Summary

• Australia is not only known for its beautiful cities, but also for its charming towns with stunning natural scenery and a wide range of attractions.
• These picturesque towns offer a more serene and relaxing vacation experience compared to the bustling cities, with lighter crowds and beautiful beaches.
• From Exmouth in Western Australia to Stanley in Tasmania, there are plenty of breathtaking towns to visit in Australia, each offering unique experiences and attractions.

There are many amazing destinations worth visiting in Australia. While the beautiful cities in the country are more popular, the country is dotted with charming towns that have all it takes to get into the competition. The prettiest towns in Australia come with amazing natural scenery and are filled with plenty of attractions, from restaurants to outdoor adventure, shopping, museums, and more.

They are also lighter on crowds, allowing visitors to enjoy serene and relaxing beaches and attractions compared to the more well-known Australian cities. Here are some of the most beautiful towns in Australia to incorporate into a vacation down under.

UPDATE: 2023/11/06 18:25 EST BY REENA JAIN

Even More Of The Most Beautiful Small Towns In Australia

Two more of Australia's most beautiful small towns have been added to the list, each offering visitors thrilling and enjoyable experiences amid laid-back vibes and beautiful surroundings.

18 Exmouth, Western Australia

With its remote wilderness where the desert meets the sea, Exmouth—one of the most picturesque towns in Western Australia—entices both adventurers and nature lovers to have a fun and thrilling vacation. The town also serves as the gateway to the Ningaloo Reef, a World Heritage Site known for offering the best opportunities to swim with whale sharks. Hiking and kayaking in nearby Cape Range National Park, exploring the untamed landscape of Charles Knife Canyon Gorge, and checking out Turquoise Bay are other thrilling experiences that add to the fun of an Exmouth vacation.

• Best time to visit Exmouth: April to July
• Places to visit in Exmouth: Cape Range National Park, Ningaloo Marine Park, Turquoise Bay, Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, Jurabi Turtle Centre

17 Stanley, Tasmania

For travelers planning a vacation in Tasmania, Stanley is certainly the most beautiful town in Australia! Rich in history, the town's quaint, well-preserved streets are lined with colonial structures, some of which are now guesthouses and museums. One of the town's main attractions is The Nut, a striking volcanic plug that visitors can hike or take a cable car to for panoramic views of Tarkine's wild landscape and the rocky coast. At Godfreys Beach, visitors can also see penguins. Taking a sea cruise and dining on fresh seafood at local restaurants can add even more pleasure to the journey.

• Best time to visit Stanley: September to November and February to April
• Places to visit in Stanley: The Nut, Highfield Historic Site, Stanley Heritage Walk, Joseph Lyons Cottage, Stanley Seal Cruises

16 Port Douglas, Queensland

Port Douglas is a stunning town along the Coral Sea, and its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef makes it a paradise for snorkelers and underwater lovers. Once there, Four Mile Beach is a must-see attraction, as are various art galleries, chic boutiques, street food stalls, local markets, and heritage sites, including the Port Douglas Court House Museum and St Mary’s by the Sea. The Port Douglas Carnival in May fills the streets with color. It allows tourists to experience the Port Douglas spirit. At the same time, the Porttoberfest folk festival and the ideal Barrier Reef Marathon Festival in October are also ideal times to enjoy the town's buzz.

• Best time to visit Port Douglas: May, September, and October
• Places to visit in Port Douglas: Four Mile Beach, Great Barrier Reef, Mossman Gorge, Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat, Macrossan Street

15 Tennant Creek, North

There are many good reasons why Tennant Creek is regarded as one of the prettiest towns in Australia! It has a rich indigenous past that appeals to everyone, whether they enjoy art and history or not. While the Battery Hill Mining Center offers insight into the region's history of gold mining, the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Center highlights the region's cultural scene. There are several water sports and activities available at the Mary Ann Dam for adventure seekers, and for nature lovers, there are many breathtaking sites to explore at the Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve and the picturesque Pebbles.

• Best time to visit Tennant Creek: April to September
• Places to visit in Tennant Creek: Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre, Battery Hill Mining Centre, Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, The Pebbles, Mary Ann Dam, Nyinkka Nyunyu Station

14 Strahan, Tasmania

The small port town of Strahan is characterized by beautiful beaches and dense forest areas. The town is extremely remote and is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking some serenity. It is known as the gateway to World Hertiage-listed wilderness, sitting over four hours from Hobart on the island of Tasmania. Strahan also has a river, which is great for cruising, as well as trails that lead to majestic waterfalls.

With historical significance as a fishing town, visitors can hop on a vessel and set sail out into rugged seas. Tours go through Hell's Gates, where a natural harbor meets the Southern Ocean, as well as visiting the former penal colony of Sarah Island that sits off Strahan's shores.

• Best time to visit Strahan: December to May
• Places to visit in Strahan: Gordon River, Franklin River, Henty Dunes, Sarah Island, Hogarth Falls, West Coast Wilderness Railway

13 Byron Bay, New South Wales

Nature lovers will love Byron Bay as beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and stunning cliffs characterize it. This town is one of the best places to surf in Australia. It is packed full of restaurants, luxury accommodations, local and organic everything, boutiques, and craft breweries.

While in this town, visitors will have plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from, and each has something unique to offer. The town also offers exciting activities such as fishing, whale watching, and kayaking. Byron Bay has boardwalks that go through forest areas, and there’s also a popular lighthouse in the town from where one will get incredible views of the sea, as it is the easternmost point in Australia.

• Best time to visit Byron Bay: March to May
• Places to visit in Byron Bay: Cape Byron Lighthouse, Wategos Beach, The Pass, Byron Bay Farmers Market, Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens

12 Queenstown, Tasmania

New Zealand is not the only place with a Queenstown. Australia has one, too, and it is a great place for a vacation, as it has tourist infrastructure and exciting attractions. The town is characterized by surrounding towering green mountains, and it is endowed with museums, restaurants, and hotels. The town offers a wide range of activities, from river rafting to railway rides and mountain hiking.

While Queenstown has plenty to offer, one of the most exciting experiences one will have is the scenic drive into the town; it goes through some of the most impressive views of Tasmania.

• Best time to visit Queenstown: December to February
• Places to visit in Queenstown: Queenstown Gardens, Skyline Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, Milford Sound, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables

11 Bellingen, New South Wales

The incredible beauty of Bellingen cannot be fully described in words. The entire town is overwhelmed with gorgeous trees and green fields, and it has a beautiful mountain backdrop that makes it picture-perfect. The Bellingen River is also great for kayaking, whitewater rafting, and swimming.

While its main appeal is in its natural scenery, this town in South Wales also has plenty of things to keep visitors busy. Bellingen has pubs, cottages, and historic structures, in addition to a lot of incredible natural attractions such as waterholes and waterfalls.

• Best time to visit Bellingen: September to November and March to May
• Places to visit in Bellingen: Dorrigo National Park, Never Never Creek, Bellingen Community Markets, Promised Land and Crystal Shower Falls, Bellingen Brewery and Co., The Old Butter Factory

10 Alice Springs, Northern Territory

Alice Springs offers something different from the other destinations on this list. Here, one will be met with gorgeous desert scenery and rich aboriginal culture, the highlight being Uluru. This town is located in an ancient desert where there are stunning canyons and desert rivers.

Alice Springs has art galleries, animal sanctuaries, parks, and museums. It is a great place to experience a camel ride, hot air balloon rides, and mountain biking, as well as learn about the country's indigenous history.

• Best time to visit Alice Springs: September to November and March to May
• Places to visit in Alice Springs: Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), Kings Canyon, Alice Springs Desert Park, Simpson's Gap, Anzac Hill Lookout

9 Lorne, Victoria

White sand beaches with turquoise waters, stunning cliffs, and dense rainforests are some of the features that make Lorne so picturesque and exciting. This town is one of the numerous incredible spots that line up the Great Ocean Road, and its location in a coastal area makes it the perfect place for swimming, surfing, fishing, and camping.

The town has several cafes, boutiques, restaurants, and hotels to ensure visitors here have a memorable time. During summer, a lot of events are held in the town, and the town also has wineries and spectacular forests with rich wildlife, swimming holes, and waterfalls.

• Best time to visit Lorne: December to May
• Places to visit in Lorne: Teddy's Lookout, Great Otway National Park, Erskine Falls, Lorne Beach, Split Point Lighthouse, Sheoak Falls

8 Margaret River, Western Australia

Sitting in the valley of the Margaret River, this town is naturally appealing. It is endowed with beautiful beaches, forests, and lots of stunning rock formations. It is known for its world-class surfing, hiking, kayaking, and caving.

Besides its natural appeal, this town also offers amazing food and wine experiences. In fact, Margaret River is regarded as one of the world's top wine regions, especially renowned for its Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Be sure to visit some of the 100+ wineries when visiting Margaret River.

• Best time to visit Margaret River: September to November and March to May
• Places to visit in Margaret River: Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Busselton Jetty, Mammoth Cave, Margaret River Chocolate Company, Surfers Point, Ngilgi Cave

7 Bright, Victoria

Bright is one small town in Australia that combines natural scenery with many adventure opportunities. The first thing visitors will notice about this town is the abundance of plant and forest that surrounds it. This is one reason it gets so picturesque here, especially during fall when the plants and trees transform into gorgeous red, yellow, and orange colors.

When it comes to adventures, this town has some of the most exciting opportunities in the country. All year round, there is something to do here. The town offers opportunities for skiing during winter, and it becomes a haven for hiking, mountain biking, and other warm-weather activities during summer. It has a brewery, lots of restaurants and cafes, and several outdoor parks.

• Best time to visit Bright: September to November and March to May
• Places to visit in Bright: Mount Buffalo National Park, Alpine National Park, Bright Art Gallery & Cultural Centre, Wandiligong Historic Precinct, Bright Brewery, Ovens River

6 Merimbula, New South Wales

Beaches and forests are the features that make Merimbula so appealing, as the town has many of them. The town sits on the Sapphire Coast, along the far south coast of New South Wales, and offers lots of ocean-based activities to enjoy, from swimming to surfing to fishing. This small town also comes with the added advantage of serenity as it is light on crowds.

Merimbula has coastal walking trails, a museum, and nature parks where one can enjoy hiking in the forest and freshwater swimming holes. It also has a modest amount of accommodations and dining options.

• Best time to visit Merimbula: September to November and March to May
• Places to visit in Merimbula: Merimbula Main Beach, Merimbula Boardwalk, Ben Boyd National Park, Pambula Beach, Magic Mountain, Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant

5 Robe, South Australia

Robe is a beautiful town in South Australia that comes with incredible natural scenery and opportunities for a wide range of activities. Located on the Limestone Coast, this town offers plenty of gorgeous beaches, forests, and historic sites. Hiking, fishing, surfing, swimming, and boating are all activities tourists will be able to enjoy in this town. There is also mountain biking, golfing, and 4-wheel driving.

Robe has lots of luxury hotels, boutique shops, and amazing restaurants offering fresh, locally caught seafood and other delicious meals.

• Best time to visit Robe: December to February
• Places to visit in Robe: Long Beach, Cape Dombey Obelisk, Robe Obelisk, Little Dip Conservation Park, Guichen Bay, Cape Jaffa Lighthouse

South Australia is a popular shark cage diving destination, but be sure to research and use a company with ethical operating policies.

4 Noosa Heads, Queensland

Located on the northern end of Queensland's Sunshine Coast, Noosa Heads is undeniably one of the most beautiful towns in Australia. Noosa National Park sets a stunning background for the town, comprised of nearly 3000 hectares of wildlife habitat, World Surfing Reserve-protected waves, and an internationally-recognized UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Noosa is a nature lover's paradise, with incredible scenery, world-class surfing, and unique animal species. After soaking up the sun at Noosa's stunning beaches, head to Hastings Street to wine and dine. The well-known shopping precinct is also home to a vast array of shops and high-end boutiques.

• Best time to visit Noosa Heads: December to February
• Places to visit in Noosa Heads: Noosa National Park, Main Beach, Hastings Street, Noosa River, Sunshine Beach, Lake Weyba

Visit Noosa in the winter months (June - August) to dodge the crowds while still enjoying spectacular weather and whale watching!

3 Ulladulla, New South Wales

Located on the South Coast of New South Wales, this small town in Australia packs a big punch. Despite being situated roughly three hours south of Sydney along a fairly isolated stretch of coastline, Ulladulla has earned a reputation as one of the top foodie destinations in the country.

Aside from drinking and dining, visitors to Ulladulla will enjoy its spectacular beaches, boating, golfing, surfing, and exploring. The natural ocean pool in Mollymook, known as Bogey Hole, is an excellent option for swimming as it is protected from the strong waves of the area. Hiking enthusiasts should head to Pigeon House Mountain for the most stunning panoramic views.

• Best time to visit Ulladulla: December to February and March to May
• Places to visit in Ulladulla: Mollymook Beach, Ulladulla Harbour, Warden Head Lighthouse, Ulladulla Bushwalks and Lookouts, Burrill Lake, Lake Tabourie

2 Phillip Island, Victoria

Phillip Island is one of the best small towns in Australia to visit because it is one of the most unique yet convenient to access. Although it is an island, it sits just 1.5 hours from Melbourne and is easily incorporated into a day-trip itinerary or a weekend city escape. The beaches are absolutely stunning, but there is plenty to enjoy off the sand.

Visit the Maru Koala and Animal Park to get up close and personal with local wildlife and hand-feed koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, and more. Phillip Island is also known for its population of little penguins. These adorable island residents can be best viewed around sunset waddling across the dunes. That's not all, though - Phillip Island is also home to excellent dining, breweries, wineries, spas, shopping, and events.

• Best time to visit Phillip Island: September to November
• Places to visit in Phillip Island: Penguin Parade, The Nobbies, Phillip Island Wildlife Park, Cape Woolamai, Churchill Island Heritage Farm, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

1 Broome, Western Australia

In the rugged red sand desert of the northern Western Australia region known as the Kimberley lies the fabled town of Broome. The Kimberley coast enjoys a tropical climate so that visitors can hit the beach all year round. Situated on the edge of the Indian Ocean, the seas are a breathtaking shade of turquoise. Be sure to take a camel ride along Broome's Cable Beach for an unforgettable vacation experience.

Once the largest pearling port in the world, its surrounding waters are still home to numerous pearl farms, which can be visited from cruises that depart from Roebuck Bay. Learn about the history of the indigenous, female, and Japanese pearl divers who excelled in the industry but often lost their lives in the perilous waters.

• Best time to visit Broome: April to September
• Places to visit in Broome: Cable Beach, Broome Historical Museum, Gantheaume Point, Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park, Willie Creek Pearl Farm, Horizontal Falls