Bombo Quarry (The Boneyard)
Towering hexagonal basalt columns rise from the sea at this abandoned quarry near Kiama — a sunrise photography…
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Beyond the Tourist Trail
Discover Australia's Best Kept Secrets
Explore hidden destinations, unique stays, local experiences, scenic drives and unforgettable adventures across Australia.
- 301Places & experiences
- 19Ways to explore
- 6States & territories
- 100%Local & independent
Where to next
Explore by State & Territory
Hand-picked by locals
Featured Hidden Places
Wedding Cake Rock
A surreal, pure-white sandstone slab perched above the sea on the Royal Coast Track near Bundeena — one…
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Killen Falls
A ten-metre curtain waterfall you can walk behind, twenty minutes from Byron Bay — deep swimming pool, hidden…
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Carrington Falls
A 50-metre free-fall into a rainforest gorge ten minutes from Robertson — the quietest corner of the Southern…
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Belmore Falls
A two-tier, 100-metre plunge into Kangaroo Valley without Fitzroy Falls’ crowds — the Southern Highlands’ quieter big waterfall,…
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The Grotto
A collapsed sinkhole turned natural picture frame near Port Campbell — The Grotto lets you walk down inside…
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Josephine Falls
A rainforest-polished natural waterslide at the foot of Queensland’s highest peak — Josephine Falls is the tropics’ best…
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Remarkable Rocks Dawn
Wind-sculpted granite boulders glowing orange over the Southern Ocean — dawn at Kangaroo Island’s Remarkable Rocks is one…
Sleep somewhere different
Unique Places to Stay
Farm stays, eco lodges, tiny houses, glamping, houseboats and off-grid cabins. Real character — not another chain hotel.
Chill-Out Beach House, Forster
Chill-Out Beach House is a self-contained holiday house on Underwood Rd, Forster, close to One Mile Beach —…
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Beaches International, Forster
Beaches International sits directly on Beach Street in Forster, right at the northern end of Main Beach —…
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Copacabana Shores, Central Coast
Copacabana Shores is a motel set back from Copacabana Beach, one of the NSW Central Coast’s most low-key…
Beach Suites, Byron Bay
Beach Suites is a boutique hotel on Bay Street, Byron Bay — about as close as you can…
Beachfront Apartments, Merimbula
Beachfront Apartments Merimbula is a small, older-style block of self-contained units right on Ocean Drive, Merimbula, on the…
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Smugglers on the Beach, Korora
Smugglers on the Beach is a low-rise resort at Korora, just north of Coffs Harbour, set directly behind…
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Anchorage Hotel & Spa, Port Stephens
Anchorage Hotel & Spa sits right on the marina at Corlette, on the calm Port Stephens side of…
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Mollymook Beach Waterfront
Mollymook Beach Waterfront is a small self-catering apartment property tucked into the residential strip above Mollymook Beach, one…
Windows down
Legendary Australian Road Trips
Waterfall Way
Wollomombi, Ebor, Dangar and the Dorrigo rainforest in one 170km ribbon between Armidale and the Coffs coast —…
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The Great Ocean Road
Australia’s most famous drive, done properly: drive west, stay overnight in Port Campbell, and own the Twelve Apostles…
Grand Pacific Drive
Rainforest pass, the Sea Cliff Bridge and a string of swim-worthy towns — the Grand Pacific Drive is…
Cradle to Coast Loop
Cradle Mountain, a 275-metre canyon and a penguin coast in one weekend loop from the ferry — Tasmania’s…
For the shot-hunters
Australia's Most Photogenic Places
The most Instagrammable spots, drone-legal locations, night-sky reserves, wildflower fields and sunrise lookouts — with the exact timing and access tips to get the shot.
Read before you go
Travel Guides & Weekend Escapes
15 Best Weekend Getaways Near Sydney
Fifteen weekend getaways within three hours of Sydney — quiet valleys, sea-cliff drives, empty beaches and small towns, with drive…
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Australia’s Most Underrated Small Towns
Ten small Australian towns locals actually recommend — Wollombi, Central Tilba, Port Fairy, Yungaburra, Stanley and more, with the reasons…
Read MoreHidden Waterfalls You Can Actually Swim In
A state-by-state guide to hidden Australian waterfalls with genuinely swimmable pools — Josephine Falls, Killen Falls, Halls Falls and more,…
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Top 10 Attractions in the Snowy Mountains
The 10 best verified attractions in the Snowy Mountains, from Mount Kosciuszko and Blue Lake to Thredbo, Perisher and Yarrangobilly…
Read MoreFrom the journal
Latest Stories & Tips
Best Cafés for Remote Work in Sydney
The best cafés for remote work in Sydney — laptop-friendly spots with wifi, power points and good coffee to work…
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Best Dog-Friendly Cafés in Sydney
The best dog-friendly cafés in Sydney — where to grab coffee and brunch with your dog, from beachside courtyards to…
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Best Cafés with Harbour Views in Sydney
The best cafés with harbour views in Sydney — coffee and brunch with Opera House, Harbour Bridge and waterfront outlooks.
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Best Specialty Coffee Roasters in Sydney
Sydney’s best specialty coffee roasters — where to taste single-origin espresso, buy fresh beans and tour the city’s roasting scene.
Read MoreGood to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AustralianSecret a booking site?
No. We are a discovery directory. We help you find hidden places, unique stays and experiences, then link you directly to the operator or official site to book.
How do you choose what to list?
Every listing is chosen for character and authenticity — places that are genuinely worth the trip, not just whatever ranks highest on the big booking platforms.
How much does it cost to explore?
Browsing the directory is completely free. Many of the places we list are free to visit, and we clearly show entry and price ranges where they apply.
Can I list my business or property?
Yes! Farm stays, cafes, wineries, tours and unique experiences can all be listed. Visit our List Your Business page to submit your place.
Do you cover all of Australia?
Yes — all eight states and territories, from well-known regions to the truly remote. Use the state and region filters to explore near you.
How often is content updated?
Constantly. New places are added weekly, and existing listings show a "last updated" date so you know the information is current.
Know a Place Worth Sharing?
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