For those seeking the best country towns in Queensland, each location offers unique qualities, from vibrant local markets and cultural hubs to natural beauty and a close-knit community spirit.
This article explores the 10 best towns in Queensland for a balance of scenic landscapes, lifestyle appeal, and affordability.
Best country towns to live in Queensland
To help you find your ideal location, here’s a snapshot of the current housing market in some of Queensland’s best country towns.
| Town | Median House Price | Median Weekly Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Maleny | $1,100,000 | $600 |
| Montville | $1,200,000 | $650 |
| Stanthorpe | $485,000 | $400 |
| Boonah | $550,000 | $420 |
| Maryborough | $350,000 | $350 |
| Warwick | $452,500 | $380 |
| Yungaburra | $600,000 | $450 |
| Kenilworth | $700,000 | $500 |
| Eumundi | $850,000 | $550 |
| Childers | $400,000 | $370 |
1. Maleny (Sunshine Coast Hinterland)
Nestled in the scenic Blackall Range, Maleny is a haven for nature lovers and artisans alike. With its Maleny Dairies, walking trails, and art galleries, this quaint town offers a peaceful retreat.
Plus, it’s just a stone’s throw away from the breathtaking Glass House Mountains National Park.
The Sunshine Coast region has some of the best places to live in Queensland, and here’s why:
- Beautiful landscapes and walking trails
- Artisan culture and local produce
- Proximity to Glass House Mountains National Park
2. Montville (Sunshine Coast Hinterland)
Steeped in history and charm, Montville is home to heritage buildings, unique wares, and panoramic views. A short drive from Tamborine Mountain and Spicers Clovelly Estate, Montville makes for an easy day trip from the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
If you’re looking for cheap farmhouses to rent in QLD, Montville offers lovely choices to live out your tree-change.
- Heritage buildings and unique shopping
- Close to Tamborine Mountain and Spicers Clovelly Estate
- Stunning views of the Sunshine Coast
3. Stanthorpe (Southern Downs)
Located in the heart of Queensland’s Granite Belt, the country town of Stanthorpe offers a rich history and diverse experiences. Surrounded by National Parks, including Girraween National Park, this town is an ideal location for wildlife lovers and wine connoisseurs.
- Granite Belt wineries and rich history
- National Parks like Girraween National Park nearby
- Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and wine lovers
4. Boonah (Scenic Rim)
Boonah is a picturesque town set amongst rolling hills, Lake Moogerah, and Mount Alford. The town’s proximity to Lamington National Park makes it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and relaxation.
If you’re looking for the cheapest places to live in Queensland, Boonah might be more affordable for you out of the towns on this list.
- Rolling hills, Lake Moogerah, and Mount Alford
- Outdoor activities and beautiful scenery
- Close to Lamington National Park
5. Maryborough (Fraser Coast)
Maryborough is a historic town boasting heritage-listed buildings and a vibrant community. Visit the Criterion Hotel, a living museum, or explore the nearby picturesque Lockyer Valley.
- Criterion Hotel and living museum
- Short drive to the Lockyer Valley
6. Warwick (Southern Downs)
With its old-world charm, Warwick Art Gallery, and renowned dairy producers, Warwick is a delightful town to call home. Conveniently located near the Gold Coast Hinterland, it also offers easy access to the Southern Downs Steam Railway attraction.
- Local art scene
- Renowned dairy producers and regional cuisine
- Southern Downs Steam Railway and proximity to the Gold Coast Hinterland
7. Yungaburra (Atherton Tablelands)
Yungaburra, situated in the Atherton Tablelands, is a picturesque village with a strong sense of community. The town is surrounded by lush rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanic lakes like Lake Eacham.
Yungaburra is also home to the famous Curtain Fig Tree and the heritage-listed Yungaburra Hotel.
- Lush rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanic lakes
- Curtain Fig Tree and Yungaburra Hotel
- Strong sense of community
8. Kenilworth (Sunshine Coast Hinterland)
Kenilworth, nestled in the Upper Mary Valley, is known for its delicious cheese, ice cream, and quaint country charm. The town offers a range of outdoor activities like bushwalking, mountain biking, and horse riding.
Kenilworth is also home to the popular Kenilworth Cheese Factory and a range of boutique accommodation options.
- Delicious local cheese and ice cream
- Outdoor activities like bushwalking and horse riding
- Kenilworth Cheese Factory and boutique accommodation
9. Eumundi (Sunshine Coast)
Eumundi is a vibrant town, famous for its iconic Eumundi Markets, where you can find local produce, artisan crafts, and unique treasures. The town boasts a thriving arts scene, with galleries and live music venues, while the nearby Noosa National Park offers stunning beaches and coastal walks.
If you’re on a budget, might not have the cheapest houses for sale in Queensland but they’re definitely more affordable.
- Iconic Eumundi Markets
- Thriving arts scene and live music
- Proximity to Noosa National Park and beaches
10. Childers (Bundaberg Region)
Childers, located in the Bundaberg Region, is a town with a rich history and heritage streetscape. The town is surrounded by rolling hills, fertile farmland, and a thriving agricultural industry. Attractions like the Snakes Downunder Reptile Park and Zoo, and the Flying High Bird Sanctuary make it a great choice for families.
- Thriving agricultural industry
- Family-friendly attractions and activities
What are the best country towns near Brisbane?
These QLD towns are vibrant and accessible but still offer a getaway from the bustle of Brisbane city life.
Canungra
Distance from Brisbane: 100 kilometres
This town is located in the Scenic Rim region and is a popular spot for bushwalking and camping. There are also several wineries in the area.
Mount Nebo
Distance from Brisbane: 30 kilometres
This town is located in the Moreton Bay Region and is known for its views of the Brisbane River Valley. There are several hiking trails in the area, including the Mount Nebo Summit Track.
Dayboro
Distance from Brisbane: 45 kilometres
This town is located in the Moreton Bay Region and is known for its historic charm and relaxed atmosphere. There are several cafes and restaurants in the town, as well as a number of walking trails in the surrounding bushland.
Hervey Bay
Distance from Brisbane: 244 kilometres
This town is located on the Fraser Coast and is known for its beautiful beaches, fishing, and whale watching. There are also several national parks in the area, including the Great Sandy National Park.
Check out our round up of cheap houses for sale in Hervey Bay to get an idea of the budget property market.
FAQs on ’10 Best Country Towns to Live in Queensland’
What is the most liveable city in Queensland?
Brisbane ranks as Queensland’s most liveable city, with the top areas centered around Inner and Middle Brisbane. Toowoomba also scores well, particularly on social infrastructure, ranking in the top three across multiple measures.
What is the friendliest town in Queensland?
Cloncurry is known as Queensland’s friendliest town. Dubbed the “Friendly Heart of the Great North West,” Cloncurry won Queensland’s Friendliest Town award twice, in 2013 and 2018.
Where is the best rural place to live in Australia?
Popular rural living areas include the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast in Queensland, Greater Geelong and Moorabool in Victoria, and Lake Macquarie in New South Wales. Growing regions with high appeal include Waroona, WA; Livingstone and Mackay in Queensland; Moorabool, Victoria; and Alexandrina, South Australia.
Where is the safest place to live in Queensland?
Brisbane’s safest suburbs include Samford Valley, Rockyview, Highvale, Upper Kedron, Bonogin, Anstead, Gooburrum, and Bunya. These areas reported low incidences of crime, with Bunya recording only 20 incidents in 2022.
Which part of Queensland has the best climate?
North Queensland boasts one of Australia’s most comfortable climates, featuring sunny days, warm waters, and refreshing ocean breezes year-round, making it a popular holiday destination.
Where is the best place to retire in Queensland?
The Sunshine Coast is a top retirement choice in Queensland. Located an hour north of Brisbane, it offers year-round pleasant weather, beautiful beaches, and ample leisure spots.
