5 Little Known Australian Destinations You Must Visit

When thinking of visiting Australia, many instantly choose Sydney or another great city such as Melbourne or Canberra, the capital to visit. However, as breathtaking as these places may be themselves, there are also many other amazing lesser-known places to visit in Australia that you should consider looking into before picking and paying for your trip there.

Kakadu National Park

Situated in the Northern Territory of Australia, 171kms southeast of the city of Darwin – Kakadu National Park is the largest national park in Australia. Known for its level of biodiversity, the Park comprises of more than 110,000 square kilometers of beautiful landscapes, aboriginal culture and is packed with activities for tourists. To appreciate its full beauty, many guides recommend spending up to a week in the area rather than stopping by for a tourist viewing so you can fully explore and discover what it has to offer. The wetland landscape is home to various endangered and rare mammals, insects and reptiles – offering sights of nature that can only be seen right there.

The Park offers amazing and vastly different sights all year round depending on the season; however, it is best to try and visit in between the months of April and November. From December to March it is monsoon season and the unpredictable heavy rains may cut any of your planned activities short.

Tasmania

Set apart from mainland Australia by 150 miles by the Bass Strait sea, Tasmania is an island filled with natural beauty. Made up of mountainous, green landscapes, more than 40% of the island is protected as World Heritage Area reserves and national parks. Being such a small island, it is easy to explore an alpine area and have arrived at a sandy beach within a few hours, offering an all in one experience for those looking for a varied break. With a population of less than 500,000 the island is bursting with cultures, music, food and dancing. There is a fantastic festival mid-winter in which they celebrate their Antarctic connections and would be well worth a visit if you planned a trip at the end of the year.

Ayers Rock

Formally known as ‘Uluru’, until it was changed in 1993, Ayers Rock is a vast rock formation in the south of Australia’s’ Northern Territory, in Central Australia. More than just a giant sandstone rock, Ayers Rock has caves, natural springs, historic paintings and various other sights to see and has become a landmark associated with the country. Over 9kms around Ayers Rock is a place worth seeing for yourself to take in how breathtaking it really is.

Magnetic Island

Known to locals as ‘Maggie Island’ or simply ‘Maggie’, Magnetic Island is an old travel destination, based just outside Townsville (North Queensland). Being so close to the cost of Australia’s mainland (half a mile away), it is classed as a suburb and is extremely accessible by almost constant ferry. With various Bays to visit, the most popular is Horseshoe Bay. From beaches, restaurants, wildlife spotting to climbing it really offers it all and would make a great ‘drop in’ point on anyone holidaying on the Mainland or would make a relaxing yet not lacking in activities mini-break. 54% of the island is classes as Magnetic Island National Park and offers a haven for native wildlife.

Cairns

Tucked in the north east corner of Mainland Oz – Cairns is a pool of rainforests, beautiful lagoons and beaches as well as the famous Great Barrier Reef. Known as the home of the ‘endless summer’, Cairns offers a truly tropical experience to any visitor. Cairns is a sun seekers dream, and offers a second to none diving experience in the Great Barrier Reef. You can even try your hands at kayaking and explore the beautiful water world. Also, home to various plants and animals you can only see in the area, including the Cassowary and the Hercules Moth – Cairns is a one stop holiday destination for those looking for adventure and willing to immerse themselves in the natural vibe of the place.

No matter where you choose to visit in Australia you will never be spoilt for beautiful sights and something you’ve never seen elsewhere but always make sure you do a bit of your own research as a week in a jungle surrounded cabin may not end up as simple as you would like to.