A new survey conducted by the University of Melbourne has found Australians who live in towns of fewer than 1,000 people are significantly happier than others.

Take a look at snapshots of life in a few of Australia's tiniest towns:

Central Tilba, New South Wales

The historic National Trust-listed village is nestled against the backdrop of Mt Dromadery, on New South Wales' south coast.

According to Tilba Chamber of Commerce president Peter Lonergan, the village has a population of approximately 65 people, although the region boasts 391.

Its main street is a jumble of restored shops and cottages housing cafes, galleries and souvenir shops synonymous with country life.

Mr Lonergan moved there with his family in 1988 in what he referred to as a "sea change".

"I left a corporate world in Melbourne where I was working long hours, interstate and away from home," he said.

"I am happy, it's a great little place. We're living happily every after."

The village is eight hours' drive from Melbourne, but Mr Lonergan regularly makes the journey to visit family.

"I'm a city boy, born and bred," he said, laughing.

"The problem is, once your children grow up and look for a career and uni, they must move away unless they are lucky enough to pick up a local trade.

"And the football is in Melbourne."

Mission Beach village, Queensland

Aerial view over Mission Beach in Far North Queensland. ( Facebook: Mission Beach Tourism Inc. )

The tropical town in Far North Queensland is located between Cairns and Townsville and has a population of 765 people.

It hosts a variety of restaurants, bars, galleries and shops and is a popular tourist destination for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.

Tourism is the primary industry in the region, with activities ranging from scuba diving and rafting, to garden and fishing tours.

Mission Beach Tourism chairman Chris Jahnke has been a local since 2003, after moving there from Melbourne.

It is the sense of community which makes him happy to live there.

"Just driving down the road and waving to people, you know," he said.

His secret to blending in is to get involved with the things that go on in small towns.

"The best way to weave your way into the fabric of a little place is to become involved, and all of a sudden, you become part of a wider community," he said.

Taradale, Victoria

Taradale resident Srebrenka Kunek (left) with a friend outside the post office she manages in Taradale, Victoria in July 2015. ( Supplied: John Shone )

The rural hamlet of Taradale is home to an eclectic variety of people, according to its website.

Surrounded by cleared farming land and native forest, it is a former gold rush town located in Jaara Jaara country.

The town boasts a population of 464 people working in hobby farming, stone quarrying and boutique wine and food production.

John Shone and Srebrenka Kunek arrived in Taradale about 18 months ago.

The pair have previously been involved in the transformation of towns from one industry to another, and are advocates of the principles behind social movement Economy for the Common Good.

"We came up from North Melbourne to take over this place, because the petrol station, post office and general store were going to close," Ms Kunek said.

"Nobody wanted to take it up ... we thought 'this can't happen'.

"We knew the implications of these licences closing."

Ms Kunek said a happy life requires work and personal contribution.

"I think it's much more possible to have a more sustained and happier life, but you have to really work out ways to create sustainable economics and understand how to share," she said.

"We're leading by example."

Zeehan, Tasmania

Tasmanian town Zeehan's main street is a reminder of times past, July 2015 ( Supplied: West Coast Heritage Centre, Zeehan )

The remote mining town of Zeehan on Tasmania's west coast is home to 728 people.

With three mines nearby — Renison Bell, Rosebery and Henty Gold — the mining industry has played a role in the town's population levels.

In addition to being on the Targa Rally route, it is a handy stopover for those on their way to Cradle Mountain or to the wild rivers of south-west Tasmania.

The Pioneer Museum and Gaiety Theatres are a gentle reminder of the town's pioneering past.

Ray Keating, a retired tin miner, has lived in Zeehan for 55 years after moving there from Burnie when he was 12.

He has never lived in a big city.

"I don't like big cities. I like the open spaces," he said.

As for the town being a happy one, Mr Keating said unemployment is a problem.

"We have a brand new mine sitting out on the road towards Trial Harbour — a nickel mine —but it's on 'care and maintenance' and has been for about three years," he said.

"A lot of people have left to find work elsewhere. We have our booms and busts."

Burrawang, New South Wales

Susan Buret's garden and studio are one of the pleasures of life in Burrawang, July 2015. ( Facebook: Susan Buret )

One of the many sleepy hamlets in the Southern Highlands, Burrawang was first settled in 1862.

It has a population of 238 people and is described as having "picturesque quaintness and 19th century charm".

Quiet country lanes meander through peaceful, flower-filled gardens as cows graze in paddocks.

Artist Susan Buret moved from Brisbane to the village in 2009, and loves the solitude and quiet.

"There are no street lights so you can see the night sky, the air is fresh and there's a sense of safety because we all know one another," Ms Buret said.

"There are no parking hassles, kids can walk to school, there's more space for your buck so you can have a great studio or a big veggie garden and chooks."

Mataranka, Northern Territory

Mataranka Thermal Pools are a major drawcard for visitors. ( Supplied: Leona Hannigan )

For Irish nurse Leona Hannigan, a move to the centre of Australia has been one of the best things she has done.

Mataranka has a population of 244 people, and the land around it and the nearby Roper River is the traditional home of the Mangarayi and Yungman Aboriginal peoples.

Early European settlement involved failed attempts at sheep farming, and now the town is a rail and service centre on the Darwin-Alice Springs railway.

After leaving London, Ms Hannigan elected to undertake the regional requirements of her visa in Mataranka after friends recommended it.

"I was on a watermelon farm before this and loved it so much I didn't want to leave," she said.

"From my experience in Australia, I notice people in Mataranka are happier.

"They are very welcoming and, because it's such a small community, you get to know people in the area."

In Ms Hannigan's opinion, the local thermal pools and Bitter Springs are a major drawcard for visitors to the town.