Australia’s top 10 towns for 2025 revealed

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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From sun-drenched beaches to heritage gems, these winners highlight Australia’s must-visit towns for the year ahead.

Each year, Wotif gathers intel from travel-savvy Aussies to spotlight trending towns on the rise. The 2025 winners have been revealed, with a NSW coastal destination taking the top spot and dethroning Bendigo, which reigned in 2024, while Albury held the crown in 2023. If you’re looking for your next adventure, start here.

1. Port Stephens, NSW

Windy sunset from Winda Woppa Reserve, overlooking Wind Woppa Lagoon and views to Mt Tomaree, Stephens Peak and Shoal Bay.
Port Stephens is Australia’s top town for 2025. (Image: Getty Images/lovleah)

Deservedly taking out the top spot, Port Stephens is famous for dolphin and whale watching, pristine beaches, towering sand dunes and its relaxed coastal lifestyle. Whether you’re tackling the Tomaree Head Summit Walk or dining on fresh seafood in Nelson Bay, there’s something for everyone in this dreamy destination. With not one, but three NSW towns on the list this year, Destination NSW Acting CEO Karen Jones says this recognition reinforces NSW’s position as a must-visit destination: “With three NSW towns – Port Stephens, Kingscliff, and Yamba – securing spots in Wotif’s top 10, more than any other state, it highlights the unrivalled diversity of experiences across regional NSW. From Kingscliff’s boutique coastal charm to Yamba’s laidback surf culture, our state offers a unique blend of experiences that resonate with visitors year after year."

2. Cairns, Qld

Golden hour over the ferris wheel, treetops, lagoon and hilly backdrop of the esplanade at Cairns - Coral Sea, Cairns; Far North Queensland, Australia
Cairns is a tropical playground packed with adventure. (Image: Getty Images/Jina Ihm)

A gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a tropical playground packed with adventure. Whether you’re snorkelling among vibrant marine life, chasing waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands or exploring the nearby Palm Cove, there’s no shortage of experiences to tick off your bucket list. Plus, with its thriving food scene and vibrant markets, Cairns is the heart of Tropical North Queensland.

3. Mandurah, WA

Santi Ikto by Thomas Dambo Giants of Mandurah
The Giants of Mandurah are a huge drawcard.

Just an hour south of Perth in south west WA, Mandurah is a dream location for boating, fishing and wildlife spotting. From exploring its Venetian-style canals to hopping on a dolphin cruise, Mandurah is all about getting out on the water. It’s also home to the renowned Giants of Mandurah, where visitors can see five striking large-scale art pieces by Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo.

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4. Denmark, WA

Elephant Rocks in Denmark WA
Visit Elephant Rocks in Denmark. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

If you’re after breathtaking coastal scenery, boutique wineries and lush national parks, Denmark should be high on your list. This charming town is known for Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool, where turquoise waters meet dramatic rock formations. The region’s cool-climate wines and farm-fresh produce add to its appeal, making it a top pick for foodies and nature lovers alike.

5. Beechworth, Vic

Beechworth building in Victoria
Beechworth is one of Victoria’s most charming towns.

Steeped in gold rush history, Beechworth is one of Victoria’s most charming towns, filled with well-preserved heritage buildings and boutique shopping. But it’s not all about history – the town’s vibrant food scene, including the legendary Beechworth Bakery, is just as enticing.

6. Port Campbell, Vic

Ocean Rock Formation And Cliffs On Beach Against Sky In Great Ocean Road Australia
The Twelve Apostles are a sight to behold. (Image: Getty Images/EyeEm Mobile GmbH)

Home to the Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell is an essential stop along the Great Ocean Road. This small coastal town offers jaw-dropping views, rugged cliffs and iconic natural landmarks like the Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch. It’s also a great base for exploring the surrounding national parks and scenic lookouts.

7. Murray Bridge, SA

Monarto Safari Park
Monarto Safari Park is breathing life into Murray Bridge.

Sitting along the mighty Murray River, this South Australian town is all about waterfront relaxation and outdoor adventure. Home to the newly announced Monarto Safari Park, opening in May, Murray Bridge is about to be the 2025 destination.

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8. Kingscliff, NSW

Kingscliff beach
Kingscliff is in NSW’s Tweed region.

Nestled on NSW’s Tweed Coast, Kingscliff is a laid-back beach town with an impressive food and wellness scene. The town is known for its white sandy beaches, top-notch surf breaks and fresh local produce – including the famous Tropical Fruit World.

9. Yamba, NSW

Horizontal high angle landscape photo of popular travel destination, Main Beach, Yamba, with people swimming, breaking waves, Pandanus palm trees, coastal scrub forest and Norfolk Pine trees growing on the grass areas above the beach.
Yamba is the go-to place to be in summer. (Image: Getty Images/lynnebeclu)

Yamba is a seaside escape known for its stunning beaches, coastal vibes and incredible seafood. It’s the kind of place where one visit turns into many.

10. Mackay, Qld

Aerial drone image at sunrise over Cape Hillsborough with blue water and green rainforest and nice morning warm sunlight
Base yourself in Mackay as you visit Cape Hillsborough. (Image: Getty Images/Sell Online Marketing)

Mackay is an underrated Queensland gem. It’s the perfect base for exploring the Whitsundays and Eungella National Park (home to wild platypuses). If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path Queensland adventure, Mackay delivers.

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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8 Northern Territory secrets the locals don’t want you to know

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
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    Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

    Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

    Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

    1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

    Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park, just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

    Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory.
    Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

    2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

    Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole, open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

    Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park
    Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

    The Tiwi Islands, a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

    Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

    A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space.
    Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

    4. Dine in Darwin

    Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets, Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets.

    Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

    A bowl of Laksa.
    Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

    5. Up close with Uluṟu

    The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

    There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

    A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory.
    Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

    6. Drive the Red Centre Way

    From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

    Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

    SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT).
    Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

    7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

    Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa. This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

    Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

    The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden.
    Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

    8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

    Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen.

    Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory.
    Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

    Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

    Australia's Top Towns For 2025 Revealed