8 Of The Quietest Towns In Australia
Australia is a beautiful country full of lush rainforests, jaw-dropping beaches, and a rich culture. While many people visit Australia to see its vibrant cities like Brisbane and Sydney, the country's smaller towns are also worth visiting. A few hidden gem small towns offer tranquility and quiet not found in the bustling cities. Cowra, for example, is a charming rural town near Australia's wine country, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the region's wine. Dorrigo is another quiet Australian town with stunning waterfalls and many other natural sights. This article explores some of the quietest towns in Australia.
Katoomba
Katoomba is the perfect town for nature lovers looking for a quiet oasis. Located in the Blue Mountains, Katoomba sits at an elevation of 3,337 feet (1,017 m). The town is surrounded by pristine wilderness and is near Blue Mountains National Park, a popular spot for nature lovers. Around town, there are several spaces for quiet walks and relaxation. The Three Sisters walk is a great family-friendly stroll that takes visitors through a lush eucalypt forest to see stunning views of the grand Three Sisters. Those looking for a more challenging hike should visit the Blue Mountains National Park nearby. The Mount Solitary Walking track is a good option for more experienced hikers. The hike offers a look into the area's rich history and offers spellbinding views of Jamison Valley.
Katoomba itself is a quiet town with a rich art scene and opportunities to relax. In town, the Street Art Walk is a great way to see local art and culture. The Street Art Walk was a community-driven project created by collaborating with the nearby University, the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, and Street Art Murals Australia. The streetscape is constantly evolving with the work of local artists. As the day ends, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa is an excellent spot in Katoomba to enjoy a quiet moment of relaxation. The spa offers rejuvenating massages and a sauna onsite.
Bellingen
Tucked away between Sydney and Brisbane, Bellingen is a cute, bohemian town with a laid-back atmosphere. The town is full of beautiful natural scenery and is near amazing places for a peaceful swim. The Promised Land is a great outdoor area near town to go for an afternoon swim or a picnic. To enjoy a quiet moment at this spot, it is a good idea to visit on a weekday or in the early morning. The crystal clear yet electric blue water offers a tranquil swim.
To enjoy an even quieter swim, head to Bongil Bongil National Park near Bellingen. The park is known for having one of the biggest wild koala populations. The beach at this park is usually quiet and has a stunning stretch of golden sand against blue water. Around town in Bellingen, enjoy the laid back atmosphere. Check out the local café Hearthfire Bakery for a refreshment and to relax with a coffee while enjoying the quiet streets.
Montville
A sweet village tucked away amongst the rainforest and mountains, Montville is a vibrant town full of art and nature. Some of the best places to visit around town include the fudge shops, Poet’s Café, and Clock Shop, a German-style cuckoo clock shop. There are many art galleries for enthusiasts in Montville, such as the Montville Art Gallery, home to work by nearly 40 of the region's artists.
Despite Montville's vibrant community and art scene, the town remains a quiet, hidden gem. Those here for peace and quiet can retreat to Kondalilla National Park, which has beautiful spots to enjoy a calm walk. At the park, visit Kondalilla Falls to enjoy a serene spot in the rainforest, highlighted by the cascading sound of water.
Cowra
Cowra is a pretty town on the banks of the Lachlan River. It is surrounded by vineyards and beautiful countryside in the Lachlan Valley. Enjoy walking along rolling hills and passing charming vineyards. For a taste, visitors can stop at one of the many local wineries to enjoy the views and quiet countryside with a glass of wine. Windowrie Estate and Chiverton Grove Vineyard are ideal options within a short drive.
Beyond the rural scenery, Cowra has a rich history worth exploring. Tourists should visit the Prisoner of War Camp Site and learn about Cowra's relationship with Japan. The Cowra Japanese Gardens reflect Cowra's history with Japan and are a symbol of the peace and goodwill today between the two places. To enjoy a peaceful paddle at the end of the day, head over to the nearby Wyangala Dam. Over twice the volume of Sydney Harbor, this is a great spot for a relaxing picnic or kayaking trip.
Dorrigo
A charming country town, Dorrigo is located halfway between two of Australia's bustling cities, Brisbane and Sydney. While the town is small and quiet, there is a lot of natural beauty to see. Dorrigo National Park is near the town and has some of Australia's most beautiful waterfalls. For a breathtaking experience, visit Crystal Shower Falls. The magnificent falls are in the heart of an Australian rainforest. There is a suspension bridge nearby offering a perfect view of the falls cascading down a fern-covered cliffside. Dangar Falls is another beautiful waterfall to see in Dorrigo. The falls are unique and have a swimming area at the bottom where people can swim, surrounded by the beautiful rainforest.
To experience more of Australia's rainforest, check out Dorrigo's Rainforest Center. Or, head out to the Skywalk Lookout nearby, which offers people the experience of walking through the sky and forests as the sun rises.
Daylesford
Daylesford is Australia's town to travel to for wellness. The town is considered Victoria's spa center. Known for its revitalizing mineral waters, Daylesford is a place to unwind, rest, and enjoy the peace of the area's natural surroundings. Those with an adventurous spirit can have fun exploring the nearby Daylesford range. Some beautiful hikes to enjoy the area's serenity include the Mount Sugarloaf Loop Walk, Great Dividing Trail, East Walk, and Spanish Onion Circuit Hike. The region's mineral waters offer a quiet spot to reflect. Head over to Jubilee Lake for a stunning afternoon kayak. At the end of the day, enjoy a rejuvenating spa experience at Daylesford's Day Spa. Or visit Daylesford Healing Massage for a relaxing massage.
Yamba
A short drive from Angourie Point, Yamba is a big town in the surfing community. To this end, the town is the perfect spot to escape into nature. From epic beaches like Angourie Point Beach to teeing off at the Yamba Golf & Country Club, there are many opportunities to spend time outdoors. For a long walk, head to the Yamba Lighthouse and walk on the Yuraygir Coastal Walk. The trail goes all the way to Red Rock, the northernmost village on the Coffs Coast. Back in town, enjoy a quiet afternoon at the Yamba Museum and check out the charming shops. The Nook Bookstore is a local favorite amongst literature lovers.
Mission Beach
Mission Beach is a village that is so small that it is easy to miss. The small town is a peaceful oasis surrounded by lush rainforest and a dazzling beach. Enjoy a relaxing swim along the vast sandy beach, lined with coconut trees, for a picture-perfect environment. As the closest point to the Great Barrier Reef on the mainland, it is a quiet place engulfed by nature. Moreover, its location makes it ideal for snorkelers who want to experience the world’s largest coral reef.
The town also has many peaceful trails for a refreshing hike. Just north of Mission Beach is a secret area, Bingil Bay. The bay has a cafe and offers views of Dunk Island. Around the area, there are many other quiet beaches to explore and enjoy.
Enjoying The Quiet in Australia
Next time you are planning a trip to Australia, consider exploring the quieter side of the country. While the hustle and bustle of cities such as Melbourne and Brisbane are exciting, visiting the small towns in Australia offers the opportunity for a more peaceful holiday. Having some quiet time allows for relaxation and rejuvenation. While the towns mentioned here are quiet, they are far from boring. From the spas at Daylesford to waterfalls at Dorrigo, these quiet Australia towns are full of opportunities for adventure.
