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Australia’s top 10 historic towns worth exploring now 

Credit: Alastair Bett

Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
These heritage towns seamlessly blend Australia’s past and present. 

To visit these towns is to step into another time. Shaped by their histories and carefully preserved over generations, they offer insight into Australia’s past in a way few places can. Recognised among Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns to visit, they offer a deeper understanding of our country’s past while remaining vibrant places to visit today. 

1. Stanley, Tas 

Overall rank: 17/100 

Palawa/Tasmanian Aboriginal Country 

Stanley
Discovering the rugged coastlines and rich maritime history of Stanley. (Credit: Jess Bonde)

Once a base for the Van Diemen’s Land Company, the quaint fishing town of Stanley on Tasmania’s rugged north-west coast is steeped in maritime and sometimes sobering colonial history. Nowadays, visitors come to trawl its antique stores, tea houses and galleries. Well-preserved 19th-century cottages cluster around the base of The Nut – a flat-topped, ancient volcanic plug stretching 143 metres over the town – where sea air carries equal parts salt and story. “It’s well worth the detour to this corner of Tassie," says panellist Imogen Eveson.  

Don’t miss: Some of Australia’s freshest ocean fare can be found at family-run Hursey Seafoods Restaurant.   

2. Richmond, Tas 

Overall rank: 18/100 

Palawa/Tasmanian Aboriginal Country 

Richmond Bridge
Richmond Bridge is Australia’s oldest stone bridge, built by convicts in 1825. (Credit: Alastair Bett)

Just 25 minutes north-east of Hobart, Richmond is famed for its honeyed Georgian facades, many now repurposed into cafes and hotels. The picturesque town served as a police district between Port Arthur and Hobart during the early days of settlement; visit the Richmond Gaol for a goosebump-inducing glimpse into its complicated past, then soften the mood by exploring the town’s vibrant cellar doors and eccentric museums (yes, there’s even one for animal droppings). It’s panellist Katie Carlin’s top pick; from its quaint shopfronts to a pie shop to die for, “I just love everything about it," she says. “It’s like a storybook town." 

Don’t miss: Have a picnic by Richmond Bridge (1825), Australia’s oldest stone bridge, where you’ll find resident ducks and ducklings. Then enjoy a luxe country stay at Aquilo Eco Retreat. 

3. Fremantle, WA 

Overall rank: 24/100 

Whadjuk Noongar Country 

Bathers Beach
Soaking up the sun at Bathers Beach. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia/@ospreycreative)

A short spin from Perth, this salt-licked, charmingly offbeat port hub whirs with lively art and musical festivals basically year-round. Its hundred-year-old markets are worth a visit, as is its spatter of craft breweries, independent boutiques and maritime heritage sites such as the WA Shipwrecks Museum. “It’s a historic location with a great emerging bohemian vibe," says panellist Paul Hamra. 

Don’t miss: New stays such as Owston Hotel and The Garde (located in the former police headquarters), which are reinventing the town’s past with local-infused creativity. 

4. Hahndorf, SA 

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Overall rank: 32/100 

Kaurna Country 

Hanhdorf
A little slice of Germany in the Adelaide Hills. (Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

Whoever said you can’t find a true taste of Germany in Australia has clearly never set foot in Hahndorf, a welcoming, Lutheran-settled artisan village perched in the Adelaide Hills. The township is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement and is dotted with homey bakeries, pubs and craft stores along High Street, as well as a collection of excellent wineries. “Sure it’s the ‘bum-burner’ salamis that may lure us here, but it’s the living history that is the glue to keep us there," adds panellist Catriona Rowntree. 

Don’t miss: Picking your own strawberries at Beerenberg Farm from November through April.   

5. Robe, SA 

Overall rank: 40/100 

Boandik Country  

Robe
Coastal charm meets storied history on the streets of Robe. (Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission)

“Robe has a lot to offer: coastal living, fabulous food and history," says panellist Paul Hamra. It’s a sentiment that quickly proves itself. Once one of South Australia’s busiest international ports, Robe wears its storied past gracefully, with well-preserved historic buildings meeting the rugged beauty of the Limestone Coast. In the summertime, sun-seeking holidaymakers gravitate here to enjoy sprawling beaches, sand dunes and cutesy cafes. And, of course, Robe’s crayfish – which have earnt a reputation in their own right. 

Don’t miss: The Obelisk at Cape Dombey, a 12-metre, red-and-white sentinel that once guided ships into Guichen Bay. Looming over the point and visible from 16 kilometres out at sea, it’s an unmistakable town icon. 

6. Cooktown, Qld 

Overall rank: 43/100 

Guugu Yimithirr Country 

Cooktown coastline
Postcard-worthy views along the Cooktown coast. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland/Darren Jew)

A colonial history has long shaped this remote northern town in Tropical North Queensland, where Captain Cook’s Endeavour ship ran ashore in 1770. But its stories trace back far longer. The town’s traditional name, Gungardie, means ‘place of the rock crystals’ due to its abundance of quartz, which is an important aspect of ceremonies for Traditional Owners, the Guugu Yimithirr people. The town today is a vibrant blend of nature and community, from postcard-worthy Finch Bay to quintessential Aussie pubs. Panellist Sally Cope recommends 4WDing through the stunning surrounding rainforest and stopping in for lunch at the Lion’s Den Hotel. 

Don’t miss: Walk or drive up to Grassy Hill lookout at sunset for stunning views over the tidal waters and distant ranges. Or listen to the region’s stories – from cyclones to the days of pearling luggers – on a sunset cruise along the Endeavour River with Riverbend Tours. 

7. Hermannsburg, NT 

Overall rank: 54/100 

Western Arrarnta Country 

Hermannsburg Historic Precinct
The Hermannsburg Historic Precinct carries a deep history. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/Hermannsburg Historic Precinct)

Lying in the remote, red-dirt folds of the outback west of Alice Springs/Mparntwe, Hermannsburg is a tiny but vibrant settlement whose artistic legacy has long helped put it on the map. Established as a Lutheran mission in the 1880s, the town carries a layered history of hardship and resilience, and is famously the birthplace of iconic Arrernte painter Albert Namatjira, whose luminous landscapes reshaped how Australia saw its interior. Panellist Paul Ah Chee describes it as “a wonderful precinct where the heritage of the Lutheran theology and the Arrernte culture are reflected in the township."  

Don’t miss: A visit to (or tour of) the Hermannsburg Potters art centre, where Western Arrarnta artists shape ceramics that speak to stories of Country, cultural values and lived histories. 

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8. Rutherglen, Vic 

Overall rank: 64/100 

Yorta Yorta Country 

Campbells Wines
A treasure trove for wine lovers. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Founded in the gold-rush era but best recognised as one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, Rutherglen is a treasure trove for vino lovers and history hunters alike. The region abounds in kitchens turning local produce into top-notch tucker, along with family wineries (such as Campbells Wines) that have been pouring fortified drops and robust reds for generations. Meanwhile, the Murray River and leafy surrounds invite outdoor exploration – from cycling, kayaking and birdwatching to ambling past rolling vineyards. 

Don’t miss: The Rutherglen leg of Victoria’s Pedal to Produce Cycle Trail for a gourmet journey sampling wine, fruit and produce at picture-perfect orchards and cellar doors. 

9. Echuca Moama, Vic & NSW 

Overall rank: 65/100 

Yorta Yorta Country 

historic wharf precinct at the Port of Echuca
Strolling the historic wharf precinct at the Port of Echuca. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Straddling Victoria and NSW on the Murray River, this sleepy twin-town destination packs a punch for foodie travellers lured by quality produce. Once a key trade route and bustling paddlesteamer hub, it now delights with local eateries, boutique shops, farmers’ markets and river experiences that panellist Irene Jones sums up as “paddlesteamer nostalgia done right." It will soon be home to Australia’s first five-star overnight paddlesteamer, PS Australian Star, set to add a splash of luxury to this family-friendly hideaway.  

Don’t miss: Strolling the historic wharf precinct and taking to the water – kayak, waterski, board an authentic heritage paddlesteamer or extend the magic with a Murray River houseboat holiday. 

10. York, WA 

Overall rank: 97/100 

Ballardong Noongar Country 

York
From historic streetscapes to 360-degree views from Mount Brown Lookout. (Credit: York Visitor Centre)

Sitting pretty on the Avon River, York is a tried-and-trusted country escape for Perth weekenders thanks to its bucolic pastoral scenes and low-key energy. The town itself, WA’s first European inland settlement, is a flâneur’s dream with its Victorian and Federation-era architecture, while the surrounding countryside lends itself effortlessly to outdoor adventures – from horseback riding to skydiving. 

Don’t miss: A barbecue while taking in 360-degree views over York and rolling countryside from Mount Brown Lookout, a 342-metre-high viewpoint accessible by foot or car. 

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.

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Eleanor Edström
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
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This surprising regional town is making its mark on the culinary world

(Image: Visit Griffith)

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

    It might feel surprising to learn that Griffith is one of Australia’s leading food destinations. In-the-know Italians have understood this for generations, drawn to the Riverina region’s fertile soils that reminded them of the terrain they’d left behind more than a century ago. These days, Griffith supplies much of the nation’s pantry: 95 per cent of Australia’s prunes come from the region, it’s the country’s largest citrus-growing area, and it’s a leading producer of almonds and walnuts. Even the pickles in every McDonald’s burger nationwide are produced in Griffith. This is not just a farming town; the Griffith food scene is leading the way.

    Here, culinary confidence is rooted in migration. Italian families began arriving from 1913, with a second wave settling after the Second World War. Today, Griffith has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry of any Local Government Area in Australia. Add to that more than 60 nationalities represented across the community and you have a town where food is driven not by trends, but by tradition. Griffith’s motto, ‘Taste our culture’, isn’t marketing spin; it’s the reality.

    Where the vines tell a story

    A hand pouring wine into a glass, with a table filled with food.
    Uncover the stories behind every glass. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The Riverina has long been dubbed the food bowl of Australia, but it’s also a wine region that remains largely under the radar. What sets Griffith apart is that every one of its wineries is family-owned, many spanning generations.

    Calabria Family Wines is one of the region’s standard-bearers. The Calabria story began in 1945 when Francesco Calabria planted his first vines; today, the family continues to shape the region’s identity while also stewarding the historic McWilliam’s Wines brand. McWilliam’s was the first winery to plant vines in the area, and its barrel-shaped cellar door – complete with a soaring stained-glass window – remains one of the most distinctive in regional NSW.

    Yarran Wines, run by the Brewer family, showcases estate-grown fruit across Mediterranean varietals that thrive in the warm climate. Expect bold reds and textured whites that reflect both heritage and innovation.

    Set inside the old ambulance station, Harvest HQ is owned and operated by the Riverina Winemakers Association and pours a rotating selection of local wines under one roof. It also features spirits from The Aisling Distillery, reinforcing the region’s collaborative approach to craft.

    At the table

    A flat lay of a steak.
    Dine where tradition meets a bold new generation. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    If the vineyards tell one story, the dining rooms tell another. Griffith’s restaurants are where tradition and next-gen confidence meet.

    Zecca Handmade Italian occupies the former Rural Bank building, an imposing Art Deco landmark from the late 1930s. ‘Zecca’ means money print, and the name is a nod to the Zecca di Venezia in Venice. Here, find the Riverina’s only producer of dried artisan pasta and traditional Italian recipes. Importantly, the growers and producers supplying the kitchen are listed on the menu as a transparent expression of the region’s farm-to-table ethos.

    Established in 1977 and still run by the Vico family, La Scala puts authentic Italian cuisine on centre stage. Expect handmade pasta, traditional wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces and dishes that follow recipes guarded like family heirlooms. For something more contemporary, Bull & Bell in Gem Hotel is a shrine to the Euro-style steakhouse that works closely with local farmers and artisans to showcase Riverina produce.

    And then there are the institutions. Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, now in its third generation, draws locals daily for cannoli, biscotti, crostoli and house-made gelato, alongside classic sausage rolls and potato pies. La Piccola Grosseria feels like stepping into an Italian alimentari, its shelves lined with continental goods that wouldn’t feel out of place in Puglia.

    Meanwhile, Limone celebrates local and seasonal produce across breakfast and lunch menus, enriched by the produce and stories of Piccolo Family Farm. Find pastries and sourdough baked daily, and pop into the onsite retail pantry for products from regional producers – including the Piccolo family’s own wine range, Caro Piccolo.

    From the source

    A plated Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod dish.
    Taste world-renowned Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, straight from its source. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    Behind every menu is a producer. Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod is perhaps Griffith’s most high-profile export; the brand’s Murray cod and Aquna Gold Murray Cod Caviar have achieved global recognition. In October 2024, Aquna presented its products to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ in Parramatta. Impressed by the producer’s sustainable farming practices, the King requested the cod be sent to Buckingham Palace – not bad for a fish farm in regional NSW.

    Mandolé Orchard champions almonds grown on a family-run farm, transforming them into almond milk and value-added products. At Morella Grove, olives are pressed into premium olive oil and pantry staples that speak to Griffith’s Mediterranean heart. These producers are not peripheral; they are central to the town’s culinary ecosystem. Learn about local sustainable farming practices during a farm tour.

    Mark your calendar

    A woman walking past a food mural, something you can spot during A Taste of Italy Griffith.
    Plan your visit around A Taste of Italy Griffith. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    For a town that helps stock Australia’s supermarkets, Griffith has remained curiously absent from the national dining conversation. That’s beginning to change. If you’ve been searching for a regional food destination with substance, heritage and a clear sense of identity, you’ll find it here in the Riverina, right under your nose.

    Time your visit to the Riverina region to coincide with A Taste of Italy Griffith, held every August. This week-long celebration of Italian heritage and culture offers a wide range of Italian-inspired events and experiences to enjoy. Expect long-table lunches, wine tasting experiences, cooking classes and a Makers in the Piazza market. The headline event is a ticketed long lunch – Festa delle Salsicce (Salami Festival) – where winners of the best salami are announced.

    Start planning your foodie getaway at visitgriffith.com.au.