hero media

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.
Lyka X Unyoked dog-first cabins
Australia

These two secluded cabins have been designed to put your dog first

Lyka and Unyoked are teaming up to prioritise your pooch this spring.

Read more
Big Love Festival, Sunshine Coast, Qld
Australia

What’s on around Australia in September 2026

September called – festivals, fun and spring vibes await!

Read more
11 stunning spring towns you need to visit
Australia

11 stunning spring towns you need to visit

There are a few places in Australia that really shine in the springtime, making the change of season the perfect excuse to plan a trip.

Read more
People entering the water at a beach at Byron Bay
Australia

How to maximise your annual leave in 2027

Because we all deserve some well-earned time off.

Read more
hero media

7 Lake Macquarie secrets the locals don’t want you to know

Credit: Beau Pilgrim

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
    Continue
    An untapped side to this popular holiday spot is hiding in plain sight.

    Laidback Lake Macquarie draws in holidaygoers and day trippers with its casual coastal allure and raw beauty. But even though it’s just 90 minutes from Sydney, most visitors have only scratched the surface of what this region has to offer.

    Foodie hotspots, quaint towns, tranquil waterways and compelling art are all waiting to be discovered. You just need to know where to find them.

    1. Most visitors don’t make it to the western side

    Explore beyond the western side. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

    While there’s no harm in walking the well-worn path in this idyllic pocket of the world, the area west of Lake Macquarie is defined by stretches of ancient rainforests and quaint towns with a more local feel. Toronto is the largest town on this side and features a golf course and sailing clubs, while peninsula-based Wangi Wangi is fantastic for bushwalking and swimming.

    2. There’s a booming arts scene

    Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG
    Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG.

    Lake Macquarie is a must-visit destination for creatives. Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG; this modern gallery is set on a five-hectare sculpture park and showcases a free rotating program of exhibitions and events, with a strong focus on contemporary Aboriginal art. In Wangi Wangi, explore the Wangi Owl Trail, which includes Dobell House, the preserved home of prolific artist Sir William Dobell. And enjoy live music every Saturday evening at the recently renovated Toronto Hotel.

    3. It’s a nature lover’s paradise

    three people swimming in lake macquarie
    In and out of the water, find a natural paradise. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

    Lake Macquarie is a playground for nature lovers. It’s home to Australia’s largest saltwater lake, a 110-square-kilometre haven for swimming, fishing, boating and sunset views. Another oasis is the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area, a 761-hectare protected reserve with wildflowers, Second World War heritage sites and spectacular views to Pulbah Island. The upgraded Toronto baths, complete with jetty decking and netting, make for a sheltered spot for a refreshing dip, while the Awaba Mountain Bike Park gives adrenaline junkies their fix.

    4. The dining scene is unbeatable

    8 at Trinity lake macquarie
    Treat yourself to 8 at Trinity.

    Gourmands are well looked after in Lake Macquarie. At Emerson’s on the Lake in Toronto, the modern Australian fine dining menu spoils seafood lovers with the freshest ocean produce and stunning lake views. Sitting on Trinity Point’s waterfront, 8 at Trinity is another standout offering, serving Mediterranean fare in an open-air setting. For a more relaxed affair, the microbrewery trail lets craft beer enthusiasts sip on inventive brews from The Yard, Lake Mac Brewing and Bread & Brewery.

    5. There are hidden coves and waterways

    kayakers on lake macquarie local secrets
    Get out onto the lake. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

    There’s no better way to experience Lake Macquarie than directly on its waters, and in doing so you’ll discover a world of hidden coves and secluded waterways. Jump in a kayak for a tour with the friendly team at School of Yak and paddle to Cockle Creek, Awaba Bay, Green Point and Fennel Bay, discovering underwater life along the way. Or go all in and stay the night on one of Lake Macquarie Houseboats’ spacious vessels or hire a BBQ pontoon boat for the day from Lake Macquarie Boat Hire to enjoy a feast in the sunshine while admiring the marine life and picturesque waterscape.

    6. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise

    ll blue wren sitting on a tree branch
    Keep an eye out for local birdlife. (Credit: Walter Coppola)

    Twitchers are in for a real treat as hundreds of fascinating bird species such as Australian pelicans, black swans, white-bellied sea-eagles and superb fairy-wrens call this area home. Take a self-guided tour around top spots including Bird Cage Point and Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area (near Morisset) or be guided in a clear-bottom kayak through the waterways with Lake Macquarie Kayak Adventures, observing feathered friends as you go.

    7. The lake has islands

    sail lake macquarie
    Charter a boat to see Lake Macquarie’s islands.

    Hop on a private boat, kayak or charter around the lake to discover the plethora of small islands peppered around Lake Macquarie. The largest is Pulbah Island, a 69-hectare nature reserve home to goannas and sugar gliders with secluded beaches. Sandy islands such as Spectacle Island and Pelican Island have a tropical lagoon-like look to them as they sit in the tidal path of Swansea Channel, which filters the sand and creates a pristine environment. Stop by for a dip and a picnic.

    Start living like the locals at visitlakemac.com.au.