As the mercury soars and Australians increasingly opt for domestic getaways, popular beach destinations like Noosa, Bondi, and Byron Bay are bracing for an influx of sun-seekers this summer. However, nothing dampens the holiday spirit quite like battling through throngs of tourists in sweltering heat. If you’re dreading the festive season crowds, fear not. We’ve teamed up with travel expert Rebecca McKenzie from Apollo Motorhomes to bring you a curated list of eight lesser-known destinations. These hidden gems offer all the joys of a quintessential Australian summer holiday—sunshine, relaxation, and beautiful landscapes—without the crowds. Whether you’re looking for a quiet beach retreat or a secluded nature escape, our guide ensures a serene and crowd-free summer adventure. By Rebecca McKenzie, travel expert from Apollo Motorhomes.
1. Mount Gambier, South Australia
Mount Gambier is the kind of place that makes a road trip feel like a personal discovery. With its stunning Blue Lake, known for its bold waters, and the Umpherston Sinkhole—a magnificent underground garden—the town is quiet, but offers a lot. It really isn’t your typical holiday destination, it’s not a crowded tourist spot, and there’s something far more authentic about travelling to Mount Gambier than other hotly contested locations. A road trip really is the best way to experience its uniqueness, with the freedom to explore the region at your own pace or go a little further to nearby spots like Robe, Penola, and Coonawarra for a day trip.
Photo by Petra Nesti
2. Blinman Pools, Flinders Ranges, South Australia
Flinders Ranges National Park is tucked away in South Australia like the perfect antidote to typical holiday crowds. Unlike typical tourist spots, it’s where you can enjoy nature in its rawest form—secluded, tranquil, and absolutely stunning. It’s the perfect escape for those who crave adventure and beauty, away from the usual crowds, and want to make their holiday about getting off the beaten path. A road trip through the Flinders Ranges gives you access to some of Australia’s most unique and isolated spots, like Blinman Pools. Only accessible by a 12km hike, Blinman Pools is somewhat like a hidden oasis, opening up to crystal-clear waters and jaw-dropping natural beauty.
3. Gippsland, Victoria
Gippsland offers diverse experiences, from lush rainforests to untouched coastlines – the region is full of natural beauty. Going by road trip means you can get up close and personal with it all. Like Tarra Bulga National Park for example, a serene destination filled with ancient trees and fern gullies, or Wilsons Promontory where you can park your camper up for a BBQ dinner and a night under the stars.
Photo by Harry Cooke
4. Tropical North Queensland, Cape Tribulation
The untouched beauty of Cape Tribulation is something you need to see firsthand. It’s where rainforest meets reef. Unlike a typical beach resort, this stunning destination lets you swim in crystal-clear water holes without the crowd. By road, you can explore places like Masons Swimming Hole or Emmagen Creek or visit Myall Beach for something a little different, like a horseback ride along the coastline.
Photo by Francesco Ungaro
5. Kiama, New South Wales
Kiama offers something a little different. It’s just a short drive from Sydney but you can feel the laid back, coastal charm everywhere. Whether you’re photographing the dramatic coastline or simply relaxing by the water, Kiama is a perfect road trip destination. In a day, you can take an unhurried road trip to iconic spots like Kiama Blowhole and Cathedral Rocks.
6. Eden, New South Wales
Eden is another hidden treasure along a short road trip from Sydney. It’s a great spot for whale-watching during annual migration, but quieter and more intimate than the major tourist destinations. There’s plenty of whale-watching cruises and tours to choose from but lots more to explore locally as well, like history at the Eden Killer Whale Museum. Any nature lover should visit Eden, whether a day trip or a short few days’ out of the city.
7. South West Rocks, New South Wales
South West Rocks is a dream spot if you like a little history. It’s home to pristine beaches like Horseshoe Bay, Trial Bay, and the incredible ruins of Trial Bay Gaol, which served as an internment camp during World War I. It’s a charming town best explored by road, where you can soak it in at your own pace away from the crowds.
8. Bicheno, Tasmania
Bicheno is one of Tassie’s best kept secrets. It’s a coastal gem with a laid-back vibe and stunning natural landscape. Whether you’re watching penguins in the wild or diving into the Governor Island Marine Reserve, this region offers a diverse mix that typical resorts can’t match. By road, you can immerse yourself in the tranquil coastal lifestyle while exploring some of the incredible local wildlife along the way. Must try experiences include the Governor Island Marine Reserve, going on a penguin tour at dusk to see the little penguins in their natural habitat or heading out to East Coast Natureworld, where you can meet Tasmanian devils.
As the mercury soars and Australians increasingly opt for domestic getaways, popular beach destinations like Noosa, Bondi, and Byron Bay are bracing for an influx of sun-seekers this summer. However, nothing dampens the holiday spirit quite like battling through throngs of tourists in sweltering heat. If you’re dreading the festive season crowds, fear not. We’ve teamed up with travel expert Rebecca McKenzie from Apollo Motorhomes to bring you a curated list of eight lesser-known destinations. These hidden gems offer all the joys of a quintessential Australian summer holiday—sunshine, relaxation, and beautiful landscapes—without the crowds. Whether you’re looking for a quiet beach retreat or a secluded nature escape, our guide ensures a serene and crowd-free summer adventure. By Rebecca McKenzie, travel expert from Apollo Motorhomes.
1. Mount Gambier, South Australia
Mount Gambier is the kind of place that makes a road trip feel like a personal discovery. With its stunning Blue Lake, known for its bold waters, and the Umpherston Sinkhole—a magnificent underground garden—the town is quiet, but offers a lot. It really isn’t your typical holiday destination, it’s not a crowded tourist spot, and there’s something far more authentic about travelling to Mount Gambier than other hotly contested locations. A road trip really is the best way to experience its uniqueness, with the freedom to explore the region at your own pace or go a little further to nearby spots like Robe, Penola, and Coonawarra for a day trip.
2. Blinman Pools, Flinders Ranges, South Australia
Flinders Ranges National Park is tucked away in South Australia like the perfect antidote to typical holiday crowds. Unlike typical tourist spots, it’s where you can enjoy nature in its rawest form—secluded, tranquil, and absolutely stunning. It’s the perfect escape for those who crave adventure and beauty, away from the usual crowds, and want to make their holiday about getting off the beaten path. A road trip through the Flinders Ranges gives you access to some of Australia’s most unique and isolated spots, like Blinman Pools. Only accessible by a 12km hike, Blinman Pools is somewhat like a hidden oasis, opening up to crystal-clear waters and jaw-dropping natural beauty.
3. Gippsland, Victoria
Gippsland offers diverse experiences, from lush rainforests to untouched coastlines – the region is full of natural beauty. Going by road trip means you can get up close and personal with it all. Like Tarra Bulga National Park for example, a serene destination filled with ancient trees and fern gullies, or Wilsons Promontory where you can park your camper up for a BBQ dinner and a night under the stars.
4. Tropical North Queensland, Cape Tribulation
The untouched beauty of Cape Tribulation is something you need to see firsthand. It’s where rainforest meets reef. Unlike a typical beach resort, this stunning destination lets you swim in crystal-clear water holes without the crowd. By road, you can explore places like Masons Swimming Hole or Emmagen Creek or visit Myall Beach for something a little different, like a horseback ride along the coastline.
5. Kiama, New South Wales
Kiama offers something a little different. It’s just a short drive from Sydney but you can feel the laid back, coastal charm everywhere. Whether you’re photographing the dramatic coastline or simply relaxing by the water, Kiama is a perfect road trip destination. In a day, you can take an unhurried road trip to iconic spots like Kiama Blowhole and Cathedral Rocks.
6. Eden, New South Wales
Eden is another hidden treasure along a short road trip from Sydney. It’s a great spot for whale-watching during annual migration, but quieter and more intimate than the major tourist destinations. There’s plenty of whale-watching cruises and tours to choose from but lots more to explore locally as well, like history at the Eden Killer Whale Museum. Any nature lover should visit Eden, whether a day trip or a short few days’ out of the city.
7. South West Rocks, New South Wales
South West Rocks is a dream spot if you like a little history. It’s home to pristine beaches like Horseshoe Bay, Trial Bay, and the incredible ruins of Trial Bay Gaol, which served as an internment camp during World War I. It’s a charming town best explored by road, where you can soak it in at your own pace away from the crowds.
8. Bicheno, Tasmania
Bicheno is one of Tassie’s best kept secrets. It’s a coastal gem with a laid-back vibe and stunning natural landscape. Whether you’re watching penguins in the wild or diving into the Governor Island Marine Reserve, this region offers a diverse mix that typical resorts can’t match. By road, you can immerse yourself in the tranquil coastal lifestyle while exploring some of the incredible local wildlife along the way. Must try experiences include the Governor Island Marine Reserve, going on a penguin tour at dusk to see the little penguins in their natural habitat or heading out to East Coast Natureworld, where you can meet Tasmanian devils.
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