Today we are concluding our alphabet of Australian towns with N to Z.
New Norcia, Western Australia: Australia has no shortage of strange sights, but New Norcia has to be one of the strangest. Founded by Spanish Benedictine monks, the town is a vista of Spanish-style buildings surrounded by the gum trees and dry grasses of an Australian wheat belt.
Oberon, New South Wales: This small farming village is just on the other side of the Blue Mountains. In keeping with its romantic mountain setting, the town is named for Oberon in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The nearby Kanangra–Boyd National Park has great camping and bushwalking, and lots of stunning views for the budding photographer.
Port Fairy, Victoria: Port Fairy is near the end of the Great Ocean Road, and is possibly the most idyllic town in Victoria. From the boats bobbing in the harbour to the heritage buildings in town, Port Fairy has an old-world feel. Visit in March to experience the sounds and community of the Port Fairy Folk Festival.
Quorn, South Australia: Quorn is nestled in a valley in Flinders Ranges National Park and is a great access point for the park. It’s a charming town with historic streetscapes remaining from Quorn’s days as a stop on the Great Northern Railway.
Ravenswood, Queensland: The reason most people visit the historic town of Ravenswood, south-west of Townsville, is the famous Imperial Hotel, with its swinging saloon doors. This majestic hotel looks out-of-place in this small town, but harks back to Ravenswood’s boom days as a gold-rush town.
Strahan, Tasmania: Some regard this little town as the loneliest place on Earth. But more importantly for visitors, it’s right next to Franklin–Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, which has stunningly beautiful wild rivers and alpine landscapes.
Timber Creek, Northern Territory: Europeans first stumbled across the site of Timber Creek in 1855, when explorer A.C. Gregory was wrecked on the site during his journey from the Timor Sea down the Victoria River. Now the town is a gateway to the spectacular Gregory National Park, the second largest national park in the Northern Territory.
Ulverstone, Tasmania: Beaches might not be what first comes to mind when you think of Tasmania, but Ulverstone, in Tasmania’s north, has the finest tourist beaches on the island. You can explore the beaches or the waterfront parks, or go and visit the incredible Leven Canyon.
Victor Harbor, South Australia: Victor Harbor is a holiday town on the spectacular Encounter Bay. While these days the town is more famous for its whale and dolphin spotting, Victor Harbor used to be a major whaling port. Take a walk around a former whaling station on Granite Island Recreation Park.
Wisemans Ferry, New South Wales: This sleepy town on the banks of the Hawkesbury River is just outside of Sydney, but you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a world away. The most prominent feature of this town is the car ferry, which takes vehicles over the Hawkesbury to Dharug National Park. The only way to get here is down a steep and winding bitumen road.
Yallingup, Western Australia: Yallingup is well known for both its limestone caves and world-class surf break. Hang out at the beach, or visit the incredible Leeuwin–Naturaliste National Park to the north and south of the town.
Zeehan, Tasmania: One of the only towns in Australia starting with ‘Z’, Zeehan was a ghost town after the local silver mine stopped production. More recently, a tin mine has brought workers back into the town. Explore the historic buildings or one of the numerous national and state parks in the area.
Image credit: Port Fairy, courtesy of Tourism Victoria; Imperial Hotel, courtesy of Tourism Queensland; Wisemans Ferry, courtesy of Paul Blackmore/Destination NSW.
