little Hellfire Bay. This beach is far smaller than the more popular Lucky Bay, making it a great option for those who seek a peaceful escape. The surrounding hills and interesting rock formations make this beach a unique destination, complemented by a coastal walk trail. After soaking in the Australian sunshine, head indoors at the Esperance Museum. Here, visitors can find historic objects, as well as photographs and maps, that are integral to the town's development.

Broome

Broome is full of magical experiences, many of which can be found at Gantheaume Point, an expanse of rocky cliffs surrounding a beach. At low tide, 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints are visible at the bottom of the red rock cliffs. More history awaits at Chinatown, where turn-of-the-century buildings house import-export businesses, delicious cuisine options, and a wealth of vibrant artwork showcasing the pearling industry that was once vital to Broome’s economy. See the sunset over Cable Beach, where white sand rests between ochre red cliffs and blue waves. This beach is world famous for its camel rides, which offer tourists a rare chance to ride the magnificent creatures across the shore.

Montville

Family fun is easy to find in this small town, most notably at Russell Family Park, where play is made both simple and scenic through natural landscape and colorful playground equipment. Whether climbing on the playground or lying atop the grassy hills, the park makes an excellent atmosphere for exploration and relaxation. See the captivating colors of Montville reflected in breathtaking glass creations at Illume Creations. This art gallery features multiple displays, ranging from glass sculptures inspired by indigenous peoples' relationships with nature to artistic responses to tsunamis and other earth-focused subjects. For an authentic Queensland experience that focuses on sustainability, have a glass of wine with lunch at Flame Hill Vineyard. Flame Hill is a collection of three vineyards joined together to produce exclusive award-winning wine and farm-to-table meal options.

Scenery In Australia's Small Towns

While the places on this list feel otherworldly in their beauty, they can all be found where the Indian Ocean meets the Pacific, in a land where red rock and turquoise water create stunning scenes that offer adventure and serenity in equal parts. Travelers with a lust for climbing rocks along seaside ledges and those who yearn for unique wildlife encounters can find it and much more in the small towns of Australia.