Article by Lisa Jenkins

Ask any visitor to Australia what they want to see, and they’re likely to name the same old places. The bright lights of Sydney, the rugged beauty of the Ayers Rock, and the sparkling beaches of the Gold Coast are well-known tourist magnets. But why would you want to go where everyone else is? Australia offers so many other exciting tourist destinations just off the beaten track.

Many tourists go to this country with a goal of seeing the Australia Outback, but few travel as far north as Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. But it’s worth the effort for nature lovers and those looking to learn more about Australia’s indigenous heritage. Arnhem Land spans a whopping 97, 000 square kilometers, and with fewer than 20,000 residents it’s a great place to escape from throngs of tourists visiting more popular areas.

A four-wheel drive safari is a great way to explore Arnhem Land. There’s no better way to get up close and personal with some of the locals than a croc-spotting mangrove cruise. The colonial ruins at Victoria Settlement and Fort Wellington and the indigenous communities of the Gove Peninsula offer an insight into the region’s cultural heritage. Or you can take it easy with a massage in one of the area’s tropical spas.

May to October is the ideal time to visit Arnhem Land, as the weather is cool and dry. From November to April, some areas may be inaccessible due to the tropical storms.

Airnorth flies from Darwin to the Gove Peninsula, Milingimbi, and Groote Eylandt. Arnhem Land is private land so all visitors are required to get a permit from the Northern Land Council before visiting. If you’re traveling with a tour, this will probably be organized for you. Otherwise, you can obtain a permit from the Council. These take at least 10 days to process.

Travelers looking for a place to kick back and enjoy unique wildlife, picturesque beaches, and delicious food need look no further than Kangaroo Island, located just off the South Australian coast.

More than one third of the island is national parklands, so it’s the perfect home for Australia’s native creatures. Of course Kangaroo Island is famous for its kangaroos, but that’s not all. Sea lions and fur seals happily sun themselves on the sand at the Seal Bay Aquatic Reserve, and if you venture out at night you’ll probably spot fairy penguins hiding amongst rocks on the coastline. Tourists can also expect to see koalas, wallabies, goannas, echidnas, possums, and platypuses in their native environment.

Kangaroo Island is a must for lovers of the great outdoors. Bush walking, yachting, scuba diving, bird watching, swimming, and sand boarding are just some of the activities offered on the island.

After a day’s sightseeing, there’s nothing better than enjoying the delicious food offered in Kangaroo Island’s main towns, Kingscote and Penneshaw. As you’d expect from an island destination, the seafood is not to be missed.

Kangaroo Island is beautiful to visit at any time of the year. However, if you want to scuba dive or snorkel, it’s best to travel between November and April when the weather is warm.

Getting there is easy. Kangaroo Island Sealink’s ferries make regular trips from South Australia’s Cape Jervis. They’ve also got plenty of room for your car if you want to drive when you get there. Alternatively, Regional Express Airlines and Air South Regional regularly fly from Adelaide to Kingscote.

Tourists often overlook Tasmania. Few travelers step off the mainland, and if they do they’re likely to spend their time in the big cities of Hobart, Australia, or Launceston. Of course, this makes the state’s forgotten northwest region that much more appealing.

Tasmania is home to some of the world’s most unique animals and plants, and many of them can be found in the Tarkine Wilderness Area. At just about 350,000 hectares, it covers a good portion of Tasmania’s northwest land region. Here you’ll find Australia’s largest temperate rainforest, and the last of the world’s Gondwanic old-growth rainforests. Keep your eyes peeled for Tasmanian devils, wombats, quolls, pademelons, possums, and wallabies. It’s also where you’ll see some of the world’s oldest trees, including the famous 2000-year-old Huon Pine. Visitors are welcome to explore the area on their own, but if you’d prefer the help of an expert guide, Tarkine Trails are the answer.

Southwest of The Tarkine is Cradle Mountain National Park, a must for nature lovers. The adventurous can climb the mountain in a day, or trek the Overland Track in five. If all that sounds too challenging, you can hike around the Visitors Centre before returning to the comfort of your hotel. Devils at Cradle also offer day tours that let you get close to the mountain’s most famous residents, Tasmanian devils.

Any time is a good time to visit Tasmania. However, prepare for warm weather in summer, and chilly conditions in winter. Spring is an ideal time to travel to Tasmania as the state’s wildflowers and native shrubs are in bloom.

If you’ve got the time, The Spirit of Tasmania cruise will take you from Melbourne to Devonport in a leisurely 11 hours. Alternatively, you can fly from Melbourne to Burnie and Devonport.

This is just a taste of the hidden secrets Australia holds, and it’s information you might not find in a run of the mill Australia travel guide in a bookstore. So before visiting this wonderful country, it’s worth doing some research. You’ll soon learn there are plenty of amazing places to see just off the beaten track.

About the Author

Learn about discount travel, last-minute travel, and how to plan a cheap vacation to top tourism spots worldwide from Lisa Jenkins. She is an editor for FrugalMonkey.com, a free website that includes a detailed online Australia travel book and tips for traveling on a budget.