Hidden gems: The most underrated cities in Australia

When planning a trip to Australia, visiting places like Sydney, Melbourne, Byron Bay, and the Gold Coast seems only normal. After all, these famous locations have gained their reputations for a reason. But for anyone wanting something a little bit different, Australia has a fantastic selection of hidden gem cities that will leave you speechless.

For any international traveler hoping to embark on their dream vacation, it is imperative that you properly educate yourself on the strict border and security regulations Australia has in place, which does include traveling, purchasing, and using nicotine vapes and vape products. Because vape prescriptions are required from licensed medical practitioners, it may be best to leave your smoking devices safely at home. 

Once you’ve researched the rules and logistics of getting to Australia, here are some key destinations you may want to consider visiting:

Broome, Western Australia

With its fiery sunsets, milky low moons, iconic red dirt, and emerald blue waters, Broome offers visitors some of the best natural sights in the entire country. Located at the northernmost tip of Western Australia, the 2400km journey along the east coast from Perth is an adventure in itself and worth every moment.

Broome is best visited during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, visitors will be greeted with a plethora of fun and exciting activities to enjoy, both on land and in the water.

The town has a fascinating history as a significant pearling port and is a melting pot of Aboriginal, European and Japanese cultures.

Ballarat, Victoria

Ballarat is the largest inland city in the state of Victoria. It’s best known for its rich gold rush history and spectacular architecture, which draw massive crowds each year. However, it’s those who can look past these heritage-listed attractions who truly experience all that modern-day Ballarat has to offer.

Its famous arts community, thriving food scene, iconic natural wonders, and historical landmarks such as Sovereign Hill recreates what Ballarat was like just 10 years after the discovery of gold in 1851, will inspire and enthrall you.

Coffs Harbour, New South Wales

If you ask any Australian local what Coffs Harbour is most famous for, they will likely say the Big Banana. This iconic yellow sculpture has been a staple pitstop for families travelling between Brisbane and Sydney since its creation in the 1960s. But there is so much more to see in this picturesque coastal location.

Take a walk to the quaint Dutch village known as the Clog Barn, enjoy delicious seafood platters while whale-watching at Latitude 30, or observe the local wildlife along the Look At Me Now Headland walking trail, where kangaroos lazily bask in the sunshine.

Mount Gambier, South Australia

If nature calls to you like nothing else on earth, Mount Gambier should be a non-negotiable stop on your next Australian vacation. From secret underground caves and lush sunken gardens to a mesmerisingly blue crater lake, the natural geological wonders found here seem endless.

Despite being one of the biggest cities in the region, this hidden gem on the Limestone Coast is largely unknown to many foreign visitors. Named after the volcano it rests on, which last erupted 5000 years ago, it’s located halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne, making it an ideal stop for a road trip between the two cities.

Hobart, Tasmania

Located 240km south of mainland Australia, Tasmania, happily tucked away in the Southern Ocean, is the smallest and only island state in the country. But don’t let its small size fool you. This incredible island is home to more than 800 breathtaking hiking trails, 1600 sprawling uncrowded beaches, and some of the best and weirdest art you’ll see.

A quick trip from Melbourne across the Bass Strait takes you to the doorstep of the UNESCO-listed village of Port Arthur, the untouched beauty of Bruny Island, and the famous Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, all topped off with a culinary scene on par with Sydney and Melbourne.

Busselton, Western Australia

Busselton is a beautiful, historic city on the coast of Western Australia. It’s home to the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere, which was built in 1865 and extends a whopping 1.8km over the protected waters of Geographe Bay.

However, this UNESCO heritage-listed landmark is not the only draw Busselton has. Visitors can dive into these majestic waters at the Marine Discovery Centre, where more than 300 different species of marine life are waiting to be discovered in the Busselton Underwater Observatory. This unique attraction is one of only six underwater observatories found in the world.

Hervey Bay, Queensland

If you are after a slice of paradise that could rival the likes of Bali and Greece but don’t want the endless crowds that come with them, Hervey Bay may just be the place for you. Widely known as the whale-watching capital of Australia, there is so much to do here that no trip will ever feel long enough.

Once you have enjoyed a spectacular whale-watching cruise, travel to Queensland’s south coast to visit the World Heritage-listed K’gari, formally known as Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world.

Alternatively, you can take a short 40-minute flight to Lady Elliot Island – one of the only places in the world where visitors are able to swim with turtles and manta rays in their natural habitats.