While everyone visits Australia for the beauty, metropolitan cities, many may not know that there are plenty of hidden gems out in the country. Here are a few of the best spots to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a few days.

Byron Bay

If you want gorgeous sea views, soft sand, and the smell of nature in the air, you can never go wrong with a trip to Byron Bay. Whether you use Wellington car rental or you drive yourself, a few days here is exactly what you need to truly relax.

There are a couple of small towns dotted along the coast here, but this is easily one of the most popular seaside holiday spots for both locals and tourists, and once you visit, you’ll see why.

Stanley

Tasmania should already be on your itinerary when visiting Australia, but if you don’t want to visit the popular city of Hobart, Stanley is a more than suitable alternative. This fishing town, found in the remote Northwest, is one of the island’s earliest settlements.

This picturesque slice of Tasmania is charming and historic, and while there isn’t a ton to do, that isn’t why you visit Stanley; you come here when you want to enjoy a nightcap under the stars and wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the nearby shore.

Narooma

Naroona is the type of small town that gets plenty of visitors each weekend thanks to the glorious beaches, great surf, delicious oysters, and the nature and wildlife opportunities provided by the nearby Montague Island Nature Reserve.

The yearly oyster festival draws in crowds from around the country, and you can also enjoy kayaking and swimming in the Narooma inlet, as well as taking a journey on the 118-year-old ferry that docks nearby.

Margeret River

Margaret River is a world-renowned area in Australia due to the fact that it is the birthplace of many of the best Aussie wines you can drink. Besides the vineyards, you can find boutiques, restaurants, and specialty stores along the main road of the town.

Margaret River has something for everyone, and you can either choose to stay in an opulent hotel, or pack your tent and set up camp at one of the many beautiful camping sites in and around the countryside and river.

Yungaburra

Found in the cool Atherton Tablelands, Yungaburra has streets and architecture that have barely changed since the start of the 20th century. Resembling something that wouldn’t look out of place in Wyoming, Yungaburra is perfect for those wanting to get in touch with nature.

The historic but tiny town has everything you may need for your trip, and if you make the drive to nearby Petersons Creek, you may get the chance to spot the unique and elusive platypus, as this is one of the few areas where they live in abundance.

Bright

Found about three and a half hours from Melbourne, in the Victoria High Country, you will find Bright. This alpine town is all about outdoor pursuits, with the Summer being the perfect time for hiking and mountain biking, and Winter being ideal for skiing and snow sports.

There are also several nearby resorts to stay at, as well as a few vineyards creating wine that can compete with the best that Margaret River has to offer. Bright is most certainly a year-round town, and there is plenty to do no matter when you decide to visit.

Broome

Broome is easily one of the most remote, but spectacular towns to visit. Boasting rich red dunes, white sandy beaches, and an idyllic coast, the nearly 2,400km drive from Perth is most definitely worth the effort.

The influx of Chinese and Japanese pearl divers in the late 1800s means there is a mix of Australian and Asian culture you can enjoy, with the town coming to life during the annual Shinju Matsuri Festival that is held in September.

Coober Pedy

Another incredibly remote town that is worth a visit is that of Coober Pedy. Town began in 1916 as an opal mining hub, with many people from around the world setting up shop here to mine and sell the gems they find.

What makes Coober Pedy so unique is the fact that, due to the exceptionally hot temperatures the area experiences, many people live below ground. These cavernous and cool homes are found across the town, and there are several that can be booked by visitors.

William Creek

If you want to truly escape into the Outback, and visit somewhere that not many people have, you need to take a trip to William Creek. This tiny township has a population of around 20 people, with this number changing depending on the time of year.

The real draw is the William Creek Hotel, which has, what many believe to be, the most remote pub in the country. Getting here is no easy feat, as it is about 103 miles from Coober Pedy, deep in the Outback, but if you want an exceptionally unique adventure, William Creek is a great choice.

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