Australia is an ideal location to start your bucket list. Love a good secret? Then you have to add these hidden gems to your ultimate Australia bucket list.
Are you headed for a trip down under soon?
If so, you should be very excited. Even though it’s a long flight, Australia is one of the best places to visit in the entire world.
And, considering that Australian cities are consistently ranked as the most livable cities in the entire world, you may never want to leave. Even though you’ll love Australia no matter what you do, it can be fun to add things to your itinerary that are a bit off the beaten path.
So, where should you check out that no one else knows about?
Read on to learn about the top hidden gems to add to your Australia bucket list.
1. Karijini National Park
Australia is home to several national parks that are all worth a visit. However, if you’re looking for one that’s away from the tourist, it’s Karijini.
Karijini National Park, located in the remote area of Western Australia, is a nature lover’s dream. Here you will find hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, tranquil swimming holes, and unique wildlife. If you’re lucky, you may even get to spot a dingo, a type of wild dog that Australia is famous for.
If you can, rent a vehicle with 4-wheel drive, as this national park is quite expansive.
2. The Empire of Atlantium
As we all know, Australia is the only country that physically on the continent of Australia…or is it?
About 30 years ago, a few teenagers from New South Wales attempted to change that by creating a sovereignty advocacy group about 300 kilometers outside of Sydney.
Although it’s not recognized as a country and is only 0.3 square miles, Atlantium considers itself a parallel sovereign state. It even has its own emperor, flag, and post office.
It’s a unique place that’s definitely worth checking out if you have the time.
3. Check Out Some Lesser-Know Towns and Cities
When people go to Australia, they usually try to hit the main cities: Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide.
However, there’s a lot more to Australia than these big metropolises. Some smaller towns worth checking out include:
- Randwick: Great for its beaches and horse races. You can even find hotels near Randwick Racecourse
- Robe: Come here for a quirky, seaside vibe with unique shops, fine dining, and great surf
- Castlemaine: Located just two hours out of Melbourne, in Castlemaine, you’ll find lovely spas, peaceful botanical gardens, beautiful old buildings, and a thriving food scene
- Esperance: This is where you go to find the world-famous pink lake, Lake Hillier. You’ll also find some charming local pubs, incredible beaches, and, if you’re lucky, a kangaroo.
4. Check Out a Penguin Parade
Is there any animal in the world that’s cuter than a penguin?
To get a great view of these adorable creatures, head out to a penguin parade on Phillips Island (near Melbourne). This island is home to 32,000 penguins, and every night, you can see them marching from their sea home to their beach home.
If you go to the penguin parade, make sure you leave your camera at home. No photography is allowed during the parade, as the birds’ eyes are very sensitive.
Ready to Tick These Things Off of Your Australia Bucket List?
As you can see, there’s a lot more to see in Australia than just the Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef.
If you have any questions about these hidden gems, be sure to drop us a comment below.
And, if you’re flying solo on your trip to Australia, be sure to check out our blog post about the best packing tips for solo travelers.
