When people think of Australia, there are certain cities that stand out like Sydney and Melbourne. Yes, these destinations are certainly worth visiting in your lifetime. But there’s more to Australia for those willing to veer off the beaten track. From the vibrant coastal city of Newcastle to the rugged outback town of Leonora, here are 7 under-the-radar towns to check out if you’re doing an extended stay down under.
Newcastle
Two hours north of Sydney, you’ll find this underrated beachside escape. Once an industrial hub, Newcastle has since been transformed into a trendy coastal retreat where you’ll find charming cafes, vibrant street art and quirky craft breweries. One of its most unique attractions is its ocean baths – large natural rock pools that you can bathe in while watching surfers carving up the waves. Other attractions include Fort Scratchley (a 1800s defence installation that is now a museum) and Bathers Way (a coastal walk with stunning views of the sea).
Yarrawonga
Straddling Victoria and New South Wales, this inland town is ideal for those seeking serenity. The town overlooks a tranquil lake called Lake Mulwala, where you can find locals fishing and boating. You can see the stars vividly here at night due to its remoteness, while an array of local bird species make it a great destination for birdwatching. For those craving a romantic retreat, make sure to check out The Sebel Yarrawonga – a luxury resort with a golf course that offers spa treatments.
Townsville
The North Queensland settlement of Townsville is often overshadowed by its larger neighbor Cairns. However, it’s an equally beautiful tropical paradise sporting sandy beaches with palm trees and sunny seaside cocktail bars. It also provides easy access to the Great Barrier Reef for those that want to do snorkelling and scuba diving, plus it’s home to the largest living coral reef aquarium. You’ll find many hotels here with pools and sea views.
Hahndorf
Nestled in the Adelaide Hills is the uniquely charming town of Hahndorf – Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Travelling to this town can feel as if you’ve been transported to Bavaria – there are half-timbered bakeries selling pretzels, shops selling cheeses and there’s even a German-themed Christmas market in winter. You’ll find several wineries in the area including Hahndorf Hill Winery, which offers tastings of cool climate wine varieties. The town is only a half hour car ride from Adelaide, so consider combining it with a trip to this city.
Hobart
Tasmania’s capital has a lot going for it, but is a city that most tourists skip over – largely because it means venturing across the sea to Tasmania. Here you will find well-preserved colonial architecture, a thriving arts scene and delicious seafood restaurants. The city is overlooked by kunanyi/Mount Wellington – a mountain with rich aboriginal significance. You can climb up this mountain to take in epic views of the city. You’ll notice that the climate is also noticeably cooler here – in winter you can find restaurants and bars with fireplaces roaring.
Woombye
The whimsical town of Woombye can be found west of Sunshine Coast. Its most famous landmark is The Big Pineapple – a giant fiberglass pineapple that sits outside the entrance to an offbeat plantation housing train rides, a wildlife park and rum and gin tastings. Beyond this bizarre cluster of attractions, Woombye also offers hiking trails, cozy cafes and rustic food markets. It’s a great destination to combine with a trip to Sunshine Coast.
Leonora
This old mining outpost in Western Australia isn’t easy to get to – the nearest major city is Perth, which is 833 kilometres away. However, for those daring enough to take the trip here, it makes for an exciting outback experience. Its biggest attraction is a neighboring ghost town called Gwalia located just south of the settlement. Here you will find preserved empty buildings from the early 1900s, including Herbert Hoover’s former residence (yes, the US president, Herbert Hoover. He once managed mines here). On top of exploring these buildings, you can also take a heritage railway. It’s an exciting trip back in time.
This selection of underrated towns offers a snapshot of what lies beyond the major cities of Australia. While not all of these towns are accessible, they could be worth considering if you’re planning a few months in the country, and want to venture beyond the usual tourist spots. You can find plenty of accommodation in all of these locations. Those near cities may be accessible via local transport, while some of the more remote options may have tiny local airports.
