Underrated and Emerging Destinations in Australia

Australia's sunny capital city balances sophisticated urban experiences with glorious natural settings, all within easy reach. The city has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Perth consistently exceeds visitor expectations through its polished hospitality and connection to nature.

• Kings Park: Larger than New York's Central Park, this green expanse offers panoramic city views and botanical gardens showcasing unique Western Australian flora, such as the pink tassel flower used medicinally by local Noongar people.
• Urban Transformation: The city boasts a flourishing bar scene and innovative restaurants that champion local ingredients like lobster and saltbush, reflecting a new era of culinary confidence.
• Cultural Precincts: Revitalized heritage neighborhoods breathe new life into the city, offering a blend of historic architecture and contemporary art.
• Historic Fremantle: Just a short drive away, the port city of Fremantle adds maritime charm with its well-preserved 19th-century streetscapes and popular weekend markets.
• Coastal Bliss: Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and spectacular Indian Ocean sunsets at Cottesloe Beach, a daily ritual for locals and visitors.

For more inspiration, explore our sample Exclusive Outdoor Australia tour for an introduction to the luxury you will find in Perth.

Just three hours south of Perth lies one of Australia's premier wine regions. In Margaret River, vineyards meet the Indian Ocean in dramatic fashion in a region that combines world-class viticulture with extraordinary natural beauty. The area is a paradise if you are a food and nature lover who seeks quality without compromise.

• World-Class Vintages: The region produces some of Australia's most acclaimed cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, thriving in a Mediterranean climate ideal for premium viticulture.
• Underground Wonders: Between private winery visits, you can explore ancient limestone caves that offer a stunning geological contrast to the vineyards above.
• Coastal Adventures: Walk sections of the spectacular Cape to Cape track or watch migrating whales from clifftop vantage points during the season.
• Gastronomic Excellence: Enjoy farm-to-table dining experiences featuring unparalleled local produce, including freshwater marron, venison, and black truffles.
• Luxury Accommodations: Stay in contemporary architectural retreats or boutique coastal lodges that offer total privacy amidst the karri forests.

Start planning with our best Australian wine tours.

The Kimberley region encompasses an ancient landscape of breathtaking proportions. It is nearly twice the size of the United Kingdom, yet home to fewer than 40,000 people. This remote wilderness features dramatic geological formations and spectacular coastal areas that remain largely untouched, so you will experience a sense of isolation that is increasingly rare.

• Geological Drama: The region boasts striking formations dating back millions of years, including the distinctive beehive-shaped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range.
• Coastal Phenomena: Witness the Horizontal Falls, where massive tidal movements create rushing water walls, or Montgomery Reef, where the tide reveals the reef as if it is rising from the ocean.
• Photographic Color: The burnt-orange landscapes shift dramatically with the changing light, creating a paradise of color and texture for photographers.
• Ancient Culture: Privately explore indigenous rock-art galleries that preserve a cultural heritage spanning over 50,000 years. These are often accessible only by helicopter or expedition cruise.
• Remote Access: Many areas remain accessible only by luxury expedition vessel or air, ensuring you enjoy an exclusive experience far from the tourist trail.

Discover this region, one of Zicasso’s best places to visit in Australia.

While the Great Barrier Reef claims global recognition, Ningaloo Reef hosts an equally magnificent but more accessible marine treasure. This UNESCO World Heritage Site extends more than 160 miles along Western Australia's coastline and offers the unique advantage of being accessible directly from the shore.

• Shore Accessibility: Unlike most reef systems, you can walk right in off the beach at Turquoise Bay to snorkel over vibrant coral gardens just feet from the sand.
• Megafauna Encounters: The region is famous for the opportunity to swim with whale sharks from March to July and humpback whales from August to October in a strictly regulated, ethical environment.
• Dramatic Scenery: The arid, red limestone gorges of Cape Range National Park meet the turquoise Indian Ocean, providing a stunning visual contrast.
• Uncrowded Nature: The reef's relatively undiscovered status means luxury encounters with marine life occur in intimate, uncrowded settings.
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the remote location offers spectacular stargazing opportunities in the crystal-clear desert air.

For more details to inspire your trip, take a look at our customizable Top Itineraries for Visiting Australia for the First Time.

The 1,242-mile journey between Broome and Darwin traverses some of Australia's most remote and spectacular landscapes. Once challenging for all but the most intrepid travelers, this epic route has been transformed into an accessible luxury adventure through high-end overland operators.

• Refined Transport: High-end operators have reimagined Outback travel with luxury Mercedes trucks featuring business-class seats for maximum comfort.
• Iconic Stops: The route visits legendary destinations like El Questro Wilderness Park, the Bungle Bungle Range, and Bell Gorge's multi-tiered waterfalls.
• Wilderness Lodges: Spend your evenings at exclusive wilderness lodges or premium glamping sites that offer unexpected luxuries, such as private chefs and en-suite facilities.
• Cultural Depth: Expert interpretation enhances your understanding of the landscape's extraordinary geological history and indigenous heritage.
• Active Days: Your days will be filled with private guided walks and swimming in secluded gorges, followed by sunset cruises in places like Chamberlain Gorge.

Explore this route in our sample Extraordinary Nature and Wildlife: 14-Day Australia Tour.

Australia's largest national park encompasses nearly 7,646 square miles of exceptional natural and cultural significance. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases extraordinary biodiversity across six distinct ecosystems and contains one of the world's greatest concentrations of rock art.

• Seasonal Transformation: The park undergoes dramatic changes between the wet and dry seasons, transforming from lush wetlands to accessible dry plains.
• Ancient Art: Visit Ubirr and Nourlangie to view rock art dating back over 20,000 years, providing a continuous record of indigenous life.
• Biodiversity: The park encompasses six distinct ecosystems, ranging from stone country and savanna woodlands to floodplains and tidal flats.
• Wildlife Viewing: Witness massive saltwater crocodiles, jabiru storks, and hundreds of bird species, particularly during the dry season when waterholes concentrate the wildlife.
• Cultural Immersion: The park's dual World Heritage listing recognizes its cultural significance, which is best explored through private Aboriginal-guided tours.

Learn more about Australia’s indigenous people when embarking on our Australian Outback: Staircase to the Moon Tour.

Australia's island state is no longer viewed as an overlooked cousin. It has become an insider's favorite, combining pristine wilderness with sophisticated food and cultural experiences. Tasmania's compact size allows you to experience diverse landscapes within short drives, all while enjoying exceptional local produce.

• Compact Diversity: You can travel from the white-sand beaches of the Bay of Fires to the rugged alpine peaks of Cradle Mountain in a single day.
• Culinary World-Class: The island's cool climate and clean environment produce exceptional ingredients, including some excellent whiskies and ocean-to-plate seafood.
• Creative Culture: The state's artistic edge is epitomized by the boundary-pushing Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), which includes on-site wineries and luxury accommodation.
• Living History: Historic Georgian villages like Richmond and the convict-built sites at Port Arthur offer an immersive interpretation of Australia's complex penal history.
• Wilderness Access: With nearly half the state protected in national parks, access to ancient rainforests and dramatic coastlines is seamless.

View our Luxurious Splendors of Australia: Tasmania to Sydney Tour.

Queensland's capital has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis from an overshadowed sister city to Australia's most dynamic urban destination. The Brisbane River winds through its center, providing a cohesive and walkable urban experience that perfectly suits the subtropical lifestyle.

• River City: The city is defined by its river, with extensive promenades and the revitalized Howard Smith Wharves dining precinct offering luxury waterfront leisure.
• Cultural Hub: South Bank houses world-class museums, performing arts venues, and Australia's only artificial inner-city beach and lagoon.
• Outdoor Lifestyle: The subtropical climate supports a distinctively outdoor culture, with rooftop bars and green spaces integrated throughout the CBD.
• Olympic Energy: As the host of the 2032 Olympic Games, the city is "transitioning with infrastructure, bridges, walking access... new energy."
• Nature's Doorstep: Brisbane is the perfect base for private exploration of the Scenic Rim's ancient rainforests or the coastal playgrounds of Moreton Bay.

As our travel specialists to include Brisbane in our sample Adventurous Queensland Tour.

Just 90 minutes from Sydney, the Southern Highlands offer the luxury of rural charm and sophisticated attractions in a landscape of rolling hills and historic villages. This emerging region offers an accessible countryside escape with distinctive seasonal character and ideal conditions for savoring cool-climate wines.

• Cool-Climate Wines: The Southern Highlands’ elevation creates ideal conditions for premium pinot noir and sparkling varieties, served in boutique cellar doors that you can access privately.
• Historic Villages: Towns like Bowral and Berrima preserve delightful Georgian and Victorian architecture, now housing antique stores and artisanal bakeries.
• Seasonal Beauty: The area offers distinct seasons, from the Tulip Time Festival in spring to top-end winter retreats with open fireplaces.
• Creative Community: A wave of creative transplants from Sydney has established artist studios and craft breweries, adding a modern edge to the rural tradition.
• Natural Wonders: Explore the dramatic Fitzroy Falls and wilderness walks of Morton National Park, located just minutes from the main townships.

Connect with our travel specialists to incorporate the Southern Highlands into any of our sample Sydney tours and vacations.

Australia's northernmost capital embodies the nation's frontier spirit and serves as a gateway to the tropical "Top End" region. This multicultural city blends Southeast Asian influences with indigenous and pioneer heritage to offer a distinctive character unlike anywhere else in the country.

• Multicultural Fusion: Darwin's proximity to Asia means it has a vibrant culinary scene. This is showcased in the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets with authentic laksa and seafood.
• Resilient History: Learn about the city's dramatic past, from the WWII bombings to the destruction by Cyclone Tracy, which shaped its modern architecture and resilient attitude.
• Wildlife Encounters: Experience the thrill of the "Cage of Death" crocodile encounter at Crocosaurus Cove or spot wildlife on a Mary River wetlands cruise.
• Gateway to Nature: Use the city as a base to explore Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks, which are accessible for day trips or extended explorations.
• Dry-Season Activities: Visit between May and September to enjoy comfortable temperatures, open roads, and a calendar packed with outdoor festivals.

For something a little different, visit Kakadu National Park on our Red Centre and Northern Territories Tour by Train.

Is Ningaloo Reef Better Than the Great Barrier Reef?

The choice between Ningaloo Reef and the Great Barrier Reef depends on the experience you seek. The Great Barrier Reef is vast and offers island resorts, but Ningaloo Reef offers superior accessibility. At Ningaloo, you can snorkel directly from the beach without needing a boat and it is one of the few places globally where you can swim with whale sharks and humpback whales. Ningaloo is also significantly less crowded, offering a more private marine encounter.

Do I Need a 4WD to Visit the Kimberley?

To access the most spectacular sites, like Mitchell Falls or the Bungle Bungles, a 4WD is essential due to the rugged terrain. However, you do not need to drive yourself. We recommend luxury overland tours in custom-built all-terrain vehicles or private scenic flights. This allows you to experience the deep wilderness in comfort without the stress of navigating remote, unsealed roads.

How Many Days Do I Need to Explore Tasmania?

While Tasmania looks small on a map, its diversity is immense. We recommend a minimum of seven to 10 days. This will give you enough time to visit the cultural sites of Hobart and MONA, drive up the East Coast to Freycinet National Park, and explore the alpine wilderness of Cradle Mountain without rushing.

Is Perth Worth the Long Flight?

Perth has become one of Australia's most sophisticated cities. It is the only Australian capital where you can combine a luxury city stay with the premium Margaret River wine region and a car-free island paradise of Rottnest Island, all within a three-hour radius. The flight is rewarded with Australia's sunniest climate and a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere that the east coast capitals cannot match.

Is it Safe to Swim in the Northern Territory?

Swimming in the Northern Territory requires local knowledge due to the presence of saltwater crocodiles. You should never swim in unmonitored waterways. However, there are many safe, designated swimming holes in places like Litchfield National Park and Kakadu that are surveyed by park rangers. Our itineraries always prioritize safety, taking you only to cleared and monitored locations.

Australia's emerging destinations reveal a continent of extraordinary depth and diversity. From Western Australia's pristine coastlines to Tasmania's wilderness-meets-gastronomy appeal, these regions offer you the increasingly rare combination of authentic experiences and uncrowded settings, while maintaining the exceptional quality and service that distinguish truly memorable journeys.

For additional inspiration and detailed itinerary suggestions, explore our comprehensive Australia tours and vacations, as well as our Australia travel guide. You can also connect directly with our specialists to begin crafting your bespoke adventure.