Hidden gem travel spots in Australia you need to explore
From the Great Barrier Reef to Uluru, there's no doubt that Australia is home to some of the world's most famous travel destinations. But beyond the well-known icons, countless hidden gems are waiting to be explored. If you're looking to escape the crowds and discover something truly special, here are eight underrated travel destinations that should be on your bucket list.
1. The Sapphire Coast, NSW
Located between Sydney and Melbourne, the Sapphire Coast is a coastal paradise known for its pristine beaches, incredible seafood, and relaxed atmosphere. Highlights include Bittangabee Bay in Ben Boyd National Park (perfect for secluded swimming and camping) and Tathra Wharf, a historic jetty where you can try fishing or spot dolphins. Head to the Eden Whale Festival in October– a prime location for whale watching.
The Sapphire Coast is an ideal getaway if you love unspoiled beaches, fresh seafood, and breathtaking coastal walks without the tourist crowds.
2. Karijini National Park, WA
Most visitors to Western Australia head straight for Broome or Margaret River, but the Karijini National Park in the Pilbara region is a hidden gem. Highlights to explore include Hancock Gorge, known as the "journey to the centre of the Earth" for its deep, dramatic chasms, and Weano Gorge, a breathtaking trail leading to stunning rock pools and waterfalls. This area also boasts some of the clearest night skies in Australia, perfect for camping under the outback stars. Karijini offers one of Australia's most spectacular natural landscapes, featuring deep gorges, crystal-clear rock pools, and ancient geological formations.
3. Norfolk Island, NSW
Norfolk Island, a tiny island with a fascinating convict history, is a unique blend of culture, history, and spectacular landscapes. Be sure to plan a visit to Emily Bay, a turquoise lagoon perfect for swimming and snorkelling, and allocate some time to hike up Mount Pitt for 360-degree views of the island. Another must-do is visiting Kingston's UNESCO-listed convict sites, which offer a glimpse into Australia's colonial past. There's no doubt about it - Norfolk Island feels like stepping into another world, a place where history, culture, and nature collide.
4. The Atherton Tablelands, QLD
Tropical North Queensland is renowned for the Great Barrier Reef, but just inland lies the Atherton Tablelands, a lush highland region teeming with waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic drives. Take some time to visit Millaa Millaa Falls (pictured), one of Australia's most photogenic waterfalls, Lake Eacham, a volcanic crater lake perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, and the Curtain Fig Tree, a massive ancient fig tree with an impressive root structure. The Atherton Tablelands offer the ideal blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation, all without the coastal humidity of Cairns!
5. Coober Pedy, SA
Ever wondered what it's like to live underground? Coober Pedy is Australia's opal capital, offering an experience like no other, including staying in an underground hotel for an authentic outback adventure. Spend your days exploring opal mines and trying your luck at fossicking, and be sure to visit The Breakaways at sunset for its stunning, otherworldly desert landscape. Without a doubt, Coober Pedy is one of the most unusual towns in Australia, where you can escape the heat in an underground world.
6. Maria Island, TAS
Tasmania has incredible destinations, but Maria Island remains one of its best-kept secrets. With no cars, shops, or permanent residents, it's a true wilderness escape. Must-do activities include hiking to Bishop and Clerk for the jaw-dropping coastal views and exploring Darlington, a former convict settlement turned historic site. You'll spot wombats, kangaroos, and Tasmanian devils in the wild along the way. Maria Island is a nature lover's paradise, featuring abundant wildlife, stunning scenery, and a peaceful atmosphere.
7. The Flinders Ranges, SA
While many travellers head to Uluru for their outback fix, the Flinders Ranges offer equally stunning landscapes with fewer crowds. Highlights include Wilpena Pound, a massive natural amphitheatre perfect for hiking and scenic flights, and Brachina Gorge, a geological wonder filled with 600-million-year-old fossils. This region boasts some of the darkest skies in Australia, making it ideal for skywatching and stargazing. It presents the ultimate outback adventure, featuring rugged landscapes, Indigenous history, and incredible hiking.
8. Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, QLD
Nestled in Queensland's Gulf Country, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park is an emerald-green oasis surrounded by the outback. Here, you can canoe through Lawn Hill Gorge, with its striking red cliffs and lush greenery, explore the World Heritage-listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields, and camp under the stars in one of Australia's most remote and stunning locations. It's an unexpected tropical paradise in the outback, offering adventure and tranquillity.
Final Thoughts
Australia is full of hidden gems that are just waiting to be explored. Whether you're drawn to stunning coastal escapes, dramatic outback landscapes, or historic island retreats, these underrated destinations offer a unique experience away from the crowds. So, the next time you plan a trip, consider stepping off the beaten path – you might discover your new favourite place!
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