Ready for an adventure? Explore the best towns in Australia that you must visit in 2022!
Did you know that in Australia there are just over 1700 small towns? With so much to explore and so many places to visit in Australia, sometimes it is hard finding the right destination for you.
Thankfully Wotif.com – Australia’s leading travel site – has unveiled their Aussie Town of the Year Awards. Here they’ve looked at affordability, quality and traveller reviews to find the best of the best. From scenic destinations to small towns paraded by its natural beauty, check out the list of the 10 best towns in Australia of 2022 that you must visit!
Photographed by Emilie Ristevski. Image via Tourism Tasmania.
1. Launceston, Tasmania
A two-and-a-half hour drive north from Hobart will land you in Launceston – the winner of Australia’s town of the year award. Easily described as a cool climate riverside city, Launceston sits on the cove of River Tamar an encapsulates the best of everything. The newest foodie hub for visitors to eat their way through; here you’ll also be able to explore, laze around, be pampered and sip through some of the most world-renowned wine regions. Any travellers delight, be sure to check out our list of the 5 Best Things To Do In Launceston, Tasmania.
Photographed by Mark Fitz. Image via Tourism and Events Queensland.
2. Caloundra, Queensland
If you’re wanting to chase the sun or the sound of crashing waves, we point you in the direction of Caloundra – coming in second as one of the best towns in Australia to visit in 2022. Here you can spend the day splashing around at Bulcock Beach or walking on the shore of Currimundi Lake. Stay overnight at Rumba Beach Resort and then wake up and explore the Caloundra Street Fair Markets open every Sunday. Regardless of what you do, we guarantee that this scenic small town will captivate your travels.
Photographed by Daniel Tran. Image via Destination NSW.
3. Tamworth, New South Wales
Welcome to Australia’s country music capital: Tamworth in New South Wales’ northeast. Despite its size, it’s topped our list as one of the best small towns to visit in Australia. Described as a hidden gem, Tamworth pulls in visitors from all around the world – most especially when the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival takes place. With bakeries and indulgent eateries lining the streets, here you’ll also find luxury accomodation thanks to Mercure Tamworth that features 52 rooms, a heated pool and an on-site gym.
Photographed by Adrian Brown. Image via Visit Victoria.
4. Yarra Valley, Victoria
An hours drive out of Melbourne’s CBD will land you in the Yarra Valley. A famed cool climate wine region in the heart of Victoria, Yarra Valley is easily described as a fruitful blend. Think rolling hills, world-class food and so much more. Whilst you’re here we recommend visiting the Four Pillars Gin Distillery and one of Australia’s best fruit picking farms that come to life during the warmer months. All you need to do is pack your bags and head off on an adventure to visit one of Australia’s best towns of 2022!
Photographed by Adam Bruzzone. Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
5. Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Does rolling landscapes, renowned wineries and a German inspired town tickle your interest? Then the Adelaide Hills in South Australia should be your next destination to visit in 2022! If you can never decide on just the one thing, Adelaide Hills is bound to have something for you! Home to an array of wineries, craft beer breweries and some of the most unique places to stay in South Australia, you’ll be absolutely spoilt for choice thanks to this scenic small town in Australia.
Photographed bv TNE. Image via Visit Victoria.
6. Bright, Victoria
Bright in Victoria is known for its charismatic and bewitching scenery. Found three-and-a-half hours north-east of Melbourne, Bright comes to life April to May each year thanks to the perfect weather conditions. If you love the outdoors and exploring, this scenic small town in Australia should be your next destination to visit. With Mount Buffalo National Park, Alpine National Park and Mount Hotham just a touch away – on foot or by bike – you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Photographed by Mark Fitz. Image via Tourism and Events Queensland.
7. Hervey Bay, Queensland
If you’re looking for a thriving coastal city, Hervey Bay in southern Queensland is the one destination to keep on your list. Also featured as one of the Top 10 Must Visit Australian Towns of 2021, Hervey Bay proves to be a winner again. Featuring a waterfront esplanade that encompasses all of the intricate and exciting things to do, see and of course eat and drink; come between May and November and you’ll also find that this is one of the top spots for whale watching in Australia. Just don’t forget your camera!
Photographed by Rob Blackburn Photography. Image via Visit Victoria.
8. Halls Gap, Victoria
An hour-and-forty-five-minute drive north-west of Ballarat will land you in Halls Gap. Welcomed on our list of the best places to go in Australia in 2022, this small town features an abundance of wildlife and natural wonders. With sandstone mountains, park trails, wildflowers lining foot paths and thriving wildlife, Halls Gap is so much more. Just a 40-minute drive from one of Australia’s best waterfalls that features enormous cliffs, you can also tuck in at night at Breeze Holiday Parks before another day of action!
Photographed by Dee Dramer. Image via Destination NSW.
9. Batemans Bay, New South Wales
In 2020, Batemans Bay was on our watchlist as one of the best bushfire affected road trip destinations in New South Wales. This year, this scenic coastal small town is up and thriving once more! Most famous for their oysters, Batemans Bay is also home to some of the best snorkelling spots in Australia thanks to their thriving reefs and native fish. Kayaking, swimming or fishing, there is plenty to do and see!
Photographed by ospreycreative. Image via Tourism Western Australia.
10. Busselton, Western Australia
If you’ve ever wanted to walk along the longest jetty in the southern hemisphere, you can do so in Busselton Western Australia thanks to its two-kilometre-long walkway. Home to one of the best snorkelling spots in Australia, this scenic small town features plenty of things to do both on- and off-shore. Wine lovers will be able to sip their way through the world-famous Margaret River wine region or you can laze around at Bayview Geographe Resort before a walk along the beach at sunset. Regardless of your reason to visit, it’s still one of the best places to visit in Australia in 2022!
Keen to see what Australian town topped the list last year? Read on through for The 10 Must-Visit Australian Towns of 2021. Before you head off on your next adventure, make sure you have these 10 Must-Have Travel Items Packed!
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
