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Australia’s 100 best towns to visit in 2026 – ranked

Credit: Rhiannon Taylor

Editor Editor
Your definitive list of the 100 best Aussie towns to visit right now.

From coast to outback and everywhere in between, our country is home to a vast array of vibrant destinations. At Australian Traveller, we’ve always championed these Australian towns and communities, shining a light on both the well-known and the evolving. This year, we’ve pushed things further by inviting a national panel of industry experts and much-loved Australians to help rank and shape the final rundown of our 100 best Aussie towns to visit around the country.

From the classics you’d expect to fast-emerging hidden gems and even a few wildcards, it’s a snapshot of exploring Australia today; whether you’re seeking a beachy break, a culture fix, a country escape or an outback discovery. Australia, meet your top 100 best Aussie towns to visit this year.

The top 100 Aussie towns

1. Bicheno, Tas

2. Port Douglas, Qld

3. Byron Bay, NSW

4. Port Fairy, Vic

5. Bowral, NSW

6. Broome, WA

7. Willunga, SA

8. Eagle Bay, WA

9. Noosa, Qld

10. Beechworth, Vic

11. Lorne, Vic

12. Daylesford, Vic

13. St Helens, Tas

14. Yamba, NSW

15. Yulara, NT

16. Bellingen, NSW

17. Stanley, Tas

18. Richmond, Tas

19. Kalbarri, WA

20. Margaret River, WA

21. Agnes Water & 1770, Qld

22. Longreach, Qld

23. Broken Hill, NSW

24. Fremantle, WA

25. Esperance, WA

26. Launceston, Tas

27. Meeniyan, Vic

28. Thredbo, NSW

29. Mission Beach, Qld

30. Torquay, Vic

31. Townsville, Qld

32. Hahndorf, SA

33. Orange, NSW

34. Geelong, Vic

35. Metung, Vic

36. New Norfolk, Tas

37. Katherine, NT

38. Lightning Ridge, NSW

39. Bridport, Tas

40. Robe, SA

41. Maleny, Qld

42. Tamborine Mountain, Qld

43. Cooktown, Qld

44. Denmark, WA

45. Leura, NSW

46. Mudgee, NSW

47. Albany, WA

48. Airlie Beach, Qld

49. McLaren Vale, SA

50. Ballarat, Vic

51. Clare, SA

52. Bright, Vic

53. Evandale, Tas

54. Hermannsburg, NT

55. Winton, Qld

56. Cairns, Qld

57. Healesville, Vic

58. Nhulunbuy, NT

59. Murwillumbah, NSW

60. Castlemaine, Vic

61. Mount Gambier, SA

62. Kununurra, WA

63. Griffith, NSW

64. Rutherglen, Vic

65. Echuca Moama, Vic + NSW

66. Coffin Bay, SA

67. Penneshaw, SA

68. South West Rocks, NSW

69. Pemberton, WA

70. Hervey Bay, Qld

71. Halls Gap, Vic

72. Tanunda, SA

73. Terrigal, NSW

74. Bendigo, Vic

75. Exmouth, WA

76. Kiama, NSW

77. Alice Springs, NT

78. Stanthorpe, Qld

79. Sorrento, Vic

80. Portsea, Vic

81. Kalgoorlie-Boulder, WA

82. Berry, NSW

83. Merimbula, NSW

84. Nelson Bay, NSW

85. Strahan, Tas

86. Sheffield, Tas

87. Coober Pedy, SA

88. Woolgoolga, NSW

89. Armidale, NSW

90. Inverloch, Vic

91. Batchelor, NT

92. Atherton, Qld

93. Broke, NSW

94. Quorn, SA

95. Mildura, Vic

96. Wurrumiyanga, NT

97. York, WA

98. Bathurst, NSW

99. Goulburn, NSW

100. Ballina, NSW

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

How it was decided

Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns were selected by a voting panel of much-loved Australians, industry experts and category authorities from across the country. Following a far-reaching nomination process and guided by professional instinct and personal judgement, our panel rated the shortlist on a scale of 1–10 based on how strongly they believe Australians should visit nominated towns.

They didn’t vote on places they did not feel they had sufficient knowledge of. The overall ranking reflects the towns that received the highest average score, ranging from tiny localities to buzzing regional hubs with community at heart.

a coastal view of Bicheno, Tasmania
Bicheno is a picturesque town on the East Coast of Tasmania. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
Twilight Beach in Esperance
The iconic rock formation at Twilight Beach in Esperance. (Credit: Tourism Australia)
the Skillogalee Estate in the Clare Valley
Skillogalee Estate, a boutique winery and restaurant located in the Clare Valley. (Credit: Nadinne Grace)
the exterior of Governörs Bicheno
The family-friendly Governörs café in the heart of Bicheno. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
Parrtjima festival in Alice Springs
The only Aboriginal festival of its kind, Parrtjima. (Credit: Lisa Hatz)
surfing in Ballina
Ballina is a stunning, relaxed beach haven on the North Coast. (Credit: Elise Hassey)

Meet the panellists

From TV presenters to industry experts, our panel spans the depth of Australia’s travel landscape to ensure every pillar of Aussie life is accounted for. Among some familiar faces is returning Australian Traveller panellist Catriona Rowntree, who has rightfully earnt the nickname ‘Australia’s most-travelled woman’ thanks to 30 years presenting Getaway.

Also joining us is legendary Wadjarri/Yamatji actor, comedian and television host Ernie Dingo, fresh from shooting a new season of Going Places. We’ve called upon industry experts representing brands – such as AAT Kings and Accor – whose bread and butter is to help you have the best travel experiences wherever you go.

We’ve also got the scoop from category experts such as powerhouse pastry chef Anna Polyviou and Australia’s official beach ambassador Brad Farmer – who know a good bakery or top surf break when they see one. The one thing they have in common? They are all passionate about exploring our own backyard.

Adrian Williams, CEO at Accor
Adrian Williams, CEO at Accor. Accor’s chief operating officer across the Pacific region – which spans nearly 400 hotels and ancillary businesses – Adrian Williams brings more than 30 years of experience in hotel operations to the table. He is a board member of the Australian Accommodation Association, Visit Victoria and the Melbourne Convention Bureau. (Credit: Asher Milgate)
Anna Polyviou, pastry chef, author, TV host and DJ.
Powerhouse pastry chef, television personality and cookbook author Anna Polyviou is known for her quirky urban style. From 7.5 years as creative director of pastry at Shangri-La Hotel Sydney to serving as a repeat guest judge on MasterChef Australia, her experience has seen her zigzag all over Australia to tick off its top foodie spots.
Ben Hall, CEO of AAT Kings Group
CEO of AAT Kings Group, one of Australia’s most trusted guided tour operators, Ben Hall has worked in more than 90 countries. For 10 years, he was a travel director for Contiki, Insight and Trafalgar across EMEA and Grand Circle in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. A long-time advocate for exploring closer to home, Ben has a deep appreciation for Australia’s diverse landscapes and the unique stories found across its regions.
Brad Farmer, Tourism Australia’s official Beach Ambassador
Often described as having ‘the best job in the world’, Brad Farmer’s office is always at the beach. After spearheading multiple coastal conservation not-for-profits, he is now Australia’s official Beach Ambassador – heading the annual study of Best Australian Beaches with Tourism Australia and clocking up extensive travel researching fresh destinations. He has written bestselling books and pioneered award-winning campaigns. (Credit: Best Australian Beaches)
Brett Godfrey, co-owner of Virgin Australia
Brett Godfrey co-founded Virgin Australia, launching it from scratch in 2000 and growing it into Australia’s second largest carrier. In 2013, he traded airplane runways for hiking trails with the purchase of the Tasmanian Walking Company, a leader in environmental tourism that specialises in luxury guided hikes. (Credit: Tasmanian Walking Company)
Catriona Rowntree, author and TV host
Author and television presenter Catriona Rowntree has been dubbed ‘Australia’s Most Travelled Woman’, hosting our longest-running travel program, Getaway, for 30 years – while also becoming one of the country’s longest-running presenters for a single program. She lives with her husband and two sons on a historic homestead atop a sheep station in rural Victoria.
Ernie Dingo in Freycinet National Park, Tasmania
Born on Bullardoo Station in Western Australia, Ernie Dingo is a Wadjarri/Yamatji actor, comedian and TV host – and one of Australia’s most iconic television personas. In 1990, Ernie was awarded the Order of Australia and in 1997 was voted a National Living Treasure in a poll conducted by The National Trust in conjunction with respected media bodies. The seventh season of his television show Going Places with Ernie Dingo premiered on both SBS and NITV in February.
print editor Imogen Eveson, Australian Traveller Media
Print editor Imogen Eveson has been part of the Australian Traveller team for almost a decade. In that time, she has been lucky enough to travel to all corners of the country, across every state and territory. From Bellingen and the Barossa to Kununurra and Castlemaine, she enjoys understanding the pulse of the places she visits.
Irene Jones, founder and CEO of Travelglobe
Irene Jones is an Australian TV presenter, entrepreneur and founder of Travelglobe Group – a growing travel business and media platform. She is particularly known for her work on Travel Oz by Grainger TV, one of Australia’s longest-running travel series. Irene is also the co-creator and host of The Hungry Passport, an all-female travel series blending culture, connection and cuisine.
head of content at Australian Traveller Media, Katie Carlin
Katie Carlin is head of content at Australian Traveller Media, leading the editorial team across print, digital and video. In the past seven years she’s seen more of Australia than she could have dreamed – from swimming with whale sharks near Exmouth and dining under the Milky Way at Uluru to seeing the sun rise over Waubs Beach in Bicheno. Crafting compelling stories about Australia’s vast and varied places, people and experiences is what she loves to do most.
Paul Ah Chee, Mparntwe/Alice Springs artist
Paul Ah Chee is a widely respected Aboriginal leader, Arrernte Traditional Owner and Elder from Mparntwe (Alice Springs), recognised for his enduring contribution to culture, community leadership and Indigenous-led engagement across the Northern Territory. Paul plays a central role in Parrtjima – A Festival In Light, serving as cultural advisor to ensure the festival remains grounded in culture and Country. Paul is also chair of Tourism and Events NT, and a musician and storyteller.
founder and managing director of Solstice Media, Paul Hamra
Starting his career in journalism and public relations, Paul Hamra is the founder and managing director of Australian publishing company Solstice Media, responsible for numerous Australian news and lifestyle publications including The New Daily, 7AM podcast, The Weekend Edition, Australian Traveller and International Traveller. He served as deputy chair of the Australian Film Commission (now Screen Australia) for six years and is currently the chair of Adelaide Fringe.
co-founder of Australian Traveller Media, Quentin Long
Quentin Long is the co-founder of Australian Traveller Media. Today a sought-after travel media commentator, Quentin first conceived of the idea for Australian Traveller as he flew over Broome’s Roebuck Bay more than 20 years ago and wondered why people weren’t talking about how amazing it is to explore our own backyards
Rae Johnston
Rae Johnston has spent years travelling every corner of this country as a TV host on Going Places with Ernie Dingo, Back Roads and The Secret DNA of Us. Born and raised in the Blue Mountains, she’s also the voice keeping NSW company every Saturday morning on ABC Radio, as well as Radio National’s Download This Show.
Sally Cope leads the Tourism Australia Industry & Business Events teams
Sally Cope leads the Tourism Australia Industry & Business Events teams, responsible for driving strategic initiatives that foster growth, innovation and competitiveness within Australian tourism. Boasting a 35-year-long career, Sally was previously executive officer of Ultimate Winery Experiences of Australia, part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences collection. She has also held leadership positions at Anthology, Voyages Hotels and Resorts, and Qantas Holidays.
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Ticking off Australia’s icons? These hotels can help.

(Credit: DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs)

    Monique Ceccato Monique Ceccato
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    Your guide to where to stay for easy access to some of Australia’s most famed attractions.

    Ellery Creek Big Hole, the Busselton Jetty and Lamington National Park; they’re just a handful of some of Australia’s most incredible attractions. With a car and a conveniently located home base, there’s absolutely no reason you can’t start ticking them off your must-see list.

    And where there are iconic sights, there’s a Hilton ready to welcome you.

    1. Darwin

    dawrin waterfront
    Make Hilton Darwin your base for city and wildlife adventures.

    Considered Australia’s portal to Asia, Darwin’s proximity to Indonesia and Timor-Leste has resulted in a highly multicultural population. There’s a strong Southeast Asian influence that coexists with the ancient customs and cultural traditions of the land’s traditional custodians, the Larrakia people. One of the finest examples is Darwin’s most acclaimed dish. It’s not damper or a meat pie, but spicy laksa. You’ll find it everywhere in the city, even at the weekly sunset markets.

    Just a day trip away lie the region’s other major drawcards, the oases of Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park.

    How best to explore it all? Check into Hilton Darwin, or sister properties DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin and Hilton Garden Inn Darwin. Spend the day exploring, then return to delicious meals at these hotel restaurants, and cool down in their refreshing pools.

    2. Gold Coast

    A sea-view room at Hilton Surfers Paradise.
    Stay in the centre of it all.

    What do New York and the Gold Coast have in common? Their iconic skylines. High-rise after high-rise line the city’s 70km stretch of swimmable, surfable, and walkable beach, the majority clustered around the coast’s beating heart, Surfers Paradise.

    It’s the region’s most lively and energetic suburb, known for the nightclubs, shops, and restaurants that sit along Cavill Ave. Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences is right there in the middle of the action, close enough to walk to dinner and drinks, but far enough away to retreat to when you need some R&R.

    For further respite, explore the nearby hinterland. Head towards Lamington National Park in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests for winding hiking trails surrounded by dense tropical foliage and waterfalls.

    3. Alice Springs

    DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs framed by the rugged MacDonnell Ranges.
    Venture into the outback.

    Surrounded by ancient desert and dramatic natural landscapes, there’s plenty to see and do around the ‘gateway to the Red Centre’, Alice Springs. Base yourself at the DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs in the town centre, soaking up views of the iconic Macdonnell Ranges and enjoying native Australian flavours from on-site restaurant, Saltbush.

    Starting just 10-minutes from your accommodation, seasoned hikers can find the famous Larapinta Trail runs through West Macdonnell National Park, from the Alice Springs Telegraph Station through to Mount Sonder.

    Wander the galleries and museums in the Araluen Cultural Precinct to learn more about the Arrernte people – the traditional custodians of Mparntwe. Join an Indigenous-led tour within the region to delve deeper.

    4. Busselton

    Hilton Garden Inn Busselton set against the sea.
    Experience Busselton’s coastal charm.

    World-class wines, sunsets over the ocean, and long stretches of calm beach; Busselton is known for it all. But the heritage-listed, timber-piled Busselton Jetty is the coastal city’s most famous icon.

    At intervals along it, locals dangle squid jigs and baited hooks over the edge, and teens and tweens take flying leaps into the water below. Visitors can also join, but walking the length of the 1.84km jetty is the most popular pastime. It takes approximately 20-30 minutes to reach the underwater observatory at the end, where you can see squid, sea stars, and the occasional Western Blue Groper in the corals and sea sponges. Walk or catch the train back to shore, where cold beer and pizza beckon at the jetty-front Shelter Brewing Co.

    From there, it’s just a hop, skip, and jump to the Hilton Garden Inn Busselton, where upper-level rooms afford you some of the finest views of Busselton’s biggest star.

    5. Cairns

    Hilton Cairns viewed from below, showcasing its tropical pool and resort-style surrounds.
    Make Hilton Cairns your gateway to the reef and rainforest.

    There’s no other place on earth like Cairns. It’s the city where two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites sit side-by-side: the lush vegetation of the 130-million-year-old Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest meeting the iridescent blue waters and white-sand beaches of the Great Barrier Reef.

    Settle in to either Hilton Cairns or DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns in the heart of the city, to walk the esplanade or catch a ferry out to this iconic reef. It’s also only a two-hour drive to the Wet Tropics’ most famed region, the Daintree Rainforest. Make it to Cape Tribulation within the Daintree, and you’ve reached the point where the rainforest literally meets the beach and the reef.

    6. Albany

    Aerial view of Misery Beach, located within Torndirrup National Park. .
    Take a break from history in Torndirrup National Park. (Credit: Tourism WA)

    For tens of thousands of soldiers in the first convoy, headed for the battlefields of WWI, the panoramic views of King George Sound were the last glimpses they had of Australian soil. The significance of this moment set the foundations for Albany’s deep-rooted ANZAC history. 

    At the National ANZAC Centre, a five-minute drive from Hilton Garden Inn Albany, the personal stories of some of these soldiers unfold through interactive multimedia displays, from their experiences with recruitment and training to their time on the front lines in Gallipoli.

    Head back to your hotel to recharge while soaking in the stunning views of Princess Royal Harbour. Then try a natural change of pace at Torndirrup National Park. It’s prime wildflower-spotting country from September to November.

    Start planning an iconic holiday at hilton.com.