11 Best Small Towns to Visit in Victoria
Victoria, a highly urbanized state with more than 70% of Victorians living in Melbourne, abounds in picturesque landscapes, with tons of foreshore and 36% of the state covered with forest. These towns, surrounded by nature, emanate local vibes, timeless charms, and modern attractions without crowds for families to experience. From the illustrious Mornington Peninsula to the charming Port Phillip Bay, you can escape to the beaches to surf in Lorne along the one-stop shop, the Great Ocean Road. From windsurfing in Port Fairy to swimming in the turquoise waters of Sorrento—no, not Italy—you can ski in Bright when it is summer back home!
Visit Dookie in Goulburn Valley during the spring for fresh produce or for the autumn harvest's flavorful, deep wine varieties. The mountain town of Grampeld is your getaway to the Grampians with beautiful wildlife, hikes, and lookouts, or Beechworth, the town in the foothills of the Australian Alps. Just 70 km from the heart of Melbourne, French Island is a peculiar place with beaches and self-sufficient residents living in an undisturbed environment where you can see Aboriginal footprints and explore the national park that covers two-thirds of the island.
Beechworth, North East
Established during the 1850s gold rush, Beechworth is a preserved, illustrious town steeped in history and spoiled in nature, home to under 4,000 locals. As popular among local trippers on a city escape as it is with international travelers, the gold rush-era architecture delights the eye on a stroll within gorgeous natural surroundings while taking your tastebuds to a whole other level. Provenance for Fine Dinner boasts two chef’s hats from The Age Good Food Guide, while Bridge Road Brewers with crafty ales and Billson’s Brewery/Soda Bar are the most popular watering holes. The small town charms abound in beautifully conserved edifices like the Beechworth Courthouse, the Telegraph Station, and the Powder Magazine.
Nothing gets you riled up for adventures like a coffee from Tiny when paired with droolworthy pies from Beechworth Bakery. A tour around Old Beechworth Gaol loads you up with history before skipping to Chiltern-Mt. Pilot National Park for an eye feast of Woolshed Falls. One of Victoria's most beautiful destinations, the town in the foothills of the Australian Alps, some 270 km northeast of Melbourne, boasts some of the best hikes in Australia to roam the mountains. The nearby King Valley is home to the "Prosecco Road" for the wine fans, while the Head Beechworth Asylum is as scary as it is popular after dark, and it is popular.
Bright, North East
This tiny town of around 3,000 at the gateway to the Alpine Region is popular for leisure hikes and biking, with beautiful nature on the doorstep along the Ovens River and Centenary Park. From spectacular fall foliage and the Bright Autumn Festival, Bright turns into a winter wonderland and the epicenter for all snow bunnies' favorite pursuits! These are the two most popular seasons, with crisp morning air and foggy mountain views, to enjoy the clearest days for sightseeing until the brisk evening. Wedged between Mount Buffalo and Falls Creek—some of the country's most beautiful nature's endeavors—Bright is synonymous with bushwalking during Australia's summer.
Mount Buffalo National Park is spectacular for wintering birds to escape into the warm-weather hikes and refresh in nature along various walkaways, like the riverside trail or rimming the Canyon Walk. Just 3.5 hours drive from Melbourne, one of the most picturesque villages in Victoria is a great weekend trip or a weeklong getaway, with many cute and lofty studios to call home in the wilderness. The beautiful scenery follows you around downtown with its freakishly good food paired with a drink scene of exquisite wines, breweries, and distilleries like Bright Brewery, Billy Button Wines cellar door, and Reed & Co. Distillery.
Clunes, Northern Rivers
This tiny town enchants with deep connections to the early beginnings of the state, extending its silver fame to the screen as a star in Ned Kelly (2002) and Mad Max in the third season of The Leftovers TV show. The state’s best-preserved 19th-century buildings offer a spectacular backdrop for prowling modern attractions. In addition to movie sights and more bookshops than you have ever seen in your life, there are also cafes and bistros, with the RACV Goldfields Resort just 15 minutes away, and Clunes' regular author talks each month on the third Sunday!
Now getting exciting, Clunes is one of only 21 internationally recognized "International Book Towns" in the world—a bragging right that attracts most tourists. Greeting flocks of both local and world-wide bookworms, the weekend-long Booktown Festival in early May features non-stop literary discussions, author meets, and endless book browsing. The Goldfields town, in the shadow of the larger Ballarat just south, is not just a bookmark for bibliophiles, with rustic charms attracting families and historians to commune with the peaceful rhythms of the well-read community.
Daylesford, Macedon Ranges
Famed as a spa town, there's no better place than Daylesford to get in the desirable R&R on your travels through Victoria. The natural mineral springs draw thousands of wellness seekers, not counting international travelers, to enjoy the unique spa culture and fascinating history, with roots dating back to the 1850s. Initially an illustrious gold rush town, the shine hasn’t worn off yet, with period buildings and tours. You will encounter tons of local art galleries, antique stores, and specialty shops to stock up on both keepsakes and insights. Just an hour and a half northwest of Melbourne, you can enjoy all these charms in the foothills against the spectacular backdrop of the Great Dividing Range.
Not just for wellness buffs, Daylesford is your ultimate destination to slow down and relax in a serene environment with unique accommodations like Lake House. You can prowl Convent Gallery like a real connoisseur through local and international artworks, while Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa is just 3 minutes north. Keep it laidback at the Sunday Market, abuzz even in downpour, while the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens and Passing Clouds Winery and the Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm offer sensual vibes and views over strolls and relaxation for relevant tastes.
Dookie, Goulburn Valley
The real star of the Goulburn Valley, this historic agricultural town comes alive in springtime colors with yellow canola and luminous green legumes. From the fiery volcanic sands to the swaying fields of flourishing wheat crops, it is a real sensory overload, where scattered haystacks beg to be Instagrammed along with meandering sheep and grazing cattle. Some 27 km north-east of Shepparton in northern Victoria, the progressive, tight-knit community in a scenic slice of the Goulburn Valley boasts a trio of hills: Mount Major, Mount Saddleback, and Gentle Annie. You can experience Dookie's revered fertility during the warm-season autumn harvest at local produce markets and restaurants.
From pleasure rides or walking along the Dookie Rail Trail to Mount Major hikes, the surrounding vineyards like Rye at Tallis produce flavorful varieties with deep tastes unmatched by any other region. The charming Mary Street is adorned with Dookie Flowering Sugar Gumand Dookie Nomadic Silos to browse cool shops, cozy nooks, and the popular Dookie Emporium, a vintage cafe and treasure trove. You can escape the snow back home to relax at Dookie Quarry's lovely Secret Garden Gathering, over live music against the quarry's rocky walls! The town is home to The Dookie Horticultural College in the foothills of Mount Major and the Gladstone Hotel, which has a fantastic restaurant.
Dunkeld, Maranoa
Some three hours from Melbourne, this tiny mountain town in the shadow of Mt. Sturgeon, at the southern tip of the Grampians/Gariwerd mountain range, is also just a hop on the bus from Ballarat! The Grampians offer spectacular hikes and wines, perfect when coupled with the delicious food to follow. You can hike up Mt. Sturgeon or Mt. Abrupt/Mud-Dadjug to bask in the sun, your own pride, and the gorgeous views over Dunkeld, while the adjoining mount, Piccaninny/Bainggug, is even accessible to kids.
Minutes from downtown, the Arboretum boasts beautiful space for strolls, relaxation, and picnics in the shadow of Mt. Sturgeon/Wurgarri. Dunkeld's culinary accolades start with its most rustic and famous Dunkeld Old Bakery, which has been delighting travelers since 1887 with handcrafted baked goods and even accommodation in the old baker’s residence! You can enjoy the best mountain views at the Royal Mail Hotel, with a range of dining options, or choose the charming bluestone cottages at the Mt. Sturgeon property, just 5 minutes away.
French Island, Western Port
Best for unique environment tales to tell back home, the crown of the Mornington Peninsula at the mouth of Western Port, French Island is the largest island in the bay. Comprising Western Port Biosphere Reserve, Mt. Wellington at 96 meters above, and 170 square kilometers of wander-worthy area, the isolated island is home to just over 100 souls, including historians and conservationists. You can see the several registered sites of the Aboriginal shell middens and scattered stones, as well as the remnants from a 1916 prison farm on Crown Land, declared a state park in 1979 and a national park twenty years later. Just 70 km from the heart of Melbourne, you can take a personal boat, opt for a passenger ferry from Stony Point, or use a car barge service from Corinella.
The French Island Marine National Park stretches for 15 km along the northern shore with protected wetlands and a rich variety of native flora and fauna, like migratory birds, among other 260 fauna species, 230 indigenous birds, and 580 species of flora. There are over 100 species of unique orchids and Australia's leading chlamydia-free Koala population, which is used regularly to restock depleted colonies on the mainland! With farming and tourism as the mainstays, skilled islanders provide services in art, craft, the nearby RACV Inverloch Resort, and fresh farm products like organic and grass-fed meat, oil, biodynamic produce, honey, nuts, and wine. You can bike the idyllic island through bucolic sights, take a scenic bird-watching trail, visit a local winery, or enjoy the beaches with seals and dolphins.
Lorne, The Great Ocean Road
Easily accessible along the Great Ocean Road, this charming, small town with only 1,300 locals is a real breather away from the city crowds. Lorne, a cool coastal destination for surfing on Louttit Bay at the edge of Great Otway National Park, is also the best place to chase waterfalls like the 30-meter Erskine Falls. With ten proximate waterfalls, there are the Phantom Falls and Sheoak Falls, or you can take a stretch of the 91-km Great Ocean Walk. Attracting easy-going hikers, backpackers, and campers, Lorne is also a highly sought-after surf beach holiday escape on the Surf Coast. With eco-cabins, high-end luxury hotels, and waterfront holiday apartments, there is a stay for every budget to get inspired by nature in your style!
You can take the railway or a two and a half-hour drive from Melbourne via the iconic highway and stay centrally at the Lorne Hotel, accessible from all sides! From magnificent beaches to hiking trails, families love the fantastic walking track along the water, an adventure-inspired playground for kids, a beachside cafe, and a trampoline park. The waterfront main street headed by the Queenscliff Coastal Reserve features more fantastic cafes and browsable boutiques to shop and relax in the views. You can sprawl along the grassy area for a picnic and fun by the water, or enjoy the mellow vibes at The Bottle of Milk, with outdoor seating and an all-day menu.
Port Fairy, South West
The enchanting town of Port Fairy is one of the best stops along the Great Ocean Road! A longtime thriving fishing village offers tourists wide streets with gorgeous cottages and old stone churches to browse through the festive atmosphere. With places like Merrijig Kitchen, The Oak & Anchor Hotel, and Bank St. & Co., the town is also host to the most popular Port Fairy Folk Festival, one of the country's largest music festivals in March! Some four hours from Melbourne, Port Fairy is like the epitome of Australia's spirit, with rustic and modern charms in cafes, pubs, bars, and lovely boutique stores.
From historical walks to a popular golf course, beach cricket, and surfing, you can also take up SUPing, kayaking, or snorkeling in the clear waters. The beautiful beaches attract windsurfers and kite flyers in the warm breeze when it is snowing back home. East Beach is one of the coast's most family-friendly, while South Beach, or "Pea Soup," is best for swimming in the protected waters without a patrol. Port Fairy Day Spa is great to wind down after all the adventures, like exploring Griffiths Island, while plentiful accommodation options include the budget-friendly Big 4 Caravan Park or Seacombe House Motor Inn, as well as waterside hotels and luxury rentals.
Queenscliff, Greater Geelong (South)
This historic harbor town along the underrated Bellarine Peninsula offers illustrious streetscapes to get away from crowds and dive into the waters, the past, and foodie's heaven. Replete with family-friendly activities, many come to experience the Blues Train—like a party bus—with meals and drinks to the best blues artists in the country's rock, roll, and riff, while the Q Train takes you on a scenic journey along the former Geelong-Queenscliff railway. Headed by Port Phillip Bay, the quaint town boasts a seafood scene to remember, like Mi Shells Seafood, for fresh, locally caught seafood.
You can catch a ferry to the Mornington Peninsula with high tea onboard and return to the modern harbor for sunset, or it is the Queenscliff Brewhouse & Distillery with over 100 beers and bay views! From high-end eats at Saltbush Fine Foods with produce and delicious dishes, the local nooks along the harbor offer the best fish and chips of your life as you watch the boats come in. You can charter a boat for your own fishing excursion, sightsee around the bay, or head further to expand your horizons beyond the heads into the Bass Strait.
Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula
Sound familiar? The lesser-known town than its loud Italian namesake, many don't travel far enough to reach the tip of the Mornington Peninsula, just an hour and a half from Melbourne. Sorrento is the best for a weekend escape, with wonderful nature trails, historic walks, and the pristine turquoise beaches you would expect from the moniker. The foreshore area is great for sunset strolls and photoshoots along the pier, as well as beachfront dining, art galleries, and shops. One of the prettiest small towns in Victoria keeps you prowling outdoors with various themed walks, like the lovely Millionaire’s Walk and the Sorrento-Portsea Artists’ Trail.
Commanding the furthest tip of the illustrious peninsula, the timeless Fort Nepean fortifications protected Melbourne during World War I and II! You can explore its tunnel complex with gun emplacements, the several coastal treks, and surrounding trails with panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay. While strolling the pier, why not kill two birds with one stone via an hourly ferry service to the historic Queenscliff? There's the favorite Sorrento Beach Motel with helpful staff and a delicious breakfast to make you feel most welcome, while the Oceanic Sorrento apartment complex is perfect for families and couples to stay minutes away from the water.
At 227,416 km2, Victoria is Australia’s smallest mainland state, housing the second largest population of all states in Australia. With a population of just under 6,000,000, Victoria hugs the tip of Australia's east coast. From more famous to some real undercover stars, the small Victoria towns dot the shores and countryside far enough from the crowds but with easy access to the glitz and glam of Melbourne. Australia's seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere, with a warm to hot climate in the summer from December to February and crisp winters from June to August.
The southern coastline along the Bass Strait separates Tasmania from the mainland, while the Great Ocean Road is a scenic drive between many coastal towns and cities—a delicious slice of sunkissed beaches, food scenes, and views. Beechworth and Daylesford reminisce of Australia's gold rush with grand nineteenth-century architecture and elegant gardens, while Port Fairy's wide streets remind you of the thriving fishing industry you can taste today harborside.
