Australia is perhaps best-known as a travel destination for its incredible cosmopolitan cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne.
But many travelers may not know that there are plenty of small towns around the country that are packed with history, culture, and are the perfect places to relax and watch the world go by.
Read on for some of the most peaceful countryside towns across Australia to visit, including tips on fun things to do in each area.
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Beechworth
Found just under 300km from the city of Melbourne, Beechworth saw huge growth in the 1800s thanks to the major gold rush in the area.
Because of this, the tiny town is still filled with plenty of historic buildings and sites.
With a little over 3000 residents, Beechworth is a perfect place to sit back and relax with a cold beverage (such as King Valley Prosecco, which is produced locally in northeast Victoria) after a day of exploring the surrounding countryside.
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Hahndorf
As the name implies, Hahndorf is a small town in South Australia that was established by German immigrants.
Not only does it still maintain the German look and feel it had when it was first established, but it is also the oldest remaining German settlement in the country.
There is a lot to see and do in the area, and the town is also only 28km from nearby Adelaide.
However, what sets the town apart is its somewhat unusual weather. Unlike most parts of Australia, the maximum temperatures throughout the year barely hit 20 degrees Celsius!
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Daylesford
Found in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, Daylesford was established in 1852 as a gold mining town.
Located just over 100km from Melbourne, Daylesford’s claim to fame is that it is one of the few spa towns in the country.
The peaceful countryside is matched with the multiple spas and retreats offering customers world-class services, such as massages, hot tubs, etc.
If you love the outdoors, there’s arguably no better place to explore in Victoria than the countryside and mountains surrounding the town.
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Leura
Found 100km west of Sydney, Leura is one of the main towns stretched along the scenic Main Western Railway Line.
This area has been inhabited for over 12,000 years, with native Aboriginal tribes calling it home until the early 1800s.
While there are things to do in town, it is really Leura’s nature and wildlife that bring plenty of locals and tourists to the area.
There are forests, rivers, and everything in between to explore, as well as a lot of local wildlife for you to discover.
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Margaret River
Margaret River is easily one of the most famous Australian towns, renowned for having one of the biggest wine regions in the country.
Plus, it offers something for everyone, whether it be spending the day sampling wines at a nearby vineyard or simply lounging on the beautiful beach.
The coast of Margaret River is incredible for surfing and other water sports, and the soft, sandy beaches are ideal for a family day out.
Add in a few great restaurants and delicious food, and you have a town that many first-time visitors struggle to leave!
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Dorrigo
If natural beauty, historic sites, and a small-town feel are what you are after, Dorrigo has it all.
Found nearly 600km from Sydney, with a population of a little over 1,000 people, the town was once a European settlement and still has similar architecture and European beauty.
Dangar Falls is one of the area’s biggest draws. The waterfall looks like something out of a fairytale, and is the perfect place for a walk, hike, or a relaxing picnic.
It’s located in Dorrigo National Park, which is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. It was protected by UNESCO because it “represents outstanding examples of major stages of the Earth’s evolutionary history, ongoing geological and biological processes, and exceptional biological diversity.”
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Tenterfield
Tenterfield is another European settlement that started off as Aboriginal land.
Found 700km north of Sydney, Tenterfield is packed with history and museums, such as the Tenterfield Railway Museum, Centenary Cottage Museum, and the Tenterfield Saddler.
Besides the historic sites, Tenterfield is also home to the Boonoo Boonoo National Park, the Bald Rock National Park, Basket Swamp National Park, and Jubilee Park, all of which are filled with local fauna and flora.
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Coober Pedy
One of the more unusual small towns in Australia, Coober Pedy is an opal-mining town with a diverse population of just over 1,500 people, made up of local and international miners and gem dealers.
What makes Coober Pedy so peaceful, however, is the fact that many houses are built underground due to the overwhelming heat the area often experiences.
This means that staying here allows you to escape into your underground house and get away from the hustle and bustle of the miners.
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Scamander
Finally, on the gorgeous island of Tasmania (best known for its Tasmanian Devils), you’ll find the quaint little town of Scamander.
With a population of less than 900 people, Scamander is the quintessential quiet and peaceful small town.
While there certainly isn’t an abundance of things to do here, the natural beauty is more than enough for most people.
The nearby beach is a gorgeous spot for a morning walk or an evening drink while you watch the sunset.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for somewhere quiet and get away from the bright lights and loud noises of the cities, Australia has plenty of small towns for you to explore, all of which will welcome you with open arms!
