5 Small Australian Towns To Visit Off The Beaten Track

Want to travel to some of Australia's smallest towns, to see some amazing sights but still have the luxury of a hotel or motel at the end of the night and the ability to choose from a wide range of cafes, bars and restaurants. 

Well now you can with some of the small Australian towns to visit off the beaten track. This is a small number of the thousands of iconic Aussie towns worth exploring. 

So pack your bags, take your favourite travel pillow, your hydration pack and hop in your car and start driving into the remoteness to some of these quaint little towns, brimming with excitement and ready for you to explore! 

5. Yallingup

  • Population: 1,000
  • When To Go: Oct - April
  • Famous For: Ngilgi Cave 

Yallingup is a quaint little hamlet on the west coast of the Margaret River Region nestled across the peninsula of Dunsborough and overlooking the Indian Ocean.

It is known for its fantastic coastline, with strong waves, high cliff faces and jagged rocks. The town is famous amongst surfers from around the world and has beaten both Byron Bay and Noosa as the best town in Australia.

Yallingup means 'Place of Love' in the local Aboriginal language - fittingly so as it's an excellent place for wedding ceremonies. Not to mention a top list for honeymooners from around the world.

Some of the fun activities to do here are snorkelling, exploring Ngilgi Caves, swimming, surfing, and visiting Injidup Natural Spa - a natural rock pool with crystal clear water. 

You can book a tour to explore the whole area, as it's not feasible to walk between the beach and the areas of the cave. 


4. Victor Harbour

  • Population: 15,000
  • When To Go: Oct - April
  • Famous For: Cockle Train 

Victor Harbour is a coastal town located in South Australia, and it's one of the favourite vacation destinations for families. It is surrounded by beautiful white sandy beaches, islands, rivers, granite boulders, fertile farmlands and home to colonies of wild penguins.

Victor Harbour offers tons of fun activities and tours to cater to your vacation needs.

If the great outdoors and thrilling adventures are what you're looking for, Victor Harbor is where you should be.

One of the must things to do in Victor Harbour is exploring the Granite Island Recreation Park. The 62 acres park is widely known for its unusual granite formations with dramatic crashing white waves. 

If you're visiting this coastal town with kids, do not miss the guided tour to discover Granite Island and spot little penguins. Or learn about more than 70 different species of Australian fauna at Urimbirra Wildlife Park. 


Credit: Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr

3. Port Fairy

  • Population: 3,500
  • When To Go: Anytime
  • Famous For: Great Ocean Road 

Port Fairy is a coastal town situated in southwestern Victoria in Australia. For history geeks, Port Fairy offers many exciting things to do and see.

The National Trust has classified over more than 50 buildings and many other 1800s historic landmarks and architecture here in Port Fairy.

Visit Port Fairy Maritime and Shipwreck Heritage Walk to learn more about the local maritime history. Walk along the historic walking path and discover the adorable white-washed cottages built by seaman and whalers next to Georgian-style merchant houses and grand public buildings.

Every March of each year, thousands will flock to Port Fairy to celebrate one of Australia's largest music festivals, the Port Fairy Folk Festival.

The people of Port Fairy embrace music and arts; hence such festivals are an important celebration for the town. It is also a great place to unwind and enjoy good wine at the local cafes and restaurants.


Small Australian Towns To Visit

2. Broome

  • Population: 15,000
  • When To Go: May - Oct
  • Famous For: Staircase to the Moon

The town of Broome is surrounded by the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. The white sandy beaches that stretch along Cable Beach contrast with the stunning red rocks of Gantheaume Point and the murky sands of Roebuck Bay.

The location has close-packed areas to explore. Broome consists of two main areas - the Chinatown and Cable Beach. Broome offers many reasons to stay, whether for a romantic getaway, family vacation or fishing activities.

The natural environment enchants visitors from around the globe to visit. The refreshing turquoise water and memorable impressions encourage nature lovers to witness the panorama.

Roebuck Bay is a sanctuary for migratory birds while dolphins, turtles and even whales inhabit local waters.

The best time to visit Broome is between May to October, where you can enjoy the warm and dry winter months. If you prefer to visit during a quiet month, November and April is the best time but expect wet weather! 


1. Apollo Bay

  • Population: 1,600
  • When To Go: Anytime
  • Famous For: Surfing

Apollo Bay is a southwestern Victoria town in Australia and is located between Cape Otway and Wye River. Apollo Bay offers recreational beaches suitable for both swimming and surfing.

A commercial centre with good restaurants and cafes is located along one side of the Great Ocean Road. Another popular spot for swimming in Apollo Bay is the Barham River in Mounts Bay.

If enjoying the scenery is your thing, visit Mariners Lookout and bring along your camera. There are a few museums that are worth a visit to Apollo Bay. 

The Bass Strait Shell Museum, located at the golf course, offers a vast collection of local and overseas shells, preserved sea life specimens and colourful coral.

The Old Cable Station Museum that is located on the Great Ocean Road over at the northern edge of Apollo Bay displays local collectables.

The station was operated for communication purposes between the Australian mainland and Tasmania

James Hunter