7 Aussie towns that it’s time to take another look at

It’s often the small country towns that have the most to offer.

Not all holidays need to be as grand as spending a few weeks hopping between Mediterranean resorts. Equally as fulfilling, and arguably much more relaxing, is a short sojourn to a country town just a few hours’ drive away. With plenty of nature-based activities and high-quality accommodation options, these seven towns are worth a look in for your next getaway.

1. Yarrawonga, Vic

The jewel in Yarrawonga’s crown is the expansive Lake Mulwala. It’s an inland aquatic paradise at the centre of the town’s many activities and experiences. Take a walk around the edge of the lake to see natural waterbird habitats or board the Paradise Queen, one of two large boats that run tours there. Stop for a coffee at The Sebel Yarrawonga Silverwoods’ Stock & Barrel for more lake views. The hotel and its facilities are a touch of 4.5 star luxury in an otherwise rural setting. Along with Stock and Barrel Restaurant providing guests with fresh and local flavours, there’s a lakeside infinity pool, SOL Wellness Centre and a renowned Black Bull 18-hole championship golf course.

2. Airlie Beach, Qld

Airlie Beach is more than just a gateway to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef: it’s a holiday destination in its own right. Fringed by the lush rainforest of Conway National Park and long stretches of white sand beach, there’s plenty to see and do in this tropical paradise. Try walking a section of the 27-kilometre Conway Circuit or head to the manmade lagoon pool for safe year-round swimming. Make a beeline for the recently refurbished The Sebel Whitsundays Airlie Beach when it’s time for bed; with Port Airlie and Coral Sea views from the balconies of the self-contained apartments, there’s no better place to unwind after a big day.

3. Marysville, Vic

Start driving north-west of Melbourne and the terrace houses thin out, the trees thicken and the roads wind through undulating forest and farmland. Ninety minutes out, you’ll be in Marysville, prime Victorian produce and wine country. Taste the best of it – think berries, cherries, jams and honey – by following the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Farmgate Trail. Along the way, stop at a winery for an indulgent long lunch. At the end of the day, retire with another local glass and a duck ragu paradelle at Andiamo Restaurant & Bar. It’s at Peppers Marysville, a comfortable contemporary hotel overlooking the countryside.

4. American River, SA

There’s so much to do on rugged and nature-filled Kangaroo Island that you can quickly fill a week full of activities. The best place to start is in American River, a 30-minute drive from the ferry terminal at Penneshaw. It’s home to The Oyster Farm Shop, where you can dine on local oysters, abalone and other fresh seafood on their famous aquaplatter. It’s also where you’ll find Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge and its award-winning restaurant, Reflections. Stay here and you’ll be privy to ocean views and plenty of birdlife, even the endangered glossy black cockatoo; take the lodge’s interpretive walk through the sheoaks to spot these feathered friends.

5. Crafers, SA

Crafers marks the start of the Adelaide Hills. A five-minute drive from its quaint town centre is Mt Lofty, the highest peak in the region; from the top, there are views right back to the Adelaide CBD. Near the peak is the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, where an impressive display of cool-climate trees and plants burst into colour come autumn. Between the two attractions is Mount Lofty House Estate Adelaide Hills, a boutique five-star hotel in a historic English-style manor. Book a weekend to enjoy sumptuous treatments at the Gatekeeper’s Day Spa, a degustation dinner at Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant and hours of relaxation in your stately room.

6. Cradle Mountain, Tas

Most people visit Cradle Mountain to take the walking trails within the national park. But if you extend your stay, there’s a whole lot more to the area than hiking. Take, for example, the Waldheim Day Spa at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. Soaking in the hot tub and sauna while overlooking Pencil Pine River is ideal for soothing your post-hike muscles. It’s a particularly beautiful view when covered in a light dusting of snow. The lodge also offers fly fishing lessons at a nearby rainbow trout-filled lake, and you can walk to the Cradle Mountain Helicopters base just up the road for a joy flight.

7. Mudgee, NSW

Shaking off the working week is easy in Mudgee, a three-hour and 15-minute drive from Sydney. Check into Parklands Resort Mudgee’s new glamping tents with their sheer-draped four-poster beds, rustic jute rope chandeliers and modern en suites. Before settling in, walk the 2000-metre loop around Putta Bucca wetlands to see various waterbirds before exploring Mudgee’s more than 35 cellar doors. Bring a bottle of the region’s famed robust reds back to enjoy on the deck.

Start your small-town getaway planning with Accor. 

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