Australia's Top Towns For 2025 Revealed

From sun-drenched beaches to heritage gems, these winners highlight Australia’s must-visit towns for the year ahead.

Each year, Wotif gathers intel from travel-savvy Aussies to spotlight trending towns on the rise. The 2025 winners have been revealed, with a NSW coastal destination taking the top spot and dethroning Bendigo, which reigned in 2024, while Albury held the crown in 2023. If you’re looking for your next adventure, start here.

1. Port Stephens, NSW

Windy sunset from Winda Woppa Reserve, overlooking Wind Woppa Lagoon and views to Mt Tomaree, Stephens Peak and Shoal Bay. — Port Stephens is Australia’s top town for 2025. (Image: Getty Images/lovleah)

Deservedly taking out the top spot, Port Stephens is famous for dolphin and whale watching, pristine beaches, towering sand dunes and its relaxed coastal lifestyle. Whether you’re tackling the Tomaree Head Summit Walk or dining on fresh seafood in Nelson Bay, there’s something for everyone in this dreamy destination. With not one, but three NSW towns on the list this year, Destination NSW Acting CEO Karen Jones says this recognition reinforces NSW’s position as a must-visit destination: “With three NSW towns – Port Stephens, Kingscliff, and Yamba – securing spots in Wotif’s top 10, more than any other state, it highlights the unrivalled diversity of experiences across regional NSW. From Kingscliff’s boutique coastal charm to Yamba’s laidback surf culture, our state offers a unique blend of experiences that resonate with visitors year after year."

2. Cairns, Qld

Golden hour over the ferris wheel, treetops, lagoon and hilly backdrop of the esplanade at Cairns - Coral Sea, Cairns; Far North Queensland, Australia — Cairns is a tropical playground packed with adventure. (Image: Getty Images/Jina Ihm)

A gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a tropical playground packed with adventure. Whether you’re snorkelling among vibrant marine life, chasing waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands or exploring the nearby Palm Cove, there’s no shortage of experiences to tick off your bucket list. Plus, with its thriving food scene and vibrant markets, Cairns is the heart of Tropical North Queensland.

3. Mandurah, WA

Santi Ikto by Thomas Dambo Giants of Mandurah — The Giants of Mandurah are a huge drawcard.

Just an hour south of Perth in south west WA, Mandurah is a dream location for boating, fishing and wildlife spotting. From exploring its Venetian-style canals to hopping on a dolphin cruise, Mandurah is all about getting out on the water. It’s also home to the renowned Giants of Mandurah, where visitors can see five striking large-scale art pieces by Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo.

4. Denmark, WA

Elephant Rocks in Denmark WA — Visit Elephant Rocks in Denmark. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

If you’re after breathtaking coastal scenery, boutique wineries and lush national parks, Denmark should be high on your list. This charming town is known for Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool, where turquoise waters meet dramatic rock formations. The region’s cool-climate wines and farm-fresh produce add to its appeal, making it a top pick for foodies and nature lovers alike.

5. Beechworth, Vic

Beechworth building in Victoria — Beechworth is one of Victoria’s most charming towns.

Steeped in gold rush history, Beechworth is one of Victoria’s most charming towns, filled with well-preserved heritage buildings and boutique shopping. But it’s not all about history – the town’s vibrant food scene, including the legendary Beechworth Bakery, is just as enticing.

6. Port Campbell, Vic

Ocean Rock Formation And Cliffs On Beach Against Sky In Great Ocean Road Australia — The Twelve Apostles are a sight to behold. (Image: Getty Images/EyeEm Mobile GmbH)

Home to the Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell is an essential stop along the Great Ocean Road. This small coastal town offers jaw-dropping views, rugged cliffs and iconic natural landmarks like the Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch. It’s also a great base for exploring the surrounding national parks and scenic lookouts.

7. Murray Bridge, SA

Monarto Safari Park is breathing life into Murray Bridge.

Sitting along the mighty Murray River, this South Australian town is all about waterfront relaxation and outdoor adventure. Home to the newly announced Monarto Safari Park, opening in May, Murray Bridge is about to be the 2025 destination.

8. Kingscliff, NSW

Kingscliff beach — Kingscliff is in NSW’s Tweed region.

Nestled on NSW’s Tweed Coast, Kingscliff is a laid-back beach town with an impressive food and wellness scene. The town is known for its white sandy beaches, top-notch surf breaks and fresh local produce – including the famous Tropical Fruit World.

9. Yamba, NSW

Horizontal high angle landscape photo of popular travel destination, Main Beach, Yamba, with people swimming, breaking waves, Pandanus palm trees, coastal scrub forest and Norfolk Pine trees growing on the grass areas above the beach. — Yamba is the go-to place to be in summer. (Image: Getty Images/lynnebeclu)

Yamba is a seaside escape known for its stunning beaches, coastal vibes and incredible seafood. It’s the kind of place where one visit turns into many.

10. Mackay, Qld

Aerial drone image at sunrise over Cape Hillsborough with blue water and green rainforest and nice morning warm sunlight — Base yourself in Mackay as you visit Cape Hillsborough. (Image: Getty Images/Sell Online Marketing)

Mackay is an underrated Queensland gem. It’s the perfect base for exploring the Whitsundays and Eungella National Park (home to wild platypuses). If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path Queensland adventure, Mackay delivers.

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

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

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

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

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.

Australia’s top 10 towns for 2025 revealed