With the Government telling us international travel is likely off the cards until 2022, now is the time to explore beyond our go-to favourite holiday spots. Here’s five hidden gems across Australia that travellers should visit now.
Go back in time at Bermagui
This quaint seaside village has long been popular with Canberrans and Victorians, but locals say travellers from NSW and the rest of the country are by-and-large missing out.
The name Bermagui comes from the Aboriginal word ‘permageua’ and is said to mean ‘canoe with paddles’. Today, visitors can see boats come into the wharf with plenty of marlin and yellowfin tuna destined for the Sydney Fish Markets.
Seafood aside, the top attraction in Bermagui is the Blue Pool – a striking natural rock pool on the foot of a dramatic cliff face. Long popular with locals, it’s where visitors can swim, snorkel and spot migrating whales in winter.
The Bermagui Beach Hotel is the place to go for sundowner drinks and some good old country pub grub. The place to stay is Reflections Holiday Park. With its self-contained cabins and campsites, a stay here doesn’t have to cost the earth.
Challenge your perceptions of Queensland wine in Moffatdale
In the South Burnett Region, just three hours-drive from Brisbane, you’ll find Moffatdale. Home to just 179 people, this is one of Australia’s most undiscovered boutique wine regions. Here, travellers will find Queensland’s biggest vineyard at Clovely Estate. Or, venture around the many cellar doors to taste Chardonnay, Verdelho, Sangiovese, Shiraz and Merlot.
Head to Dusty Hill Winery for its legendary Irish Tavern and then stumble next door to their accommodation which includes an old stone cottage, sewing cottage and a renovated chapel.
Embrace the surf culture in Killalea Beach
Most of us have heard of Shellharbour but many are yet to discover Killalea Reserve – 250 hectares of pristine coast and surf beaches. In fact, Killalea was named as a public recreation reserve in 2010 to protect the area and is hugely popular for its local surfing culture.
In the heart of the National Reserve, you’ll find Reflections Holiday Park who operate 37 parks across NSW all on Crown Land – giving Aussie travellers a place to stay in some of the State’s most idyllic spots. Million-dollar views, without the price tag.
Just because you’re off the beaten track doesn’t mean you’ll miss out a good flat white either. The Farm Cafe, right next to the holiday park, is the place to go for brunch with a view.
Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Rapid Bay in South Australia
Just 100 kilometres from Adelaide, you’ll find one of Australia’s best kept secrets – Rapid Bay Beach. The only catch is you need to traverse a steep descending road to get there. But once you do, the crystal-clear water is worth it.
The Bay is calm and relatively safe to swim making it a haven for divers and snorkellers with dramatic shipwrecks and marine life including the leafy sea dragon, dolphins and seals. A new jetty was built in 2009 and those who know about Rapid Bay head here to fish for squid, whiting, salmon and garfish.
Eat and drink your way around Beechworth in Victorian High Country
One of Australia’s most pretty towns steeped in gold rush architecture is Beechworth, in the North East of the State. The small village punches above its weight when it comes to food, wine and handcrafted beer. There’s a plethora of restaurants, providores, wineries and brewers.
Burn off the excess kilos on some of Beechworth’s mountain bike trails including a ‘secret track’ for more experienced riders that traverses Victorian high country.
For some self-care (and who doesn’t need that in 2021?), head to Beechworth Spa for a classy experience of spa treatments, shopping and fitness classes including pilates.
