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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.

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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.

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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Tropical islands, good food & world-class shows: Your eventful guide to a holiday in Townsville

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
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    Townsville is buzzing as the events capital of North Queensland, with a host of festivals, international sporting and arts events on offer.

    Perched between the Coral Sea, the towering pink monolith of Castle Hill, and fringed by ancient rainforest ranges, Townsville North Queensland is a genuine tropical playground.

    Here, find postcard-worthy landscapes all the way from nearby Magnetic Island to inland swimming holes and waterfalls – all dotted with an array of endemic wildlife. Get the heart racing with adrenaline water sports. Soak in a world-class arts scene. And take advantage of a culinary offering that punches well above its weight.

    And, then there’s the fact that Townsville has fast become the destination to an outstanding line-up of events – from live music to top-level sporting contests.

    Whether you have a weekend or weeks, there’s plenty here to fill your tropical getaway.

    Day 1: An eventful day

    Morning

    The Strand in townsville
    Explore The Strand.

    Daily flights offer easy connectivity from all capital cities to Townsville Airport, and within 10 minutes’ drive, you’re in the city centre. Start your stay by recharging with breakfast or coffee at the city’s newest spot, Botaniq Cafe, on the ground floor of the award-winning Bridgewater restaurant on the banks of Ross Creek.

    Start exploring on a breezy walk along the 2.5-kilometre foreshore of The Strand. Here, a waterfront path stretches all the way to the headland of Jezzine Barracks parklands. Admire more than 35 sculptures and artworks, as well as stunning views from the top of the park. Further along, Queens Gardens, established in 1870, offers a cool retreat and is Townsville’s oldest botanic garden.

    Stroll Gregory Street, off The Strand, for boutiques, homeware stores, cafes and restaurants, or follow a self-guided street art walking trail through the city centre, stopping to admire colourful works by big-name artists including Queenslander Fintan Magee.

    Afternoon

    concert in front of castle hill townsville events
    Time your trip for one of many Townsville events.

    For a casual lunch, stop in at Balabite for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired street food. Build your own pita with a choice of fillings, before enjoying a relaxing afternoon in preparation for one of Townsville’s big events.

    Whether it’s a concert from a big-name international band – think Foo Fighters or Guns ‘n’ Roses – or a night cheering on the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup, there’s plenty to entertain you.

    Time your visit for events like the Townsville Folk Festival (June 12-14), Supercars Townsville 500 (July 10-12), Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week (August 27-September 2), North Australian Festival of Arts (September 25 – October 11) or see the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup (coming in 2027).

    Day 2: Island dreaming

    Morning

    Pilgrim Sailing magnetic island
    Take a lunchtime sailing trip with Pilgrim Sailing.

    Fuel up with breakfast at Cbar on The Strand, looking out to your destination for the day: Magnetic Island (or ‘Maggie’ to the locals). Catch a quick ferry to spend the day exploring walking trails through national park, choosing from 23 beaches and trying a hand at the island’s water sports.

    The Forts Walk is the best place to see wild koalas in Australia, and you’re likely to find friendly wallabies at the Nelly or Geoffrey Bay headlands. Try guided snorkelling with Aquascene Magnetic Island or Pleasure Divers, or take a land-based tour with MI Ride Discovery Tours to the secluded west coast of the island.

    Pilgrim Magnetic Island offers four-hour lunchtime sailing trips aboard a 58-foot luxury yacht, dropping in to some of Magnetic Island’s remote bays for snorkelling or swimming and including gourmet grazing platters, drinks and ocean views.

    Afternoon

    picnic bay on magnetic island
    Head to Picnic Bay for delicious dining.

    Refuel after a morning of adventure. Seasalt Arcade at Picnic Bay has several good options. Savour craft brews and Latin tapas at Maggie Island Brewery, opt for bagels and light bites at Lava Lava cafe or fine dining at Restaurant Elsie.

    Now, it’s time to choose your own adventure. Stay the whole day on Maggie, or return to Townsville, where there’s plenty more to discover.

    Head to The Docks at Flinders Street Wharves for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or join Poseidon Adventures for water sport adventures.

    Evening

    Ardo's Rooftop townsville
    End your day watching the sunset from Ardo’s Rooftop.

    However your day looked, end it with cocktails and canapes at Townsville’s Ardo Rooftop. Find something more substantial at the hotel’s elegant but casual Chef-hatted Japanese restaurant Terasu, where each dish is a work of art.

    Day 3: Natural delights

    Morning

    couple holiding hands at the top of castle hill in townsville
    Join the locals for an early walk to the peak of Castle Hill. (Credit: My Colourful World)

    Join the local early morning pilgrimage to hike up Castle Hill for the best 360-degree views in town, before heading to breakfast at Spirited Goat for gourmet treats and locally brewed coffee.

    A trip to Townsville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef. For those with time, Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive runs full-day trips to the Museum of Underwater Art for snorkellers and divers to admire the reef’s stunning collection of submerged sculptures on John Brewer Reef, about two hours by boat from Townsville.

    Afternoon

    Shorehouse restaurant townsville
    Stop into the award-winning Shorehouse.

    Round off your Townsville getaway with lunch at Shorehouse, awarded Best Restaurant in the North Queensland People’s Choice Awards every year since 2023. Dine on the deck to catch the breeze and sample modern Asian cuisine as you watch the world go.

    Keen for something more to extend your stay? There are always more adventures –new, familiar and with a twist – in the events capital of the North.

    Plan your eventful visit to Townsville North Queensland at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au.