Australia is perhaps best known as a tourist destination for its incredible cosmopolitan cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne.
But many travelers may not know that there are many small towns throughout the country that are full of history, culture and are the perfect places to relax and watch the world go by.
Read on for some of Australia’s quietest country towns to visit, including tips on fun things to do in each area.
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beechworth
Found just under 300 km from city of melbourneBeechworth experienced enormous growth in the 19th century thanks to the great gold rush in the area.
Because of this, the small town is still filled with many historic buildings and sites.
With just over 3,000 residents, Beechworth is a perfect place to sit back and relax with a cold drink (such as King’s Valley Proseccowhich is produced locally in North East Victoria) after a day exploring the surrounding countryside.
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Hahndorf
As its name suggests, Hahndorf is a small town in South Australia founded by German immigrants.
Not only does it still maintain the German appearance it had when it was first established, but it is also the oldest remaining German settlement in the country.
There is plenty to see and do in the area, and the city is also just 28km nearby. Adelaide.
However, what sets the city apart is its somewhat unusual climate. Unlike most of Australia, year-round maximum temperatures barely reach 20 degrees Celsius.
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Daylesford
Daylesford, situated in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, was established in 1852 as a gold mining town.
Located just over 100 kilometers from Melbourne, Daylesford’s claim to fame is that it is one of the few spa towns in the country.
The tranquility of the countryside is combined with the multiple spas and retreats that offer clients world-class services, such as massages, jacuzzis, etc.
If you love the outdoors, there is possibly no better place to explore in Victoria than the countryside and mountains surrounding the city.
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leura
Leura, located 100 kilometers west of Sydney, is one of the main towns along the scenic Western Main Railway Line.
This area has been inhabited for over 12,000 years, and was inhabited by native Aboriginal tribes until the early 19th century.
While there are things to do in the town, it is actually Leura’s nature and wildlife that attracts many locals and tourists to the area.
There are forests, rivers and everything else to explore, as well as plenty of local wildlife to discover.
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Margaret River
Margaret River is easily one of the most famous Australian cities, renowned for having one of the largest wine regions in the country.
Plus, it offers something for everyone, whether spending the day wine tasting at a nearby vineyard or simply relaxing on the beautiful beach.
The Margaret River coastline is incredible for surfing and other water sports, and the soft sandy beaches are ideal for a family day out.
Add in some great restaurants and delicious food, and you have a city that many first-time visitors struggle to leave!
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Dorrigo
If you’re looking for natural beauty, historic sites and a small town feel, Dorrigo has it all.
Located almost 600 kilometers from Sydney, with a population of just over 1,000 people, the city was once a European settlement and still has similar European architecture and beauty.
Dangar Falls is one of the biggest attractions in the area. The waterfall looks like something out of a fairy tale and is the perfect place for walking, hiking or having a relaxing picnic.
It is located in Dorrigo National Park, which is part of Australia’s Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area. It was protected by UNESCO because it “represents outstanding examples of major stages of the Earth’s evolutionary history, ongoing geological and biological processes, and exceptional biological diversity.”
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Tenterfield
Tenterfield is another European settlement that began as Aboriginal land.
Tenterfield, located 700 km north of Sydney, is packed with history and museums, including the Tenterfield Railway Museum, Centenary Cottage Museum and the Tenterfield Saddler.
In addition to historical sites, Tenterfield is also home to Boonoo Boonoo National Park, Bald Rock National Park, Basket Swamp National Park and Jubilee Park, all of which are filled with local fauna and flora.
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Coober Pedy
One of Australia’s most unusual small towns, Coober Pedy is an opal mining town with a diverse population of just over 1,500 people, made up of local and international miners and gem traders.
However, what makes Coober Pedy so peaceful is the fact that many houses are built underground due to the overwhelming heat the area often experiences.
This means that staying here will allow you to escape to your underground home and get away from the hustle and bustle of the miners.
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swindler
Finally, on the beautiful island of Tasmania (best known for his Tasmanian devils), you will find the small, quaint town of Scamander.
With a population of less than 900, Scamander is the quintessential quiet and peaceful small town.
While there certainly isn’t much to do here, the natural beauty is more than enough for most people.
The nearby beach is a great place for a morning walk or an evening drink while watching the sunset.
In conclusion, if you are looking for somewhere quiet and away from the bright lights and loud noises of the cities, Australia has many small towns to explore, all of which will welcome you with open arms!
