Australia’s Hidden Gems: The Places You Don’t Want to Miss

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There are so many places to visit and things to do in Australia that visiting once will not suffice. But if that’s the plan, do not miss these hidden gems.

 

Phillip Island

Phillip Island is a popular day trip location about two hours southeast of Melbourne. With an endless coastline with quaint seaside villages, the island is home to penguins. They embark on their Penguin Parade each night and waddle along the beach.

After catching the mesmerizing sight of the penguins, you can take a dip in the calm waters of Cowes Beach to cool off. 

Moreton Island, QLD

Moreton Island is a short one-hour boat ride from Brisbane, one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. The island is made entirely of sand and is home to the Tangalooma Wrecks, the world’s most stunning and largest man-made reef.

Moreton Island is frequented by Brisbane locals and backpackers seeking a quick weekend getaway. The island can be seen on a day trip, but an overnight stay will let you explore all the island offers. You will find various accommodation options, including glamping cabins, camping at The Wrecks Campsite, and the upmarket Tangalooma Island Resort.

On Moreton Island, you can engage in many activities like swimming in the Champagne Pools, sandboarding on the Big Sand Dunes, and dolphin feeding at sunset. But people visit this island primarily to kayak, dive or snorkel around the Tangalooma Wrecks. You might even catch the add whale passing by during the migration season. 

Lake Bumbunga, South Australia

Lake Bumbunga is one of the all-time favorite hidden gems of Australia. If you are seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination when visiting South Australia, Lake Bumbunga must be on your list. The incredible uniqueness of this hidden gem is guaranteed to make your jaw drop.

Are you wondering what’s so special about this lake? The color is bright pink! It is an incredibly stunning pink salt lake, and the water changes color from pale pink to bright fuchsia depending on the salt concentration in the water and the sunlight reflecting off it. The phenomenon is caused by algae thriving in salty environments and producing a red pigment.

The lake is dried up during the warmer months. So, you can walk on the salt and feel like you are on another planet.

You can get to Lake Bumbunga by driving one and half hours from Adelaide.

Karijini National Park, WA

Karijini National Park in Western Australia is one of the best-hidden gems of Australia. It is located 325 km inland from Port Hedland and gives a glimpse of the imposing life the Outback has to offer.

The flora and fauna within Karijini thrive around and in the gorges due to the long history of fire stick farming by the Aboriginal people.

The national park is a mind-boggling combination of red rocks formed by abundant life and water. It is heaven for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts seeking a serene environment.

You can get refreshed by swimming in the crystal waters of Fern Pool in Dales Gorge. Meditate under the waterfall and let it relieve all your stress and anxiety. If you seek thrill, climb down at the foot of the Joffre Falls.

Karijini is one of the remote locations in Australia, but you won’t regret going there.

Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island

Vivonne Bay is next on the list of Australia’s hidden gems. Located on Kangaroo Island in South Australia, it is often overlooked by tourists. The picturesque bay is incredibly secluded, and the insane blue waters are perfect for photography. If you want to immerse yourself in nature, take advantage of Vivonne Bay.

Vivonne Bay is home to stunning beaches in South Australia where you can surf, swim or sunbathe. If you prefer adventure, engage in snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, or fishing. While here, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like koalas, echidnas, wallabies, and kangaroos.

Also, don’t forget to head to Vivonne Bay jetty and its two-toned turquoise waters. Explore hidden blue rock pools. Vivonne Bay is an hour’s drive from Kingscote, and even Kangaroo Island is worth exploring as it is itself a hidden gem.

Gantheaume Point, Broome

In the Land of Down Under, Gantheaume Point in Broome, Western Australia, is one of the best-kept secrets. It is located on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula and boasts breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. It is home to fascinating wildlife, including dugongs, manta rays, and bottlenose dolphins.

Besides wildlife, the area stands out for its red-toned cliffs. These cliffs offer a stunning backdrop for enjoying a romantic date or soaking in the beautiful sunset.

You can walk along the beach or snorkel to spot reef sharks and sea turtles. If you are lucky, you might even spot a whale in the distance.

The best way to get to Broome is by directly flying from Perth. There are also seasonable flights from Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth. Once you’ve reached Broome, take a short ten-minute drive to Gantheaume Point.

Tin Can Bay

Tin Can Bay is a beautiful seaside village in the Wide Bay-Burnett region in Queensland, Australia. It is known for its abundant wildlife, and there’s one particular thing that people come back for, and that is the magnificent humpback dolphin.

Do not miss the unique opportunity to interact and hand-feed these rare dolphins. Besides this, you can enjoy finger-licking seafood, campsites, and relaxing beaches. You can drive along the beach, rent a houseboat or visit the lively markets.

Conclusion

These are some of Australia’s hidden gems. It is impossible to visit all of them in one trip unless you plan to stay for five to six months and make a full loop of the Great Outback.

So, pack your bags and get ready for a memorable adventure with beaches, wildlife, reefs and more.

Andy Higgs
Andy Higgs

I know what it's like to go from being a crazy backpacker without a care in the world, via being a vaguely sensible parent to being an adventurer once more. In other words, evolving into a Grown-up Traveller.

Like everyone else, I love to travel, have visited a lot of countries and all that but my big thing is Africa.

I also own and run The Grown-up Travel Company as a travel designer creating personalised African itineraries for experienced adventurers

Articles: 1288

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