Leslie Massey
Australia is home to about 1,700 small towns, most of which are located along the eastern seaboard and in the southeast of the country. The smallest town in Australia is Cooladdi, which is placed between Quilpie and Charleville in southwest Queensland. In the 2021 census, Cooladdi's population was seven, but it is now home to only two people, who are related and run the local post office, pub, and grocery store.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Town Name | Willunga, South Australia |
| Population | 2,328 (as of 2020) |
| State | South Australia |
| Area | 3.4 sq km |
| Founded | 1840s |
| Main Industry | Agriculture |
| Claim to Fame | Known for its wineries and as the gateway to the McLaren Vale wine region |
| Attractions | Willunga Farmers Market, Willunga Slate Museum, and nearby wineries |
| Nearest City | Adelaide, approximately 45 km to the north |
Note: Willunga has a slightly larger population compared to other towns, but it is considered one of the smallest towns in Australia in terms of area and population density.
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What You'll Learn
Cooladdi, Queensland: population of 2-7 people
Cooladdi is a rural town in the Shire of Murweh, Queensland, Australia. It is located about 89 kilometres (55 miles) southwest of Charleville and is known for being one of Australia's smallest towns. The town started as a railway siding and, in its heyday, was a major trading centre with a population of up to 250 residents. However, the population slowly drifted away, and by 2015, only three people lived in Cooladdi, all residing at the general store. The population has fluctuated over the years, with six residents in 2016 and seven in 2021, making it one of the smallest towns in Australia by population.
The predominant age group in Cooladdi is 0-9 years, and most of the population is Australian-born and Catholic. The median household income in 2011 was $1,073, and most residents work as managers or labourers. Households in Cooladdi are primarily childless couples, and in 2011, 61.6% of homes were owner-occupied. Despite its small population, Cooladdi has a post office, a pub, a restaurant, a motel, and a grocery store, all squeezed into one small roadhouse. The town also has a town hall, a railway station, and a school.
Cooladdi covers an area of approximately 3,989.7 square kilometres and has nine parks, covering nearly 3.2% of its total area. The town is situated along the Diamantina Developmental Road, which forms part of the Warrego Way State Strategic Touring Route between Brisbane and Birdsville. The Western railway line also passes through the town from east to west, and the railway station, originally called Yarronvale, is located in the centre of the locality.
The town's small population offers a peaceful and laid-back lifestyle, with no street lights or traffic. Visitors to Cooladdi often pass through while towing caravans and chasing warmer weather during the winter months. The town also attracts tourists interested in camping, fishing, swimming, and yabbying at nearby Quilberry Creek, stargazing in the outback, or experiencing the local Aboriginal culture.
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Strahan, Tasmania: nature and wildlife
Australia is home to about 1,700 small towns, most of which are located along the eastern seaboard and in the southeast of the country. The smallest town in Australia is Cooladdi, a ghost town in southwest Queensland. However, Strahan, Tasmania, is also a small town with fewer than a thousand permanent residents. Nestled on the shores of Macquarie Harbour, Strahan is a gateway to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Surrounded by national parks and wildlife refuges, it is the perfect destination for nature lovers. Here is an overview of the nature and wildlife experiences Strahan has to offer.
Gordon River Cruises
One of the most popular ways to explore the natural beauty and history of the region is by taking a Gordon River Cruise. These cruises depart from Regatta Point Station and take passengers through mirrored waterways to Hells Gates, where Macquarie Harbour meets the Southern Ocean. The cruise then continues into the serene Gordon River, which is known for its temperate rainforest. The final stop is the former penal colony of Sarah Island.
West Coast Wilderness Railway
Another unique way to discover the region is by boarding the West Coast Wilderness Railway, a heritage train that takes passengers on a journey into the rainforest. The railway has been a major part of Strahan's history since the town was founded in 1880, with the first narrow-gauge railways and tramways being built during the 1890s to service the mines in the region.
Wildlife
Strahan is surrounded by 19 national parks and regional reserves, and Tasmania itself is 45% national wildlife parks and preserves. This makes it an excellent place to spot some of the exotic wildlife that calls Tasmania home, including 12 bird species found nowhere else in the world, platypuses, quolls, pademelons, and echidnas.
Ocean Beach
For those seeking wilder waters, Ocean Beach—Tasmania's longest beach—offers a majestic view of the Southern Ocean. This beach showcases the wild and remote nature of Tasmania's west coast.
Henty Dunes
About 14km north of Strahan lies the Henty Dunes, a vast sandy expanse reaching heights of up to 30 meters. These dunes create the illusion of a desert amid the west-coast rainforest.
Hogarth Falls
A short walk from Strahan will take you to Hogarth Falls, one of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks. Here, you might be lucky enough to spot a platypus in its natural habitat.
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Airlie Beach, Queensland: small-town living
Airlie Beach, a small coastal town in the Whitsunday Region of Queensland, Australia, is a serene slice of paradise. With its stunning natural beauty, from idyllic white sand beaches to tropical rainforests and waterfalls in the nearby Conway National Park, it's no wonder that Airlie Beach has become one of Queensland's most popular tourist centres.
The town has a population of around 1,300 people, with a high number of residents working in the tourism and hospitality industries. It offers a convenient gateway to explore the incredible marine parks of the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands, with their rich marine life and sparkling waters that are perfect for sailing and snorkelling. The town also boasts a vibrant nightlife, with bars, live music venues, dance clubs, and pubs open late into the night. The area has a tropical climate, with warm, dry weather in the winter months of June to August, making it a popular destination year-round.
The history of Airlie Beach dates back to the early 20th century when it began to experience a surge in development and popularity. The introduction of sugar cane farming and fishing as major industries attracted more people to the area. In 1936, the town was officially named Airlie, likely after the parish of Airlie in Scotland, and it became a popular destination for holidaymakers seeking sun, sand, and tropical islands. In 1987, Airlie Beach became an official resort town, and since then, it has seen dramatic expansion and increased investment in hospitality services.
Despite its small size, Airlie Beach has a lot to offer in terms of small-town living. The town centre is walkable, and the area is served by taxis and a local bus service. There are no schools in Airlie Beach, with the nearest government primary and secondary schools located in neighbouring Cannonvale and Proserpine respectively. The town also has a unique culture, with events such as the annual Great Barrier Reef Festival, featuring fireworks and live music, and the Airlie Beach Festival of Music in November.
Overall, Airlie Beach, Queensland, offers a unique small-town lifestyle, combining laid-back vibes with a vibrant tourism scene, natural beauty, and a rich history.
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Lorne, Victoria: popular tourist destination
The town of Lorne in Victoria is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its white-sand beaches, a vibrant arts community, and easy access to the Otways. Located on the Great Ocean Road, it is one of the first towns encountered when travelling along this scenic route. Lorne has a relaxed Mediterranean-style atmosphere and fresh sea air, making it a favourite holiday spot for many.
Lorne offers a range of activities for visitors. The town is known for its surfing, with the Lorne surf beach being the only patrolled beach in the area. Swimming and pier fishing are also popular pastimes, with the Lorne Pier providing a great spot to cast a line for trevally, barracuda, and whiting. The town's population swells during the summer season, particularly during the new year celebrations, when the Falls Festival takes place, attracting around 13,000 people.
For nature lovers, the nearby Great Otway National Park offers a rich introduction to the surrounding flora and fauna. The park features misty waterfalls, giant ferns, ancient forests, and cascading rivers. It is also one of the best places in the country for birdwatching, with koalas and kangaroos also spotted within the park. The Erskine River, which rises in the Great Otway National Park and contains the Erskine Falls, flows into the sea at Lorne.
Lorne boasts a variety of dining options, from seaside cafes serving fresh juice and delicious breakfasts to restaurants offering freshly caught seafood. The town's main shopping strip is filled with boutique gift stores, cellars, eateries, and art galleries. Visitors can also explore the town's heritage-listed sites, including Teddy's Lookout, which offers fine views over the town, coastline, and Great Ocean Road.
With its charming seaside location, vibrant arts scene, and abundance of natural attractions, it's no wonder that Lorne has become a beloved holiday destination for many, offering a unique blend of relaxation and exploration.
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Broome, Western Australia: Yawuru name, Rubibi
The smallest town in Australia is Cooladdi, a ghost town in southwest Queensland. However, the small town of Broome, also known as Rubibi by the native Yawuru people, is a popular tourist destination on the coast of the Indian Ocean. It is situated on the traditional lands of the Yawuru people, who were formally recognized as the Native Title holders of their lands and waters in 2006. The Yawuru people have a rich history in the region, with a sustainable lifestyle based on traditional hunting, gathering, and fishing practices.
Broome has a hot semi-arid climate, with two distinct seasons: a dry season from April to November and a wet season from December to March. The dry season is characterized by clear skies and maximum temperatures of around 30°C (86°F), while the wet season brings erratic tropical downpours, high humidity, and maximum temperatures of around 35°C (95°F). The town is susceptible to tropical cyclones and summer thunderstorms, which contribute to the unpredictable nature of its rainfall.
Broome is known for its vibrant food scene and is also the pearling capital of Australia. The town has a rich history in the pearling industry, which is reflected in the Memorial to the Indigenous Female Pearl Divers, commissioned by the Shire of Broome and Kimberley in 2010. The town is also home to Cable Beach, named after the Java-to-Australia undersea telegraph cable that reaches shore there. The beach is situated 7 km from the town and boasts white sand and tides that can reach over 9 m (30 ft).
Located near Cable Beach is Minyirr Park, a coastal reserve jointly administered by the Shire of Broome and the Yawuru people. The park is a collaboration that recognizes the indigenous heritage of the region. The Broome Bird Observatory, established in 1988, is another attraction in the area. It is dedicated to studying and protecting the millions of migrating shorebirds that use Roebuck Bay as a stop on their migration route. The observatory also provides educational opportunities for the public to learn about these birds and their conservation.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooladdi, a quirky ghost town in southwest Queensland, between Quilpie and Charleville, is Australia's smallest town. It once had a population of 270 people, but now it's home to only two people, Yarrow and Cornel, who run the local post office, pub, and grocery store.
Life in Cooladdi is laid-back, with no hustle and bustle. The town has no street lights or traffic, making it one of the best places in the country for a good night's sleep. It is a popular destination for tourists, usually towing caravans, who are chasing warmer weather in Queensland during the winter months.
Cooladdi offers a unique experience of local hospitality and stunning landscapes. It is known for its famous Fox Trap Roadhouse burgers, which attract visitors from far and wide. The town is also a great base for exploring the surrounding Queensland outback, including the famous "main street" and the nearby town of Quilpie.
