Everyone goes to the cities. Where are some good rural, country parts of Australia?

I've fell in love with Australia and have visited several times. But I've seen the "on the map, touristy" locations. I've gotten out in the wilderness, but they were still on the beaten path. The cities in Australia are great, but I'm not a city girl. I love open space and hate being crammed with other people. I'm from a rural, country farming community in the Midwest United States. I like rivers better than the ocean, although the beaches of Australia are spectacular.



I'd eventually like to come to Australia after I graduate college in a few years. I'm in recreation so my degree would take me to work in an outdoor setting such as for one of the national parks. But I'm looking for a good location. I tend to like smaller towns and love water activities such as fishing and kayaking; but I'd prefer either a river or a lake for this instead of the ocean. Even though my family doesn't farm, I'm from an area with many farms and ranches so I like this type of setting too. I'm having fun researching this and reading all about Australia, but I'd love to here some of your suggestions. Thank you!Everyone goes to the cities. Where are some good rural, country parts of Australia?
Here are a few more 'out of the way' suggestions, based on my nation-wide experience of a well-travelled Australian of 60yo, keeping your preferences in mind. Have concentrated on Queensland; someone else will probably tell you about other States:



Atherton Tableland of North Queensland: Lots of farming communities (dairy %26amp; agriculture), rivers, lakes, waterfalls, World Heritage tropical rain forest. Small towns %26amp; villages scattered throughout, Malanda, Milaa Milaa, Kuranda, Ravenshoe (Australia's highest town). Cool to warm climate, 'wet season' rainfall. All within driving distance of a major city, Cairns.



Southern Downs %26amp; Granite Belt area of South East Queensland: Warwick, Stanthorpe and surrounding villages through to Tenterfield, northern NSW. Lots of orchard farming and others inc. dairy. Also rivers (source of Condamine River), creeks, waterfalls and unspoilt forests around Killarney. Large dam (Leslie).



Mackay and surrounds: mostly cane %26amp; general farming, large rural centre close to Whitsundays. Eungella National Park close by, with rainforest, white water rafting.



Gold Coast Hinterland, inc. Currumbin Valley: away from the glitzy Gold Coast and its tourism, mountainous, forests, dams, rivers, rafting, small villages scattered throughout.



Northern New South Wales: Nimbin, Kyogle, Lismore and villages east through to the coast (Byron Bay). Beautiful mountainous country, streams, rafting, close to major centres.



Also must be considered:

Tasmania: Look to the inland of the island, say Sheffield and general Mt Roland area.

NSW: the general Blue Mountains area west of Sydney

Victoria: along the Murray River, Shepparton, Dalesford, Beechworth (all pretty chilly).
Wilson's Prom in Victoria is beautiful! It has everything, hiking and the Aussie bush, beaches (one has sand that squeeks when you walk on it!) and farm land. Also the beaches around it are great, like Walkerville, a virtually unknown beach that on a good day is completely magnificent!!! I can't talk the place up highly enough.Everyone goes to the cities. Where are some good rural, country parts of Australia?
Your my kind of girl, i hate city life and the ocean i would prefer rivers, bush and mountains.

If you like mountains you could try Bunya mountains national park.

Inland Rockhampton you have Blackland Tableland National Park

These to are in Queensland there is just to many places to choice from.
I'm originally from a small town in VA, now living about an hour outside of Sydney. The Blue Mountains are beautiful. About a 3 hr drive from Sydney is Mudgee, a great country town with lovely wineries. The Hunter Vally and Newcastle are great. Armidale and Tamworth can be good fun. The drive from Sydney to Broken Hill is amazing and you see some wonderful things along the way. I just did that in July.



have fun!Everyone goes to the cities. Where are some good rural, country parts of Australia?
1. Coober Pedy

2. Katherine

3. Thargamindah



By the sounds of it, you would be suited to the "Northern Territory" - the real Australia.
Have you heard of Camden in Sydney? It's a very beautiful place to be. It's a small town, right near the Nepean River which is good, because you said that you'd like to go somewhere where you can kayak. In the towns close to Camden, there are small arts and crafts stores, museums, art galleries and old ranch-style buildings.



Some of my family live there, so I think that it's an excellent place to be.



Good luck!



http://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/
I grew up Western Australia and Now live in New South Wales. My Suggestions would be as follows:



Western Australia:



The upper reaches of the Swan River becomes the Avon river. Every year this becomes the location of one of Australia's premier white water events. The river flows through Northam and other picturesque and historic country towns along its length. Portions also form part of a National Park. The area is full of farmland and is has some of the oldest continuous farming communities in the state.



You might also want to look at places like Margaret river (part of the world surfing circuit, wine district and close to national parks) and other locations south of there primarily around the Blackwood river.



New South Wales:



You might like to check out the area around Barrington Tops. This is known for its white water rivers and beautiful farming lands. Parts of it are National Park too.