The 8 best Mountain Towns in Australia

This blog was posted in the old hikezilla website

No City Vibes. Just Outdoor vibes. Awesome people, solid breweries, great community, abundance of outdoor shops & events. But most importantly, adventure in your doorsteps. These are 8 of the best Mountain Towns in Australia.

1. Katoomba

Katoomba, located in the heart of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, is a charming town known for its stunning natural beauty, historic buildings, and vibrant cultural scene. The town offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences, making it a popular destination for both nature/outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Distance to Sydney: 2 hr drive

Outdoor Activities:

• Hiking & Trail Running: The Blue Mountains National Park offers numerous trails, including the famous Three Sisters Walk, the Grand Canyon Track, and the Wentworth Falls Track. Or maybe tackle the Ultra Trail Australia, held in the Blue Mountains.
• Rock Climbing: The sandstone cliffs and canyons provide excellent opportunities for rock climbing and abseiling.
• Canyoning: The Blue Mountains are renowned for their canyoning adventures, with Empress Canyon and Claustral Canyon being popular spots.
• Mountain Biking: There are several trails for mountain biking in the area, including the Oaks Fire Trail and Narrow Neck Trail, offering varying levels of difficulty.

Median House Price: Approximately $800,000
Median Rent: Around $450 per week
Average annual growth: 5.6%

2. Jindabyne

Jindabyne, situated on the shores of Lake Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, is a major hub for winter sports and outdoor activities. The town serves as a gateway to the Kosciuszko National Park and is a popular destination year-round.

Outdoor Activities:

• Skiing and Snowboarding: During winter, the nearby resorts of Perisher and Thredbo offer excellent skiing and snowboarding.
• Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing: There are plenty of snow trails in the backcountry for you to hike across during the winter months
• Mountain Biking: In the summer, the trails in Kosciuszko National Park are perfect for mountain biking, offering a range of terrains for all skill levels.
• Fishing and Boating: Lake Jindabyne is renowned for its trout fishing, and the lake is also ideal for boating, kayaking, and sailing.
• Hiking & Trail Running: In summer, explore the trails leading to Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak.

Median House Price: $1,350,000
Median Rent: $700 per week
Average annual growth: 17.35%

3. Bright

Bright, located in Victoria’s Alpine Shire, is a picturesque town known for its stunning seasonal colors. The town is surrounded by mountains and rivers and only 3.5 hrs from Melbourne.

Outdoor Activities:

• Hiking and Cycling: The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is a scenic path perfect for cycling and walking.
• Paragliding and Hang Gliding: The hills around Bright provide ideal conditions for paragliding and hang gliding.
• Fishing: The Ovens River is well-known for its excellent fishing spots, particularly for trout.
• Skiing: During winter, nearby Mount Hotham and Falls Creek offer skiing and snowboarding.

Median House Price: $1,100,000
Median Rent: $560 per week
Average annual growth: 10.5%

4. Hobart

Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, is a vibrant city located at the foot of Mount Wellington. Although technically a city, it is the ultimate gateway to the rugged national parks of Tasmania.

Outdoor Activities:

• Hiking: Climb Mount Wellington for panoramic views. The Organ Pipes track is a popular route.
• Kayaking: Paddle around the Derwent River and explore the waterfront.
• Wildlife Tours: Visit nearby Bruny Island or Maria Island for wildlife spotting.
• Sailing: Join a sailing tour on the Derwent River or around the Tasman Peninsula.

Median House Price: $750,000
Median Rent: $500 per week
Average annual growth: 9.3%

5. Toowoomba

Toowoomba, known as the “Garden City,” is situated in the Darling Downs region of Queensland. It combines a rich cultural scene with easy access to outdoor activities.

Distance to Brisbane: 2 hr drive

Outdoor Activities:

• Hiking and Picnicking: Explore the extensive trails in Picnic Point and enjoy views of the Lockyer Valley.
• Cycling: The parks and the Toowoomba Escarpment offer numerous cycling routes.
• Birdwatching: The region’s parks are home to a variety of bird species.
• Botanic Gardens: Wander through the Toowoomba Botanic Gardens and the Japanese Garden.

Median House Price: $550,000
Median Rent: $420 per week
Average annual growth: 4.7%

6. Tamborine Mountain

Located in the Gold Coast Hinterland of Queensland, Tamborine Mountain is known for its lush rainforests and artisan community.

Distance to Brisbane: 1 hr drive

Outdoor Activities:

• Hiking and Trail Running: The Tamborine National Park offers walking tracks through rainforest, including Cedar Creek Falls.
• TreeTop Challenge: Enjoy a high ropes course and zip lines.
• Wine Tasting: Visit local wineries and vineyards.
• Glow Worm Caves: Explore the Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves.

Median House Price: $900,000
Median Rent: $600 per week
Average annual growth: 6.4%

7. Belgrave

Belgrave, located in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges, is a quaint town surrounded by lush forests and home to the historic Puffing Billy Railway.

Distance to Melbourne: 50 minutes Drive

Outdoor Activities:

• Hiking and Trail Running: Explore Sherbrooke Forest with its towering Mountain Ash trees.
• Puffing Billy Railway: Take a ride on the historic steam train.
• Gardens: Visit the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens.
• Birdwatching: The forests and gardens are home to many native bird species.

Median House Price: $750,000
Median Rent: $450 per week
Average annual growth: 7.2%

8. Stawell

Stawell, located in Victoria, is the gateway to Grampians National Park, offering access to some of the most stunning landscapes in the region.

Distance to Melbourne: 2 hr 45 minutes Drive

Outdoor Activities:

• Hiking and Trail Running: Discover the trails in Grampians National Park, including the Pinnacle and MacKenzie Falls, or the 160km Grampians Peak Trail.
• Rock Climbing: The Grampians are a renowned climbing destination.
• Cycling: Enjoy scenic cycling routes through the countryside.
• Wildlife Watching: Home to kangaroos, emus, and diverse bird species.

Median House Price: $350,000
Median Rent: $300 per week
Average annual growth: 3.5%