10 Stunning Spring Towns You Need To Visit

From the sunny coast to charming tree-lined towns, these places around Australia transform into a thriving haven during springtime.

There’s a specific energy shift when Australia leaves its shortest days behind for warmer weather. People emerge from hibernation to eat lunch in the park, flowers bloom from their slumber and a general air of optimism ripples through stunning spring towns nationwide.

Spring is arguably the best time to pack up the car and embark on an adventure to experience everything Australia has to offer. Dip your toes in the refreshing ocean or let the afternoon sun soothe your overactive brain while visiting these incomparable spring towns.

1. Olinda, Vic

Day trips to Olinda, a town within the Dandenong Ranges, are a rewarding excursion any day of the year, but its abundance of flora and wildlife flourish during springtime.

lush greenery at Chelsea Australian Garden, Olinda — Surround yourself with lush greenery at Chelsea Australian Garden. (Image: Parks Victoria)

Pick any hiking trail suitable for beginners to those more advanced and attempt to spot the city skyline far off in the distance. Once the trails have been suitably traversed, stop by the collection of old-timey storefronts for a gander.

As a post-hike treat, the Chelsea Australian Garden at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden on Wurundjeri Country will sweep you off your feet as you wander through its 15,000 plants from over 400 native Australian species.

Kurume Bowl Pink flowers in the Dandenong Ranges — Swoon over flowers in the Dandenong Ranges. (Image: Parks Victoria)

2. Hahndorf, SA

Maintaining a firm hold on its German heritage, a walk through Hahndorf is unlike any other town in Australia.

Multi-coloured trees line the streets, adding splashes of reds and greens to the Germanic pubs and cafes, all of which wouldn’t look out of place in a fairytale book.

The German Arms hotel in Hahndorf — Hahndorf wouldn’t look out of place in a fairytale book. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

A month-long festival takes place every September, honouring the varied and unique culture of Hahndorf. Join in on the shenanigans in a pair of lederhosen while sipping a frothy pint on a balmy spring evening. Próst.

Ye Olde Ice Creamery in Hahndorf — Hahndorf maintains a firm hold on its German heritage. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission and Adam Bruzzone)

3. Denmark, WA

The distinct forest-coast collision found in Denmark is worth exploring on its own, however, there’s another activity to tick off once enough nature has been absorbed.

the Elephant Rocks in Denmark — Oversized boulders loll in aquamarine waters at Elephant Rocks in Denmark. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Running annually throughout spring and summer, Denmark Thrills Adventure Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime trip. A trip down a hill encased in an inflatable ball, to be precise. Found nowhere else in Australia, see the sights at lightning speed as the ball sails through the air down a steep incline as you remain safely strapped inside.

For more casual thrills, explore the various rock formations that line the sea or brave the heights and walk among the treetops in the Valley of the Giants .

an aerial view of Valley of the Giants, Tree Top Walk — Be surrounded by green foliage at Valley of the Giants. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

4. Mullumbimby, NSW

10 minutes from Mullumbimby’s town centre, the Lotus Cafe at Crystal Castle remains unrivalled during golden hour.

a spa with a view at Koonyum Range Retreat, Mullumbimby — Go for a relaxing dip at Koonyum Range Retreat. (Image: Destination NSW)

Featuring the world’s largest crystals and a cave littered with these stunning natural formations, the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens are a must-snap when travelling to Mullumbimby.

the Crystal Castle and the Shambhala Gardens, Mullumbimby — Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens has the world’s largest crystals. (Image: Destination NSW)

As well as its proximity to crystal heaven, Mullumbimby has a unique tropical appeal, dotted with palm trees like a small-town version of Los Angeles. In the middle of spring, the annual Mullum Music Festival takes over and for four days in November, the streets are filled with carefree revellers having a good old-fashioned boogie.

the 1929 Civic Memorial Hall in Mullumbimby — Mullumbimby has a unique tropical appeal. (Image: Sarah Reid)

5. Sheffield, Tas

No one has ever tired of the backdrop in Sheffield, as Mount Roland watches over this art-saturated town from over 1000 metres in the sky.

Mount Roland watches over the Sheffield town — Mount Roland looms over Sheffield. (Image: Jess Bonde)

In the town itself, expertly crafted murals coat the walls of buildings in vibrant shades of the rainbow, so a well-timed photo with the spring sun illuminating the artwork will go a long way.

a street mural in Sheffield — See vibrant murals around town. (Image: Jess Bonde)

Located 25 minutes south of Devonport, Sheffield has managed to fly under the radar for most eagle-eyed travellers, making it all the more special.

For a touch of whimsy, head to the Sheffield Berry Gardens to pick juicy morsels of fruit and add another mural sighting to the collection.

a property surrounded by Marleen Herbs in Sheffield — Marleen Herbs grow profoundly in Sheffield. (Image: Jasper Da Seymour)

6. Montville, Qld

Usually, a clock shop alone wouldn’t be enough to entice travellers on a whirlwind cross-country trip, but you might reconsider once you witness this Montville landmark. Reminiscent of a secret cottage filled with pixies, a souvenir cuckoo clock is all but guaranteed to find its way into the boot of your car.

an aerial view of Spicers Clovelly Estate in Montville — Soak up the crisp country air at Spicers Clovelly Estate. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Similarly, the Montville Chapel lit up against a fading night sky is exquisite, while the rest of the town maintains an enchanting aura with its humble cafes and top-notch restaurants. For sweeping views of Mount Coolum and the Obi Obi Valley, reserve an outdoor table at The Flamehill Vineyard.

the main street of Montville — Make a pitstop at Poets Cafe. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

7. Cowes, Vic

Before summer-exclusive surfers flock to Phillip Island in search of invigorating and oft-relentless waves, make the two-hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD to see a slightly sleepier version of Cowes.

a couple sitting with birds by the beach, Cowes — Sit with birds by the beach. (Image: Robert Blackburn)

Spring’s milder nights allow for a complete vacation experience without the busy foot traffic. Lick gelato down to the cone at Isola di Capri , get an eyeful of adorable penguins making a break for the ocean, and follow the palm trees down the esplanade as a familiar sweet breeze wafts overhead.

al fresco dining at Cowes — Sink into a cold one down the esplanade. (Image: Robert Blackburn)

If penguin sightings weren’t enough, the nearby Koala Conservation Reserve is home to a colony of Australia’s cutest critters thriving in their natural habitat.

an aerial view of the Phillip Island, Cowes — Drive to the Phillip Island for fun and adventure. (Image: Tourism Australia)

8. Bellingen, NSW

Make use of the sweet spot between winter and summer to roam through Bellingen’s twee markets and vibrant rainforest.

a campervan driving down country roads inBellingen — Wind down the scenic country roads of Bellingen. (Image: Destination NSW)

Home to less than 4000 residents, this small NSW town almost appears frozen in time, with its fetching architecture and undisturbed way of life. Reserve a day to visit Bellingen’s Promised Land, containing water so blue it almost looks animated and dozens of spots to unpack a picnic blanket and tuck into a spread of spring-ready fruits.

As the warmth disappears with the sun, stop by the Bellingen Brewery to get toasty with a glass of house red and a bowl of nibbles.

a couple enjoying a drink at Bellingen Brewing Co — Share a sweet conversation over cocktails at Bellingen Brewing Co. (Image: Destination NSW)

9. Stirling, SA

By the looks alone, Stirling might have the most trees and plants per capita than any other small Australian town—glance in any direction and a canopy of trees can be seen providing shade to the passer-byers below.

a canopy of trees in Stirling — Stirling bursts with colour come spring. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Proudly boasting the tagline, ‘Four seasons, a thousand reasons’, Stirling bursts with colour come spring, so nestle into a cosy seat and sip a latte as the leaves seemingly change before your very eyes.

For those who love nothing more than strolling through wide streets and inspecting historic homes, Stirling has them in abundance.

the Thorngrove Manor Hotel in Stirling — Thorngrove Manor offers a castle-like accommodation in Stirling. (Image: Thorngrove Manor Hotel)

10. Derwent Bridge, Tas

Nature lovers will have a field day in Derwent Bridge, the entry point to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, a mere five kilometres away.

a woman admiring Mt Olympus from Derwent Bridge — See Mt Olympus from Derwent Bridge. (Image: Emilie Ristevski)

Pack some sturdy hiking boots and prepare to set off through the wilderness with the added perk of not breaking too much of a sweat—spring in Tasmania differs a touch from the mainland.

Book a trip towards the tail-end of spring to hop aboard the Ida Clair ferry which gives you breathtaking views of Lake St Clair, or meet fellow hiking enthusiasts at the roadside public house who will all have adventure on the brain.

an aerial view of the Derwent Bridge — Pass through the Derwent Bridge for breathtaking views. (Image: Stu Gibson)

Slow down and find your rhythm on a Murray River journey through time and place.

Trust is a funny thing. It seems not that long ago that my mother was insisting on pouring the milk into my cereal bowl, because she didn’t trust me not to slosh it over the table, and yet here I am on the Murray River at Mildura in far north-west Victoria, being handed the keys to a very new and very expensive luxury houseboat.

After a crash course in how not to crash, I’m at the wheel of the good ship Elevate – pride of the All Seasons fleet – guiding her upstream past red-ochre cliffs as pelicans glide above the rippled river and kookaburras call from reedy banks. There’s a brief moment of breath-holding while I negotiate a hairpin turn around a jagged reef of skeletal, submerged gum trees, before a cheer rings out and calm descends as the timeless river unfurls in front of us.

The Murray River winding through Yarrawonga. (Image: Rob Blackburn)

Setting sail from Mildura

Murray River birds — Home to a large number of bird species, including pelicans. (Image: The Precint Studios)

A journey along the Murray River is never less than magical, and launching from Mildura makes perfect sense. Up here the river is wide and largely empty, giving novice skippers like myself the confidence to nudge the 60-tonne houseboat up to the riverbank where we tie up for the night, without fear of shattering the glass elevator (the boat is fully wheelchair accessible) or spilling our Champagne.

My friends and I spend three days on the water, swimming and fishing, sitting around campfires onshore at night, and basking in air so warm you’d swear you were in the tropics. The simplicity of river life reveals an interesting dichotomy: we feel disconnected from the world but at the same time connected to Country, privileged to be part of something so ancient and special.

Stop one: Echuca

19th-century paddlesteamers — A historic 19th-century paddlesteamer cruises along the Murray River. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The six-hour drive from Melbourne to Mildura (or four hours and 20 minutes from Adelaide) is more than worth it, but you don’t have to travel that far to find fun on the river. Once Australia’s largest inland port, Echuca is the closest point on the Murray to Melbourne (two hours 45 minutes), and you’ll still find a plethora of paddlesteamers tethered to the historic timber wharf, a throwback to the thriving river trade days of the 19th century. The PS Adelaide, built in 1866 and the oldest wooden-hulled paddlesteamer operating in the world, departs daily for one-hour cruises, while a brand-new paddlesteamer, the PS Australian Star , is launching luxury seven-night voyages in December through APT Touring.

The town is also a hot food and wine destination. St Anne’s Winery at the historic Port of Echuca precinct has an incredibly photogenic cellar door, set inside an old carriage builders’ workshop on the wharf and filled with huge, 3000-litre port barrels. The Mill, meanwhile, is a cosy winter spot to sample regional produce as an open fire warms the red-brick walls of this former flour mill.

Stop two: Barmah National Park

Just half-an-hour upstream, Barmah National Park is flourishing, its river red gum landscape (the largest in the world) rebounding magnificently after the recent removal of more than 700 feral horses. The internationally significant Ramsar-listed wetland sits in the heart of Yorta Yorta Country, with Traditional Owners managing the environment in close partnership with Parks Victoria. Walkways weave through the forest, crossing creeks lined with rare or threatened plants, passing remnants of Yorta Yorta oven mounds and numerous scar trees, where the bark was removed to build canoes, containers or shields.

The Dharnya Centre (open weekdays until 3pm) is the cultural hub for the Yorta Yorta. Visitors can learn about the ecological significance of the Barmah Lakes on a 90-minute river cruise, led by a First Nations guide, or take a one-hour, guided cultural walking tour along the Yamyabuc Trail.

Stop three: Cobram

Continue east to Cobram to find the southern hemisphere’s largest inland beach. Swarming with sun-seekers in summer, the white sand of Thompson’s Beach is shaded by majestic river red gums and dotted with hundreds of beach umbrellas, as beachgoers launch all manner of water craft and set up stumps for beach cricket. But the beach is at its most captivating at sunset, when the crowds thin out, the glassy river mirrors the purple sky, and the canopies of the gum trees glow fiery orange.

The region is also home to some fine resorts and indulgent retreats. Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort has two riverside championship golf courses, luxury apartments and self-contained villas. While not strictly on the Murray, the historic wine town of Rutherglen is rife with boutique (and unique) accommodation, including an exquisitely renovated red-brick tower in a French provincial-style castle at Mount Ophir Estate. Fans of fortified wines can unravel the mystery of Rutherglen’s ‘Muscat Mile’, meeting the vignerons and master-blenders whose artistry has put the town on the global map for this rich and complex wine style.

Stop four: Albury-Wodonga

First Nations YindyamarraSculpture Walk — First Nations Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk is part of the Wagirra Trail. (Image: Carmen Zammit)

Follow the river far enough upstream and you’ll arrive at the twin border cities of Albury-Wodonga. The Hume Highway thunders through, but serenity can be found along the five-kilometre Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk – part of the Wagirra Trail that meanders through river wetlands just west of Albury in Wiradjuri country. Fifteen sculptures by local First Nations artists line the trail, conveying stories of reconciliation, enduring connection to culture, local Milawa lore and traditional practices. It feels a long way from Mildura, and it is, but the pelicans and kookaburras remind us that it’s the same river, the great conduit that connects our country.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

New Mildura motel Kar-rama. (Image: Iain Bond Photo)

Kar-Rama is a brand-new boutique, retro-styled motel in Mildura, with a butterfly-shaped pool and a tropical, Palm Springs vibe. Echuca Holiday Homes has a range of high-end accommodation options, both on the riverfront and in town.

Playing there

BruceMunro’s Trail of Lights in Mildura — Bruce Munro’s Trail of Lights in Mildura. (Image: Imogen Eveson)

Artist Bruce Munro’s Trail of Lights installation, comprising more than 12,000 illuminated ‘fireflies’, is currently lighting up Mildura’s Lock Island in the middle of the Murray. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) is a hub for contemporary art, with a rotating roster of exhibitions, and is a major outlet for young and First Nations artists.

Eating there

Mildura’s diverse demographic means it’s a fantastic place to eat. Andy’s Kitchen is a local favourite, serving up delicious pan-Asian dishes and creative cocktails in a Balinese-style garden setting. Call in to Spoons Riverside in Swan Hill to enjoy locally sourced, seasonal produce in a tranquil setting overlooking the river.

10 stunning spring towns you need to visit