9 Stunning Small Towns In Australia
Ranking the most stunning small towns in Australia is no simple task. Stretching from the tropical north to the chillier temperate south with vast stretches of desert in between, Australia’s small towns are surrounded by a range of landscapes. It is one of the few countries on the planet where travelers can find a tiny wine country town like Tanunda for a romantic weekend, as well as a village such as Strahan on the edge of a pristine rainforest, perfect for outdoor exploration. With so many spectacular options, choosing where to go is the hardest part, but don’t worry, keep reading to pick your next Australian town to tour.
Esperance, Western Australia
If it’s a beach day you are after, you don’t have to resort to the packed beaches of the Gold Coast. Instead, head to Australia’s opposite coast, where the tiny town of Esperance on the southern edge of Western Australia offers some of the country’s most stunning beaches in blissfully remote tranquility. Take Lucky Bay: it’s got white sand, turquoise sea…and kangaroos, which famously like it as much as Esperance’s human visitors. And if you need any more shots for your Instagram page, Esperance is also adjacent to several of Australia’s few naturally pink lakes, including the famous Lake Hillier. A flightseeing tour will give you the best shots. Between the pink lakes and the aquamarine sea, Esperance has aquatic scenery pretty much covered.
Hepburn Springs, Victoria
Many tourists know Victoria for its wine country, but in Hepburn Springs, the tourist draw is decidedly not vinicultural. As its name suggests, Hepburn Springs is first and foremost a mineral springs and wellness destination. This tiny resort town is blessed with proximity to the greatest concentration of mineral springs in Australia, and at the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve, you can either drink or bathe in a variety of mineral springs for your health and rejuvenation. Establishments like the Shizuka Ryokan, a luxury stay inspired by traditional Japanese hot spring inns, and The Mineral Spa, where you can enjoy a wider array of health and beauty treatments, make Hepburn Springs a stunning natural retreat and a prime destination for a restorative weekend away.
Humpty Doo, Northern Territory
It’s hard not to laugh at this Northern Territory town’s name, but take it as a hint at the town’s character, and you will understand Humpty Doo a little more. It’s a quirky showcase of rural Australia’s rugged appeal. A quick survey of some of its favored attractions demonstrates that: the world’s largest pair of water buffalo horns (so-called) tops the Humpty Doo Hotel, a spot as iconic as its hilarious name; a huge statue of a crocodile wearing boxing gloves pays tribute to the region’s famous saltwater crocs in a roadside stop that is pure Australia; and, yes, there are real crocodiles to be seen not far outside of town on a cruise down the Adelaide River. It’s campy, it’s remote, and it’s a whole lot of fun, perfect for a roadside stop or a night’s stopover in what has to be the most agreeably tongue-in-cheek Australian town.
Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
If you have ever heard of Kalgoorlie, it’s probably because of the goldfields. Indeed, this Outback town is home to some of the most prolific gold mines in the world, and it’s been drawing fortune-seekers since the 19th century to become the largest Outback town in Australia. Lovers of history will find much to appeal, including tours of the massive, operational Super Pit mine and historical context for the development of the goldfields here at the Museum of the Goldfields. Closer to the center of town, historic establishments like the Palace Hotel serve as reminders of the town’s vibrant gold rush past.
Katoomba, New South Wales
Perched on a promontory in the Blue Mountains, Katoomba is hard to beat if you are looking for a room, meal, or hike with a view. It is located within the Blue Mountains UNESCO World Heritage Site, overlooks the scenic Jamison Valley, and draws visitors for its view of the Three Sisters, an unusual rock formation to which visitors can hike if they choose. Scenic World offers further views of the valley and hiking trails, as well as a cable car and the world’s steepest passenger railway. And in town, the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre tells the story of this special region. Those looking for an overnight hub from which to explore the ever-popular Blue Mountains couldn’t do any better than Katoomba.
Longreach, Queensland
If you are taken in by the romance of the Australian Outback and eager to experience the desert life, the tropical state of Queensland might be your surprising best bet. Longreach’s many claims to fame include a rich pioneer history and connections to the founding of Qantas, Australia’s national airline, seen in attractions like the Live Outback Stockman’s Show and the Qantas Founders Museum. For a more scenic taste of Longreach, take a sunset cruise on the Thomson River or head just outside town to soak up the vast red-gold Outback landscapes that make this part of Queensland so memorable.
Strahan, Tasmania
The island of Tasmania is both literally and figuratively a world apart, situated off the southern coast of mainland Australia, and as such, it’s often overlooked by international visitors. This is a shame, as it’s home to some of the country’s cutest small towns, with Strahan among the best of all.
Nature is the name of the game here, where Australia’s second-largest harbor meets the sea, and hikes through the area’s temperate rainforest are a favorite local way to unwind. Cruise the UNESCO-listed Gordon River and visit Sarah Island, a former penal colony. Spot a platypus, perhaps; sightings are common in this area. Between the Southern Ocean and the verdure of the rainforest, Strahan is a playground for anyone who would rather take to the trail than lounge about on a relaxing trip away from home.
Tanunda, South Australia
South Australia’s Barossa Valley is known for its vineyards and populated by no shortage of visit-worthy small towns, but those seeking a less-discovered stop for their wine-tasting jaunt would do well to situate themselves in Tanunda. Indeed, wine is the star attraction here, so it’s a destination best-suited for adult travelers who fancy a trip to the historic Chateau Tanunda, an opulent winemaking estate, or a tasting at Greenock Estate Wines to familiarize themselves with the region’s vintages. Between sips, explore the old-timey downtown, which pairs perfectly with all those exquisite wines.
Yamba, New South Wales
Beach towns in New South Wales are hardly scarce, but Yamba appeals with its closeness to unspoiled nature. It’s a watersports hotspot too, with a world-class surf break at nearby Angourie Point that tempts surfers from around the world, and kayaking through the estuaries of the town’s coast might yield encounters with dolphins. Come spring and summertime, whale watching is a popular activity as migrating humpback whales pass through the area. It is also the gateway to the pristine coastline of Yuraygir National Park. So, yes, get your beach days in, but Yamba is far more than a sunbather’s destination, and that’s what makes it stand out in a sea (pun intended) of beach destinations.
Just the Beginning
There are plenty of Australian towns worth a spot in your itinerary, and you are likely to find more spots to check out the further you research. But these towns represent much of what is exemplary about Australia: its quirkiness, its natural beauty, and its rich history. Places like Strahan and Yamba are where you will find the real Australia, a down-to-earth place. And if that is the Australia you would like to discover, these towns are a fantastic start.
