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.

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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.

A new wave of retreats, hotels, glamping sites and more is encouraging visitors to savour their time spent along the Great Ocean Road.

Long holding a place as one of Australia’s most rewarding drives, cliffs, curves and shifting coastal light continue to draw travellers to Victoria’s coastline year after year. What has evolved more quietly is the range of new accommodation along the Great Ocean Road to add new dimensions to the drive.

Rather than competing for attention, these stays are shaped by their settings. They sit beside rivers, among vines, on the edge of lakes and close to town centres where local life unfolds at an unhurried pace. Together, they point to a way of travelling the Great Ocean Road that values time spent in place, as much as distance covered.

1. The Monty, Anglesea

Nina Cantina at the monty great ocean road — Pop into Nina Cantina for tacos and views.

Anglesea has always appealed to travellers drawn to a quieter stretch of coast, where surf culture, bushland and river scenery blend into one. The Monty complements that character with a recent rebrand and refresh with traditional beach road trip nostalgia in mind. Mid-century retro decor means rooms are contemporary and funky, without being over-styled.

A highlight of the stay is Nina Cantina, the on-site Mexican restaurant overlooking the Anglesea River. Opening in 2026, it will undoubtedly become a popular gathering point, bringing together locals, day trippers and overnight guests. Watch the river flow while tucking into plates of tacos, before enjoying a digestion swim in The Monty’s pool.

Mornings in Anglesea often begin quietly. Kangaroos are a familiar sight on the nearby golf course, and walking tracks wind through heathland that reflects the natural landscape of the Surf Coast. From here, the road south feels like a continuation rather than a departure, easing travellers into the next stretch of the journey.

2. Basalt Retreats, Port Fairy

Basalt Retreat Private Villa interior — Discover this new adults-only retreat.

Near Port Fairy, Basalt Retreats is an adults-only delight set among a 24-year-old vineyard at Basalt Wines. The accommodation is a mixture of luxury and linens (and ultra comfy beds), allowing the long stretches of grapes to take centre stage. As the sun sets, Basalt Retreats settles into stillness. With minimal light pollution, the night sky becomes part of the experience, and star-searchers will delight in the uninterrupted views of our vast universe.

Poombeeyt Koontapool lookout — See Poombeeyt Koontapool from the lookout.

Staying along the Great Ocean Road western region gives you en route access to coastal landmarks. A visit to Poombeeyt Koontapool at Loch Ard Gorge is a must for those fascinated by natural blowholes, with enough walking trails to tucker out the most seasoned hiker.

The Poorpa Yanyeen Meereeng Trail between Timboon and Port Campbell reveals how wetlands, farmland and coastline connect across the region, best appreciated on foot or by bike.

3. Lake Colac Holiday Park, Colac

Lake Colac Holiday Park along the Great Ocean Road — Book into a cabin at Lake Colac Holiday Park.

Lake Colac Holiday Park introduces new cabin accommodation set along the edge of a broad volcanic lake. The cabins are modern and light-filled, designed to make the most of the water views and open skies.

Lake Colac plays an important role in local life, hosting community events and everyday rituals alike. Staying here offers insight into the agricultural heart of the Great Ocean Road region, where the pace is shaped by seasons rather than sightseeing schedules.

Brae Restaurant great ocean road victoria — Have a delicious lunch, then join a farm tour at Brae Restaurant. (Image: Visit Vic)

Colac’s central location places visitors within reach of standout regional experiences. Otways Distillery’s Birregurra cellar door reflects the surrounding forest in its approach to spirits. While Brae Restaurant’s guided farm and kitchen garden tours offer a closer look at the land that underpins its acclaimed dining. Together, they highlight the strong connection between produce, place and people.

4. Glamping tents, Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve

Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve Glamping — Take a breather in Apollo Bay with brand new glamping tents.

Back on the coast, Apollo Bay has always been known to be a natural place to take a breather, sitting roughly at the Great Ocean Road’s midway point. The brand-spanking new glamping tents at the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve offer comfortable accommodation that remains closely connected to the outdoors. With ensuite bathrooms and thoughtfully designed interiors, the cabin-tent hybrids offer enough privacy and luxuries to make the trip feel more luxurious than your standard camping affair.

Set near the river and within walking distance of the town centre, the location allows guests to move easily between beach walks, forest drives and relaxed meals.

A session at The Corner Sauna fits naturally into a stay here. The wood-fired sauna has become part of Apollo Bay’s way of life, offering warmth and restoration after time spent in the elements (also known as a frolic at the beach).

Apollo Bay Fishermens Co-op — Enjoy fresh seafood at Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op.

Apollo Bay has enough to entertain and dazzle travellers more than your average town. Graze on fresh seafood at local cafes – like Graze or Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op – before venturing to nearby waterfalls. Spend hours kayaking among real-life seals, try your hand at surf lessons taught by understanding and patient guides, or simply spend your days reading a book while the surf crashes in front of you.

Together, these new accommodation openings highlight the Great Ocean Road’s continued evolution. With more places that invite travellers to slow down and stay a little longer, the journey becomes less about rushing between landmarks and more about engaging with the unique towns along the way.

Start planning your next trip along the Great Ocean Road at visitgreatoceanroad.org.au.