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.

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

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.

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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 the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood. Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach: aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro. Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar, one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail. Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm, find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.