The Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Opera House, The Great Barrier Reef and Uluru. Everyone has heard of these iconic places to visit in Australia and they should be on the travel bucket list of Australia experiences.
But, Australia’s diversity stretches across a country almost as big as the US and is filled with adventures and off the beaten path destinations that few international, and local, tourists venture to.
What if you could share the stories about your trip to Australia of beaches that you shared with sun baking crocodiles, nights spent sleeping in underground homes, or camping where koalas and kangaroos freely roamed around you?
Well now you can create those unique Aussie travel experiences.
15 off the Beaten Path Australia Experiences
1. River Red Gum National Park, NSW
Bike riding through the River Red Gum Forest
I cannot rave enough about the River Red Gum National Park.
Kangaroos and koalas running freely in the wild, a national park all to yourself, free camping, kayaking the Murrumbidgee River, Australia’s second longest and mountain bike riding under the canopy of huge river red gums.
The River Red Gum is located near Wagga Wagga, NSW and close to the Victorian border and is a truly unique flora and fauna Australia experiences.
2. Glenworth Valley, Central Coast, NSW
Waiting for the horse mustering at Glenworth Valley
Glenworth Valley is only a 20 minute drive from our home town and only an hour north of Sydney. We visited for the first time last month. and spent the weekend horse riding, quad biking, abseiling, kayaking, and camping in the beautiful valley.
Glenworth Vally is one of the Australian experiences where adventure meets the tranquility of nature.
Do not miss the horse mustering early in the morning.
3. Gibb River Road, The Kimberly, WA
One of the many Gibb River Rd waterfalls Image: Tourism Australia
This is the Australian 4WD road trip experience you most want to have.
The Gibb River Road runs through the heart of the Kimberly region in Western Australia, one of Australia’s last wilderness fronteirs.
You can free camp alongside waterholes where another soul can’t be found and spend your days exploring gorges and waterfalls, savannahs and bushlands, and if your game you can even swim with freshwater crocs. Apparently they don’t bite!
4. Tasmania
Wineglass Bay Tasmania Image: Tourism Australia
Very high on my Australia bucket list is Tasmania. I have never heard anything but high praise heaped upon it as a truly unique and beautiful Australian experience.
Tasmania is known as the natural state with pristine wilderness areas to explore, overland tracks to hike and some of best fresh produce in Australia to enjoy along the way.
Hobart, Australia’s second oldest city, retains so much of its historical and heritage buildings and atmosphere and has the stunning backdrop of Mt Wellington.
5. Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, NSW
Hunter Valley wineries
Newcastle has everything Sydney has but on a smaller scale and is only 2 hours north.
It made Lonely Planet’s must see destination list of 2011. Newcastle has amazing dining experiences, great surfing beaches and a laid back lifestyle.
It is also the gateway to a fantastic destination experiences such as The Hunter Valley for wine tasting; Stockton Beach for dune buggy fun; and whale watching in the aquatic playground of Port Stephens.
6. Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth, Western Australia
Swim with the gentle giants Credit: Luxury Lodges of Australia
Ningaloo Reef is The Great Barrier Reef of the West Coast, except this one is unspoilt and unpopulated.
You can swim from the shore line at Exmouth onto the reef. It is also the place where you can experience the once in a lifetime swim with the gentle giants of the sea: the whale sharks.
7. Coober Pedy, South Australia
Coober Pedy South Australia Image: Tourism Australia
If you like it hot and quirky then head to Coober Pedy.
Coober pedy is the opal capital of the world and It’s so hot that much of the town is underground. Sleep in an underground cave, explore underground museums, mines, and churches and play a round of golf on the desert course – not a blade of grass to be seen.
Enjoy a beer in a undeground bar and listen to the stories that come from the 3,500 people from 45 nations who live in Coober Pedy- Colourful!
8. Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
Kakadu National Park NT
Craig recently experienced Kakadu National Park on his photography trip to the Northen Territory with Canon and highly recommends it as a place to get off the beaten path and experience the Top End of Australia.
Kakadu is one of the few places in the world that is World Heritage Listed for both its cultural and natural values.
Kakadu is home to one of the oldest living societies on Earth, the local Bininj and Mugguy people, as well as hundreds of salt water crocodiles other reptiles, birds, fish and mammals and more than 2, 000 plant species. Kakadu has six different landscapes and habitats and six different seasons.
Craig recommends:
- Sunset at Ubirr
- Yellow water cruise (Cooinda)
- Gunlom waterfall
- and the Nourlangie Aboriginal rock art site.
9. The Central Coast, NSW
Terrigal Beach
The Central Coast Region, our home, is just 90 minutes drive north of Sydney. So be sure to come visit us when you arrive.
One of our favourite spots is Terrigal Beach is a small coastal town often visited by celebs and famous sports stars.
It’s quiet and surrounded by surfing beaches, a lagoon for stand up paddle boarding and paddle boats, and The Haven for picnics, rolls down the Skillion and spectacular sunset views. Take your wine and cheese and crackers and enjoy the magic.
Other highlights include:
- Bouddi National Park coastal walk
- Avoca Beach
- The Entrance
10. Port Macquarie, NSW North Coast
Port Macquarie is the total package for off the beaten path Aussie experiences. Uncrowded, miles of surfing beaches, an 8km coastal walk, wild dolphin and whale encounters, vineyards, activities for families, and the most magnificent sunsets.
Enjoy the sunsets on a Sunday with $10 jugs of beer at the Beach House on the waterfront. Magical…
Sunset view from the Beach House
11. Phillip Island, Victoria
Run little fellas Credit: Tourism Australia Copyright
Phillip Island, Victoria is a car-free outdoor adventure land and is the perfect off the beaten path retreat. Small sleepy towns, coastal scenery, wild surf, and wetlands.
Most people head to Phillip Island for the penguins who march out from the sea at dusk each day to burrow down for the evening in the sand dunes. Too cute.
12. The Grampians, Victoria
The Grampians Credit: Tourism Australia
I first heard about the Grampians, Victoria from my Swedish rock climbing friend. He’s rock climbed around the world and said the Grampians was his favourite, not just for the challenging rock climbs, but for the beauty and the peace and tranquility that comes with it being an off the beaten path Aussie experience.
And it’s only a few hours drive west of Melbourne.
You decide- adventure or chill out in the mountains? Oh heck why not have both?
13. Arnhem Land, Northern Territory
Arnhem land Northern Territory Credit: Tourism Australia
A truly unique Aboriginal cultural experience would be a visit to Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. It’s not an easy journey and definitely not a regular tourist destination. Facilities for visitors are limited and you need a permit to enter.
Arnhem Land is a highly protected area and is governed by the Aboriginal elders of each of the small coastal communities. It’s definitely a rewarding off the beaten path experience for culture and untouched beauty.
14. Cape York Peninsula, Queensland
Cape York Peninsula Credit: Tourism Australia
Jump in your 4WD and explore the narrow peninsula of Cape York at the tip of Australia.
Cape York is only accessable by road in the dry season between May and November. The Coastal route via Cape Tribulation, the Daintree Rainforest and the Bloomfield Track to Cooktown requires 4WD and is incredibly scenic. (You’ll get rainforest and reef in the one place!)
The Cape York Peninsula is a land of few people and prolific wildlife, amazing fishing, stunning scenery and many ancient aboriginal cultural sites. Jump on a ferry over to Thursday Island to experience rich history and indigenous culture.
15. Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Kangaroo Island Image: Tourism Australia
Known as ‘Australia’s Galpagos‘ Kangaroo Island, off the coast of South Australia, is rich with wildlife and untouched by humans.
A vast majority of the island is a protected National Park and wilderness area. It is a place to relax and unwind and see native animals in their natural habitat.
Kangaroo Island is the place for 4WD exploration with much of the island only accessible with this vehicle.
Australia Experiences – 15 off the Beaten Path Destinations
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