Victoria, Australia, easily boasts some of the most beautiful small towns in the world. These charming Victoria towns feature quaint shops, cafés, and historic buildings that provide a glimpse into the state’s rich cultural heritage. Whether visitors prefer coastal towns with stunning ocean views or mountain hamlets nestled in the hills, Victoria caters to every traveler’s preferences, and some of them might even rival the world’s best summer destinations.
This article will delve into the most beautiful small towns Victoria, Australia, has in store for visitors, showcasing the state’s enchanting and charming locales. Prepare to fall in love with Victoria’s hidden gems; it’s time to explore its most breathtaking towns.
10 Daylesford
A person rowing a boat on a lake in Daylesford, Victoria, Australia
Situated in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, about 90 minutes northwest of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, Daylesford is a picturesque small town famous for its natural mineral springs and spa culture, drawing in many visitors seeking wellness and relaxation.
The town’s fascinating history goes back to the 1850s when gold was discovered in the area. Several of the historical buildings from that period remain to this day and can be viewed during a walking tour of the town. Furthermore, travelers can browse through the local art galleries, antique stores, and specialty shops. Plus, visiting this beautiful town might be one of the best things to do in Australia for wellness buffs, thanks to its natural mineral springs and spa culture.
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Highlights
: natural mineral springs and spa culture
9 Castlemaine
Castlemaine Library in Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia
Nestled in the heart of Victoria, Australia, approximately 120 km northwest of Melbourne, lies the delightful small town of Castlemaine. Surrounded by verdant forests and rolling hills, it is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, with the scenic Campaspe River flowing through it.
Castlemaine has a rich history that dates back to the 1850s when gold was discovered in the region, and visitors can take a leisurely walk around town to see numerous historic buildings and landmarks. The town is home to many attractions, including the Castlemaine Art Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of Australian art, and the Buda Historic Home and Garden, which offers visitors a glimpse into the life of a 19th-century gold rush family. Given its old-world buildings, Castlemaine is definitely one of the most beautiful small towns in Australia.
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Highlights:
verdant forests and rolling hills, Castlemaine Art Museum
8 Kyneton
The Heritage-listed Post Office in Kyneton, Victoria, Australia
Located in the scenic Macedon Ranges of Victoria, Australia, Kyneton is among the most beautiful towns in Victoria and is situated about an hour’s drive northwest of Melbourne. With its delightful blend of historic architecture, gourmet food scene, and charming boutiques, Kyneton is a popular destination for visitors seeking a laid-back and authentic rural experience.
Dating back to the 1850s, Kyneton has a rich gold rush history, and many of its historic buildings have been beautifully preserved to this day. A walking tour of the town allows visitors to see some of these stunning structures, including the Kyneton Post Office, the Bank of New South Wales, and the Mechanics Institute. Staying at Kyneton might not be as extraordinary as staying at Australia’s first underwater hotel, but it is definitely a charming option!
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Highlights
: historic architecture, gourmet food scene, and charming boutiques
7 Ballarat
A boathouse by the water in Ballarat, Australia
Located in the Central Highlands region of Victoria, Ballarat is a city steeped in history that played a key role in the state’s gold rush era in the 1850s. It is one of the largest inland cities in Victoria, about 115 km northwest of Melbourne, but still appears to maintain a charming, small-town feel. Today, Ballarat is a bustling and thriving city with a diverse economy and a rich cultural scene.
Visitors can experience the city’s history at attractions such as Sovereign Hill, an open-air museum that recreates a gold rush town, and the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, which boast beautiful Victorian-era gardens and a lake. The city also offers a variety of galleries, museums, and art spaces, as well as a vibrant food and wine scene.
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Highlights:
Sovereign Hill, an open-air museum
6 Beechworth
A photo of nature in Beechworth Australia
Beechworth is one of Victoria’s most beautiful small towns situated in the northeastern region of the state, approximately 270 km northeast of Melbourne. It lies in the foothills of the Australian Alps and is renowned for its well-maintained historic structures, gold rush past, and natural beauty. Since it’s one of the most beautiful towns Victoria has to offer nature lovers, roaming around the mountains of Beechworth is right up there with the most beautiful hikes in Australia.
The town was established during the 1850s gold rush, and numerous historic buildings from this era have been impeccably conserved. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the town and witness these edifices, including the Beechworth Courthouse, the Telegraph Station, and the Powder Magazine.
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Highlights:
many historic buildings, access to gorgeous hiking trails in the mountains
5 Rutherglen
The wrought iron lacework facade of the historic Victoria Hotel in the wine growing destination of Rutherglen, Victoria, Australia
Rutherglen, situated in the northeastern region of Victoria, Australia, about 275 km northeast of Melbourne, is a scenic small town located in the heart of the Rutherglen wine region, renowned for producing some of Australia’s top fortified wines. The town boasts a rich history that dates back to the gold rush period in the 1850s, and several historic buildings have been carefully preserved.
A stroll through the Rutherglen Historical Walk is a must for visitors, as it covers several heritage-listed buildings, including the Old Police Station, the Court House, and the Memorial Hall. Rutherglen is definitely one of the insta-worthy places in Australia due to its gorgeous historic buildings.
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Highlights:
produces some of Australia’s top wines
4 Warburton
A road going through the forests in Mount Donna Buang, Warburton, Victoria, Australia
Located in the Yarra Valley region of Victoria, approximately 75 km east of Melbourne, Warburton is a charming small town situated on the banks of the Yarra River. It is surrounded by lush forests and scenic mountains, attracting many outdoor enthusiasts.
With a history dating back to the gold rush era in the 1860s, Warburton boasts many well-preserved historic buildings that can be explored on a walking tour. Among these buildings is the Warburton Waterwheel, which was used to power a sawmill in the early days of settlement.
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Highlights:
lush forests and scenic mountains, well-preserved historic buildings
3 Clunes
View along one side of Fraser Street, where old buildings are located in the historic gold town of Clunes, Victoria, Australia
Clunes is one of the most scenic small towns in Victoria, Australia, nestled in the Central Highlands region, which is about 140 km northwest of Melbourne. It is located on the slopes of Mount Beckworth, an extinct volcano, and is renowned for its historical architecture, gold rush legacy, and literary culture.
During the gold rush in the 1850s, Clunes was one of the wealthiest goldfields in Victoria. Many of its historic buildings from this time period have been meticulously preserved and are available for viewing on a walking tour. The town is also famous for the Clunes Booktown Festival, an annual event that draws book enthusiasts from across the country. This festival includes author talks, book launches, and a large book market.
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Highlights:
historical architecture, the Clunes Booktown Festival
2 Walhalla
An aerial view of Walhalla, Victoria, Australia
Situated in a narrow valley in the Victorian Alps, Walhalla is a small town located in the Baw Baw region of Victoria, Australia, around 180 km east of Melbourne. It is renowned for its stunning scenery and its rich history, which dates back to the gold rush in the 1860s when it was one of the most prosperous gold mining areas in the state.
Tourists can relive the town’s gold mining past by visiting notable landmarks such as the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine and the Walhalla Goldfields Railway.
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Highlights
: stunning scenery and rich history
1 Lakes Entrance
The coastal town of Lakes Entrance in Victoria, Australia
Lakes Entrance is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Victoria, Australia. It’s located at the eastern end of the Gippsland Lakes system in eastern Victoria, situated about 320 kilometers east of Melbourne along the Princes Highway. It is a well-known tourist destination, celebrated for its picturesque landscapes, stunning beaches, and a range of water-based activities like fishing, boating, and swimming.
Visitors can enjoy water sports and fishing in the vast expanse of the Gippsland Lakes, with Lakes Entrance being a favored spot for both. Additionally, the town is encircled by a number of national parks, such as Croajingolong National Park and Lakes National Park, which offer a variety of hiking trails and opportunities to view wildlife.
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Highlights
: picturesque landscapes, stunning beaches, and a range of water-based activities