Located between the Indian and Pacific oceans, Australia is the biggest nation in Oceania. Whether it’s to see the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, or the Outback with the enormous Uluru rock, Australia is a country that is on practically every tourist’s travel bucket list.
Australia is known for its large cities and impressive landmarks, but the nation also has numerous smaller towns that are just as rewarding in terms of attractions and provide a more relaxed and serene environment. Here are some of Australia’s most picturesque little towns, as chosen by us.
15. Yamba NSW
The vast majority of Australia’s coastline is well-known among surfers. However, Yamba, a small town in New South Wales, is renowned for its idyllic weather, bohemian vibe, and the infamous Angourie Point Break. However, Turners Break is the more advisable and secure choice for novice surfers.
In addition to its popularity for camping and swimming, this region is well-known for its dolphin and whale watching. Among the most popular destinations, Yuraygir National Park is an excellent place for a weeklong backpacking trip.
14. Esperance WA
Esperance, a town in Western Australia, is said to have the most beautiful coastline in all of Australia. The Pink Lake, also known as Lake Hillier, is a major tourist attraction in this quaint little community. Spend the day on a secluded rock island off the coast, or (if it’s the correct time of year) set up camp in the heart of the island, entirely surrounded by nature and the turquoise ocean.
Relax in the sun among kangaroos in Cape Le Grand National Park, or try your hand at water activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, and, of course, surfing, as Cyclops, the world’s largest wave, can be found right here in Esperance.
13. Port Fairy VIC
Port Fairy has a rich history in both fishing and tourism, and it has the distinction of being Victoria’s oldest port. Port Fairy, formerly named one of the world’s most pleasant towns, has more than 50 ancient buildings dotting its streets, testifying to the town’s rich past.
One of the town’s main draws is its active arts community, and another is its fishing culture. Port Fairy also hosts the Port Fairy Folk Event, which is both the biggest and oldest folk music festival in Australia.
12. Byron Bay NSW
Byron Bay is a picturesque beach town with a laid-back, hippie-like atmosphere that is elevated by a dash of grandeur and extravagance. Surfers, snorkelers, divers, and kayakers flock to Byron Bay because of its pristine beaches, magnificent coastal trails, and incredible underwater life.
After you’ve had your fill of Byron Bay’s land and seascapes, take a hot-air balloon flight and try to make sense of the vastness of the sky above. Tandem skydiving and hang gliding are two extreme sports that are sure to get your heart racing.
11. Apollo Bay VIC
The Great Ocean Walk begins at Apollo Bay, which is conveniently located along the Great Ocean Road and about half an hour from the stunning Hopetoun Falls. Apollo Bay is around two hours away from the Twelve Apostles and the equally spectacular Lock Arc Gorge. Popular things to do in and near Apollo Bay include surfing, zip lining, scuba diving, caving, and fishing.
10. Margaret River WA
Margaret River is known as the “unofficial capital” of Western Australia due to its abundance of tourist attractions, including the world-famous surfing spot of Margie Rivs, the nearby Margaret River Wine Region, and the famous caves, including the multi-chambered Mammoth Cave, which is said to house fossils older than 35,000 years.
The most remarkable thing about the town, however, is that it is inside a biodiversity hotspot, one of just 34 such areas in the whole globe and the only such area in the nation.
9. Augusta WA
Augusta is a quaint small town in Western Australia, located on the estuary of the Blackwood River and surrounded by the Jarrah Forest. Although the locals here take life relatively easy, the town is a popular tourist destination all the same.
Travelers should check out the white-sand beaches, the amazing Jewel Cave in Hamelin Bay, the Historical Museum, and the famed rocky headlands of Cape Leeuwin. The Hamelin Bay Wreck Trail is a must-see for every scuba diver or boat owner.
8. Airlie Beach QLD
Airlie Beach, a classic beach resort town on Queensland’s Whitsunday Coast, is the starting point for visits to the stunning Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef. Airlie Beach is a popular tourist destination due to its abundance of water sports as well as its vibrant nightlife (the town is home to a number of clubs and backpacker pubs).
Likewise, there are aerial tours of the city and its surrounding islands that you may take advantage of. The beach in Airlie is home to a large population of jellyfish; therefore, swimmers are advised to instead travel to the man-made lagoon.
7. Broome WA
Broome, a coastal town in the Australian state of Western Australia, has been known as the “pearling capital of Australia” since at least the 1880s, when the industry first began to flourish there. Cable Beach, with its 14 miles of powdery white sand, is one of the area’s most popular tourist destinations because of the breathtaking views of the setting sun that can be had from a camel ride down the beach at sunset.
Taking a trip to Kimberly to see the city’s waterfalls and red cliffs is another popular option. Explore the town’s aboriginal architecture and learn about the town’s pearl heritage.
6. Birdsville QLD
Here’s your opportunity to see Australia for what it really is—the outback. The wilderness characteristic of Queensland surrounds Birdsville, and this little community benefits from both the beauty of the Diamantina River and the harshness of the Simpson Desert.
Plan your trip so that you can be there in September for the Birdsville Cup, a horse racing event that draws thousands of spectators from all around Australia every year. Visit for the beer at a classic outback bar, the 4WD adventure to the towering sand dunes, or the scenic flight to Lake Eyre.
5. Port Douglas QLD
Port Douglas is a picturesque fishing community on the Coral Sea, and it serves as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the biggest reef system in the world, and Daintree National Park, the world’s oldest living rainforest.
The town’s most popular feature, though, is the four-mile length of white-sand coastline that is appropriately called the Four Mile Beach. Port Douglas is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the area, as well as wonderful swimming, snorkelling with turtles, and beach volleyball.
4. Cygnet TAS
Cygnet, a quaint small hamlet, is nestled between the Huon River and the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. The town has developed through time into an artistic community while also serving as a major fruit-producing region.
Randalls Bay, Verona Sands, the Cygnet Art Trail, and the various wineries are just a few of the major attractions in Cygnet, which is surrounded on all sides by beautiful natural scenery. If you’re feeling more daring, hike through the beautiful hills that surround the city.
3. Beechworth VIC
Beechworth, an important town during the gold rush, is today recognised for its vineyards and attracts tourists because of its exceptionally well-preserved historic district. Numerous museums of national significance and yearly celebrations may be found in this city. Beechworth is home to the Woolshed Waterfalls, the Beechworth Historic Courthouse, and the Beechworth Lunatic Asylum, the latter of which may be explored on a ghost tour.
2. Kalgoorlie WA
Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, is a traditional rural town that seems like it might have been plucked straight from the 19th century. Visitors to the region may engage in an exciting activity by touring one of the gold mines, such as Superpit.
Visit between August and October to see the wildflowers at their peak. RV campers will find that Kalgoorlie is a great place to park their rig. Gold was so crucial to the economy that the region is littered with museums and mines.
1. Alice Springs NT
Alice Springs, or simply “Alice,” in the Northern Territory might be considered a haven for lovers of Australia’s desert beauty. Hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts use Alice Springs as a jumping off point to explore the surrounding landscape, which includes a pioneering past, deserts as far as the eye can see, breathtaking gorges, and well-established heritage Aboriginal settlements.
This little town is mainly notable for being “near” to three major natural attractions: Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and the Kings Canyon. You should check the town’s schedule before visiting since there are many events held there every year. Outback ballooning, camel rides, and quad riding are all big draws for tourists in the region. Even in the middle of town, you may enjoy clear stargazing if you only turn your head.
