When you think of Australia, you probably envisage the Sydney Opera House, Uluru’s crimson heights, the glittering beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, or beaches sprawling warm and golden under the southern sun. These attractions are emblematic of our amazing nation, and draw visitors from around the globe. But they’re far from everything. Australia has more to offer – much more. Next time you’re thinking about a holiday, re-read this post to get inspired by these hidden Aussie gems. You won’t regret it.
Tasmania
Ever seen a Tasmanian devil? Don’t worry – these adorable marsupials are nothing like the Looney Tunes version.
Checking out a devil conservation site is a great idea, but Tasmania also has plenty of other exciting attractions. Hobart, its capital city, offers exemplary seafood, whiskey tasting, mountain climbing and day trips to nearby Port Arthur. There’s something for here everyone – the gourmands, the animal lovers, the adventurers and the ones who just want to relax.
The Margaret River Region
Thinking about a glass of great wine and a stunning sunset? If you answered ‘yes’, the Margaret River Region is the holiday destination for you. Although it’s perfect for gourmands or those who like kicking back at live concerts with a cold one, this isn’t just a place for foodies.
No, the Margaret River is also ideal for adventurers. Granite rock climbing – they’ve got it. Open ocean and amazing surf – tick that one off the list. This corner of Australia is pure gold and a must-do on your bucket list.
The Outback
Did you know that almost three-quarters of Australia’s surface is covered by the outback? Although we often think of this desert-like terrain as inhospitable and far from tourist-friendly, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The land beyond Australia’s biggest cities is wild, endless and breathtaking. Who doesn’t want to experience a romantic campfire under a starry sky, or see native animals like dingoes and kangaroos in the wild? You try experiences like farm-living or riding for a day with stockman – with so much on offer, you’ll definitely get some great shots for the photo album.
Uluru/Ayers Rock is one of the outback’s most iconic attractions, and this titanic monolith can be visited, along with the rest of the Red Centre region, The main town in central Australia is Alice Springs and a great base to start your journey to the Red Centre.
The Red Centre (encompassing Olgas, Ayer Rocks and Kings Canyon) is definitely the heart and soul of Australia’s outback. Of course, you shouldn’t miss the world-famous Uluru, but it’s worth remembering that there are plenty other places in the Red Centre which are less crowed and just as fascinating.
Another hidden gem in the Australian Outback is the underground desert town Coober Pedy. It’s a truly a unique location where residents live in subterranean homes due to the extreme heat. Seeing homes, churches, shops and galleries underground is absolutely amazing. But that’s not all – Coober Pedy is also known as the opal capital of the world, so if you’re planning on a new opal ring, this is where you need to be.
Port Douglas
Port Douglas is the only place on the planet where two World Heritage listed places meet – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. This tropical destination is north of Cairns, and the perfect base for admiring the stunning coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. The town’s main attraction, Four Mile Beach, is also worth a visit. For the truly adventurous, we recommend Cape Tribulation. The 135-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest will give you the feeling of being in an enchanted jungle. It’s pretty amazing. Moral of the story: be smart and discover some of the treasures North Australia has to offer – this is a place not to be missed.
Kangaroo Island
If you’re an animal-lover, then Kangaroo Island should definitely be featured in your next holiday. As the second-largest island in Australia, it’s famous for its many kangaroo inhabitants, but is also known for its types of other wildlife too. You can admire sea lions, seals, pelicans, penguins, koalas, duckbills and many more. Go and see the local wildlife in nature reserves and let the lonely beaches, towering dunes and gorgeous lagoons soak in.
There you have it. Australia is rich in heritage, cultural sites, stunning places and so much more. Visit some of these hidden Aussie gems on your next holiday to create unforgettable memories.