752 small towns in Australia with 1,000 to 50,000 residents were put under the scanner in a recent survey and the number one spot is a Sydney-favourite getaway. Kiama reigned atop the list of most liveable towns in the country based on criteria of prosperity, skills, wellness and diversity. Tamborine Mountain in Queensland was voted number two with Bright in Victoria, Mount Barker in South Australia and Dunsborough in Western Australia rounded out the top 3.
If you’ve been to Kiama, you won’t be surprised by these results. The idyllic coastal town has five lovely beaches, famous blowholes, cliffside caverns and heaps of excellent whale-watching spots. Plus, its proximity to Sydney makes it a coveted spot for Sydneysiders looking to escape the city. In fact, we believe it’s one of the best small towns less than two hours from Sydney.
It’s also hosting its very own Winter Festival with an ice skating rink by the sea and cosy igloos under the stars so don’t miss out if you haven’t been.
The survey was conducted by The Australian. Specific criteria included an unemployment rate of less than 5.1 percent, 14 percent born overseas, with residents needing to earn more than $1,282 in their household weekly income.
“This is a caring, cooperative, highly skilled, highly entrepreneurial, well-to-do community that pops up in a seachange area about one hour and a half south of Sydney. It ticks all the buttons,” Demographer Bernard Salt told the Australian.
See the full list here.