• By: Guest Contributor
• Apr 15, 2025
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Hidden Gems in Australia That You Can’t Miss in 2025

This post is written by a guest contributor, Sophia Koren.

Author’s Bio: Sophia Koren is a passionate travel writer with a love for exploring new destinations. She shares her insights on global adventures, offering tips, guides, and cultural experiences to inspire wanderlust in readers seeking their next journey.

Australia is known for its wilderness and iconic landmarks like the stunning Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef, among many others. Every year, countless tourists head to various popular tourist attractions and destinations in the country for their dream holidays.

However, numerous hidden gems in Australia are unmatched in their beauty and charm, even though they are not as popular among tourists. So, if you want to see a different side of Australia in 2025 apart from the famous attractions, we are here to help you plan your holidays. 

There is no denying that Australia is full of places that don’t feel real!  The exceptional landscapes and natural beauty of these places are unmatched. It is a surreal experience that countless UK citizens like yourself head to Australia every year. So, if you want to be one of them but also explore the lesser-known destinations in the country, here are some inspirations for you. 

Incredible Hidden Gems in Australia That You Must Visit

Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

If a coastal escape is your type of holiday, you will surely not want to miss out on Lord Howe Island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a well-kept secret in the country as only a few tourists are allowed on this glorious island. Lord Howe Island is perfect for adventurous souls and nature lovers. Whether you are a snorkelling fan or love hiking around a good trail, you will get a chance to make all your adventurous dreams come true at this beautiful hidden gem. 

Dramatic volcanic peaks, emerald lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs offer everything you need for a refreshing holiday amidst nature and its endless blessings. You will feel like you are at the sets of the iconic Jurassic Park movie in the middle of the ocean at this isolated island. 

Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Another hidden gem that awaits divers, snorkelers, and wildlife enthusiasts is the glorious Ningaloo Reef. Although Australia is known for the Great Barrier Reef, which attracts countless tourists worldwide, the Ningaloo Reef is still a lesser-known destination. It promises an equally exciting experience where you can swim alongside sharks, manta rays, and even humpback whales. 

Whether you are an experienced snorkeler or a beginner, you can make your adventurous dreams come true at this incredible destination. You can easily access the reef through the beach, making exploring easier. If this is the experience you want in your 2025 holidays, visit the Ningaloo Reef in Australia. 

Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, Tasmania

Australia has endless options for nature lovers, and this incredible national park is one of them. If you are familiar with Australia’s popular destinations, you might already know that Tasmania has always been underrated and a hidden gem. The Cradle Mountain is the ultimate gem of Tasmania and is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. 

Nothing is more mesmerising than this alpine wonderland home to stunning glacial lakes, misty peaks, and ancient rainforests. You will feel like you have entered a slice of paradise while exploring nature’s paradise. Also, you will not want to miss out on the chance to visit this national park if you are a hiking enthusiast.

Here, you can hike on one of Australia’s most iconic trails, the Overland Track. 

Bellingen, New South Wales

If you are an artsy person or the one who looks for a wellness retreat during every holiday, you will surely fall in love with this hidden gem. Bellingen is nestled between a rainforest and a river that promises the natural charm and beauty that Australia promises. But the art and wellness scene here adds to this incredible destination’s distinct personality, so if you love going around art galleries, quirky cafes, and farmers’ markets. 

Bellingen perfectly delivers on the vibe. You will also have enough opportunities here to relax and treat your soul with calming activities. Whatever quirky and artsy things that Bellingen offers are elevated by a lush green hills backdrop that adds to its charm. So, if you are looking forward to disconnecting with the world and spending time without the chaos, you must not miss out on visiting this hidden gem in Australia. 

Coober Pedy, South Australia

Many people know Coober Pedy as the Opal Capital of the World. You will be surprised to see that it is an underground town built by the residents to escape the harsh desert weather conditions.

In addition to the mining, what makes this town more surreal are its lunar-like landscapes and underground art galleries that are a true delight to explore. You will feel like you are on the set of a sci-fi movie while exploring this exciting town. 

One of the best things about Coober Pedy is its unpolluted skies. Do you know what that means? It is a haven for those who love stargazing or astronomy. So, if you want to have some stargazing adventures or want to have a historical retreat, Coober Pedy awaits you in the south of Australia. The exceptional town will make you wonder why it is still a hidden gem. 

Daintree Rainforest, Queensland

You might not know this already, but Daintree Rainforest is older than the Amazon. It might also be the only place where two world heritage sites meet. Daintree is where the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef meet. Isn’t it incredible? This might make you wonder why it is still a hidden gem. You will be surrounded by towering ferns, ancient trees, and cassowaries in this lush rainforest. 

This destination is also quite popular among eco-tourists and cultural enthusiasts. While you are here, you can plan Aboriginal-led tours. They share traditional knowledge and dreamtime stories during these tours, which makes them more immersive and memorable. It will be the perfect place for you if you love exploring new cultures. 

The Painted Cliffs, Maria Island, Tasmania

Another gem in Tasmania, the Painted Cliffs, are a geological wonder that attracts countless tourists worldwide. Maria Island is known for its serene charm, where you will find no cars and fewer crowds. The Painted Cliffs are the star of this glorious island. Imagine sandstone walls striped with orange, red, and golden patterns, surprisingly shaped over the millennia by water and wind. 

You can take your bicycle or even explore this beautiful destination on foot. It will enable you to connect with nature and have a calming retreat away from all the chaos. There is no denying that the Painted Cliffs are also among the places that don’t feel real on earth, which excites many photographers. You will love to capture this incredible landscape with your camera, so ensure you are ready for it. 

Cape Schanck Coastline, Victoria

Another breathtaking gem in Victoria, Cape Schanck is a coastal marvel that draws day-trippers and nature lovers from all around the world. Just a short drive from Melbourne, this rugged headland on the Mornington Peninsula offers a striking contrast of wild ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and windswept beauty. It’s where the land meets the sea most spectacularly.

The crown jewel of Cape Schanck is its iconic lighthouse, which has stood tall since the 1850s. Surrounding it are boardwalks and trails that lead through dense coastal vegetation to the basalt cliffs and rock platforms below. The wild waves crashing against the rocks and the sound of wind and sea birds create an unforgettable sensory experience.

You can explore the area on foot, which is by far the best way to soak in the natural beauty. The Bushrangers Bay walking track is a local favorite, offering panoramic coastal views, serene bushland, and the occasional kangaroo or wallaby sighting. It’s the perfect escape from the city, providing a peaceful retreat that lets you slow down and reconnect with nature.

The hidden gems in Australia offer an incredible retreat where you can explore beautiful places without extensive crowds. These destinations will allow you to escape the chaos of the popular tourist attractions and connect with the country’s nature, culture, history, and other offerings.

If you plan to visit this gorgeous country soon, add some hidden gems in Australia to your itinerary to make your 2025 holidays more unforgettable. You can also write about your experience at Travel BackPack to excite and inspire other travellers who want to explore the underrated destinations in Australia.