Ready for an adventure? Explore the best towns in Australia that you must visit!
Did you know that in Australia there are just over 1700 small towns? With so much to explore and so many places to visit in Australia, sometimes it is hard finding the right destination for you.
That’s why Hunter and Bligh has put together out list of the top 10 best small towns in Australia to visit. From scenic destinations to small towns paraded by its natural beauty, these are the perfect weekend getaway to escape from the big city and explore the gorgeous Australian landscape.
New South Wales
Photographed by Daniel Tran. Image via Destination NSW.
Tamworth, New South Wales
Welcome to Australia’s country music capital: Tamworth in New South Wales’ northeast. Despite its size, Tamworth pulls in visitors from all around the world – most especially when the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival takes place. With bakeries and indulgent eateries lining the streets, here you’ll also find luxury accommodation thanks to Mercure Tamworth that features 52 rooms, a heated pool and an on-site gym. This hidden gem is a must visit in 2025!
Photographed by Dee Dramer. Image via Destination NSW.
Batemans Bay, New South Wales
Nestled on the NSW South Coast, Batemans Bay is a scenic seaside town perfect for your next coastal adventure. From kayaking with dolphins to some of the best snorkelling spots in Australia with thriving reefs and native fish, there is plenty to see and do in this cosy New South Wales spot. But what makes Batemans Bay special is their oysters, letting you indulge in succulent Clyde River oysters straight from the farm gates. Its relaxed vibe, vibrant local culture, and easy access from Sydney and Canberra make it an ideal escape for those seeking both serenity and discovery!
Victoria
Photographed by Adrian Brown. Image via Visit Victoria.
Yarra Valley, Victoria
An hours drive out of Melbourne’s CBD will land you in the Yarra Valley. A famed cool climate wine region in the heart of Victoria, Yarra Valley is easily described as a fruitful blend. Think rolling hills, world-class food and so much more. Whilst you’re here we recommend visiting the Four Pillars Gin Distillery and one of Australia’s best fruit picking farms that come to life during the warmer months. All you need to do is pack your bags and head off on an adventure to visit one of Australia’s best towns!
Photographed bv TNE. Image via Visit Victoria.
Bright, Victoria
Bright in Victoria is known for its charismatic and bewitching scenery. Found three-and-a-half hours north-east of Melbourne, Bright comes to life April to May each year thanks to the perfect weather conditions. If you love the outdoors and exploring, this scenic small town in Australia should be your next destination to visit. With Mount Buffalo National Park, Alpine National Park and Mount Hotham just a touch away – on foot or by bike – you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Photographed by Rob Blackburn Photography. Image via Visit Victoria.
Halls Gap, Victoria
An hour-and-forty-five-minute drive north-west of Ballarat will land you in Halls Gap. Welcomed on our list of the best places to go in Australia, this small town features an abundance of wildlife and natural wonders. With sandstone mountains, park trails, wildflowers lining foot paths and thriving wildlife, Halls Gap is so much more. Just a 40-minute drive from one of Australia’s best waterfalls that features enormous cliffs, you can also tuck in at night at Breeze Holiday Parks before another day of action!
Queensland
Photographed by Mark Fitz. Image via Tourism and Events Queensland.
Caloundra, Queensland
If you’re wanting to chase the sun or the sound of crashing waves, we point you in the direction of Caloundra – coming in second as one of the best towns in Australia to visit. Here you can spend the day splashing around at Bulcock Beach or walking on the shore of Currimundi Lake. Stay overnight at Rumba Beach Resort and then wake up and explore the Caloundra Street Fair Markets open every Sunday. Regardless of what you do, we guarantee that this scenic small town will captivate your travels.
Photographed by Mark Fitz. Image via Tourism and Events Queensland.
Hervey Bay, Queensland
If you’re looking for a thriving coastal city, Hervey Bay in southern Queensland is the one destination to keep on your list. Also featured as one of the Top 10 Must Visit Australian Towns, Hervey Bay proves to be a winner again. Featuring a waterfront esplanade that encompasses all of the intricate and exciting things to do, see and of course eat and drink; come between May and November and you’ll also find that this is one of the top spots for whale watching in Australia. Just don’t forget your camera!
Tasmania
Photographed by Emilie Ristevski. Image via Tourism Tasmania.
Launceston, Tasmania
A two-and-a-half hour drive north from Hobart will land you in Launceston – the winner of Australia’s town of the year award. Easily described as a cool climate riverside city, Launceston sits on the cove of River Tamar an encapsulates the best of everything. The newest foodie hub for visitors to eat their way through; here you’ll also be able to explore, laze around, be pampered and sip through some of the most world-renowned wine regions. Any travellers delight, be sure to check out our list of the 5 Best Things To Do In Launceston, Tasmania.
South Australia
Photographed by Adam Bruzzone. Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Does rolling landscapes, renowned wineries and a German inspired town tickle your interest? Then the Adelaide Hills in South Australia should be your next destination to visit! If you can never decide on just the one thing, Adelaide Hills is bound to have something for you! Home to an array of wineries, craft beer breweries and some of the most unique places to stay in South Australia, you’ll be absolutely spoilt for choice thanks to this scenic small town in Australia.
Western Australia
Photographed by ospreycreative. Image via Tourism Western Australia.
Busselton, Western Australia
If you’ve ever wanted to walk along the longest jetty in the southern hemisphere, you can do so in Busselton Western Australia thanks to its two-kilometre-long walkway. Home to one of the best snorkelling spots in Australia, this scenic small town features plenty of things to do both on- and off-shore. Wine lovers will be able to sip their way through the world-famous Margaret River wine region or you can laze around at Bayview Geographe Resort before a walk along the beach at sunset. Regardless of your reason to visit, it’s still one of the best places to visit in Australia!
Keen to see what Australian town topped the list last year? Read on through for The 10 Must-Visit Australian Towns. Before you head off on your next adventure, make sure you have these 10 Must-Have Travel Items Packed!
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
