Australia declassified: 5 great alternative places
It is no secret that Australia is home to heaps of well-known landmarks, both natural and man-made. The continent has been on the charm offensive with its World Heritage Sites, and tempting the globe with its laid-back lifestyle and three-hour-long brunches. But famous attractions and delicious grub aren’t the only reason why so many visitors go back to the land Down Under – here are some hidden gems for new and returning visitors seeking unforgettable adventures.
Alternative dining experience – Eyre Peninsula’s seafood trail, Port Augusta, SA
Image Source: Tourism Australia
Forget holes-in-the-wall, private kitchens or fine dining and go on a seafood tasting safari that lets you sample the best of what South Australia has to offer. Starting from Port Augusta, the journey takes you through many gourmet layovers along the coast. Get your hands wet and catch your lunch of tender blue crabs, feast on freshly harvested oysters on a farm tour at Coffin Bay, and dine your heart out at the many restaurants in the area. Travellers looking for an extended safari should check out the charming bed and breakfasts along the trail.
Alternative reef – Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth, WA
Image Source: Luxury Lodges of Australia
Ningaloo Reef is often overshadowed by its massive cousin, the Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s most talked about living organism. Hop on a short flight from Perth to Exmouth and hit the resorts located right at the fringe of this untouched 260km-long structure. Only metres away from the shore, expect to walk over to the reef without any snorkelling gear! Capture it all on Instagram (make sure your phone is waterproof) as you dive with whale sharks congregating in their natural habitat or catch the migrating humpback whales that skirt the beautiful coastline.
Alternative art museum – The White Rabbit Gallery, Sydney, NSW
Image Source: White Rabbit Gallery Facebook
Looking for more fun and quirk in your art? Look beyond the usual suspects like the Museum of Contemporary Art or MONA and head to the White Rabbit Gallery, a private art museum featuring only 21st-century Chinese contemporary art by collector Judith Neilson. Be intrigued by over 2000 works contained in a whimsical arena or take a breather from sensory overload and have a cup of tea at the museum’s teahouse. Best part of all? Admission is free!
Alternative national park – Kakadu National Park, NT
Image Source: Tourism Australia
Australia’s largest nature reserve, the Kakadu National Park offers breathtaking hiking trails and vistas that easily rival those of the Grampians or Blue Mountains. Hire a four-wheel drive to explore isolated and inaccessible sanctuaries like the Gunlom Falls and the Ikoymarrwa Rock Pool, or jump on a cruise tour of the Yellow Water Wetlands that changes with the six seasons, constantly transforming the landscape. Camping tip: Stay at the bespoke Flash Camp in Cooinda during the dry season instead of roughing it out in a tent to get closer to nature!
Alternative drive – The East Coast, Tasmania
Image Source: Friendly Beaches Lodge/Great Walks of Australia
Equally as awe-inspiring as the Great Ocean Road, the tranquil Tasmanian East Coast is a treasure trove of stunning bays, wildlife, pristine beaches and lookout points that dot the island’s east coast. Break your journey along this 300km stretch from Hobart to St Helens and wander around pitstops like the picturesque Wineglass Bay and the Bay of Fires or stop for a scrumptious treat at the Darlington Vineyard.
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