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.

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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.

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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.

Whether you’re after the perfect family holiday or after something a little more romantic, Accor has the stay for you.

Nothing sets the tone of your holiday quite like the accommodation you’ve chosen. After all, who can imagine a wellness retreat without an on-site day spa, or a sprawling family resort without a kids’ club (or babysitting service)? The truth is there are as many ways to holiday as there are types of travellers – but happily, there’s accommodation for every type of traveller.

Fun family holidays

A successful family holiday requires plenty of space – not to mention essential amenities, like a fully equipped kitchen and laundry, a central location near plenty of activities and attractions, and those all-important beaches. The following properties all fit the bill and were designed with kids in mind.

1. Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas

inside room at Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas — Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas is perfect for a family getaway.

Will it be a day of snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, horse riding along the golden sands of Cape Tribulation, or trying your hand at watersports at Four Mile Beach? For those checked in at Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, the correct answer can only ever be ‘all of the above’ – but only if you can convince the kids to get out of the hotel’s lagoon-style swimming pool.

Featuring one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments (some with private swim-up pool decks), the hotel is also conveniently located moments from the town centre.

2. Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour

Kids’ club: the two words most parents of little ones long to hear. With Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour, however, that’s only the beginning. This eco-friendly hotel (which is famous for its spacious rooms) pulls out all the stops, serving up a 10-metre outdoor pool, tennis court and a signature restaurant, The Ternary.

Located in the heart of Sydney’s vibrant Darling Harbour precinct, the hotel is steps from WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and the Australian National Maritime Museum.

3. Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff

Mantra On Salt pool — The Tweed offers the best of both worlds.

When the kids are screaming ‘Gold Coast theme parks’ but your body needs a little Byron Bay downtime, the answer arrives in the form of Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff, an airy resort located in The Tweed. Some of Queensland and New South Wales’s top beaches and attractions are only a short drive away.

Featuring one- and two-bedroom suites, a tennis court and a lagoon-style pool (plus a children’s wading pool), guests also have the option to rent a bike, book a treatment at the onsite day spa, or organise child-minding for date night.

Couples getaways

Remember those candlelit dinners when you first got together? Or what about those long walks along the beach and lazy sleep-ins – complete with room service?

If you’re still searching your memory, it’s time to hit reboot on romance by booking a hotel geared around good food, good times and more than a little privacy.

1. Sofitel Melbourne On Collins

inside room at Sofitel Melbourne — Soak in the gorgeous view.

Located in the heart of Melbourne’s shopping and theatre districts, there’s every reason those checking into Sofitel Melbourne On Collins will want to head out and explore. A night in, however, can mean a champagne or signature cocktail (or two) at The Atrium Bar on 35 before an intimate feast at No35, where French gastronomy reaches new heights.

Top tip? Book the Romance Getaway Package, which includes a bottle of French champagne, breakfast in bed and a leisurely 2pm check out.

2. Mondrian Gold Coast

inside a room at The Mondrian — Enjoy classy surrounds at The Mondrian.

The Gold Coast suburb of Burleigh has all the ingredients needed for a romantic escape. And the best place to explore it all from is the stunning beachfront lifestyle precinct, Mondrian Gold Coast.

Stay in one of 208 accommodation options, including studios, suites, homes and houses. Taste your way through the levels of dining options, from authentic Italian and surf-to-plate seafood, and dive into the lively pool club. Or relax with a restorative treatment together at the spa.

City escapes

Nabbing a front-row seat to urban life (and momentarily feeling like a local) is as easy as checking into a city hotel and letting the streets around you set the pace for your next holiday.

Laidback retreats and coastal getaways will always have their place, but here you can step straight into galleries and boutique stores, roll into restaurants and tumble out of bars – all before watching the sun rise across a gleaming skyline.

A convenient location, of course, is key.

1. 25hours Hotel The Olympia

25hours Sydney Atrium — Book into Sydney’s newest boutique spot.

Hotels are all too often about retreating from the city they’re located in, but at Sydney’s newest boutique spot, 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia, a stay is all about immersing yourself in the area. Channelling the energy and creativity of its Oxford Street location, the hotel’s bold and playful design is a nod to the building’s arthouse beginnings as West’s Olympia Theatre. Guests can choose to stay in either a light and airy Dreamers room or the more dramatic Renegades option.

This is home to two stand-out bars (one of them on the rooftop) and a cafe serving Lune croissants, as well as The Palomar, a hot dining spot that serves as a love letter to the Mediterranean.

2. Hyde Melbourne Place

Some of Melbourne’s finest restaurants might be on Hyde Melbourne Place’s doorstep, but there’s no need for guests to venture out the front door for a bite to remember. The innovative brand’s first Australian offering is not only home to three distinctive venues (including an atmospheric rooftop restaurant), but is also the winner of a Michelin Key 2025.

Conveniently located in the east end of the city’s CBD within moments of the city’s iconic laneways, accommodation ranges from a soothing General Admission Queen to the spectacular Headliner Suite (many with balconies overlooking the city buzzing below). A high-end fitness space and Peach Pilates streamed straight to your in-room tablet are available too. Our top tip? Call ahead for a Sonna Brightening LED Face Mask and say yes to winding down with a meditative ritual designed to support skin health, clarity and calm.

Tranquil retreats

There’s no question 2026 is going to be your year, but it would be foolish to hard-launch this new and improved you without first taking some time to relax, rejuvenate and reflect on how you can find better balance in the year to come.

It’s time to treat yourself to a wellness getaway that’s designed around peace, natural beauty and more than a few spa treatments.

1. Pullman Bunker Bay Resort

Pullman Bunker Bay pool — Relax into Pullman Bunker Bay Resort.

Kangaroos at dawn, Margaret River wineries at noon and a long evening of life-affirming massage treatment come the late afternoon; there’s a lot to love about a stay at Pullman Bunker Bay Resort. And that’s without even touching on the resort’s secluded beachfront location.

Whether you check into a studio villa or a three-bedroom, three-bathroom villa, the views stretching out over the lake or garden will help you hit reset as you ponder the important questions: should you take a drive to nearby Geographe Bay to enjoy the dive of a lifetime, settle in for a long and lazy day in the resort’s heated infinity-edge pool, or make booking after booking at Vie Spa to try its extensive range of massages, facials and treatments?

The cherry on top? The resort has a complimentary – albeit seasonal – kids’ club, too.

2. Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge

couple in spa at Peppers Cradle Mountain — Connect with yourself and nature at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge.

Welcome to the ultimate alpine wellness experience, a luxurious lodge nestled in the lush peaks of Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where ‘forest bathing’ takes on a whole new meaning.

Offering quick and easy access to some of the region’s most iconic walking trails (not to mention a window to our most striking flora and fauna), every cabin and suite at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge – some with their own fireplace – is designed to help you exhale.

Say yes to a wealth of included activities, such as an evening wildlife safari, a guided Crater Lake mountain walk or the Aboriginal Heritage & Bush Tucker tour. Unwind by retreating to the famous Waldheim Alpine Spa, where treatment rooms overlook rugged mountains and ancient forests.

Wellness has never looked – or felt – so luxurious.

Learn more and plan your next escape at All.com.

Australia’s top 10 towns for 2025 revealed