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The best country towns in Australia for a charming rural escape

Credit: Visit Victoria

Taylah Darnell Taylah Darnell
There’s something enduring about a great country town.

While many of Australia’s towns boast heritage streetscapes and pastoral surrounds, some vibrant communities capture the essence of country life at its best. Defined by a unique character and simple pleasures they do so well, these are the country towns our expert panel ranked highest when it comes to countryside bliss in Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns to visit.

1. Bowral, NSW

Overall rank: 5/100

Gundungurra Country

the interior of Ardour Milton Park Bowral
Ardour Milton Park Bowral blends heritage architecture with modern design.

In the heart of NSW’s Southern Highlands, Bowral offers a pocket of bucolic bliss just 90 minutes from Sydney. As the region’s largest town, it boasts an unrivalled collection of museums, galleries and vintage stores – regarded as “the place for antique shopping," according to panellist Catriona Rowntree.

Its accommodation scene has evolved with the times whilst remaining true to its roots, from luxurious new hotel Ardour Milton Park to reimagined cottage stay No 52 Bowral, the childhood home of Aussie cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman.

Don’t miss: Petting highland cows at The Swallow’s Nest is one of the best things to do in Bowral.

2. Leura, NSW

Overall rank: 45/100

Gundungurra & Dharug Country

the views from Olympian Rock Lookout
Soak up sweeping views of the Jamison Valley from the Olympian Rock Lookout. (Credit: Destination NSW / Jem Cresswell)

The NSW town of Leura may be small, but it sure packs a punch. Veer off the Great Western Highway as it snakes itself through the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains and you’ll find it: “A beautiful town only topped by its stunning setting," says panellist Brett Godfrey. Leura is also known as the Garden Village, and for good reason. Wander just beyond its heritage homes and bustling main strip – lined with boutique retailers, independent bookstores and locally run restaurants – and you enter another world entirely. Here, native and exotic species grow wild and free, from towering oaks and ancient gums to tulip bulbs and banksias in full bloom.

Don’t miss: “The sweeping valley views from easily accessible lookouts and unforgettable bushwalks," says panellist and Blue Mountains local Rae Johnston.

3. Beechworth, Vic

Overall rank: 10/100

Baarmutha

the Beechworth township from above
Beechworth is one of Victoria’s most charming towns. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Steeped in rich gold-rush history, you’ll find Beechworth tucked into the rolling green folds of Victoria’s High Country. The past and present intertwine in this little slice of paradise, where historic streetscapes blend seamlessly with cosy cafes pouring top-notch coffee.

the exterior of Beechworth Bakery
The legendary Beechworth Bakery anchors the town’s vibrant food scene. (Credit: Getty/ FiledIMAGE)

While undeniably easy on the eye, the town’s natural surrounds are more than just a pretty backdrop. Fertile soils produce locally grown fare in abundance, from organic wines and artisanal cheeses to its world-famous honey.

Don’t miss: A carb-loaded brunch at much-loved Beechworth Bakery – “One of the best bakeries in the country; you have to get the Ned Kelly Pie!" says panellist Rae Johnston.

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4. Mudgee, NSW

Overall rank: 46/100

Wiradjuri Country

Lowe Winery in Mudgee NSW
Lowe Winery is renowned for sustainable winemaking practices. (Credit: Destination NSW / James Horant)

While well-loved for its quality cool-climate wines, Mudgee in NSW’s Central West has far more to offer than its top drops. Yes, it’s home to more than 50 boutique cellar doors, breweries and distilleries, but linger a little longer and you’ll find flavour comes in many other forms.

A paddock-to-plate philosophy underpins the dining scene here, where local chefs champion seasonal produce sourced from neighbouring farms. Around a four-hour drive from the state’s capital, it makes for “the perfect mini-break weekend from Sydney," notes panellist Sally Cope – especially if great food and wine are high on your hit list.

Don’t miss: A table at Zin House to sample some of the region’s best. The nose-to-tail restaurant is run by the Lowe family, who also operate an organic winery on the same sprawling property.

5. Bright, Vic

Overall rank: 52/100

Dhudhuroa, Taungurung, Waywurru, Gunaikurnai & Jaithmathang Country

Bright streetscape in autumn
The town’s streetscapes are dominated by fiery reds, oranges and yellows. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Some places are exactly what they say on the tin, and that sure is the case for Bright. Set amid Victoria’s High Country, the town shines year-round – but come the cooler months, it dials up the charm tenfold. As autumn arrives, hundreds of deciduous trees shed their leafy layers, but not before setting the streets ablaze in a glory of reds, oranges and yellows.

the Sixpence Coffee in Bright
Pick up a sweet treat at Sixpence Coffee. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Each year, the town celebrates this vibrant phenomenon with the Bright Autumn Festival, a 10-day homage to the autumnal tones of its foliage – as well as the region’s friendly community, local retailers and seasonal produce.

Don’t miss: The region’s under-the-radar ski slopes come winter. “Part of the Victorian ski fields, it is underrated and less commercial than some of the other ski locations," says panellist Paul Hamra.

6. Castlemaine, Vic

Overall rank: 60/100

Dja Dja Wurrung Country

Inside The Mill Das Kaffeehaus Castlemaine
Order authentic Viennese roast coffee at The Mill. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

It won’t take you long to tune into the pulse of this former gold-mining community with a big personality in central-west Victoria. Art aficionados and culture vultures alike will have a field day in Castlemaine, with almost every turn revealing a studio gallery, live music gig or artisan market.

For the indecisive traveller, panellist Catriona Rowntree has the perfect pick. “Try to plan your stay for the Shades of Gray exhibition; we go every year and have our creative cups filled." The annual event, held from 31 October to 8 November this year, sees locals Chelly and Peter Gray open their art-filled property to the public.

Don’t miss: A slow morning at The Mill, an arts precinct platforming local makers. Browse vintage fashion and antiques before joining a ceramics workshop or simply watching artists in residence as they work.

7. Evandale, Tas

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Overall rank: 53/100

Palawa/Tasmanian Aboriginal Country

The Clarendon Arms in Evandale, Tasmania
Settle in at The Clarendon Arms for a hearty pub meal. (Credit: Alastair Bett)

Venture just outside Launceston’s city limits and you’ll stumble upon one of the quirkiest corners of the country. Evandale may seem quiet at first, however the close-knit community of this quaint little town is anything but, always warmly welcoming visitors with cheery smiles and friendly chatter. Locals of this Georgian village, classified by the National Trust for its remarkably preserved 19th-century streetscapes, honour its heritage through the upkeep of Evandale’s classic pubs, antique stores, manicured gardens and renowned Clarendon Estate. That same spirit comes to life each year for the National Penny Farthing Championship, where participants race atop teetering 1870s-style bicycles.

Don’t miss: “The Evandale Sunday markets, with its fresh local produce and homemade sweets, crafts and vintage finds, too. I visited on a rainy Sunday morning and it’s still one of the best memories I have from a week-long road trip around Tassie," says Katie Carlin.

8. Armidale, NSW

Overall rank: 89/100

Gumbaynggirr & Anaiwan Country

The Imperial Hotel in Armidale, NSW
The Imperial Hotel is a long-standing, historic pub in Armidale. (Credit: Destination NSW/Dallas Kilponen)

Roughly halfway between Sydney and Brisbane in the New England High Country, Armidale is a rural university town that keeps up with the times. Its foundational fabric is tightly woven with a storied history, enriched over time by threads of culture, community and creativity. This patchwork of past and present unfolds across the local scene, seen in everything from classic country pubs such as the Tattersalls Hotel to venerable institutions like the New England Regional Art Museum. Home to the second largest and most valuable regional public collection in NSW, the gallery is a must for creatives of all kinds.

Don’t miss: Nearby Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. “Armidale is surrounded by incredible gorges and waterfalls that are stunning on foot," says panellist Rae Johnston.

9. Atherton, Qld

Overall rank: 92/100

Tableland Yidinji, Ngadjon-ji & Bar-Barrum Country

Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tableland
Davies Creek Falls offers panoramic views across the Atherton Tablelands. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland/Katie Purling)

At the centre of Tropical North Queensland’s food bowl, the town of Atherton thrives thanks to the fertile earth that surrounds it. The namesake of the Atherton Tablelands – a volcanic plateau rich in basaltic soil around 85 kilometres south-west of Cairns, it has been an agricultural hub for generations, yielding some of Australia’s finest produce. Today, this homegrown bounty can be seen (and savoured) via Atherton’s many self-guided food trails, which wind through highland farms and coffee plantations. Along the way, you’ll meet the local families keeping this place alive – and directly support them, too.

Don’t miss: A quiet morning floating above the Atherton Tablelands. For panellist Catriona Rowntree, it’s her “favourite hot air ballooning spot in Australia. An early morning in Atherton will take your breath away."

10. Broke, NSW

Overall rank: 93/100

Wonnarua Country

Charcuterie at Krinklewood Estate
Complement your wine with a charcuterie platter at Krinklewood Estate. (Credit: Nikki To)

Framed by the wineries and restaurants that call it home, Broke is best summed up by panellist Irene Jones as a “tiny wine-region stop that’s surprisingly peaceful". In the heart of the Hunter Valley, it’s only a two-hour drive from Sydney; although you wouldn’t guess it. Aside from a smattering of general stores and weatherboard churches, Broke is defined by its rolling farmland and old vines. Winemakers have harnessed this landscape and oenophiles have followed, happily hopping between more than 15 local cellar doors.

Don’t miss: Krinklewood Estate’s minimal intervention wines, all certified organic and biodynamic, and Med-inspired plates.

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.
Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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8 towns in Victoria’s Heartland that will delight your tastebuds

(Image: Visit Victoria)

    Jade Raykovski Jade Raykovski
    Continue
    Get out of the city and close to nature in Victoria’s Heartland, one of Australia’s finest food-producing regions. 

    This fertile area is abundant in natural beauty, rich volcanic soils, mineral-rich waters, artisan producers and farm fresh produce. In towns spanning the Central Goldfields, Macedon Ranges and surrounds, just a short drive or easy train ride from Melbourne, you can taste a plethora of incredible food and world-class wine in these best of Victoria’s Heartland food regions. 

    1. Daylesford

    Lake House Restaurant, Daylesford
    Dine on the multi-course fare served at the elegant and light-filled Lake House Restaurant. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

    Warm and inviting, fans of Japanese cuisine should make a beeline for Kadota. Settle in for Japanese flavours, in cocktail glasses and on the plate, that have been carefully produced using seasonal local ingredients.

    For those who love a farm-to-table moment, Sault is the place to be. Fresh ingredients – directly from the restaurant’s kitchen gardens, or from regional organic farms and producers – are crafted into a delicious seasonal menu by Chef Hat-awarded Head Chef Jack Powlay.

    Boasting gorgeous water views from its location on the banks of Lake Daylesford, Boathouse Restaurant is perfect for an elevated dining experience.

    For a special treat, a visit to the two-chef-hatted restaurant at the Lake House is a must. Savour beautiful views and a seasonal menu championing small-scale local suppliers and their own farm just 10 minutes away. 

    2. Hepburn Springs

    If you're exploring Victoria food regions to visit, Surly Goat is one restaurant you won’t want to miss.
    Tuck into hearty, farm-fresh flavours. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Taking cues from its Swiss-Italian roots and the area’s produce, the picturesque Lavandula Farm houses a seasonal trattoria, rustic wine bar, and a new deli and larder inside the original Shepherd’s Flat Post Office. 

    For another dining destination immersed in the area’s history, visit The Hepburn Pavilion café at Hepburn Bathhouse. Brunch, lunch, scones and house-made cakes are served under the vaulted ceiling of this Edwardian heritage-listed building. 

    And while The Surly Goat may have a farm-like ring to it, it’s in fact a homely restaurant that takes seasonality seriously. Chef David Willcocks heads up an ever-changing set menu celebrating local and small-scale regenerative producers. 

    3. Trentham

    Add Sisko Chocolate to your list of Victoria food regions to visit for a sweet stop along the way.
    Satisfy your sweet cravings with handcrafted treats. (Image: Sisko Chocolate)

    No trip to an Aussie regional town is complete without a stop at the pub. Pig & Whistle Hotel sits surrounded by farmland. Soak it in from the locally beloved beer garden. Here, pub classics include a parmigiana with an Irish twist.  

    For a more refined experienced, dine at du Fermier, where chef and owner Annie Smithers crafts a weekly menu of French farmhouse-style dishes, often sourcing ingredients from her nearby farm in Lyonville. 

    And if you have a sweet tooth, don’t leave town without a cheeky stop at Sisko Chocolate Studio, where owner Christina Tantsis has built a chocolate-lovers wonderland inside a stunning architectural space. Her handcrafted creations use couverture from Valrhona, a certified B Corporation, and the hot chocolates are positively sinful. 

    4. Woodend

    Kuzu Izakaya in woodend, daylesford
    Taste incredible Japanese cuisine at Kuzu Izakaya.

    Taste local drops in town at the family-owned Woodend Cellar and Bar – complemented by tapas and artisan platters featuring sourdough from the local bakery – or at 600 Above, a wine bar with a sunny courtyard and cosy fireplace serving small and large plates.  

    Nearby, Kuzu Izakaya is the go-to place for Japanese dining. Chef Eriko Pannam has crafted a moreish menu of creative and traditional dishes; think miso cream scallops and everyone’s favourite, Japanese fried chicken. 

    Mount Macedon Winery is another must-visit for wine connoisseurs. Enjoy a glass and wood-fired pizza on the deck, or opt for fine dining at their Cellar Door Restaurant.

    5. Kyneton

    Piper Street in Kyneton is overflowing with top-notch eateries. Take Prato, specialising in traditional Greek dishes and pinsa (a lighter, crispier version of traditional pizza); or the upscale Midnight Starling, where chef Steve Rogers serves French classics inside a historic building with bluestone cellar. 

    A little further down, The Piper Street Wine Company is a European restaurant and wine bar inside a gorgeous heritage building. Their evolving menu highlights one European country or region at a time, so there’s always something new to discover. Further along, Fook Shing delivers a flavour-packed Southeast Asian menu using local and regional Victorian produce.

    6. Castlemaine

    Blue cheese from Long Paddock Cheese.
    Discover rich, creamy cheeses crafted by a certified cow’s milk artisan cheesemaker. (Image: Long Paddock Cheese)

    Cafes, bars and restaurants have taken up residence inside this former Gold Rush town’s historic buildings. At The Mill Castlemaine – an 1870s woollen mill turned creative hub – you’ll find Long Paddock Cheese, a small-scale artisan cheesemaker that uses certified-organic cow’s milk from a nearby family-owned farm; and Das Kaffeehaus, a Viennese cafe serving traditional Austrian food with coffee from their small batch roastery. 

    Meanwhile, inside the Midland Hotel you’ll find the chef-hatted Bar Midland, founded by locals Loudon Cooper and Alexander Marano. Their monthly set menu celebrates Victorian producers who focus on sustainable land management, and often utilises indigenous food, introduced wild animals and weeds.

    7. Lancefield & Romsey

    A flatlay of food from Lost Watering Hole.
    Savour beautifully plated dishes in a relaxed setting. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Art meets food and wine at Mount Monument, located just outside of Romsey. The beautiful vineyard is home to a sculpture park, cellar door and restaurant with a menu shaped by the Macedon Ranges’ rich seasonal produce.  

    In town, The 1860 Romsey has reimagined a 160-year-old hotel. Here, country pub charm meets modern bistro, with a menu that supports local at every opportunity (their Central Victorian Oakdale Black Angus steak is a winner).  

    A few minutes’ drive north, the Lost Watering Hole in Lancefield is a family-friendly brewery and restaurant crafting 100% naturally brewed beers. Their unusual names – No Dodo, Flightless, Big Roo – make sense once you learn Lancefield is the location of one of the richest deposits of megafauna fossils in Australia.

    8. Harcourt

    Lovely pastries from Hartcourt Produce & General Store.
    Treat yourself to buttery, house-made Danish pastries. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Harcourt is famous for its apple orchards and cider production, and there’s no better place to visit than The Little Red Apple. At this roadside store, you can stock up on fresh crisp apples, ciders, vinegars, juices, and other gourmet products. 

    To taste more local delights, pop into the Harcourt Produce & General Store, renowned for their house-made danishes, or stop at Sutton Grange Winery where winemaker Chris Smales crafts wines using their organically grown estate fruit. Open on Sundays, it’s an idyllic spot to slow down over wine, pizzas and share plates. 

    Start planning your next outdoor adventure at victoriasheartland.com.au.