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This coastal town just beat Byron Bay as Australia’s favourite

Taylah Darnell Taylah Darnell
The votes are in –there’s a new favourite town on top.

For Australian Traveller’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, we asked you to vote for your Aussie favourites, from the country’s top road trip to our most-loved wine region. But one of the most contested categories? The best town in Australia. And this year, an exciting newcomer has stolen hearts nationwide, beating another oft-lauded coastal town for the title.

Australia’s best town is…

Noosa, Queensland
Noosa is officially the best town to visit in Australia, as voted by you. (Image: David Wilcock)

Aussies, you’ve made your choice loud and clear. Leaving perennial favourites like Byron Bay and Margaret River in its wake, the sun-soaked haven of Noosa has officially taken the crown for best town in Australia this year – and it’s not hard to see why. Situated on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, around a two-hour drive from Brisbane, Noosa has it all.

Keen for a seaside summer escape? Its golden stretch of coastline boasts some of the best beaches in the world. After something slower? Noosa’s hinterland offers lush forests, wild swimming holes and cosy off-grid stays for lazy, unhurried days. Whatever part you choose to explore, you’ll find endless ways to relax, reset and recharge.

Your guide to the best of Noosa

Noosa, Queensland
The Sunshine Coast gem is a haven for holidaymakers. (Image: Jesse Lindemann)

Whether you’re a long-time fan or its new title has finally convinced you to go, there’s no denying Noosa deserves a spot on your holiday list. The coastal town is practically brimming with things to see and do, but if you’re limited on time, there are a few experiences you won’t want to miss. Lucky for you, we’ve got the itinerary sorted.

Start with a trip to the Noosa Everglades, about 30 minutes north of town. Alongside the USA’s Florida Everglades, it’s one of just two everglade systems in the world and among the oldest waterways on the planet. It also spans two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, the Noosa and Great Sandy.

Canoeing through the Noosa Everglades in Queensland
Join a canoe tour to see the Noosa Everglades up close. (Image: Tourism Australia)

A tour with Everglades Eco Safaris will take you deep into the heart of this natural wonder, where expert guides navigate the waterways and share fascinating insights into the flora and fauna that call it home.

Guests can choose between a tranquil river cruise and an immersive canoe adventure, both running for 4.5 hours. There are plenty of other outdoor nature experiences on offer, too – think whale-watching, hiking, surf lessons and even skydiving.

Noosaville Brewery in Noosa, Queensland
The coastal town is dotted with local breweries serving craft beer. (Image: Tourism Noosa/Amy Higg Photo)

Rather just sit back and relax? Noosa’s got you covered. Home to dreamy day spas designed to soothe even the most stressed-out souls, relaxation here is a non-negotiable. With the knots in your back a distant memory, you’re free to wander local markets touting handmade wares, dine at restaurants heroing fresh seafood and sip your way through Noosa’s hitlist of breweries and distilleries.

Seahaven Noosa in Noosa, Queensland
Soak up the sunshine during a stay at Seahaven Noosa.

You’ll find a range of accommodation options, too. Noosa welcomes everyone – families with little ones, couples on honeymoon and travellers going solo are all catered to.

If you’re travelling on a budget, book into one of Noosa’s comfy caravan parks. Nestled among the paperbarks, Habitat Noosa is a great option, offering both camping and glamping sites. Got holiday cash to splash? Seahaven Noosa is among the town’s hottest stays with its spacious suites, beachfront pool and proximity to Hastings Street.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

The runners-up for Australia’s best town

Noosa, Queensland
Noosa beat towns like Byron Bay, Mudgee and Margaret River. (Image: Tourism Australia)

While Noosa took out the top spot in 2025, it faced some fierce competition along the way. Consistent favourite, Byron Bay missed out on the top spot but still made it into the list as a runner-up, as well as claiming the title of best wellness destination in Australia.

Other contenders included Port Douglas in Queensland and WA’s Margaret River. Mudgee in NSW was also close behind, instead taking out best country escape thanks to its world-class wineries, destination diners and charming regional stays.

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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 check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
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8 unexpected experiences to have during a weekend in Moreton Bay

Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay

    Rachel Lay Rachel Lay
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    Halfway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, the coastline is hiding a holiday gem. Meet Moreton Bay: a region brimming with unexpected experiences. 

    Weekends are a finite resource. Each year, we must decide how to extract the most value from just 52 of them – and Moreton Bay may just be the perfect way to do it. 

    But don’t be fooled by the region’s easy accessibility. It’s somehow remained an unspoken secret among locals and travellers alike. 

    It has the fresh seafood and the island-dotted bay, but did you know about the wizarding store, the disco royalty, or the vintage train-carriage-stay tucked into a national park? 

    The best part? You can explore them all without touching your annual leave balance. 

    1. Oyster Shed at Sandstone Point 

    Oyster Shed at Sandstone Point 
    Be sure to stop for oysters. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)

    You could make the argument that the Oyster Shed at Sandstone Point is reason enough to spend a weekend in Moreton Bay. 

    What was once a humble, wooden oyster farming shack in the 1900s is now a seaside paradise: day beds bathed in Queensland sunshine, a jetty that pierces the sea, and a seafood menu based on their exclusive fishing partner’s daily catches. 

    Your first stop in Moreton Bay must be to try the area’s beloved Moreton Bay Bugs. Here, they’re served fresh in the sea breeze. Order the Crustacean Plate that’s prepared fresh each day. Or, try their signature baked fish tacos. 

    2. Ocean View Estates 

    Ocean View Estates 
    Stop in for wine and grazing plates. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)

    Tucked away in the hills of Moreton Bay, you’ll find Ocean View Estates, poured across 100 acres of sloping vineyards. Arrive via winding or scenic mountain roads. 

    Join the Wine & Dine in the Vines experience to be greeted with a glass of wine upon arrival before taking the time to stroll (wine in hand) through the grapevines. Spot the adorable herd of Highland cows before joining a behind-the-scenes tour of the vineyard’s operations. Sip wine straight from the vat before starting your four-course, wine-paired degustation. 

    If you can’t bear to leave, spend the night in one of the property’s quaint wine-themed cottages. 

    3. Green Thumb Farm

    green thumb farm moreton bay
    Learn about (and taste) sustainable food growing practices at Green Thumb.

    Green Thumb Farm calls Samford Valley home. This not-for-profit, educational community farm’s goal is to share sustainable food growing practices with the community. 

    Each Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday morning, you can follow the ‘farm walk’ signs through the property on a self-guided walk to witness how growing food with regenerative farming principles can support pollinators and soil to help create a more resilient food cycle. 

    To sample the produce, stop by on a Saturday morning to explore the spray-free fruit and vegetable markets. 

    4. Redcliffe KiteFest

    Redcliffe annual KiteFest
    Watch the sky change colours during KiteFest.

    Plan your visit to Moreton Bay for the weekend of the 19th and 20th of September this year and you’ll be greeted with an explosion of colour, creativity and family fun. Why? Because the Redcliffe annual KiteFest is back in town. 

    Browse the local food trucks as giant kites soar overhead, fly your own kite, let the kids try their hand at kite making with a series of workshops, and so much more. 

    For a colourful, family-friendly weekend close to Brisbane, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something better in your calendar. 

    5. Mt Nebo Railway Carriage and Chalet

    Mt Nebo Railway Carriage and Chalet
    Stay in one of the region’s most unique accommodations. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)

    Under the shaded canopy of the Boombana section of D’Aguilar National Park, you’ll find a lovingly restored 1920s Queensland Rail carriage and chalet. 

    The rail carriage comes complete with Wi-Fi, a smart TV, and even a barbecue. Take your morning coffee in the buffet car’s booth seating while you browse the record selection from the train’s original luggage racks. 

    Here, among six acres of picturesque mountain rainforest, you’ll find quaint gardens, tranquil views and close access to walking trails. 

    6. Hip Hops Brewers

    Hip Hop Brewers
    Try tasty craft beer flavours at Hip Hop Brewers.

    Brendale’s Hip Hops Brewers has one of the region’s most exciting craft beer offerings. Their local taproom is home to 21 different, meticulously crafted beer offerings and their mammoth selection of local wines and spirits. Hip Hops Brewers works in collaboration with local artisans and charities to deliver on their offering of drinks and events.  

    Spend an afternoon working your way through the selection at their ridiculously welcoming taproom and brewery. 

    7. The Store of Requirement

    The Store of Requirement
    Step inside for a touch of magic. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)

    For Harry Potter fans, The Store of Requirement is a compulsory visit. Much like the story’s Room of Requirement, the shop exists to provide whatever it is you need at the moment. Yes, that does include their own butterscotch brew. You’ll find wands, Hogwarts uniforms, and all the ingredients you’ll need for potions class. 

    You’ll even find the powder blue car Ron and Harry crash-landed at Hogwarts parked right out front. 

    8. Bee Gees Way

    bee gees way mural
    Find the groove on Bee Gees Way. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)

    Did you know that the Bee Gees brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice grew up in Moreton Bay? The disco supergroup called Redcliffe’s shores home before settling in at the top of the charts with hits like ‘Stayin’ Alive’. 

    Now, the spirit of disco is absolutely alive in Redcliffe thanks to Bee Gees Way. 

    The 70-metre outdoor museum pays homage to the band and was developed in collaboration with the band’s Barry Gibb. The experience is completely free and meanders along the Redcliffe foreshore. Walk down memory lane with photos, album covers, personal stories from the band, and exclusive interviews with Barry all about Moreton Bay. 

    Once the sun has set, catch the free light show set to the band’s greatest hits. 

    Trade the everyday for Moreton Bay, plan your weekend getaway now at visitmoretonbay.com.au. 

    This coastal town just beat Byron Bay as Australia's favourite - Australian Traveller