When thinking of Australia, world-known destinations like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane may come to mind, with their enchanting art museums and memorable surfing beaches. Indeed, Australia is brimming with unforgettable destinations, with holidaymakers and travelers accounting for a sizable portion of the country's nearly 3.7 million visitor arrivals last year.

Australia is among the best-urbanized countries, popular for superb cities like Perth and Sydney. For this reason, visiting the country's capital is widely advised if you have never been here before. If you have a friend in Sydney, then the luckier you are. You can easily visit the lesser-known yet wonderful destinations curated in this short guide by leaving your vehicle at the airport parking for several hours or a few days and heading to the places that draw your attention.

So, are you looking for less-popular places to relax and feel the taste of the sweet escape? Planning to hitch up your family off road camper van and head down off roads less travelled?  Here’s the insider’s guide to hidden jewels in remote and magnificent locations. 

Turquoise Bay

In the case of Turquoise Bay Beach, the name speaks for the location. It displays a wide variety of nuances of turquoise that are easily differentiated by the naked eye, which is one of the many reasons why the place is regarded as one of the best beaches in Western Australia. The beach attracts lovers of sea creatures and marine life with the opportunity to enjoy coral, fish, and other sea treasures where the shore meets the water, plus an incredibly appealing bay and soft-sanded beach.

This is one of the best places in Western Australia and is perfect if you want to snorkel, swim, or simply relax with an ice-cold beverage. The water is calm and quiet, making it a go-to even for individuals who don't know how to swim.

You can visit Turquoise Bay any time of the year, though the summer is the best option since you enjoy the sun to the fullest. If you're into lower temperatures, waiting until the cooler autumn months is a smart move.

Pebbly beach

Pebbly Beach is regarded as one of the best sandy destinations on the NSW south coast, located in the Murramarang National Park, around 10 kilometers from Termeil and eight kilometers from Pebbly. The place is popular for the friendly kangaroos that stroll freely on the weedy spots above the beach, which you may also see bathing in the water. This is a highly-appealing element for visitors who spend several days in the area in the comfort of the accommodations provided near the beach or in the many off road camping spots.  This is a favourite school holiday destination for Sydney families with teens and kids.

Additionally, you'll spot coastal lomandra and rosemary on top of the cliffs buffeted by salty sea breezes. If you're lucky, you'll see dolphins swimming, oystercatchers, and sea eagles flying above the water.

Regarding the beach, the lack of shade may be uncomfortable, meaning you should bring an umbrella, hat, and other items to protect yourself against sunburns. Even though it's a lesser-known destination, the parking lot may agglomerate significantly during the peak of the summer as it is among the most well-known beaches in the area.

Double Island Point

If you want to discover a place rich in history and tradition, look no further than Double Island Point. This coastal cliff in Queensland has been home to the Kabi Kabi people, who fished and hunted around the site for tens of thousands of years. 

It is northeast of Palm Cove, or around thirteen kilometers away from Cairns, found in the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park. It is located about 12 kilometers south of Rainbow Beach, Queensland, along the beach, so you’ll have plenty of beautiful sights to see until you arrive at your destination.

The name may confuse you into thinking that this is an island. However, this is more of a sandpit in the proximity of a volcanic site. If you seek adrenaline, you can get to the north and enjoy a surfing session, as that area is well-suited for this activity.

Ningaloo coast

If you're passionate about scuba diving but would rather skip agglomerated holiday destinations, there's no better place to check out than the Ningaloo Coast. It resides on the remote western Australian coast, along the East Indian Ocean. Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, where you'd need a boat to explore the depths of the sea, the reefs here are easily discoverable from the shore. It is known for having a mesmerizing seascape and landscape and a reef treasure that put the coast on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Divers can testify—the breathtaking sights will make you want to return time and time again.

Agnes Water

Agnes Water is a locality in Queensland, found in the Gladstone Region, whose beauty stems from its position as a coastal town. With a population of less than 3.000 persons per the 2021 census, the place is known to be safe from the curious eye, where bumping into crowds of visitors is completely off the equation. You can engage in watersports, wildlife watching, and experience the amazing culture here. The locality is a nice alternative to the busy towns and a perfect spot if you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of more touristic destinations.

Kangaroo Island

What can make a trip to Australia more memorable than a stroll on a beach that gathers friendly kangaroos? Kangaroo Island, as the name suggests, is a safe nest for these marsupials and embraces many native Australian wildlife species, like different bird species and sea lions. Only a quarter of the island is not full of nature reserves. In Flinders Chase National Park, you can also see impressive coastal rock conglomerates and penguin colonies.

From jaw-dropping mountain scenery to UNESCO World Heritage sites, Australia has several impressive places that aren't on every traveler's bucket list.