NSW has 24 towns on Australian Traveller's 100 Best Towns in Australia 2026 list, the most of any state in the country.

Two NSW towns made the top 10, Byron Bay (no. 3) and Bowral (no. 5).

Australian Traveller said it was no surprise that Byron Bay topped the NSW list – the Northern Rivers coastal town remains a perennial favourite for its natural beauty, laid-back coastal lifestyle and unique character.

The town also claimed the number one spot in the Wellness category – and while you can still head to Byron to get your chakras realigned, Byron today offers retreat-seekers all that and more.

Bowral is a longtime favourite country getaway for Sydneysiders. But did you know you can now sleep in Donald Bradman’s childhood home or sip wine in a new French bistro? Time to revisit.

Bowral during Tulip Festival

Challenging Byron’s position as NSW’s premier beach town, Yamba also ranks highly for its blend of nostalgic seaside holiday vibes, beautiful natural scenery and a smattering of great places to stay and eat.

Australian Traveller Print Editor and panellist Imogen Eveson said: “From its unrivalled coastline to its country, hinterland and outback, NSW is such a diverse state that it’s little wonder it claimed the most hits on our list of 100 Best Towns in Australian to Travel to.

“For more than 20 years, Australian Traveller has championed regional travel – encouraging Australians to explore the wealth of amazing places you can find in your own backyard. This list is no exception and comes at a time when destinations around NSW are doing it tough.

"We hope to support those towns by encouraging travellers – where they can – to get out there and keep exploring. And with 24 to choose from, you're bound to be able to find a town to visit that's closer to home.”

The 24 NSW towns on the list of the 100 Best Towns in Australia to travel and their position in the 100 were:

Byron Bay (3)

Bowral (5)

Yamba (14)

Bellingen (16)

Broken Hill (23)

Thredbo (28)

Orange (33)

Lightning Ridge (38)

Leura (45)

Mudgee (46)

Murwillumbah (59)

Griffith (63)

South West Rocks (68)

Terrigal (73)

Kiama (76)

Berry (82)

Merimbula (83)

Nelson Bay (84)

Woolgoolga (88)

Armidale (89)

Broke (93)

Bathurst (98)

Goulburn (99)

Ballina (100)

The full list can be viewed here.