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Tourism and Australia go together like shrimp on a barbie or a fresh pair of thongs and khakis. But often when we think about exploring the land Down Under, we have images of the iconic sites pop up in our heads – like the Sydney Opera House or Uluru / Ayers Rock.
But there’s so much more to the continental country down south. To help you soak up uniquely Aussie experiences, here are seven hidden gems to add to your trip when visiting Australia:
Play around the Devil’s Marbles
Mzansi residents are no strangers to natural wonders with devilishly smart names – so this marvel is a must-visit when traipsing around the Northern Territory of Australia. While many tend to visit Uluru and Alice Springs around the North, it’s worth adding the Devil’s Marbles to your stops. The round rock formations stand with impeccable balance and positioning that they’re truly a sight to behold and carry spiritual meaning within Aboriginal culture. The stones are millions of years old and, due to erosion, have been transformed into huge boulders. To really make the most of the visit, you’re able to camp on-site and witness the silhouettes these giants create at sunset and sunrise.
You vant to visit the Tolga Bat Hospital on your stay
Ready to vamp – I mean, ramp up your Aussie escape? A visit to the Tolga Bat Hospital is a must – especially for animal enthusiasts. Located in Carrington, you can book a visit to experience the eery but wonderful world of bats to immerse yourself in the musical sounds of their echolocation and learn all about the different types of resident bats – including the massive flying foxes. You can also find out more about the facility’s Rescue, Rehab, and Release programme and their efforts to preserve the bat species in Australia.
Soak up Elephant Rocks
If you’re imagining seeing elephants – think again. There may not be herds of elephants roaming around Australia, but you can soak up the splendour of this tucked-away beach in Denmark, Western Australia, near the popular Greens pool. In certain angles and lighting, the exposed rock formations in Elephant Rocks create a silhouetted appearance that resembles a herd of elephants.
Split up your day with a visit to Lake MacDonnell
Driving along Point Sinclair Road 15km south of Penong, will have you travelling down the centre of an incredible sight. On either side, you’ll be treated to two different sides of the salty Lake MacDonnell. One side will look like your typical lake, while the other, when caught on the right day will be a vibrant pop or pastel shade of pink! Due to the high salt concentration – this salmon pink hue can be seen on clear water days with the right amount of water; on other days the water may appear white or even blue. The high levels of salt as well as salt-loving algae called Dunaliella salina and bacteria called Halobacteria secrete carotenoid red pigments – which help to turn the water bright pink. While swimming in the water isn’t discouraged, the high levels of salt can be hard to wash off and may damage your skin – there is a designated swimming area at Point Sinclair – just 10km away.
Unleash your Kenergy at Lake Bumbunga
If you are still not done soaking up the salty wonders of pink lakes – a visit to Lake Bumbunga will have you feeling ‘Kenough’. Just under 2 hours from Adelaide, in Lochiel, you can immerse in the breathtaking space of this Barbie-approved Lake. The lake shade will shift colour from vibrant pink to white to blue depending on the salt and water levels. After you’ve become one with your inner Barbie or Ken, you can head over to the beloved Clare Valley wine region to quench your thirst with a pink rosé to toast a great day out.
Discover a tiny mining town, Lightning Ridge
Nestled in New South Wales outback, Lightning Ridge is a captivating fusion of natural wonders and quirky charm. This town boasts a legacy of rare black opals dating back to the late 1800s. Enjoy opal mine tours offering a glimpse of the town’s old glory or try your luck at fossicking. Also check out Amigo’s Castle, a Gothic-style marvel crafted from ironstone boulders, or explore Bevan’s Cactus Nursery, home to one of the Southern Hemisphere's largest collections of cacti. Yet, perhaps the most enchanting experience awaits you at the Artesian bore baths. Fed by mineral-rich waters from the ancient depths of the Great Artesian Basin, these steamy baths offer relief for weary travellers. Lightning Ridge promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Australia's wild frontier.
Ground yourself at the Umpherston Sinkhole
Are you still not feeling as grounded as you’d like with nature? Well, look no further than the ethereal Umpherston Sinkhole, mate. This natural sinkhole looks like a scene and movie set fit for the wonders and magic of Avatar or Tinkerbell. Situated at Mount Gambier, the sinkhole wasn't always a sinkhole. Instead, it used to be a limestone cave formed by the corrosion of seawater waves. The sinkhole came to be after the chamber’s roof collapsed. Now, the seaside wonder has rebranded itself into a mystical garden wonder you can visit.
Ready to unlock more of Australia’s best-kept secrets?
With the new intel you’ve got – are you ready to plan your next Aussie trip? Book your next Australia experience with the country’s airline, Qantas, and be treated to a variety of passenger perks – including deals for more hidden gems across the region.
Booking a flight with Qantas allows you to cash in on discounts on uniquely Australian experiences across the country using your boarding pass! You can save big time on everything from popular activities like a Sydney Harbour Cruise and Bondi Surf Lesson to more bespoke and personalised experiences like a Reef Magic experience or island resort cruises.
Find out more about their passenger perk offerings and plan your next Aussie escape here.
This post was sponsored by Qantas and produced by Studio24.
