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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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A must-visit list of Victoria’s most iconic spots

    Megan Arkinstall Megan Arkinstall
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    From natural wonders to historical sites, we’ve rounded up Victoria’s most epic icons that deserve a place on your itinerary.

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

    Mount William peak in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
    Mount William is the highest peak in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. (Image: Matt Donovan)

    From towering mountains to crystal cascades and ancient rock art sites, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a playground for both outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the views from the highest peak Mount William or the iconic Pinnacle.

    Murray River

    A paddle steamer down the Murray in Echuca
    The wonders of the Murray are best experienced on board a paddle steamer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    A natural icon of majestic proportions, the Murray River flows for a staggering 2700 kilometres, making it one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Meandering through Victoria before flowing out to sea at Goolwa in South Australia, the river is home to diverse wildlife, picturesque towns and secluded creeks and beaches.

    Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell

    the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road
    The Twelve Apostles are a star attraction on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

    These limestone sea stacks are arguably Victoria’s most famous icon. After an $8-million upgrade to its lookout, The Blowhole near Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool (meaning breath of the whale) has recently reopened. A brand-new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, complete with rooftop lookout, will open in 2026.

    You Yangs, Geelong

    kangaroos in You Yangs
    Kangaroos enjoy dusk in the You Yangs. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Rising 300-plus metres from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne/Naarm and Geelong, the You Yangs are massive granite boulders named for the local Wadawurrung word ‘Youang’, meaning ‘big hills’. Hiking, biking, rock climbing and horse-riding are popular within this regional park.

    Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley

    Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley
    Yarra Valley’s soaring Redwood Forest. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Near the town of Warburton, an extraordinary forest of some 1500 Californian Redwoods stands among native orchids, eucalypt trees and rich birdlife. Planted in the 1930s, these 55-metre-plus trees can live for 2000 years and will grow to be some of the world’s tallest.

    Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland

    the Wilsons Promontory
    Wilsons Promontory is home to the incredible Skull Rock formation. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    The Prom, as it’s known locally, is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. This 50,000-hectare reserve comprises granite mountains and forest, fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by a marine park rich in marine biodiversity. It’s also home to the incredible and imposing Skull Rock formation.

    Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges

    the Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges
    Enigmatic Hanging Rock. (Image: Visit Victoria/ Rob Blackburn)

    This six-million-year-old volcanic rock was thrown into the national spotlight thanks to the 1967 novel and consequent 1975 film based on the fictional disappearance of schoolgirls in 1901. Mystery aside, visitors can walk the steep 105-metre summit, fish for trout and go twitching.

    Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

    exploring Sovereign Hill
    Step back in time at Sovereign Hill. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Cry ‘eureka!’ at Sovereign Hill, a living museum to the prosperous Gold Rush era of the 1850s, during which Ballarat produced the most gold in the world. Visitors to this much-loved attraction can walk historic  streets, enter a gold mine and try panning for the good stuff, too.

    The Great Stupa, Bendigo

    Great Stupa, Bendigo
    The Great Stupa in Bendigo. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Who’d have thought the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world would be tucked away in Bendigo’s bushland? Welcoming visitors to explore, this sacred Buddhist pagoda is an epicentre for Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony.

    Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Mornington Peninsula

    the Cape Schanck Lighthouse from above
    Heritage-listed Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

    Ensuring the safe passage of ships in the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait since 1859, this heritage-listed lighthouse overlooks dramatic volcanic coast and wild beaches. The surrounding reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife including little penguins, seals and echidnas.