You heard it here first – these under-the-radar towns are officially on the rise.

Not every great destination is a household name – yet. Across Australia, a new set of holiday hotspots is making waves, drawing travellers with their fresh energy, unique charm and evolving local scene. Voted by a panel of industry experts and well-travelled Aussies for Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns to visit list, these destinations are tipped as the next big thing.

1. Bicheno, Tas

Overall rank: 1/100

Palawa/Tasmanian Aboriginal Country

Anyone who has ever driven Tasmania’s east coast can attest to the magnetic pull of its natural beauty and relaxed seaside towns found en route. If you’ve stopped off in Bicheno in recent years, you’ll still find the little penguins on their nightly parade, the blowhole spouting, seafood served in abundance and prime whale-spotting – located as it is along the East Coast Whale Trail.

“A Tasmanian hidden gem, very much worth the drive from either Hobart or Launceston," says panellist Brett Godfrey of this old fishing port just north of the Freycinet Peninsula. But you’ll find it has a fresh buzz, too: making it worthy of its top spot on our list of 100 Best Aussie Towns to visit.

From Waubs Harbour Distillery crafting whisky out of an old oyster hatchery to new wine bar Le Gulch, set in an old fishing factory, a fresh batch of businesses is bottling its spirit. And Sea Stacks Bicheno is about to swing open its doors (with bookings due to open from June 2026), bringing design-forward accommodation to town.

Don’t miss: “I get hungry just thinking about this town," says panellist Catriona Rowntree. “Head to Lobster Shack Tasmania and thank me later!"

2. Kalbarri, WA

Overall rank: 19/100

Nanda Country

“Epic cliffs and stunning gorges," is how panellist Irene Jones describes the appeal of Kalbarri/Wurdimarlu. This Coral Coast town is on the map for its dramatic convergence of ocean and outback. New tourism infrastructure, including the spectacular Kalbarri Skywalk (completed 2020) suspended over the Murchison River Gorge and an ongoing Foreshore Revitalisation Project, which will include the restoration of Nanda cultural site Gidamarra Spring, is securing Kalbarri as one of Australia’s premier tourism towns.

Don’t miss: Wildflower season, from late winter through to spring.

3. New Norfolk, Tas

Overall rank: 36/100

Palawa/Tasmanian Aboriginal Country

Over the years, this historic riverside town in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley has reinvented itself through its food, drink and antiques scenes. Award-winning dining destination and cooking school The Agrarian Kitchen continues to push New Norfolk’s narrative from its home within the ever-evolving Willow Court precinct, a former asylum that connects past to present.

Don’t miss: Your chance for a spot of vintage shopping. If you love contributing to the circular economy, this is your kind of town, says Catriona Rowntree. “Just keep plenty of space in your luggage, and yes, they do ship!"

4. Katherine, NT

Overall rank: 37/100

Jawoyn, Dagoman & Wardaman Country

Known for its intersection of Aboriginal cultures and pastoral history, this Top End town delivers a double drawcard of muscle-soothing hot springs and the breathtaking Nitmiluk Gorge right on its doorstep, as highlighted by panellist Paul Ah Chee. But Katherine is also emerging as a hotspot for coffee snobs. A growing collection of cafes – such as Finch Cafe, Maidens Lane and The Black Russian Caravan Bar – is punching well above its weight in the flat white stakes.

Don’t miss: Many Aussies will drive hundreds of kilometres for a decent coffee, but the reason you’re really here is Nitmiluk Gorge. For this alone, panellist Adrian Williams rates Katherine 11/10.

5. Healesville, Vic

Overall rank: 57/100

Wurundjeri Country

“Once famous for its wildlife sanctuary, the ripple effect now offers brilliant food and wine alongside a calmer pace of life," says panellist Catriona Rowntree of this charming Yarra Valley town that has all the ingredients for the perfect weekend getaway. Dine in a converted cabinet makers factory at No.7 Healesville and stop in for a limoncello spritz at recently opened Zoncello Yarra Valley. Check into Kangaroo Ridge Retreat, where each mudbrick cabin features its own all-local wine bar and larder.

Don’t miss: Panellist Adrian Williams recommends checking out the platypus at Healesville Sanctuary, which he describes as one of Australia’s great zoos. While for panellist Paul Hamra, the Four Pillars Gin distillery is a standout experience.

6. Terrigal, NSW

Overall rank: 73/100

Darkinjung Country

The Central Coast’s glow-up is continuing apace and nowhere is it more evident than in Terrigal: a sea-changer’s dream of golden sands paired with an increasingly buzzy social scene centred on its Norfolk pine-lined esplanade. “It’s the perfect mix of beach, cafes, boutique shops, wine bars and restaurants," says panellist Katie Carlin. Opened late last year, the Terrigal Pavilion (known as the Pav) is a multi-level dining destination right on the beachfront that cements its status as a place on the ascendant.

Don’t miss: Golden hour at The Tropic – the Pav’s must-try Mediterranean-influenced restaurant.

7. Stanthorpe, Qld

Overall rank: 78/100

Kambuwal Country

When we think wine in Australia, we don’t often think Queensland. Stanthorpe lies at the heart of the Granite Belt, which – under three hours west of Brisbane – is not only the country’s highest wine region, atop the Great Dividing Range, but also among its most under-the-radar. This cool-climate enclave is winning accolades for its rare, alternative varietals. Add to that abundant fresh produce to enjoy at farm-to-table or pick-your-own experiences, plus eclectic accommodations, and it makes for one of Australia’s most unique country getaways.

Don’t miss: The chance to stay in Australia’s first luxury wine barrel accommodation – Barrel View Luxury Cabins – in nearby Ballandean.

8. Woolgoolga, NSW

Overall rank: 88/100

Gumbaynggirr Country

This Coffs Coast gem offers everything you could want from a beachy getaway: unspoilt sands framed by a dramatic headland, and activities – from swimming, surfing, fishing and snorkelling to walking, cycling and whale-watching – in and out of the water. Plus a village of cafes, bakeries and even a distillery. Panellist Brad Farmer let the cat out of the bag when he crowned Woolgoolga the best mainland beach in the official list of Best Australian Beaches for 2025.

Don’t miss: Underpinning life in Woopi, as it’s known locally, is its multicultural community – the town is home to Australia’s largest regional Sikh/Punjabi population. Visit the Sikh Heritage Museum of Australia or time your visit for the annual Curryfest in September.

9. Goulburn, NSW

Overall rank: 99/100

Gundungurra & Ngunnawal Country

While history is built into the foundations of Goulburn, Australia’s first inland city is evolving. Two hours from Sydney and an hour from Canberra, it has long been known as a stopover, with the landmark Big Merino symbolising its status as a major wool centre. But planned CBD upgrades and renewed heritage buildings – including the Goulburn Brewery, one of the mainland’s oldest, which reopened in 2025 after a two-year restoration – are giving visitors more reason to make it their destination.

Don’t miss: Goulburn is an essential pit stop on any NSW road trip, says panellist Rae Johnston. She recommends hitting up The Big Merino for wool supplies and Trappers Bakery for the veggie pie.

10. Ballina, NSW

Overall rank: 100/100

Bundjalung Country

Long considered the gateway town to its famous neighbour, Ballina has always had the beaches to rival Byron Bay. And now it’s got some of the coastal-cool lifestyle to match with businesses serving fresh energy – see the newly renovated Shaws Bay Hotel and oceanside Italian diner Capiche. “Underrated, as it is often thought of as the transit centre for the Northern Rivers region," panellist Paul Hamra says of Ballina. “A quieter version of Byron Bay with a beautiful coast and vibrant, artistic community."

Don’t miss: Getting out on the water with Out of the Blue Adventures for whale-watching and dolphin-spotting.

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.