There’s something enduring about a great country town.

While many of Australia’s towns boast heritage streetscapes and pastoral surrounds, some vibrant communities capture the essence of country life at its best. Defined by a unique character and simple pleasures they do so well, these are the country towns our expert panel ranked highest when it comes to countryside bliss in Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns to visit.

1. Bowral, NSW

Overall rank: 5/100

Gundungurra Country

In the heart of NSW’s Southern Highlands, Bowral offers a pocket of bucolic bliss just 90 minutes from Sydney. As the region’s largest town, it boasts an unrivalled collection of museums, galleries and vintage stores – regarded as “the place for antique shopping," according to panellist Catriona Rowntree.

Its accommodation scene has evolved with the times whilst remaining true to its roots, from luxurious new hotel Ardour Milton Park to reimagined cottage stay No 52 Bowral, the childhood home of Aussie cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman.

Don’t miss: Petting highland cows at The Swallow’s Nest is one of the best things to do in Bowral.

2. Leura, NSW

Overall rank: 45/100

Gundungurra & Dharug Country

The NSW town of Leura may be small, but it sure packs a punch. Veer off the Great Western Highway as it snakes itself through the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains and you’ll find it: “A beautiful town only topped by its stunning setting," says panellist Brett Godfrey. Leura is also known as the Garden Village, and for good reason. Wander just beyond its heritage homes and bustling main strip – lined with boutique retailers, independent bookstores and locally run restaurants – and you enter another world entirely. Here, native and exotic species grow wild and free, from towering oaks and ancient gums to tulip bulbs and banksias in full bloom.

Don’t miss: “The sweeping valley views from easily accessible lookouts and unforgettable bushwalks," says panellist and Blue Mountains local Rae Johnston.

3. Beechworth, Vic

Overall rank: 10/100

Baarmutha

Steeped in rich gold-rush history, you’ll find Beechworth tucked into the rolling green folds of Victoria’s High Country. The past and present intertwine in this little slice of paradise, where historic streetscapes blend seamlessly with cosy cafes pouring top-notch coffee.

While undeniably easy on the eye, the town’s natural surrounds are more than just a pretty backdrop. Fertile soils produce locally grown fare in abundance, from organic wines and artisanal cheeses to its world-famous honey.

Don’t miss: A carb-loaded brunch at much-loved Beechworth Bakery – “One of the best bakeries in the country; you have to get the Ned Kelly Pie!" says panellist Rae Johnston.

4. Mudgee, NSW

Overall rank: 46/100

Wiradjuri Country

While well-loved for its quality cool-climate wines, Mudgee in NSW’s Central West has far more to offer than its top drops. Yes, it’s home to more than 50 boutique cellar doors, breweries and distilleries, but linger a little longer and you’ll find flavour comes in many other forms.

A paddock-to-plate philosophy underpins the dining scene here, where local chefs champion seasonal produce sourced from neighbouring farms. Around a four-hour drive from the state’s capital, it makes for “the perfect mini-break weekend from Sydney," notes panellist Sally Cope – especially if great food and wine are high on your hit list.

Don’t miss: A table at Zin House to sample some of the region’s best. The nose-to-tail restaurant is run by the Lowe family, who also operate an organic winery on the same sprawling property.

5. Bright, Vic

Overall rank: 52/100

Dhudhuroa, Taungurung, Waywurru, Gunaikurnai & Jaithmathang Country

Some places are exactly what they say on the tin, and that sure is the case for Bright. Set amid Victoria’s High Country, the town shines year-round – but come the cooler months, it dials up the charm tenfold. As autumn arrives, hundreds of deciduous trees shed their leafy layers, but not before setting the streets ablaze in a glory of reds, oranges and yellows.

Each year, the town celebrates this vibrant phenomenon with the Bright Autumn Festival, a 10-day homage to the autumnal tones of its foliage – as well as the region’s friendly community, local retailers and seasonal produce.

Don’t miss: The region’s under-the-radar ski slopes come winter. “Part of the Victorian ski fields, it is underrated and less commercial than some of the other ski locations," says panellist Paul Hamra.

6. Castlemaine, Vic

Overall rank: 60/100

Dja Dja Wurrung Country

It won’t take you long to tune into the pulse of this former gold-mining community with a big personality in central-west Victoria. Art aficionados and culture vultures alike will have a field day in Castlemaine, with almost every turn revealing a studio gallery, live music gig or artisan market.

For the indecisive traveller, panellist Catriona Rowntree has the perfect pick. “Try to plan your stay for the Shades of Gray exhibition; we go every year and have our creative cups filled." The annual event, held from 31 October to 8 November this year, sees locals Chelly and Peter Gray open their art-filled property to the public.

Don’t miss: A slow morning at The Mill, an arts precinct platforming local makers. Browse vintage fashion and antiques before joining a ceramics workshop or simply watching artists in residence as they work.

7. Evandale, Tas

Overall rank: 53/100

Palawa/Tasmanian Aboriginal Country

Venture just outside Launceston’s city limits and you’ll stumble upon one of the quirkiest corners of the country. Evandale may seem quiet at first, however the close-knit community of this quaint little town is anything but, always warmly welcoming visitors with cheery smiles and friendly chatter. Locals of this Georgian village, classified by the National Trust for its remarkably preserved 19th-century streetscapes, honour its heritage through the upkeep of Evandale’s classic pubs, antique stores, manicured gardens and renowned Clarendon Estate. That same spirit comes to life each year for the National Penny Farthing Championship, where participants race atop teetering 1870s-style bicycles.

Don’t miss: “The Evandale Sunday markets, with its fresh local produce and homemade sweets, crafts and vintage finds, too. I visited on a rainy Sunday morning and it’s still one of the best memories I have from a week-long road trip around Tassie," says Katie Carlin.

8. Armidale, NSW

Overall rank: 89/100

Gumbaynggirr & Anaiwan Country

Roughly halfway between Sydney and Brisbane in the New England High Country, Armidale is a rural university town that keeps up with the times. Its foundational fabric is tightly woven with a storied history, enriched over time by threads of culture, community and creativity. This patchwork of past and present unfolds across the local scene, seen in everything from classic country pubs such as the Tattersalls Hotel to venerable institutions like the New England Regional Art Museum. Home to the second largest and most valuable regional public collection in NSW, the gallery is a must for creatives of all kinds.

Don’t miss: Nearby Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. “Armidale is surrounded by incredible gorges and waterfalls that are stunning on foot," says panellist Rae Johnston.

9. Atherton, Qld

Overall rank: 92/100

Tableland Yidinji, Ngadjon-ji & Bar-Barrum Country

At the centre of Tropical North Queensland’s food bowl, the town of Atherton thrives thanks to the fertile earth that surrounds it. The namesake of the Atherton Tablelands – a volcanic plateau rich in basaltic soil around 85 kilometres south-west of Cairns, it has been an agricultural hub for generations, yielding some of Australia’s finest produce. Today, this homegrown bounty can be seen (and savoured) via Atherton’s many self-guided food trails, which wind through highland farms and coffee plantations. Along the way, you’ll meet the local families keeping this place alive – and directly support them, too.

Don’t miss: A quiet morning floating above the Atherton Tablelands. For panellist Catriona Rowntree, it’s her “favourite hot air ballooning spot in Australia. An early morning in Atherton will take your breath away."

10. Broke, NSW

Overall rank: 93/100

Wonnarua Country

Framed by the wineries and restaurants that call it home, Broke is best summed up by panellist Irene Jones as a “tiny wine-region stop that’s surprisingly peaceful". In the heart of the Hunter Valley, it’s only a two-hour drive from Sydney; although you wouldn’t guess it. Aside from a smattering of general stores and weatherboard churches, Broke is defined by its rolling farmland and old vines. Winemakers have harnessed this landscape and oenophiles have followed, happily hopping between more than 15 local cellar doors.

Don’t miss: Krinklewood Estate’s minimal intervention wines, all certified organic and biodynamic, and Med-inspired plates.

This article is part of Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns to visit, as chosen by a panel of industry experts, well-known Aussies and travel insiders. See our full list of 100 best Aussie towns here and visit the special 100 best Aussie towns hub here.