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Australia’s top 10 historic towns worth exploring now 

Credit: Alastair Bett

Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
These heritage towns seamlessly blend Australia’s past and present. 

To visit these towns is to step into another time. Shaped by their histories and carefully preserved over generations, they offer insight into Australia’s past in a way few places can. Recognised among Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns to visit, they offer a deeper understanding of our country’s past while remaining vibrant places to visit today. 

1. Stanley, Tas 

Overall rank: 17/100 

Palawa/Tasmanian Aboriginal Country 

Stanley
Discovering the rugged coastlines and rich maritime history of Stanley. (Credit: Jess Bonde)

Once a base for the Van Diemen’s Land Company, the quaint fishing town of Stanley on Tasmania’s rugged north-west coast is steeped in maritime and sometimes sobering colonial history. Nowadays, visitors come to trawl its antique stores, tea houses and galleries. Well-preserved 19th-century cottages cluster around the base of The Nut – a flat-topped, ancient volcanic plug stretching 143 metres over the town – where sea air carries equal parts salt and story. “It’s well worth the detour to this corner of Tassie," says panellist Imogen Eveson.  

Don’t miss: Some of Australia’s freshest ocean fare can be found at family-run Hursey Seafoods Restaurant.   

2. Richmond, Tas 

Overall rank: 18/100 

Palawa/Tasmanian Aboriginal Country 

Richmond Bridge
Richmond Bridge is Australia’s oldest stone bridge, built by convicts in 1825. (Credit: Alastair Bett)

Just 25 minutes north-east of Hobart, Richmond is famed for its honeyed Georgian facades, many now repurposed into cafes and hotels. The picturesque town served as a police district between Port Arthur and Hobart during the early days of settlement; visit the Richmond Gaol for a goosebump-inducing glimpse into its complicated past, then soften the mood by exploring the town’s vibrant cellar doors and eccentric museums (yes, there’s even one for animal droppings). It’s panellist Katie Carlin’s top pick; from its quaint shopfronts to a pie shop to die for, “I just love everything about it," she says. “It’s like a storybook town." 

Don’t miss: Have a picnic by Richmond Bridge (1825), Australia’s oldest stone bridge, where you’ll find resident ducks and ducklings. Then enjoy a luxe country stay at Aquilo Eco Retreat. 

3. Fremantle, WA 

Overall rank: 24/100 

Whadjuk Noongar Country 

Bathers Beach
Soaking up the sun at Bathers Beach. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia/@ospreycreative)

A short spin from Perth, this salt-licked, charmingly offbeat port hub whirs with lively art and musical festivals basically year-round. Its hundred-year-old markets are worth a visit, as is its spatter of craft breweries, independent boutiques and maritime heritage sites such as the WA Shipwrecks Museum. “It’s a historic location with a great emerging bohemian vibe," says panellist Paul Hamra. 

Don’t miss: New stays such as Owston Hotel and The Garde (located in the former police headquarters), which are reinventing the town’s past with local-infused creativity. 

4. Hahndorf, SA 

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Overall rank: 32/100 

Kaurna Country 

Hanhdorf
A little slice of Germany in the Adelaide Hills. (Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

Whoever said you can’t find a true taste of Germany in Australia has clearly never set foot in Hahndorf, a welcoming, Lutheran-settled artisan village perched in the Adelaide Hills. The township is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement and is dotted with homey bakeries, pubs and craft stores along High Street, as well as a collection of excellent wineries. “Sure it’s the ‘bum-burner’ salamis that may lure us here, but it’s the living history that is the glue to keep us there," adds panellist Catriona Rowntree. 

Don’t miss: Picking your own strawberries at Beerenberg Farm from November through April.   

5. Robe, SA 

Overall rank: 40/100 

Boandik Country  

Robe
Coastal charm meets storied history on the streets of Robe. (Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission)

“Robe has a lot to offer: coastal living, fabulous food and history," says panellist Paul Hamra. It’s a sentiment that quickly proves itself. Once one of South Australia’s busiest international ports, Robe wears its storied past gracefully, with well-preserved historic buildings meeting the rugged beauty of the Limestone Coast. In the summertime, sun-seeking holidaymakers gravitate here to enjoy sprawling beaches, sand dunes and cutesy cafes. And, of course, Robe’s crayfish – which have earnt a reputation in their own right. 

Don’t miss: The Obelisk at Cape Dombey, a 12-metre, red-and-white sentinel that once guided ships into Guichen Bay. Looming over the point and visible from 16 kilometres out at sea, it’s an unmistakable town icon. 

6. Cooktown, Qld 

Overall rank: 43/100 

Guugu Yimithirr Country 

Cooktown coastline
Postcard-worthy views along the Cooktown coast. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland/Darren Jew)

A colonial history has long shaped this remote northern town in Tropical North Queensland, where Captain Cook’s Endeavour ship ran ashore in 1770. But its stories trace back far longer. The town’s traditional name, Gungardie, means ‘place of the rock crystals’ due to its abundance of quartz, which is an important aspect of ceremonies for Traditional Owners, the Guugu Yimithirr people. The town today is a vibrant blend of nature and community, from postcard-worthy Finch Bay to quintessential Aussie pubs. Panellist Sally Cope recommends 4WDing through the stunning surrounding rainforest and stopping in for lunch at the Lion’s Den Hotel. 

Don’t miss: Walk or drive up to Grassy Hill lookout at sunset for stunning views over the tidal waters and distant ranges. Or listen to the region’s stories – from cyclones to the days of pearling luggers – on a sunset cruise along the Endeavour River with Riverbend Tours. 

7. Hermannsburg, NT 

Overall rank: 54/100 

Western Arrarnta Country 

Hermannsburg Historic Precinct
The Hermannsburg Historic Precinct carries a deep history. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/Hermannsburg Historic Precinct)

Lying in the remote, red-dirt folds of the outback west of Alice Springs/Mparntwe, Hermannsburg is a tiny but vibrant settlement whose artistic legacy has long helped put it on the map. Established as a Lutheran mission in the 1880s, the town carries a layered history of hardship and resilience, and is famously the birthplace of iconic Arrernte painter Albert Namatjira, whose luminous landscapes reshaped how Australia saw its interior. Panellist Paul Ah Chee describes it as “a wonderful precinct where the heritage of the Lutheran theology and the Arrernte culture are reflected in the township."  

Don’t miss: A visit to (or tour of) the Hermannsburg Potters art centre, where Western Arrarnta artists shape ceramics that speak to stories of Country, cultural values and lived histories. 

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8. Rutherglen, Vic 

Overall rank: 64/100 

Yorta Yorta Country 

Campbells Wines
A treasure trove for wine lovers. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Founded in the gold-rush era but best recognised as one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, Rutherglen is a treasure trove for vino lovers and history hunters alike. The region abounds in kitchens turning local produce into top-notch tucker, along with family wineries (such as Campbells Wines) that have been pouring fortified drops and robust reds for generations. Meanwhile, the Murray River and leafy surrounds invite outdoor exploration – from cycling, kayaking and birdwatching to ambling past rolling vineyards. 

Don’t miss: The Rutherglen leg of Victoria’s Pedal to Produce Cycle Trail for a gourmet journey sampling wine, fruit and produce at picture-perfect orchards and cellar doors. 

9. Echuca Moama, Vic & NSW 

Overall rank: 65/100 

Yorta Yorta Country 

historic wharf precinct at the Port of Echuca
Strolling the historic wharf precinct at the Port of Echuca. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Straddling Victoria and NSW on the Murray River, this sleepy twin-town destination packs a punch for foodie travellers lured by quality produce. Once a key trade route and bustling paddlesteamer hub, it now delights with local eateries, boutique shops, farmers’ markets and river experiences that panellist Irene Jones sums up as “paddlesteamer nostalgia done right." It will soon be home to Australia’s first five-star overnight paddlesteamer, PS Australian Star, set to add a splash of luxury to this family-friendly hideaway.  

Don’t miss: Strolling the historic wharf precinct and taking to the water – kayak, waterski, board an authentic heritage paddlesteamer or extend the magic with a Murray River houseboat holiday. 

10. York, WA 

Overall rank: 97/100 

Ballardong Noongar Country 

York
From historic streetscapes to 360-degree views from Mount Brown Lookout. (Credit: York Visitor Centre)

Sitting pretty on the Avon River, York is a tried-and-trusted country escape for Perth weekenders thanks to its bucolic pastoral scenes and low-key energy. The town itself, WA’s first European inland settlement, is a flâneur’s dream with its Victorian and Federation-era architecture, while the surrounding countryside lends itself effortlessly to outdoor adventures – from horseback riding to skydiving. 

Don’t miss: A barbecue while taking in 360-degree views over York and rolling countryside from Mount Brown Lookout, a 342-metre-high viewpoint accessible by foot or car. 

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.

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Eleanor Edström
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
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Taking the route less travelled along the Great Ocean Road

    Megan Arkinstall Megan Arkinstall
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    The Great Ocean Road has captured the hearts of Australians with its astounding scenery since 1932, but going off-course can enrich your experience with untouched nature, foodie delights and charming towns. 

    It’s a chilly 16 degrees. My husband pulls on a steamer and jogs – as all seasoned surfers do – into the water. We’re at Bells Beach, the legendary break on Victoria’s Surf Coast that’s home to the Rip Curl Pro, the world’s longest-running event in competitive surfing. Each year, over the Easter long weekend, up to 40,000 people descend on the region for the event. Today, though, we have the beach almost to ourselves, and the less-than-favourable temperature doesn’t deter my husband from surfing this famous break.  

    Bells Beach
    Bells Beach is known for its epic surf break and is at the start of the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Torquay to Anglesea and Aireys Inlet 

    Split Point Lighthouse
    The red dome of Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    The nearby surf town of Torquay marks the starting point for the Great Ocean Road. Unfolding our map, which we have marked out with a highlighted route for our children to follow, we set off for lesser-known Anglesea, a chilled-out town 20 minutes south of here. Its wide, sandy beach is a gentler swimming option for our young family. Groms can learn to surf here with Go Ride a Wave, which also runs stand-up paddle boarding on the Anglesea River.  

    Split point lookout
    The lighthouse overlooks the Shipwreck Coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    After a couple of nights in Anglesea, we hit the road again, first stopping at Aireys Inlet. Here we stretch our legs at Split Point Lighthouse, which was made famous by the 1990s television series Round the Twist, before driving under the Memorial Arch that welcomes us, officially, to the Great Ocean Road.  

    This 243-kilometre coastal road was built by returned First World War servicemen and serves as a permanent memorial to those who fought and died during the war. Carved into rock using hand tools and horse-drawn carts, it was a huge engineering feat and provided much-needed access to isolated coastal communities. 

    Lorne to Birregurra 

    Lorne is a delightful beachside stop for lunch and browsing boutique stores. It’s also the gateway to Great Otway National Park, which comprises a varied landscape of old-growth forests, cool-temperate rainforests, heathy woodlands and rugged coast. With the highest rainfall in Victoria, the region is home to many waterfalls – 10 of which are within 10 kilometres of Lorne.  

    Turning slightly off the main drag, we wind along a gum-shaded road to Erskine Falls. Here, our son leads the way through the hyper-green rainforest and down 200-plus stairs to the cascade that drops 30 metres into a lush fern gully. We hop over large boulders to get closer to the falls, enjoying the entire place to ourselves; it’s worth the return climb.  

    From Sheoak Falls Picnic Area, there are walking trails to Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, Won Wondah Falls and Kalimna Falls, some of which follow an old timber tramway from forest-logging days, which only came to an end in 2008.  

    Erskine Falls
    Erskine Falls is one of many falls within a day trip of Lorne. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    You can follow your appetite north to the town of Birregurra, which is part of the Otway Harvest Trail that connects farm gates, markets, wineries, breweries and distilleries. It’s home to three-hatted modern Australian restaurant Brae, helmed by celebrated chef Dan Hunter, set among native gardens and an organic farm, and Otways Distillery, which produces small-batch spirits using local produce and botanicals.  

    Brae restaurant
    Brae is a three-hatted restaurant in Birregurra. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Apollo Bay to The Otways 

    Back on track, the cliff-hugging stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay is breathtaking. At Teddys Lookout, we overlook the winding road ahead and St George River spilling into the ocean. We spend languid days in Apollo Bay, a buzzy seaside town that boasts a three-kilometre-long, crescent-shaped beach with a backdrop of rolling green hills. One evening, as the sun sets, we take the steep 10-minute walk to Marriners Lookout, which affords panoramic views of the ocean, hinterland and town.  

    A 15-minute drive along the road, Maits Rest is a lush rainforest gully that has been protected since the early 20th century. Wandering along the 800-metre boardwalk, we inspect the delicate moss-covered forest floor and the gnarled roots of 300-year-old myrtle beech trees, then crane our necks to see their canopies, some 50 metres above us. It’s therapy in nature.  

    Cape Otway to the Twelve Apostles 

    Twelve Apostles
    One of the famous Twelve Apostles, limestone sea stacks that rise from the Southern Ocean. (Image: Ben Savage)

    The southernmost tip of Cape Otway is a delightful detour, home to the 1848-built Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. We climb the narrow winding staircase to the gallery deck, explore the keepers’ quarters and telegraph station, and enjoy a coffee and some ‘famous’ scones at the charming onsite cafe.    

    It’s a pinch-me moment to finally see the Twelve Apostles in person. This unmistakable cluster of limestone stacks rising abruptly from the sea were never 12, however. When coined this in the 1890s as a marketing ploy, there were only nine; today, only seven remain after two collapsed in 2005 and 2009. We admire these Aussie icons from the viewing platform, in awe of Mother Nature’s ever-evolving artwork.  

    The Grotto
    The Grotto is another natural attraction within Port Campbell National Park. (Image: Carmen Zammit)

    Edging the wild Southern Ocean, this part of the coast – dubbed Shipwreck Coast – is made up of many sea-carved natural wonders including London Bridge, The Grotto and Gibson Steps. After exploring the lookout trails of Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool – its English name taken from the site of the 1878 shipwreck – we nestle into the sandy beach encircled by towering sandstone cliffs, as our children splash about on the water’s edge, and soak it all in.  

    Port Campbell to Timboon 

    Timboon Fine Ice Cream
    Timboon Fine Ice Cream is part of a regional foodie trail. (Image: C McConville)

    Just north of Port Campbell National Park, the region of Timboon is part of the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail, filled with purveyors of delicious foodstuffs such as Timboon Fine Ice Cream, Timboon Railway Shed Distillery and Apostle Whey Cheese. As an antidote to the indulgence, the 20-kilometre Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng Trail is a self-guided ride or walk between Port Campbell and Timboon through tall forests, over historic bridges and past sparkling lakes and farmland with grazing cattle.  

    Warrnambool to Port Fairy 

    Warrnambool building
    A 19th-century building in Warrnambool. (Image: Peter Foster)

    In Warrnambool, a town rich in maritime history, we take the four-kilometre Thunder Point Walk that traces the coast. The kids squeal when an echidna shuffles out from beneath the wooden boardwalk, and we stop to admire a seal lazing on a rock at the port.  

    Further along, the streets of quaint fishing village Port Fairy are lined with 19th-century cottages, old stone churches and Norfolk pines. Follow the historic walking trail to see some of the 60-plus National Trust buildings. Port Fairy is also home to Port Fairy Folk Festival (6-9 March), one of the country’s longest-running music and cultural festivals. You could time your road trip with the event for a fittingly celebratory end to any journey.  

    The Great Ocean Road can easily be done in three days, but we’ve spent a week on the road. The highlighted line on our now creased and well-worn map doesn’t follow the famous route precisely. It has sprouted branches in many directions, leading us to untouched rainforest and charming rural towns filled with culinary delights, and where we experienced some of our most memorable moments on the Great Ocean Road.    

    A traveller’s checklist 

    Staying there

    Oak & Anchor
    The Oak & Anchor in Port Fairy.

    The Monty is a highly anticipated, newly refurbished motel with a chic Palm Springs-inspired aesthetic set across the road from the Anglesea River. Basalt Winery in Port Fairy grows cool-climate wines such as pinot noir and Riesling in rich volcanic soil. Stay among the vines in its tiny home, complete with a kitchen, lounge area and outdoor firepit. 

    The Oak & Anchor Hotel has been a Port Fairy institution since 1857. Cosy up by the bar in winter or bask in the sunshine of the Lawn Bar in summer. The rooms are beautifully boutique with considered details, such as luxe baths for sinking into post-road trip. 

    Eating there

    The Coast in Anglesea is a modern Australian restaurant focused on local ingredients. Grand Pacific Hotel has been a local landmark in Lorne since 1879 and recently underwent a restoration. It serves a mix of traditional pub and Italian fare alongside ocean views.  

    Graze is a cosy 40-seat dining room in Apollo Bay with a modern Australian menu complemented by regional wines. Apollo Bay Distillery offers tasting flights, a gin blending masterclass and serves woodfired pizzas.