Think Australia and visuals of the iconic Opera House, the grand Harbour Bridge, bustling cities, sun-kissed beaches, the Great Barrier Reef, and, of course, kangaroos and koalas spring to mind instantly. However, beyond the touristy clichés, this megadiverse country is bursting with surprises and adventures that seldom make it to the usual itinerary. Here’s a curated list of some underrated experiences that reveal a wilder, stranger, majestic, and quieter side of Australia. Dive in.
Explore the Otherworldly Karijini National Park
Tucked away in the heart of Western Australia’s Pilbara region, Karijini National Park is undoubtedly one of the most underrated treasures of Australia. With a 2.5-billion-year-old geology, Karijini is nothing short of a dreamy wonderland that enchants with its fiery red gorges, emerald pools, and cascading waterfalls. Whether you are hiking through Hancock Gorge’s Spider Walk or exploring the spectacular Weano, Fortescue, Dales, and Hamersley gorges, you are going to be greeted with the most panoramic views at every turn. And as night falls, the park transforms into an excellent stargazing spot. Despite its spellbinding charms, Karijini National Park remains blissfully uncrowded for most of the year.
Swim Alongside Wild Sea Lions at Baird Bay
Those seeking a quieter, more intimate marine adventure should head to Baird Bay, on the Eyre Peninsula, for an experience of a lifetime. This quaint fishing village not only offers seclusion from the chaos of city life but also countless options like bushwalking, bird watching, camping, fishing, and the unrivalled experience of swimming with sea lions. Here, in the crystal-clear waters of the bay, you can have the pleasure of interacting with sea lions in their natural habitat. The encounters are usually intimate and refreshingly free of crowds and gimmicks. It’s just you, the sea, and the sea lions.
Float Through the World’s Oldest Tropical Rainforest
Craving an experience that feels straight out of another world? Then set sail for Queensland’s 180-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. So enchanting is its lush, primeval beauty that filmmaker James Cameron drew inspiration from it to create the fictional world of Pandora for his film Avatar. Home to 663 species of animals, 230 butterfly species, and more than 2,800 different types of plants, most of which are not found anywhere else, the Daintree is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. And the simplest way to soak in its surreal beauty is by drifting gently along the crystal waters of Mossman River. This unique adventure combines leisurely floating with invigorating rainforest walks, letting you glide beneath towering canopies, past moss-covered boulders, and through nature’s untouched serenity.
Follow the Silo Art Trail in Victoria
Stretching over 700 kilometers through the Wimmera Mallee region, the Silo Art Trail is a self-guided trail offering a unique way to see the beautiful Australian countryside, visit small communities, and, of course, admire Australia’s largest outdoor gallery, where the humble grain silos are converted into towering masterpieces. Painted by world-renowned street artists like Rone and Adnate, these unexpected art hubs are a must-visit for creative enthusiasts. The trail winds through towns like Brim, Sheep Hills, and Rosebery, where community spirit is as bright as the murals themselves. No crowds, no entry fee, just the open road with art pieces all around. This is what’s called ‘art with soul.’
Discover the Magic of Tamborine Mountain’s Glow Worm Caves
Nestled in Queensland’s Scenic Rim region, Tamborine Mountain is renowned for its scenic subtropical rainforests, various walking trails, gorgeous waterfalls, wineries, and charming village life. But one of its most enchanting secrets is the mystical glow worm caves. Unlike any other caves in the world, the Mount Tamborine Glow Worm Caves are a purpose-built, eco-certified sanctuary, designed to protect and nurture these tiny bioluminescent wonders. Visitors can enjoy guided tours through a rainforest boardwalk before entering a cave filled with these glowing constellations. The cave is monitored constantly to ensure optimal conditions for these tiny bioluminescent insects, and a visit here is akin to a magical experience.
Walk the ‘Walls Of China’ In Mungo National Park
Well, before you take a flight to China, here’s a surprise—these walls of China are very much within the boundaries of Australia. The Walls of China here are wind-sculpted sand formations rising from the ancient bed of Lake Mungo, a World Heritage site that’s both surreal and sacred. It’s also one of Australia’s most significant archaeological sites, where 40,000-year-old human remains were discovered, shedding light on the world’s oldest continuous culture. The World Heritage-listed site spans 240,000 hectares across the serene Riverina Murray region and is indeed a sight to behold.
Meet the Happiest Animal on Earth
Kangaroos and koalas may steal the spotlight in Australia, but on Rottnest Island, it is cute, smiley Quokkas that win hearts. Located just offshore from the city of Perth, Rottnest Island is a protected nature reserve and is home to the quokka, a small wallaby-like marsupial, also dubbed the ‘happiest animal on earth.’ Native to Rottnest Island, the quokka, or kwoka in Noongar, is an icon of the island. Roaming freely across the island, these cuties charm visitors with their photogenic grins. Beyond the quokkas, Rottnest boasts dazzling beaches, cycling trails, and ocean views that redefine paradise.
