If you’ve been on vacation this year, chances are that at least one of these five destinations was on your list. You may not have heard of them before, but they’re worth a visit—especially if you want to experience something different from the norm. Here are 5 of our not-so-famous, not-so-secret list.
For obvious reasons, we have removed the perpetual list hoarders (Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, Blue Mountains, Snowy Mountains etc).
Dive right in to find what other holiday destinations Australia has to offer.
Port Campbell National Park
The world-renowned Port Campbell National Park, which features wind and wave-sculpted rock formations like London Bridge, the Arch, and the Twelve Apostles, is a must. For a bird’s eye view or to see the magnificent limestone stacks from the water, take a boat tour.
The picturesque beach and maritime history of Loch Ard Gorge, the 230-foot-tall cliffs of Gibson Steps, and the idyllic Bay of Islands are just a few of the park’s noteworthy coastal features. You may sample the region’s riches on The 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail, which offers delectable chocolates, local cheeses, fine wines, ice cream and fresh berries.
Leisure and travel expert Nigel says, “Traveling to Port Campbell National Park has always been near the top of my bucket list. Having gone there, I feel it was worth it.”
Broome
Cable Beach, a beautiful beach in Broome, Western Australia’s Kimberley Region, which is frequently referred to as one of the most distinctive wilderness destinations in the nation, offers visitors the opportunity to explore unique white sand and blue waters.
Vast wildlife refuges, magnificent gorges, and roaring waterfalls are nestled within the region’s dramatic landscapes, and the area is also home to ancient rock art sites. The Broome Bird Observatory allows visitors a close-up view of some of the 300 species of birds that make their home in this diverse region. Broome has a lively nightlife, with everything from camping to live music and casinos for visitors who want to keep the fun going.
Shutters and blinds expert Darren says, “Broome has that dramatic quality which makes me want to keep going every year. Nature, lights, music. It’s a joy to be here.”
The vibrant nature of Broome appeals to tourists as well as residents. You can see and buy indigenous art at Short Street Gallery in the town center, which features comprehensive collections that illustrate the various and distinct cultural traditions of the Aboriginal people.
Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley is Australia’s wine country, recognized as one of the top ten best wine travel destinations by Wine Spectator Magazine. The Barossa Valley is located 40 miles northeast of Adelaide’s city center and is often referred to as a region of indulgence, with its award-winning local wines and outstanding local cuisine.
There are more than 80 wineries in the area, and guests can sample some of the region’s famous wines by bike on a guided wine tour. And many of them are concentrated in small clusters known as “vintner villages.” Seppeltsfield Road with 16 wineries and a little but notable group on Krondorf Road, including Grant Burge, Charles Melton, Rockford, and St. Hallet, are two such examples.
The Margaret River Region
The Margaret River Region, which includes part of Western Australia’s South Coast, is recognized for its numerous wineries, breweries, and high-end restaurants, but it also has a lot more to offer.
If you enjoy exploring underground sites, this is one of the greatest locations to do so. Lake Cave (the largest), Mammoth Cave (the longest), and Jewel Cave (the deepest) are all open to the public. There are also plenty of caves that remain closed to the public, including some with underground rivers and impressive limestone formations.
In addition to its many caves, the Margaret River Region is known for its forests, which include karri trees—some of the tallest in the world. The forests are also home to a variety of wildlife, including the black cockatoo and quokka.
Kuranda
While Cairns is only 15 miles away, Kuranda feels like another planet. The most memorable way to get there is by the Kuranda Scenic Railway, which takes you through countryside that has been preserved since 1912 when a railway was constructed between Cairns and Cooktown.
One of its attractions is the vast Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, which contains more than 1,500 tropical butterflies and is located in the park’s South Bounded Garden. BirdWorld Kuranda exhibits lovely birds in a lush rainforest environment, including cockatoos, rainbow lorikeets, and Amazonian macaws. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a popular means of traveling between Cairns and Kuranda. Fashion design expert Patricia says, “Traveling has always inspired me in my design works. And the abundance and variety in Kuranda have helped me make many of my favourite designs.”
You’ll see some of the world’s oldest rainforests as you ride over them, with this cableway offering splendid panoramic views of the Barron Gorge National Park jungles down below.
Conclusion
These are our five not-so-secret but not-so-well-known holiday destinations. How many have you been to? How many do you plan to visit in 2022?
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