The Best Under-The-Radar Towns To Visit In Australia This Year

Are you tired of trying to plan a holiday only to find everywhere is booked out? Here are the up-and-coming destinations to get to now – before your dates are gone for good.

With travelling the world still off limits, Australians are embracing the many joys of travelling their own country. But with state borders opening and closing, and many accommodation offerings booked out a year in advance, it can also be a process that is full of frustration.

Which is why the Australian Traveller team have come up with our list of up-and-coming destinations in each state to help you get ahead of the crowds. You can also read our exclusive list of Australia’s 100 best towns, for further travel inspiration.

NSW

Boomerang Beach

Boomerang Beach (and neighbouring Blueys) is so off-the-radar that we have barely written about it ourselves. Framed by Booti Booti National Park and the kinds of deserted, white-sand beaches Australia is known for, Boomerang is what Byron Bay locals wish their township was like.

It’s the stuff nostalgic family beach holidays are made of – swimming, barbecues, bushwalking, fishing, surfing and devouring salty fish ‘n’ chips as the sun goes down.

Swim in the crystal clear waters of Boomerang Beach.

Tumut

Located in the foothills of the NSW Snowy Mountains, every season in Tumut offers something different.

Summer brings cool, clean and fast-moving waters perfect for trout fishing; Kosciuszko National Park brings the autumnal colours Tumut is famous for; skiing enthusiasts arrive in winter, as the Snowys are covered in a blanket of snow; and wildflowers burst into life on the edges of the Tumut River as spring emerges. Fun fact: In 1908, Tumut was one of the nine towns shortlisted to become Australia’s capital. Take a trip there and it will all make sense.

Tumut NSW — Experience the changing seasons in Tumut.

Griffith

NSW’s own little Italy is worth a trip for the cannoli alone. Sixty per cent of the Griffith’s residents have Italian heritage, and visitors reap the benefits by way of the world-class wineries, fresh produce and nation-building heritage. Speaking of wineries, some of the most renowned in the country were established in Griffith.

Take a tour though McWilliam’s, De Bortoli , Dee Vine Estate and Yellow Tail while you’re in town.

Wineries griffith nsw — Enjoy the gourmet delights of Griffith.

VIC

Mallacoota

It’s been a hell of a year for the coastal fishing town of Mallacoota. Surrounded by 87,500 hectares of natural forest courtesy of Croajingolong National Park, this population 900 town was devastated by bushfires in the summer of 2019/20.

The sepia skies made international headlines, blasting a heart-rending image of the devastation of the fires to the country and world. Thankfully, the regeneration of Mallacoota is well and truly underway and they are welcoming back visitors once more.

The town’s remoteness is the major drawcard for city folk looking for a quiet holiday experience, while its northern climate takes advantage of the state’s warmest winter temperatures and fresh ocean breezes, making it a year-round destination.

Read more about Mallacoota’s renaissance here.

Pelicans on the lake in Mallacoota — Pelicans drift nonchalantly on the lake in Mallacoota. (Image: Andrew Northover)

Echuca

Step back in time to the historic town of Echuca, sitting proudly on the banks of the Murray River. Echuca is known far and wide as the paddle steamer capital of Australia, and its port – which was built in 1980 – was lovingly restored to its former glory. Today it serves as a local hangout, packed with steamer rides along the Murray, museums, replicas and buildings.

Don’t forget to stop at the Star Bar , once an illegal underground drinking hole, complete with the escape tunnel once used to dodge police.

Echuca Murray River Victoria — Echuca’s most famous residents.

Clunes

Clunes is home to so many bookshops that it has been declared an International Book Town – one of only 22 worldwide. This pretty little goldfields hub is just north of Ballarat, and hosts the beloved Booktown Festival each May. They also host Booktown on Sundays featuring free author talks. On any given day, visitors can stroll through the well-read community, taking in some of the state’s best-preserved 19^th century buildings, cafes, houses, restaurants and of course, bookshops.

WA

Northam

In the heart of the Western Australian wheatbelt region, towns like Northam have been reaping the benefits of radical creatives who’s skills have transformed grain silos into art galleries, and small towns into destinations. In 2015, as part of Perth collective FORM’s festival of art and ideas, international artists Hense (USA) and Phlegm (UK) created Australia’s first ever silo mural.

Eight grain silos in the town of Northam were transformed into towering art installations brought to life with colour and awe-inspiring detail. Take a trip to see the countryside and get a culture fix at the same time. Find out more about WA’s self-guided silo art trail here.

Guido van Helten’s incredible silo art is attracting visitors.

Eagle Bay

There isn’t much going on in Eagle Bay – which is the entire beauty of it. Taking a trip here means slowing down and relaxing in this gobsmacking beautiful slice of paradise. It’s the place where Perth’s rich and famous have their holiday homes. Shallow waters equate to great snorkelling and fishing spots.

The bay forms a crescent, broken only by the interesting punctuations of nearby Sugarloaf and Castle Rocks. It’s like stepping onto an exquisite tropical island. While there isn’t much need to leave Eagle Bay, it’s also considered a tranquil base to explore the rest of the Margaret River area.

Eagle Bay Western Australia — Take a trip to Eagle Bay.

Derby

Drive straight through the Kimberley in WA’s rugged northwest all the way from Wyndham along the legendary Gibb River Road and the first town you’ll come to is Derby.

Derby once served the local pastoralists who settled in the area. Isolation and harsh conditions made it exclusively home to sheep stations until a jetty was built to service the thousands who flocked to WA during the gold rush and pearling boom.

These days, Derby serves as a great historical landmark. The original jetty also still stands, boasting a great spot for a stunning over-water sunset. The Centenary of Federation Pavillion details the history and geography of the area and features a brilliant 28m2 mosaic tile floor depicting facets of life in the district, as well as the creation stories of the Kimberley.

Derby Western Australia — Derby is one of Western Australia’s most remote towns.

SA

William Creek

With a population of three permanent residents and two workers, William Creek is officially the smallest town in South Australia. Despite that, it’s situated smack bang in the middle of the world’s largest working cattle property, Anna Creek Station, which is almost half the size of Tassie.

William Creek can be accessed by the town’s only airstrip, while scenic flights are run during “winter" or any other times when there’s water in nearby Lake Eyre. At 1000 kilometres (14hrs) northwest of Adelaide, it really is in the middle of nowhere.

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre William Creek south australian outback scenic flights — Fly from William creek and trace the tributaries towards Lake Eyre. (Image: Jonathan Cami)

Parachilna

You’ll find a little more than a few guesthouses, a train station and a pub in Parachilna; a tiny town on the edge of the Flinders Ranges in Outback SA.

There might not be much reason to go here, were it not for the iconic Prairie Hotel serving up some unusual pub grub and its proximity to Flinders Ranges. There are no parma’s in sight; instead, order up a Feral Mixed Grill of camel, wallaby, roo and goat on mashed potatoes and gravy.

If that doesn’t take your fancy, there’s always emu and damper, as well as the more commonly consumed rabbit, beef and lamb. Food is served in the restaurant, but many enjoy sitting on the balcony with a cold beer.

The Prairie Hotel benefits from its proximity to Flinders Ranges.

TAS

Bridport

Emerging from the northeastern edge of Tasmania’s Tamar Valley wine region, overlooking the waters of Anderson Bay, is the sleepy seaport town of Bridport. Known best for sea and river fishing, the best catches in the area are scallops, lobsters and rainbow trout.

Red rocks border the shores of Bridport’s main beach, with a photographic highlight being the eerie site of an old dilapidated pier that’s been half eaten by the waters over the years. Bridport also gives access to one of the top golf courses in the country, Barnbougle Dunes.

Bridport Tasamnia — The sleepy seaport town of Bridport.

Richmond

Rolling hills, Georgian-style buildings and cobblestone streets – it’s a mental image you would usually associate with a quaint English village. Set your sights much closer to home by the banks of the Coal River to find Richmond – southern Tasmania’s postcard-perfect hangout.

Its most famous resident is the Richmond Bridge. Built by convicts in 1823, the bridge is the oldest still in use in Australia and a historic masterpiece to marvel at from every angle.

The Richmond Bridge Tasmania — Take a drive over Richmond’s most famous resident.

Stanley

Stanley is the gem of the underrated northwestern coast of Tasmania. This quaint fishing village enjoys the simple life of crayfish, crabs and sunshine.

Settled in 1826 by employees of the Van Diemen’s Land Company, Stanley is chock full of heritage buildings and cutesy cottages that have tiny doors built for those fortunate to have lived here in the 19th Century. No bustling tourist attractions, restaurants or pubs. Life is alarmingly uncomplicated here.

Discover the secrets of Stanley Tasmania.

NT

Nguiu Settlement

The Tiwi people have lived on Bathurst and Melville Islands for more than 10,000 years. Their separation from the mainland has fostered a unique culture, music and artwork. There are no didgeridoos or boomerangs here; instead, they make music with clapping sticks and are producing an entirely different style of art than we’ve come to expect from the Aboriginal art movement.

Adelaide River

The stunning Adelaide River twists its way south from the Van Diemen Gulf at Djukbinj National Park, all the way to the Adelaide River settlement on the Stuart Highway south of Darwin. The scenic town, population of just 190, lies on the riverbanks and has a rich and fascinating history.

Initially settled by workers on The Overland Telegraph Line, the town became known as a convenient stopover for miners after gold was discovered nearby in 1892. Adelaide River was also a major military headquarters during WWII and a popular weekend retreat for important military personnel from the NT capital. Its cemetery, a must-see for any Australian, holds many of those killed during the WWII bombing of Darwin.

Mataranka

Mataranka is a place that will open your eyes to life in the outback. It was first made famous by the epic We of the Never Never, conjuring up an idea of an impossibly distant place. The celebrated thermal springs are surrounded by the rich forests of Elsey National Park. Several bountiful bushwalks impress even the most experienced trail walker, however it’s accessibility makes it great for beginners and kids.

QLD

1770

Environmentalists could only dream of a place as magical as this.

Located on the Queensland coast between Bundaberg and Gladstone, Seventeen Seventy sits perched north of Agnes Water along Captain Cook Drive, the state’s northernmost surfing beach. Part of a (for now) largely untouched natural region, it’s a stepping off point to the Great Barrier Reef and is surrounded by four national parks.

Dine in one of the town’s two restaurants or pick up supplies at the general store. But be warned; there’s not much else in town.

1770 Queensland — Aerial view of the remote 1770 Inlet.

Tamborine Mountain

A cool escape from the hot and frenetic Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain is a set of three towns: Mt Tamborine, North Tamborine and Eagle Heights. It’s a quaint little oasis perched 560 metres above sea level on the top of the ranges – from here it can look down its nose on its rowdy neighbour, the Gold Coast.

Birdsville

Perched only a couple of hundred dusty kilometres from the junction of three states (Queensland, Northern Territory and South Australia) and the vastness of the heartless Simpson Desert lies Birdsville, one of the most isolated towns in Australia.

Step into the famous (and photogenic) Birdsville Hotel and reward yourself with a cold beverage and a bite to eat and marvel at the memorabilia. Unless you’re in town for the Birdsville Races: an Australian outback bucket list item of mythical proportions.

READ MORE: Still want more towns to add to your list? Read which Australian towns have been crowned the friendliest.

Beyond the winding bitumen and coastal views lies another side to Victoria’s most famous route.

There’s something hypnotic about this stretch of Victoria’s coast. Maybe it’s the way the road hugs the ocean so tightly, or how the cliffs catch the sun in colours you can’t name. Or, for local Victorians who drove this route as kids, maybe it’s the memories of winding through the impossibly tall trees as they seemingly guide you on your journey like wooden guardian angels. Most travellers know it for the 12 Apostles, but there are plenty of alternate experiences on the Great Ocean Road equally as worthy of your time.

So, next time you’re in that neck of the woods, park that car, stretch those legs and try these experiences.

1. Discover living culture at Budj Bim

Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism — Walk across the world’s oldest known aquaculture system. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Breakaway Creek’s Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is a masterclass in educational storytelling. Join a guided tour with Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism to walk across the world’s oldest known aquaculture system, where the Gunditjmara people built sophisticated eel traps and stone channels more than 6,000 years ago.

Budj Bim’s aquaculture system predates Egypt’s pyramids by roughly 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest examples of human engineering on Earth. If that’s not enough to get your history-loving family members involved in this road trip, we’re out of ideas.

2. Unwind in the hot springs at Warnambool

woman relaxing at Deep Blue Hot Springs — Let mineral-rich water heal you.

If your legs need a break after a long drive, Deep Blue Hot Springs is your remedy. The geothermal pools sit just metres from the coastline, filled with mineral-rich water that bubbles up from deep underground. Move between open-air baths, waterfall pools and quiet zones made for meditation.

The water in Deep Blue’s geothermal pools comes from an ancient aquifer nearly 850 metres below the Earth’s surface, which, in non-scientific terms, means it’s far more likely to have healing properties than the mineral water you’d find at the supermarket.

3. Take to the air at Princetown

12 Apostles Helicopters flight alternate experiences on the Great Ocean Road — See an icon from a different view.

You may have seen the Twelve Apostles from the trusty viewing platform, but a helicopter flight with 12 Apostles Helicopters shows you just how sprawling and rugged this coastline really is.

The trip covers everything from Port Campbell to London Bridge (not to be confused with the UK’s own), giving you a rare chance to watch waves carving the limestone cliffs from above. It’s worth noting that the limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles are said to erode by roughly two centimetres each year, so the longer you leave it, the less of the Apostles you’ll see.

4. Step into the past at Flagstaff Hill

Continue the tour through Warnambool at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and Museum , a recreated 19th-century port town. Hear stories from the days when shipwrecks were as common as seagulls, with an astounding 180 ships believed to have sunk along the Shipwreck Coast in less than five years.

The night show, complete with lights, sound, and sea spray, brings the coastline’s most dramatic stories to life.

If you’re staying the night, Simon’s Waterfront offers relaxed dining with fresh local seafood and oceanfront views. Order the catch of the day and toast to the sailors who never made it ashore.

5. Learn to surf in Torquay, Lorne, or Anglesea

kid having a lesson with Go Ride A Wave — Learn how to hang 10. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Whether you’ve surfed before or can barely stand on a board, Go Ride A Wave will have you upright in no time. Torquay’s calm beaches are ideal for first-timers, while Lorne and Anglesea bring a bit more energy for those unafraid to get dunked.

Bells Beach, just down the road from Torquay, has even hosted the world’s longest-running professional surfing competition since 1962. So, for those eager to have a gander at pros using surfboards like they’re an additional appendage, the competition usually runs sometime in autumn.

6. Tackle the trails in Forrest

Barwon Flow Trails Otways Flow MTB — Hire a bike and explore MTB trails through the Otways.

Forrest is a haven for mountain bikers thanks to an expansive network of trails through stunning natural scenery. The Forrest trail network has almost 100 kilometres of singletrack across 36 trails, so there’s something for every level of rider. That’s including more than 60 kilometres of purpose-built mountain bike trails winding through the Otways’ dense forest. Cycle through ancient myrtle beech trees and towering tree ferns, with smaller ferns and soft mosses forming a carpet at your feet.

Hire a bike from Forrest MTB Hire and take your pick from easy, scenic rides to more challenging singletracks, such as Red Carpet or Rollercoaster.

7. See wildlife up close in Apollo Bay

bush rat on Wildlife Wonders tour — Get help spotting the locals. (Image: Doug Gimsey)

If spotting koalas and kangaroos in the wild feels like winning the lottery, Wildlife Wonders gives you guaranteed sightings without cages or crowds. Every visit to the sanctuary helps fund the Conservation Ecology Centre which supports endangered species across the Otways, so your business is appreciated by humans and animals alike.

The guided walk takes you through protected Otways habitat where you might spot potoroos (or joey lookalikes for those unfamiliar with a potoroo), wallabies, and sleepy koalas lounging in the trees.

8. Visit the Cape Otway Lightstation

Towering over the sea on a cliff above the Southern Ocean, Cape Otway Lightstation has been guiding ships since 1848. Before the lighthouse was built, Cape Otway was one of the most treacherous points on the Victorian coast, with dozens of shipwrecks occurring in its surrounding waters. Pick the right day, and you may bump into a local willing to tell you about the wreck of Eric the Red .

While at the Cape Otway Lightstation, explore the keeper’s quarters, walk the coastal trails, and take in views that only stop short at the horizon.

And no, contrary to popular belief, the Round the Twist lighthouse is actually located in Split Point, just shy of two hours in the direction of Melbourne. Nothing’s stopping you from embarking on a lighthouse crawl, though.

Plan your next no-stone-unturned journey along this iconic Aussie road at visitgreatoceanroad.org.au.