1. Wollombi – “Woll-um-bye”
In the mountains south of the Hunter Valley, Wollombi is 150 kilometres from Sydney. This picturesque couples paradise has a quaint town centre with a local pub and a general store. Head 10 minutes north however and you will find yourself in secluded cabins nestled in the bosom of the hills overlooking the Hunter Valley.
2. Cohuna – “Khuna”
Yes it sounds like it’s meant to be in Hawaii, but this north Victorian town is actually a popular holiday spot as well as a main access point to the attractions of the red gum and box forest covered Gunbower Island. Fun fact: the Bee Gees played in Cohuna in their earlier years.
3. Towradgi – “Tau-rad-gee”
A beachside town roughly five kilometres from Wollongong, perfect for an affordable family adventure. There’s the National Park, a massive playground, and the Towradgi bowling and recreation club. Most importantly it’s a cracking spot to cast a line off the beach for the fishing enthusiasts.
4. Kata Tjuta – “Kah-tah Choor-ta”
Another name for the group of mountains known as the Olgas, Kata Tjuta is 350 kilometres southwest from Alice Springs and only 30 kilometres from Uluru. Made up of 36 dome structures, this is for the adventurous families who are keen to tackle the Red Centre.
5. Ubirr – “O-beer-ee”
No it’s not the taxi-app, Ubirr is in the top end and home to many of Australia’s natural wonders in the Kakadu National Park. Visit one of two major Kakadu rock stars and see ancient Aboriginal rock art believed to date back 30,000 years. End the day with an unforgettable sunset from the top of the rocks.
6. Ballan – “Ba-Laan”
Ballan is a small agricultural town situated on the Werribee River only 78 kms north-west of Melbourne. The town comes alive in February for the Vintage Machinery and Vehicle Rally, and blooms in March with the Ballan Autumn Festival.
7. Bermagui – “Ber-ma-goo-ee”
A coastal wonder, Bermagui is a water-lovers heaven located in the southern corner of New South Wales. The Sapphire Coast boasts a range of activities including swimming, sailing, surfing, kayaking, or diving so it’s sure to please every member of the family. If that doesn’t strike your fancy have some retail therapy in the town centre.
8. Nana Glen – “Nar-Nar Glenn”
What sounds like the biggest retirement centre in Australia is actually a small rural village featuring two wineries. Park yourself in Coffs Harbour 20 kilometres away and take a day trip to Nana Glen where you can see banana plantations, avocado and fruit trees, and hills and valleys everywhere you look. The icing on top, you might bump into actor Russell Crowe who has his sanctuary somewhere in the township.
9. Goonoo Goonoo – “Gunna G’noo”
Sounding like something out of the Teletubbies, Goonoo Goonoo is actually an outback station that is 20 kilometres south of Tamworth, New South Wales. It has recently been restored to the tune of five million dollars. With a new woolshed, state of the art restaurants and accommodation it is well worth a look.
10. Pallamallawa – “Pal-a-ma-la-wa”
Here’s a fun game – say Pallamallawa as quick as you can five times. Boasting the largest pecan farm in the Southern Hemisphere, Pallamallawa isn’t just a pretty name. This township 32 kilometres east of Moree is a vibrant farming community where rainfall has been recorded daily since 1913!
11. Liawenee – “Lye-a-ween-ee”
This is a fishing hotspot; father son trips will rise to a new level in this small town situated near Great Lake and the River Ouse in Tasmania. Home of several major fishing events make sure you pack some winter wear, there’s a good chance it will be cold!
12. Mudgeeraba – “Mugrabar”
Holding the oldest farmers markets in the region, the beautiful Mudgeeraba sits at the foot of the Gold Coast Hinterland, Queensland. Take a trip back in time to this nineteenth century style village situated near Robina and visit one of the oldest pubs in the country, the now Wallaby Hotel.