hidden gems in Australia (2026)

Our Australia travel guide for 2026 showcases some of Australia’s most off the beaten track destinations. Come and explore Kangaroo Island and its amazing array of wildlife or travel to The Kimberley to experience some of Australia’s most unique landscapes. Learn about the entry fees to some of these destinations, for example, Flinders Chase National Park costs AUD 12 per person to enter and read our travel tips and advice for travelling in more remote areas. Find out about all the information you need to know when visiting some of Australia’s off the beaten track locations.

• Kangaroo Island entry fee: AUD 12 (EUR 7.50, USD 8)
• The Kimberley 4WD rental: AUD 150/day (EUR 94, USD 100)
• Lord Howe Island flight from Sydney: AUD 600 (EUR 375, USD 400)
• Wilsons Promontory park entry fee: AUD 10 (EUR 6.25, USD 6.70)
• Daintree Rainforest guided tour: AUD 80 (EUR 50, USD 53)

From tropical paradise to rugged outback, snow-capped mountains to scenic coastlines, each destination in Australia offers its own special blend of landscapes, affordability and experiences.

1. Kangaroo Island: A Wildlife Wonderland

Kangaroo Island is the perfect destination for wildlife and nature lovers. With diverse landscapes and a plenty of wildlife, the island is home to many outdoor activities as well as wine tasting. Flinders Chase National Park, which covers nearly 50 percent of the islands area, charges an entry fee of just AUD 12 (EUR 7.50, USD 8).

As well as spotting sea lions, koalas and kangaroos on Kangaroo Island the diverse range of wildlife and scenery of South Australia means that there’s always something amazing to discover. Being off-season from May to September has its advantages too – it’s quieter so you can enjoy your environment even more.

Off season is quiet and less expensive.

2. The Kimberley: Adventure Awaits in Western Australia

The Kimberley is a vast, arid region located in the northernmost part of Western Australia. it's known for its impressive natural beauty and is celebrated for its wide open spaces and sense of adventure. The Gibb River Road is a serious off road drive that promises to deliver the most incredible scenery, secluded waterfalls and caves and ancient rock art sites.

it's necessary to rent a 4WD for this tour as the roads are in poor condition and demanding to drive. Rental prices are about AUD 150 per day (EUR 94, USD 100). You should make sure that the car is in good condition for remote driving and bring the necessary spare parts (e.g. extra petrol, water).

Best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October. During the rainy season, some of the park’s roads can become impassable due to flooding.

3. Lord Howe Island: A Paradise in New South Wales

This article may require some images, such as a photo of the island. The addition of high quality images really helps to enhance articles, please help by adding some! Lord Howe Island is a remote UNESCO World Heritage tropical island in the north east of Australia in the Tasman Sea off the state of New South Wales. It boasts clear waters, white sandy beaches and tropical forests covered in lush green vegetation. it's popular with tourists, with limited spots available as the island has a quota of only 400 visitors at any given time. Accommodation is also in high demand so it's important to book in advance.

Snorkelling and climbing Mount Gower are among the spectacular experiences one can enjoy on this unique island. Although prices are on the higher side, flights from Sydney to Lord Howe Island start from around AUD 600 (EUR 375, USD 400) and the sheer remoteness and outstanding natural beauty of the place makes it an unmissable luxury break opportunity.

4. Wilsons Promontory: Victoria's Coastal Gem

Located in the southeastern region of Victoria, Wilsons Promontory, affectionately known as 'The Prom,' is a notable coastal national park. Boasting majestic coastlines, abundant wildlife and diverse walking tracks, The Prom has established itself as one of Australia’s most loved destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The entrance fee to the park is AUD 10 per person (as of April 2019) and it's recommended to bring your own food as well as other necessities as the options available in the area are limited. In fact it's the remoteness of the area that makes it so special, allowing visitors to truly get away from it all.

5. Daintree Rainforest: A Tropical Escape in Queensland

Experience the wonders of the world’s oldest rainforest in tropical North Queensland. Located just 110km north of Cairns, the Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest rainforests on earth and will leave you in awe. Discover the region on foot by joining one of the many guided walks or take a scenic boat tour along the majestic waters of the Currumbene, Dainture or Morton rivers. Guided tours of the region start from about AUD 80 per person or EUR 50 or USD 53.

it's important to remember that Berri Creek is Indigenous land and any visitors are invited to respect the land and the Kuku Yalanji culture. it's a truly wonderful cultural experience combined with the sheer natural beauty of the place.

6. Cost of Living and Travel in Australia

Even though Australia is relatively small, traveling here can be as different as night and day. Check out some costs for some of our lesser known gems listed on 10 of the Best Unearthed Hidden Gems:

7. Living in Australia: What to Expect

Australia is a country that combines busy cities, unique landscapes and an easy going lifestyle. Australia is a very outdoor oriented country and is known for being a very multicultural society.

Be aware that the cost of living in Sydney and Melbourne is high. You may want to think carefully before deciding to study in a smaller town or rural area because the cost of living is generally lower. Also, public transport is relatively good in cities but not always available in the countryside and you may find it necessary to have a car.

8. Comparisons: Australia vs. Other Destinations

There are many things to consider when comparing transportation in Australia to that of other countries. For example, Australia's size and the remoteness of its popular tourist destinations make long trips and the necessity of traveling by car unavoidable, which is often not the case in popular countries such as France and Italy where taking the train is a common mode of transportation.

Australia also offers a wide range of diverse and specialised wildlife and landscapes that won't be experienced elsewhere in the world. The following table shows the relative strengths of the various elements of travel in Australia in comparison with other countries.

Its quite common for visitors to Australia to contemplate hiring a campervan in order to save money and give themselves more freedom on their journey, particularly when visiting remote outlying parts of the country.

9. Cultural Tips for Travelers

To have a good time in Australia, you need to take an interest in the local culture. Mainly, Australians respect direct language, punctuality and casual dress.

Indigenous culture is also important, and we encourage people to learn and engage with Indigenous communities in a respectful way. Please note cultural protocols when visiting Indigenous country and attending Indigenous events.

10. Common Mistakes When Traveling in Australia

I believe that people tend to misunderstand the enormity of Australia and the amount of time required to traverse the country. here's an easy example. For those who think that the world isn't round (geography lesson ahead), Sydney is on the east coast and Perth is on the west coast. For those of you keeping track at home, the world is round, and no matter what side of the globe you're on, the earth will continue to curve outward long after your feet and eyes have crested the horizon, so yes – they're far apart. it's better to allocate sufficient time between activities in order to get from point A to point B without a) blowing your budget for the day b) falling into a deep sleep c) becoming stranded. Remote areas must also be approached with more time in mind and extra precautions. It may seem simple but is often times the first consideration when someone realises just how long it takes to actually get to their intended destination.

Another mistake that tourists make isn't preparing for climate changes which are prevalent in Australia. Australia has vast and varied climate conditions, therefore tourists need to pack the correct clothing for their destination – whether it’s for the tropics of the north or the cooler conditions in the south.

11. Australia Travel 2026: Updates and Changes

Some updates to be aware of as we head into 2026. First of all, costs for all things travel will be increasing by about 5-10% because of inflation and high demand.

Biosecurity measures may also change in response to the impacts of climate change, so it's important to check for any updates to restrictions and requirements to help you have the best possible journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Australia

What are the must-see hidden gems in Australia?

Travel Australia Kangaroo Island Discover the wildlife and natural landscapes of Kangaroo Island. Follow the Scenic route in Western Australia to experience The Kimberley. With its unique wildlife, spectacular volcanic peaks and pristine reef and coral lagoon, Lord Howe Island is sure to captivate and inspire you.

How much does it cost to travel to Australia's hidden gems?

Prices vary depending on the place you visit and the activities you take part in. You should expect to pay around AUD 600 per person for flights to some of the more distant islands in the Philippines and around AUD 150 per day for a car rental.

What should I know about driving in remote Australia?

See if your car can withstand long trips. Pack extra petrol and water. Even if you only plan short local trips you'll be surprised at how poor the roads can be in the rural areas.

Are there visitor limits on any Australian islands?

Yes, a visitor cap of 400 per month is in place on Lord Howe Island to protect the island’s unique environment. Book your accommodation now.

What's the best time to visit Australia's hidden gems?

Visiting during the off season (May 1st - Sept 30th) reduces crowds, saves you money and allows for a much more relaxed experience.

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