With its great weather, friendly locals and iconic landmarks, Australia is an incredibly popular holiday destination for people all over the world. When people travel here, they usually have three stops in mind — Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. And who can blame them — not only are they Australia’s three biggest cities but they each have something unique to offer. But as any Australian will tell you, the land down under has so much more to offer than just the big cities. Our beautiful country is just as diverse as our people, featuring everything from rugged mountain ranges, red deserts, lush rainforests and, of course, amazing beaches. So, if you’re planning a trip to Australia, here are some of the lesser-known but equally spectacular destinations you should consider adding to your list.
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#1 Whitehaven, Queensland
Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island is often voted one of the best beaches in the world and it’s not hard to see why. With its pristine white sand and clear turquoise waters, it’s the perfect spot for a tropical getaway.
#2 Pink Lake, South Australia
Yep, the water in this lake is literally bright pink. It’s located in the heart of rural South Australia so you’ll have to hire a car to get there, but it’ll be well worth it for the Instagram shots!
#3 Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
Separated from the mainland, Tasmania is a bit of an underrated holiday destination in general. While there’s plenty of picturesque spots worth visiting, it’s hard to go past the world heritage-listed Cradle Mountain.
#4 Port Douglas, Queensland
This little slice of tropical paradise is one of the best places to stay if you’re keen to check out the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
#5 Esperance, Western Australia
The Esperance region on the south coast of WA is home to some of the most incredible beaches in the world. With some fantastic hikes along the coastline, it’s an absolute must-do for adventurous types.
#6 Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
Australia’s largest national park is filled with expansive mountain ranges, emerald green rainforests and aboriginal rock art that dates back to prehistoric times. Just look out for the crocs!
#7 Jervis Bay, New South Wales
From the insanely white beaches to the wildlife boat tours (where you’re likely to spot dolphins, seals, whales and penguins), Jervis Bay on the south coast of NSW deserves a spot on any travel bucket list.
#8 Perth, Western Australia
While it’s not as famous as Sydney or Melbourne, Perth is one of those cities that has everything — great cafes and restaurants, beautiful beaches and easy access to Rottnest Island, where you can meet and greet adorable quokkas!
#9 The Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Keen for a road trip? You can’t go past one of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives, The Great Ocean Road. It’ll take you past misty waterfalls, iconic surf breaks and the world famous The 12 Apostles.
#10 Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Let’s face it — it’s not a trip to Australia if you don’t get to meet a kangaroo. If there’s one place where that’s guaranteed to happen, it’s Kangaroo Island. Apart from its roos and rugged scenery, the island is famous for its delicious food and wine.
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