
As you scroll through the posts about all destinations in your favourite websites, you can’t help but feel like you’ve seen it all. Like everything about that place has been exhausted and there’s nothing new. It’s crazy how sometimes, everything seems all too familiar, like being at home and knowing how to navigate through the house even with your eyes closed. Sometimes, you just need a burst of something new.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with knowing a certain place like the back of your hand. But then, there’s always the thrill of the first time–the uncertainty of the change, the awe that discovery brings and the feeling you get from the shininess of a newly opened gift. Sometimes, you just want to take the road less travelled and not follow the norm.
We’ve all heard about the top destinations in Australia so we decided to stray away from the popular destinations to give you something new because, let’s face it, you’d rather go somewhere that’s not too crowded. Or else, like me, I’d rather stay at home to relax. We’ve scoured the World Wide Web for some of the best places you can visit in Australia. In no particular order, here are ten destinations just waiting to be discovered.

If you’re up for a triple threat (or should we say “triple treat”), then William Bay National Park is the place you should drive by with one of our campers. The stunning beaches found here namely Greens Pool, Waterfall Beach and Elephant Rocks are so pristinely beautiful you’ll wonder why you’ve never heard of them before. With rounded elephant-shaped, rocky shores, the Elephant Rocks alone is not one to be missed and something that definitely exceeds expectations.
Travel Gems in Australia
Diamond Head, Crowdy Bay, New South Wales
Crowdy Bay National Park offers breathtaking seascapes that are picture-perfect, to say the least. The beaches are where you can replenish and retreat with an abundance of wildflowers and birds and other fauna. After you go hiking, cliff-walking, fishing and relaxing, head over to the many camping areas. Its camping sites such as Diamond Head, Indian Head, or Crowdy Gap Cultural Camp are available for caravan and car-based camping.
Maria Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Tasmania
On the east coast of Tassie lies the Maria Island, a natural wildlife sanctuary that serves as a home to wombats, pademelons, Forester Kangaroos, Bennetts wallabies and Tasmanian Devils. It is also one of Tasmania’s more well-known bird watching hotspots. Aside from the remarkable wildlife of the island, there are also historic ruins, sweeping and lovely coastal bays, cliffs and mountains that make for excellent walking and cycling routes.

Some 450 kilometres north of Adelaide is the Flinders Ranges National Park. If you’re going to or are from Uluru in Alice Springs, the park is the stop over worth taking. It has The Heysen Trail, which is Australia’s longest hiking trail and definitely one of the world’s bests. The rugged mountain ranges, abundant wildlife and stunning gorges make the striking landscape that becomes the Flinders Ranges National Park. Go for wonderful, scenic drives or the bushwalking trails.
Magnetic Island, Queensland
With lovely long stretch beaches and coconut palm trees and cool blue water, it’s hard to understand how Magnetic Beach could be so unspoilt and untouched. Perhaps it is due to its remoteness that gives the island a private vibe. Magnetic Island is located in a rain shadow which makes it warm and sunny, the perfect weather to laze away and frolic under the sun.
Protesters Falls, The Channon
Here’s a history tidbit: the name “Protesters Falls” was coined after successful protests were made in the late 1970s against logging in the Terania Creek area and protection of the rainforest in NSW. Its name might not be as inviting but the falls, which is located in the World Heritage site Nightcap National Park, is as refreshing as it can get. Here, swimming is not allowed as chemicals from sunscreens and cosmetics may affect the local wildlife.

Hidden gems aren’t only tourist destinations but also food destinations! On the Inlet is a highly-rated seafood restaurant located in Port Douglas. The food is always fresh and of quality partnered with great service from the staff. The restaurant also provides splendid vista where you can see yachts passing through with beautiful hills that surround the port. Day or night, this is one relaxing stopover you’ll want to have!
Kununurra and the Ord River, Western Australia
Drive some 850 kilometres west of Darwin and you’ll get to the small and quiet town of Kununurra. Plunge in a pool of freshwater crocs from a 12-metre rock swim in the Ord River or wade through the beautiful Lake Argyle. There are wondrous scenery, handfuls of exotic wildlife, and the Zebra Rock Art Gallery you can visit. Sample fresh produce and fruits like melons and mangoes here too!
Kangaroo Valley
For less than two hours of driving from Canberra or Sydney, spot this hidden treasure chest and marvel on the treasures in has to offer. Some say that this is “the most beautiful valley in Australia” seemingly not only because of the stunning vistas it has to offer but the invigorating and relaxing vibe it provides. Any time of the year is good time to visit but if you’re meaning to go and have some added excitement, visit in February for the Kangaroo Valley Agricultural and Horticultural Show or in October for the Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival.

Bay of Fires, Tasmania
If there’s one hidden gem out there that needs to be discovered ASAP, then it’s Bay of Fires in Tassie. Located in the east coast of Tasmania, be immersed in the pristine fine, white-sand beaches, inspirational tours and walks and awe-inducing landscapes and seascapes. Many tourists say that their trips here have been nothing short of spectacular and they are well worth the effort.
For more information on where you can travel in OZ or even around the world, follow our blog blog.salamandatravel.com or like us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/SalamandaTravel
Photo credits: 1 Image by JAK SIE MASZ via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 2 Image by *Crazy Diamond* via Flickr / CC BY 2.0 3 Image by Ralph Bestic via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 4 Image by Harshll Shah via Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0 5 Image by Anna Oakley via Flickr / CC BY 2.0