Escape the Crowds: Unique Experiences in Australia

The long, lazy stretch of summer holidays beckons Down Under, and given its size, Australia offers a vast variety of holiday choices. However, are there experiences and destinations where you can truly escape the crowds and feel like you have the entire place to yourself?

Silo Art Trail, West Wimmera, Victoria

Best for: Instagram-worthy shots
The disused grain silos punctuating Victoria’s expansive Wimmera-Mallee plains have found new life as epic concrete canvases for street artists. The 200km+ Silo Art Trail is Australia’s largest outdoor gallery, where talented artists have transformed giant concrete cylinders into jaw-dropping works of art.

• Each piece is inspired by local history, featuring depictions of Indigenous elders and gorgeous native birdlife.
• Make sure to visit Murtoa’s Stick Shed, Australia’s only remaining grain stick shed, and catch a sunset at Lake Tyrrell, where the night sky is reflected in the shallow waters.

Dampier Archipelago, Western Australia

Best for: Getting off-grid with a digital detox
Off the coast of northwestern Australia, the 42-island Dampier Archipelago showcases the stunning contrasts of rocky outcrops, white sand beaches, and mangrove forests. Twenty-five islands are declared nature reserves, home to rock wallabies, northern quolls, and countless shorebirds.

• Explore coral reefs and underwater seagrass plains, which provide habitats for turtles, dugongs, and dolphins.
• Tour operators in Dampier and Karratha offer excursions to the islands.

North West Tasmania

Best for: Stunning, accessible coastal hikes
Dotted with quirky towns, beautiful beaches, and pristine forests, North West Tasmania is often overlooked by travelers. Those venturing west along the coastal road will find numerous hidden treasures, from the stunning white sand beaches of Boat Harbour to the preserved township of Stanley, dominated by the geological feature known as “the Nut.”

• Rocky Cape National Park offers a variety of day walks that the entire family can enjoy.

Stokes Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Best for: Beach lovers seeking that special place
Stokes Bay, a hidden beach on the Northern coast of Kangaroo Island, offers a unique experience. Accessible through a labyrinth of narrow caves, it features sheltered waters where swimmers can enjoy turquoise seas amidst idling kangaroos. The effort to get here is well worth it.

• While visiting, consider exploring local distilleries for unique offerings or observing Australian Sea Lion colonies at Seal Bay Conservation Park.

Palm Island, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

Best for: Conservation-conscious divers and snorkelers
Palm Island sets itself apart from typical Great Barrier Reef hideaways. Here, visitors won’t find luxurious resorts or trendy dining options. Recently designated for the installation of the Museum of Underwater Art, this destination showcases spectacular underwater sculptures designed to inspire ocean conservation.

• Local Indigenous guides provide opportunities for an enriching experience with traditional and natural knowledge.

Fremantle Prison, Western Australia

Best for: Families with teens seeking adventure
Looking to impress the kids with an adventurous outing? The Fremantle Prison tunnel tour offers an unforgettable experience. After donning overalls and a hard hat, visitors descend into the tunnels where prisoners carved out an elaborate network.

• Explore the dry tunnels on foot, then board punts to navigate submerged passageways. This unique adventure promises excitement and thrills.