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The 10 Best Country Towns to Live in Australia

September 7, 2023
best country towns to live in australia

Key takeaways:

    • Byron Bay, Port Fairy, Margaret River, Port Douglas, Airlie Beach, Quorn, Alice Springs, Katherine, Rottnest Island, and Denmark are the 10 best country towns to live in Australia.

    • These towns offer a range of unique experiences, including hot air balloon rides, steam train rides, and pottery workshops, although the Coal River Valley is not in these towns.

    • Many of these towns are also close to national parks and stunning beaches, making them ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

If you’re looking for the best places to live in Australia, there are countless areas. So, perhaps more specifically, you’d like to move to a country town in Australia. From stunning beaches to natural beauty and unique experiences, there is something for everyone. To help you find the perfect place to call home, we have compiled a list of the 10 best country towns to live in Australia.

New South Wales

Byron Bay

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Byron Bay is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, known for its stunning beaches, trendy cafes, and street art scene. The town is also a thriving creators’ hub, attracting artists and entrepreneurs from all over the world.

If you’re looking for some of the coolest suburbs in Australia, you can also find them in Main Beach and Belongil Beach. Byron Bay ticks all the boxes if you’re looking for a laid-back lifestyle in a beautiful coastal town.

Check out real estate for sale in Byron Bay NSW.

Port Fairy

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Port Fairy is a notable town in the western region of Victoria, featuring a historic main drag and a range of craft cottages and antique shops. 

The town is also home to secluded creeks and beautiful beaches, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. For a unique experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the town and surrounding countryside.

Many also claim Port Fairy is one of the best places to retire in Australia, with affordable housing and great healthcare.

Explore real estate for sale in Port Fairy VIC.

Margaret River

House for sale in Margaret River WA on Soho.com.au

Margaret River is one of the small towns located in the southwest region of Western Australia, famous for its many wineries and boutique shops. 

The tiny town is also close to Kondalilla National Park, which features natural springs and stunning natural beauty. With easy access to the coast, Margaret River is a great place to call home for those who love the outdoors.

Discover more real estate for sale in Margaret River WA.

Queensland

Port Douglas

Located in far north Queensland, Port Douglas is a picturesque town known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and private schools. Many would say this is one of the best country towns to live in Queensland.

The town is also home to a range of fresh produce markets and is only a half-hour drive from the Daintree Rainforest. With pristine beaches and a relaxed pace of life, Port Douglas is the perfect place to settle down and a good place to invest in property in 2023.

See more properties for sale in Port Douglas QLD.

Airlie Beach

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Airlie Beach is a charming town located in the Whitsunday region of Queensland, boasting year-round sun and leafy trees. The town is also close to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, offering a range of outdoor activities.

For those looking for a unique experience, day trips to the Simpson Desert are also available.

See more real estate for sale in Airlie Beach QLD.

South Australia

Quorn

Image credit: By Kerry Raymond at the English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

Quorn is a historic town located in the Flinders Ranges region of South Australia, with a relaxed pace of life and stunning natural beauty. 

The town is also home to the Pichi Richi Railway, one of Australia’s oldest steam trains, which takes visitors on a journey through the countryside. 

With a three-hour drive to Adelaide, Quorn is the perfect place for those who value a quieter lifestyle.

Northern Territory

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a unique town located in the Northern Territory popular for its beauty and closeness to the Simpson Desert and natural beauty. It’s one of the best regional towns to live in Australia.

The town is also home to a range of private schools and a quirky town centre, complete with an old-fashioned lolly shop. With hot air balloon rides and a peaceful atmosphere, Alice Springs is a great place to call home.

Katherine

By Stormsdarwin – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Located in the Top End of the Northern Territory, Katherine is a small town that offers a range of outdoor activities. Katherine is also one of the cheaper places to live in Australia.

The town is home to Nitmiluk National Park, which features secluded waterfalls and Aboriginal art galleries. 

Katherine also offers a lot of fresh produce in its markets and is only a half-hour drive from Cutta Cutta Caves. Many would agree it’s one of the best places to live in South Australia.

Western Australia

Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is a unique town located off the coast of Western Australia. It is famous for not allowing cars

Quokka selfies, hidden coves, and pristine shores are just a few of the natural wonders that may be found there. You will also find a range of pottery studios for unique arts and leisure outings.

Denmark

House for sale in Denmark WA on Soho.com.au

Denmark is a beautiful town located in the southwest region of Western Australia, known for its amazing beaches. With a median house price of $525,000, Denmark might not be the cheapest country town in WA but it is still pretty affordable!

The town is also home to a range of craft galleries and boutique shops, as well as picket fences and leafy trees that add to its charm. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are secluded creeks and a mile beach to explore.

Explore more real estate for sale in Denmark WA.

More on living in Australia.

What are some of the best beaches in Australia’s country towns?

Australia is home to many stunning beaches in its country towns, including those in Byron Bay, Port Douglas, Airlie Beach, and Rottnest Island.

Are there good schools in Australia’s country towns?

Many country towns in Australia have excellent schools, both public and private. Some of the towns listed in this article, such as Port Douglas and Alice Springs, have a range of private schools to choose from.

What is the cost of living like in Australia’s country towns?

The cost of living in Australia’s country towns varies depending on the town and location. However, many of the towns listed in this article are some of the most affordable country towns with a lower cost of living compared to major cities.

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