The Top 50 Aussie Towns: The winners are...

Discover Australia’s Top 50 Towns; as voted by you, our well-travelled readers.

The charm and variety of our Aussie towns is what makes them such beacons for explorers and holidaymakers, offering up divergent delights from country boroughs to mountaintop hamlets to coastal idylls. We asked which ones are the absolute best, and this is what you said…

Start planning your next holiday by reading our guides to the Top 50 towns below.

1. Broome

There is a multitude of reasons that Broome swept into the top spot on our list of top Aussie towns. Read about this remote outpost in the Kimberley, rich in ancient landscapes and lore, and why we think it’s worthy of that top spot.

2. Port Douglas

Port Douglas is the perfect place to flop and drop. Renew your nuptials at the coastal chapel. Collapse on a sun lounger at a luxury hotel. Mooch around the markets. And manifest that sea change to Tropical North Queensland.

3. Noosa

Noosa’s natural good looks helped secure its No.3 spot on our list of top Aussie towns. In addition, it’s the mix of boutiques, galleries, eateries, national parks, and beautiful beaches that sees us consistently singing its praises.

4. Cairns

Pack your fanciest kaftan. This popular holiday spot in Tropical North Queensland has been revitalized in recent years thanks, in part, to Crystalbrook Collection which has gifted Cairns with three five-star sexy sustainable hotels.

5. Mudgee

We’re as mad for Mudgee as you are. From its quirky cafe culture and world-class wineries, to its bonafide paddock-to-plate eateries and five-star digs, make a visit to Australia’s Top Tourism Town in 2022 a must.

6. Port Fairy

The ultimate Australian road trip factors in Port Fairy on Australia’s craggy southern coastline. Go beyond the Great Ocean Road to find the seaside village full of warm cafes, little cottages, bluestone pubs and dinky inns.

7. Bright

The picturesque, charming village of Bright in Victoria’s High Country beckons for its pretty tree-lined streets, its microbreweries, wineries, farmers’ market, hiking and biking trails and more.

8. Orange

It’s time to give Orange a squeeze. Head west to the Country NSW region to meet winemakers, eat, drink and shop to your heart’s content and find plenty of charming places to rest your head.

9. Margaret River

Margaret River is calling. Tear yourself away from those picture-postcard coastal views and rose-gold earthy hues to enjoy vineyards undulating to the east in this WA region dotted with epicurean delights that demand attention.

10. Echuca

There are many ways to celebrate the mighty Murray River in Echuca, meaning ‘meeting of the waters’ in the local Indigenous language. After cruising along Australia’s longest river, check out the relaxed vibe in the Victorian town.

11. Beechworth

Beechworth thinks global, but acts local. The beguiling hub in Victoria’s High Country is known as much for its bushranging history as its inspired community of creatives who are luring visitors to discover local secrets.

12. Yamba

Yamba is the Aussie beach town that keeps calling us all back. Its quiet, timeless charm is what draws all kinds of visitors into its clutches. It’s the seaside destination of our dreams, which is precisely why it graces our cover.

13. Esperance

It’s altogether legit that Esperance is one of the most enchanting towns in Australia to explore. Find out why the WA town captures the imagination of our readers who nominated it No.13 on the list of Top 50 Aussie towns.

14. Broken Hill

This historic outback mining town is inclusive, arty, vibrant and out there partly due to the Priscilla effect, but also because of its extreme western NSW landscape and examples of ancient Indigenous stencils and petroglyphs.

15. Byron Bay

Byron Baes is casting for extras and everyone apart from smug locals who live in Byron Bay has applied to be part of it. If you are not desperate enough to audition to be in the docusoap, just find another reason to hang on the North Coast.

16. Daylesford

Daylesford presents as a backdrop in an episode of Escape to the Country. The town in the Hepburn Springs area has a lot to do besides soak in mineral springs. But that’s a pretty good place to start.

17. Alice Springs

Alice Springs is best known for being bookended by the magnificent MacDonnell Ranges and offering an entry point to Uluru. But we agree with you, our readers, as a town like Alice offers so much more besides.

18. Bowral

Plan a weekend escape to Bowral in the NSW countryside if you’re the type that likes to shop for trinkets. Meat pie lovers should visit in June for Pie Time when the town is marked on the map in the so-called Southern Pielands.

19. Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie has blossomed into paradise found for leisure lovers who are brazen about enjoying the lifestyle here every which they can. We love that you love that a visit to Port Mac helps contribute to the conservation of koalas.

20. Airlie Beach

Our readers see you Whitsundays. And they raise you with Airlie, underlining the reasons why this Queensland town with palm-fringed parks and sapphire seas is much more than a stepping stone to the island chain.

21. Kiama

Even small, crazy ideas can turn into solid concepts in Kiama, which seems to retain its young creative talent while hanging onto its Halcyon-day charms. Go beyond the blowhole to see why life here on the South Coast is so swell.

22. Albany

Bookstores, bakeries and beaches hit the trifecta when it comes to endearing Aussies toward a town. But the town of Albany, located in WA’s South West, also has a burgeoning cultural scene, too. Get on it.

23. Bendigo

Yes, we know. Bendigo is, like a few inclusions on this list, actually considered a city (Victoria’s fourth largest). But it has all the c harm and timeless beauty of what constitutes a ‘goldfields town’ so it consequently makes the cut.

24. Ballarat

Ballarat is where it’s at according to you, our valued readers. This boom town of the Victorian goldrush era mines its heritage to breathe new life into old buildings and celebrate its status as a UNESCO Creative City.

25. Berry

The tiny town of Berry helped score an own goal for the Shoalhaven region when the Berry bypass was built, diverting the traffic that once tore through the town and restoring its quaint country charm.

26. Palm Cove

The palm trees that line the foreshore in Palm Cove bear silent witness to the enviable lifestyle on offer in this region of spectacular natural beauty. It’s enough to make us go Troppo.

27. Launceston

How happy we are that our readers voted to give Lonnie some love. Named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2021, our love letter to Lonnie is designed to provide visitors with a taste of this riverside city.

28. Busselton

Busselton was – until you voted it No. 28 on our list of Top 50 Aussie Towns – one of WA’s underrated gems. Our guide goes beyond the bling of WA’s dazzling South West coastline to find what makes Busso tick.

29. Merimbula

It’s your time to shine Merimbula. From its destination diners to its retro-chic motels, this jewel on the Sapphire Coast is now on the map for everything from its oyster trail to its rugged surf breaks.

30. Lorne

It’s a parallel trend. Head to the Great Ocean Road to see the 12 (actually eight) Apostles as an excuse to join the dots between lovely villages such as Lorne, which is located along this dramatic stretch of Victoria’s coastline.

31. Denmark

A to-do list in Denmark is chockers with places to brunch, craft, bike, explore, picnic, roam, stay, meditate and more … proving its worth as to why the South West WA spot made it into our Top 50 list of Aussie towns.

32. Hahndorf

The (Adelaide) hills around Hahndorf are alive with traditions that celebrate the town’s status as Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Sample that heritage in the artisanal culture that embodies the town.

33. Coffs Harbour

See Coffs Harbour in its best light by taking advantage of its idyllic 30-degrees latitude and following an eco-friendly itinerary that nods to the North Coast region’s status as an accredited ECO Tourism Destination.

34. Kununurra

Kununurra is a diamond in the rough. While it was once known for its Argyle Mine (now closed), it’s now on the map for its Indigenous art scene, its mighty Ord River and as a base camp for exploring the Bungle Bungle Range.

35. Exmouth

After you’ve ticked swimming with whale sharks off your bucket list for Exmouth, linger to enjoy the breweries, industrial-chic cafes and world-class glamping sites in Australia’s Top Small Tourism Town of the Year for 2022.

36. Robe

Robe is, all at once, a throwback to idyllic Aussie holidays of old and an Instagrammer’s dream. Go for its iconic Limestone Coast, stay for the hipster-chic cafes and boutiques housed in heritage-listed buildings.

37. Longreach

This colourful town is named after the fact it’s located on a long reach of the Thomson River. And it’s an absolute bonanza for travellers looking to celebrate Queensland’s outback, the land, the people and the pioneers.

38. Sorrento

There’s nothing vanilla about Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula. Unless of course, you factor in the Vanilla Slice Cafe, just one of a gazillion reasons to visit this oh-so-charming seaside village.

39. Bathurst

Book a stay at Wilga Station to truly understand the lure of the landscape in the Central NSW Tablelands. This chic farm stay is more Brooklyn than Bathurst and reflective of the owners’ time spent in New York. Get there.

40. Forster

Forster is framed by its lakes and beaches, which lends itself to aquatic adventures. But this laid-back town located in the Great Lakes, on NSW’s Barrington Coast, has a lot of other attractions worth signposting.

41. Mooloolaba

There was never any doubt Mooloolaba would make it on our list of Top 50 Aussie towns. From eating sustainable seafood to an Indigenous-led cruise, we have a multitude of reasons to visit this Sunny Coast superstar.

42. Narooma

Be it for exploration and exercise, or epicurean delights, the seaside hamlet of Narooma on a rugged stretch of NSW’s South Coast is on the radar for a multitude of reasons. Check out the hotspots we’ve highlighted.

43. Warrnambool

Notwithstanding the evidence that water and whales are the biggest draws in Warrnambool, this seaside gem on the Great Ocean Road is a beacon for everything from its hot springs to its walks and maritime history.

44. Bellingen

Aah Bello, we love your bohemian vibes. This charming town is the promised land for hippies turned hipsters who have relocated to this hub, located on the wondrous Waterfall Way in the NSW North Coast.

45. Yeppoon

It’s clear Aussies yearn for Yeppoon for its old-school holiday vibes, lush emerald rainforests and national parks. The subtropical climate on the Capricorn Coast makes this a great jumping-off point to the Great Barrier Reef.

46. Dubbo

Want to know who’s who in the zoo? We asked one of the keepers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo for her insider secrets on what to see and do inside and outside of the zoo, located in Dubbo, NSW’s Central West.

47. Gerringong

Calm your farm. Of course, Gerringong made the cut. This speck of a town is around the corner from Kiama and known as much for its farm stays as its lacquered green landscapes that stretch all the way to the coast.

48. Kalbarri

If Kalbarri was on a colour chart, it would appear under both Ochre Red and Sapphire Blue. It’s these rich colours that seem custom coded for Mid-West WA, known for its rugged rock formations, gaping coastal gorges and more.

49. Leura

We know why our readers love Leura. The pretty mountain town has a quaint and quirky culture that appeals to everyone from day-trippers and shopaholics to fans of gardens and the great outdoors.

50. Stanley

The charming seaside hamlet of Stanley deserves all the superlatives. As well as being rich in history and natural beauty, it’s a top spot in Tassie’s North West to enjoy a bounty of edible delights sourced from land and sea.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .