05 Most Hidden Places in Australia You Won’t Regret Travelling To

Australians are rediscovering their own backyard.

Recent travel data shows most Australians now plan to explore destinations within the country over the next year, with a clear shift toward nature escapes, wine regions, and slower, off the beaten path getaways rather than the same five well known cities.

New data from booking platform Omio found 68 per cent of Australians surveyed plan to explore destinations within Australia during the next 12 months, with many taking to the regions to get away from the crowds and explore something new.

If you’re planning your next trip and want somewhere that still feels like a discovery, here are five of the country’s best hidden places, plus one that might be closer to home than you think.

01. Dangar Island, New South Wales

Just an hour north of Sydney, this car-free island recently topped a national ranking as Australia’s ultimate hidden gem for the year, beating out far more famous destinations on measures like search demand, crowd levels, and accessibility.

No cars, no crowds, just a quiet island escape a short ferry ride from the city.

02. Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

A UNESCO World Heritage listed paradise around two hours by flight from Sydney or Brisbane, Lord Howe Island deliberately keeps things exclusive, with a strict cap of only 400 visitors at a time.

Expect lush forest, dramatic peaks, and some of the best snorkelling in the country, without the crowds that come with most island getaways.

03. Bay of Fires, Tasmania

Tasmania’s east coast holds one of the country’s most underrated stretches of coastline.

The Bay of Fires is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and wildlife spotting, with pristine beaches and surrounding national parks offering plenty of hiking and birdwatching, plus wildlife including penguins, sea eagles, and wallabies.

It’s the kind of place that rewards a slower, multi day visit rather than a quick stop.

04. Mount Gambier, South Australia

Sitting halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne, this regional city is easy to skip on a Great Ocean Road trip, which is exactly why it’s worth the detour.

Mount Gambier hides a whole lot of natural geological wonders, including sunken gardens, underground caves, and a famous blue crater lake, despite being South Australia’s largest regional city that rarely gets time in the spotlight.

05. Blackwood, Victoria

You don’t need a flight or a ferry to find somewhere that still feels undiscovered.

About 75 to 90 minutes from Melbourne, in the heart of the Macedon Ranges, sits the tiny hamlet of Blackwood, a former gold mining town now known for quiet bushwalking trails and forest scenery rather than crowds.

The wider region is home to around 80 per cent of Australia’s natural mineral water, spread across towns from Daylesford to Hepburn Springs, Trentham to Woodend, and Mount Macedon to Kyneton, all within the same easy drive from Melbourne.

Blackwood itself doesn’t show up on the standard Melbourne day trip list, which is exactly the appeal.

If you’re chasing that same feeling as Dangar Island or the Bay of Fires, somewhere quiet, a little overlooked, and worth the drive, Blackwood is proof you don’t have to go far to find it.

Quick Guide: Why Each Destination Is Worth the Trip

FAQs: Exploring Australia’s Hidden Places

What makes a destination a hidden gem?

Generally low search demand, fewer crowds, limited social media presence, and a bit of distance from a capital city, while still offering genuine natural beauty or cultural interest.

Are hidden places in Australia hard to get to?

Not usually.

Most of the destinations on this list are within a few hours of a major city, either by car, ferry, or short flight.

Is Blackwood worth visiting if I only have a weekend?

Yes.

It’s around 75 to 90 minutes from Melbourne, making it easy to explore mineral springs, wineries, and gold rush history over a single weekend without a long drive.

What’s the best time of year to visit Blackwood and the Macedon Ranges?

The region works well year round.

Winter suits the fireplaces and day spas, while spring and autumn are ideal for bushwalking and wildflowers.

Make Blackwood Your Base

If you’re planning a trip through the Macedon Ranges to chase Victoria’s own hidden gem, the Blackwood Hotel makes a fitting base.

Settle in by the fire after a day on the trails, enjoy a country style meal made with regional produce, and let the rest of the region unfold from there, just 75 to 90 minutes from Melbourne.

Ready to plan your escape? Book a table or explore our menu before your next visit.