13 Amazing Places in Australia You've Probably Never Heard Of

There is no doubt that Australia is one of the most unique countries on the planet, which is why it is such a popular destination for travelers. Most visitors will make the long trek between Melbourne and Cairns via Australia's HUGE East Coast, whilst others will venture through the Outback between Adelaide and Cairns and for the more adventurous, the wild and rugged West Coast. Either way, the land span is gigantic, which means there are so many little hidden paradises that can easily be overlooked. Our list could go on for days, but here are just a few of our favourite off the beaten "must sees" to inspire you to explore beyond the tourist trail.

Amazing Places in Australia You Never Heard Of

Melbourne's Pink Lake

Melbourne's very own Pink Lake can be found just a short drive from the CBD, underneath the West Gate Bridge. Weird right?

Cedar Creek Falls

Cedar Creek Falls is a local's summer secret in Airlie Beach and luckily for you, is just a 20 minute drive from town!

Blairgowrie Beach

Chances are that most backpackers would never have even visited Blairgowrie Beach! Home to Melbourne's most talked about cliff jump (not for the fainthearted), Blairgowrie Beach is located on the Mornington Peninsula just before Sorrento.

Shelly Beach

There's no doubt that Sydney has some pretty amazing beaches! But one of our favourites, Shelly Beach, can be found just a short stroll from Manly's main beach.

Lake Eyre

Did you know that there is a gigantic salt lake located in the middle of Australia's South Australian Outback? Lake Eyre is 9500 square kilometres and when filled, is the largest lake in Australia.

Glass House Mountains

If you are planning on driving parts or all of the East Coast, you will find so many amazing walking trails and national parks in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. One of our favourite getaways is the Glass House Mountains

Lizard Island

Lizard Island is referred to as Dyiigurra by the Dingaal people - the original aboriginal inhabitants of the island. It was once used as a place for male initiations into the tribe and today. Located north of Cairns and closer to Cooktown, today it is covered in national park and serves as a popular fishing destination

Lancelin Sand Dunes

Lancelin Sand Dunes are a popular sand boarding destination located north of Perth. The towering dunes are gigantic and the crystal white sands glisten in the sun - a must see if visiting the West Coast!

Stoney Creek Falls

Stoney Creek Falls are located a short 15 minute drive from Cairns and tend to be a popular spot for the locals. The walking trails follow a long span of waterfalls, natural swimming holes, cliff jumps and rope swings - a great place to cool down.

Yepoon

You've probably never heard of Yepoon, but it sure is a sight for sore eyes. This quiet little town sits along the East Coast almost halfway between Fraser Island and the Whitsundays. You will need to venture off the Bruce Highway to get there - but we definitely recommend stopping there for lunch.

Carlo Sand Blow

Carlo Sand Blow is an absolute must when visiting Rainbow Beach - the gateway to Fraser Island. The walking trail takes around 20 minutes from town and is well worth the trek!

Minyon Falls

Heading to Byron Bay? Make a short drive inland to Minyon Falls. Once again, this place is a local's well kept secret and the ultimate place to chill out after a night at Cheeky Monkeys

Shell Beach

Yet another Western Australian beauty - Shell Beach is a stunning touch of paradise located in Shark Bay, a few hours north of Perth, and the entire beach is lined in white shells. Pretty amazing right?

Main Image: Shell Beach WA By Lpm43792 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons