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The Coolest Aussie Destinations You Haven’t Heard Of

You’ve heard of Sydney and its sprawling city beaches, and you know about Melbourne’s hip art scene and café culture – maybe it’s time to explore some places you aren’t so familiar with.

Get your maps app ready and start those search engines—it’s time to check out our list of the coolest Aussie cities you haven’t heard of.

1. Albany, Western Australia

Just over a four-hour drive from Perth, you’ll find the dazzling city of Albany. Picture lush landscapes and rugged coastlines, where you can eat, surf, swim, dive, hike and mountain bike – all within minutes of the city centre.

Check out famous beaches like Little Beach, Misery Beach and Binalup/Middleton Beach – often voted the best beaches in Australia. Be one with the animals on a whale tour through Mammang-Koort/King George Sound. No matter your budget, Albany offers something for everyone.

Getting there

  • Private vehicle: It’s a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Perth – get a group together to split the costs of hiring a car.
  • Bus: TransWA operates a regular service between Perth and Albany.
  • Plane: Rex operates regional flights between Perth and Albany – it takes just over an hour to fly.

2. Katherine, Northern Territory

In Katherine, the red desert of the outback meets the tropics of the Top End in beautiful harmony. Discover gorges and waterfalls, thermal springs and ancient cultures.

Don’t miss Katherine’s popular festivals and events – mingle with the locals at a music muster, Gold Rush Festival, rodeo meet or get involved with an annual canoe marathon. Make sure to snap a picture of the iconically named Jesus Loves Nachos Bridge. too.

Getting there

  • Private vehicle: It’s a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Darwin, or triple that for a lengthy road trip from Alice Springs.
  • Bus: Greyhound Australia operates a service between Darwin and Katherine – it takes about four hours.
  • Plane: Airnorth flies regionally in the Northern Territory – it’s a faster but pricier option.

3. Port Lincoln, South Australia

Port Lincoln is known as the seafood capital of Australia. This is the city to visit if you’re interested in embracing gourmet treats and maritime culture.

Dine on bluefin tuna, yellowtail kingfish, prawns, Boston Bay blue mussels, southern rock lobster and black lip abalone at one of the many restaurants, pubs and cafes. If oysters are your thing, take a short drive to Coffin Bay.

Get active at Lincoln National Park with swimming, camping, four-wheel driving, fishing and nature walks.

Getting there

  • Private vehicle: It’s a picturesque seven-hour drive from Adelaide.
  • Ferry: Spencer Gulf Searoad operates a ferry service from Wallaroo to Lucky Bay.
  • Bus: Stateliner runs services between Adelaide and Port Lincoln – it takes about ten hours.

4. Mount Isa, Queensland

If you’re seeking adventure, say hello to Mount Isa. This historic mining city is your gateway to Australia’s outback, with camping, boating, fishing and water-skiing all on offer.

In the heart of Queensland, you’ll discover ancient mammals at the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre and head deep underground to dig up old mining roots. Don’t miss Isa Rodeo, the largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere.

Getting there

  • Private vehicle: This is no easy feat – it’s a good 20 hours by car from Brisbane. Definitely one to do with friends as part of a larger road trip with plenty of stops. If you’re coming from Townsville, it’s just under ten hours.
  • Bus: Greyhound operates services across Queensland.
  • Plane: Virgin and Qantas operate flights that take just over two hours.

5. Yass, New South Wales

Yass queens, you heard us—such a place exists and it’s only an hour’s drive from Canberra. This quaint, charming spot is the perfect day trip for a winery tour or regional hike. If you visit in March, you can catch the Yass Show – full of activities like woodchopping, flower arranging, handicrafts and more.

Fun fact: the stars of Queer Eye were bestowed honorary royalty status when they visited back in 2018.

Getting there

  • Private vehicle: It’s just under an hour from Canberra, or three-and-a-half hours if you’re coming from Sydney.
  • Bus/Train: Bus number 842 will take you from Braddon in Canberra, or you can catch the train from Central Station in Sydney.

6. Mildura, Victoria

If you’re vibing a slightly quirky locale, look no further than Victoria’s northernmost city – Mildura! There’s something for everyone here, from arts, live music and markets to water sports, restaurants and community events.

Cruise around on a historic paddle steamer or skim across the Murray River on water skis. Celebrated artist Bruce Munro will be launching his latest light installations here in 2025 – Trail of Lights and FOSO.

Getting there

  • Private vehicle: It’s a six-hour drive to Mildura from Melbourne, or four-and-a-half if you’re driving from Adelaide.
  • Train/Bus: V/Line will get you to Mildura from both Melbourne and Adelaide.

7. St Helens, Tasmania

St Helens is the perfect base to explore the natural beauty of Tasmania’s eastern coastline, with the Bay of Fires and Binalong Bay close by. There’s no shortage of tasty seafood to try at local restaurants and eateries or try your hand at fishing off one of the many jetties in the area.

For adventures on wheels, check out the St Helens Mountain Bike Trails, which take you through some of the most scenic bike tracks in the world.

Getting there

  • Private vehicle: It’s a three-hour drive from Hobart and two hours from Launceston.
  • Bus: Calow’s Coaches or Kinetic are your go-to coach services for the region.