The 9 Friendliest Little Towns In Queensland

The Australian state of Queensland is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Thanks to its vast size and geographical diversity, including mountains, rivers, tropical rainforests, deserts, and sandy beaches, there is something for everyone. Even with its natural wonders, the best thing about Queensland is its friendly people. The state is home to many welcoming small towns across its varied landscapes.

Agnes Water

The coastal town of Agnes Water reflects what many imagine an Australian beach community to be. The town of 2,729 has a long stretch of beach framed by dense vegetation.

During a visit, you can spend time at the Horizons Kangaroo Sanctuary and Camp Ground, where interactions with kangaroos are part of the experience. The campground is also a place to stay while in town.

To enjoy the area’s natural setting, you can surf, swim, or walk along Agnes Water Main Beach, although it helps to arrive early for space on the sand. If you get hungry, the Drift & Wood Restaurant & Bar serves dependable meals.

Agnes Water also has a notable history, which you can learn about at the Agnes Water Museum.

Seventeen Seventy

The town of Seventeen Seventy, often called 1770 by locals, is known for its distinctive name and coastal setting. During a visit, you can join a 1770 Reef Eco Tours that include a glass-bottom boat trip and snorkeling, allowing for a close view of marine life.

Back on land, you can eat a meal overlooking the water at the 1770 Marina Cafe. To see a historical artifact, you can visit the Countess Russell Anchor, the remaining piece of the ship that ran aground nearby in 1873.

The Discovery Rotary Markets at 1770 give you a chance to shop for locally sourced goods. The market runs on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, so checking the dates helps if you plan to attend.

The town is named after the year 1770, when Lieutenant James Cook made his first landing in what is now Queensland, and the town was named after that year.

Kingaroy

The town of Kingaroy is known as the Peanut Capital of Australia because of its peanut-processing plant and large peanut silos. During a visit, you can learn about the town’s history at the Kingaroy Heritage Museum. For a look at local artwork, you can visit the Kingaroy Regional Art Gallery, which displays pieces from artists in the region.

While in town, you can take in a view of the surrounding area from the Mount Wooroolin Lookout. Kingaroy is 218 kilometres, or 135 miles, northwest of Brisbane, which makes it suitable for a weekend trip. While spending time here, you can stay at the Ascot Motor Lodge, which is known for its reasonable rates.

Kingaroy combines agricultural ties with an active cultural community, and its museums and galleries reflect that mix. Visitors often find the town easy to navigate, with its central area close to major landmarks and local businesses.

Gympie

The town of Gympie sits about 141 kilometres, or 88 miles, northeast of Kingaroy along the Mary River, a common spot for swimming and kayaking. Established in 1867, the community is known for steady weather throughout the year. During a visit, you can learn about the town’s mining history at the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum, which outlines the region’s early development.

If you want to see local artwork, you can stop by the Gympie Regional Gallery, where you can also buy items from the gallery’s shop. For lodging, the Australian Hotel is one option in town, with rooms and meals available for visitors.

Gympie’s central area is easy to walk, and many of its key sites are close to the river and main streets, which makes scheduling stops simple during a short stay.

Warwick

Established in 1850, the town of Warwick has a population of about 12,294 and a long record of regional history. While spending time here, you can visit the Glengallen Homestead and Heritage Center. The house, built in 1867, presents a clear look at life in the area during that period and outlines Warwick’s development.

For a meal in town, the Bluebird Kitchen & Smokehouse is one option. If you enjoy classic arcade games, you can stop by the Retro Arcade Warwick, which has a range of older machines. Outdoor space is also available at Leslie Park, which includes picnic tables and open areas for a quiet break.

Warwick’s layout makes it simple to move between historic sites, dining, and recreational areas. Its mix of preserved buildings and modern businesses reflects the community’s long presence in the region.

Charters Towers

Charters Towers is known as one of Australia’s historic mining towns. Founded in the 1870s, it grew quickly after gold was discovered, and today has a population of about 8,040. During a visit, you can stay at The Rix, a historic hotel that has received travelers since 1875.

To learn about mining, you can stop by the Charters Towers Miner's Cottage, where the gold mining process is explained, and visitors can try panning. The town also has a large outdoor artwork, the Charters Towers Wall of History, a mural that illustrates the area’s past through the work of local artists.

A walk to the top of the Towers Hill Lookout in nearby Southern Cross gives you a wide view of the surrounding landscape, which helps place the town’s early mining activity in context.

Maleny

About 90 kilometres, or 56 miles, north of Brisbane is the town of Maleny. During a visit, you can spend time at the Maleny Botanicf Gardens & Bird World, where the gardens and a range of bird species are part of the experience. It is a steady place to walk and observe the landscape.

Maleny Country Antiques is a spot to pick up items for friends or family. For a look at local history, you can visit the Maleny Pioneer Village, which includes buildings such as Lawley House and shows how the area developed over time.

While in town, you can stay at the Maleny Hotel, which is a familiar choice for visitors. Maleny’s compact centre makes it easy to see several stops in a short period, and many of its sites sit close to the main roads that lead through the area.

Montville

The town of Montville sits in the Sunshine Coast region and has a population of a little over 1,000. Residents often note that there is plenty to do during a visit. The Montville Art Gallery displays a wide range of work created by local artists and is a clear starting point for those interested in regional art.

From there, you can visit Kondalilla National Park, where the Kondalilla Falls are a central landmark. The park gives a direct view of the area’s natural setting and is easy to access from town. For local information, the Montville Visitor Information Centre is where you can ask questions about the town and the surrounding region.

If you want a meal in town, The Long Apron is one option. Its location makes it simple to reach during a day of visiting nearby sites. Montville’s compact layout allows short walks between galleries, the information centre, and local dining.

Longreach

Longreach was gazetted as a town in 1887 and has a strong record of regional history. Australia’s national airline, Qantas, is the world’s third-oldest operating airline, and it began operations in Longreach. Because of this, you can visit the Qantas Founders Museum, where the early years of Australian commercial aviation are outlined.

The Outback Pioneers experience allows visitors to spend time in the outback. While there, you can ride on a horse-drawn stagecoach, take a cruise on the Thomson River, and visit the nearby Nogo Station. Before leaving town, you can stop at Spinifex Collections, which stocks a range of gifts for visitors and residents.

Longreach’s layout makes it straightforward to move between museums, local businesses, and outback excursions. Its long connection to regional transport and aviation remains visible in several of its key sites.

Why These Towns Stand Out

Queensland contains small towns shaped by natural settings, history, and local communities. Each place presents its own mix of cultural sites, outdoor areas, and regional character. Together, they form a clear picture of how daily life in the state extends beyond major cities such as Brisbane. These towns maintain long ties to their landscapes and remain steady points for visitors interested in local history or coastal and inland settings.