Home to a vast variety of incredible landscapes, flora and fauna, history, culture, and the Hemsworth brothers, Australia truly has it all, making it a fun tourist destination for many. Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure-seeker, or simply someone looking for a relaxing getaway, the Down Under caters to everyone’s bucket lists with its kangaroos and koalas, nature parks, beaches, reefs, and cities. But these are the most commonly visited spots on the continent. How about Australian hidden gems that are different from your usual tourist sites?
To really get up close and personal with this country, as with any, one must take a deep dive into the hidden/uncommon attractions that can make any trip worthwhile. So, hold your breath and prepare to yell “crikey” a few hundred times, as we take you through 10 such gems in Australia.
GLOW WORM TUNNEL
As gross as the name may sound, the glow worm tunnel is quite a pretty sight to behold. An old railway tunnel from the 1940s, the glow worm tunnel (as it is called today) runs about 400 metres in length and was built as a part of the railway line that connected to Newnes Kerosene Shale Works; an oil mine that now sits in ruins.
A part of the Wollemi National Park in Sydney, this historic construction is now home to the many larvae of the fungus gnat. These larvae emit a blue glow due to a bodily chemical reaction which is useful in attracting their prey (mosquitos, etc.), and also makes for quite a spectacle for us human folk. Apart from the worms themselves, this site also offers magnificent views of natural rock formations, extensive flora, as well as other wildlife like wallabies.
The glow worm tunnel is a popular attraction, making it busier during the weekends or during summer. So, for those who wish to add this location to their bucket list, the best time to visit the tunnel would be during spring or autumn. Do note that, due to its rocky and uneven nature, closures are a frequent occurrence in and near the tunnel. If you are planning a visit, it would be a smart move to look out for any sudden closures or work happening in the area. For more information, you can check out the park’s website on the attraction here.
PARONELLA PARK
In 1913, José Paronella travelled from his homeland of Spain to the Down Under, spending the next 11 years working in sugar cane plantations. After his marriage in 1924, he returned to Australia with his wife, with a dream; to buy 13 acres of land and build a castle. He started construction, beginning with their home, followed by a castle, picnic area, tennis courts, bridges and tunnels; all encased within a lush rainforest.
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Jose then decided to open his dream up to the public in 1935, without realising that it would become a popular attraction to locals and tourists up until today. Paronella Park, aptly named after the Spanish dreamer, is home to over 7500 varieties of flora and offers an intimate insight into the world of Jose Paronella and his wife Margaret, and the legacy they left behind.
For a simple fee of $55 for adults and $31 for children, the park can be accessed on any day of the year, except during Christmas. Paronella Park usually remains open throughout the year, making it a great spot to visit at any time. The park also offers refreshments and accommodation to those who wish to stay over and really soak in this historic wonder, for which additional charges can apply. If you are interested in knowing more about the location, how to get there, etc. you can check out their official website here.
HORIZONTAL FALLS
Talbot Bay, home to beautiful turquoise waters, is where you can find Horizontal Falls. An unusual natural wonder, Horizontal Falls gets its name from the way it forms – ocean high tides shifting through a gap in the ridges of the Mclarty Range, resulting in a waterfall-like appearance. These falls, apart from looking like a waterfall turned sideways, can also go in the reverse direction as the tide changes, adding to the wonder.
The Horizontal Falls can be visited any time of the year but is best enjoyed from May to September when the tides tend to be higher. For adventurers and thrill seekers, Horizontal Falls is a must-visit location, as they offer cruises, as well as boat rides through the region. You can find more information about the rides and tours offered here. Adding to the thrill is also the fact that the water here is home to box jellyfish and crocodiles, so don’t forget to keep your hands to yourself!
UMPHERSTON SINKHOLE
The Umpherston Sinkhole is a beauty that needs to be seen to be believed. The sinkhole was created when the top of the chamber collapsed inwards in what was once a cave formed by the dissolution of limestone. Ever since then, the region has made for a perfect sunken garden for thriving flora.
A perfect spot for adventurers and geography enthusiasts, the Umpherston Sinkhole offers different views when observed from the top and from down below. With no admission fee of any sort, this sunken garden is a great spot to hang with friends and family, and it also offers barbecue facilities as well as light refreshments, which you can enjoy while taking in this wondrous geographical phenomenon. Although beautiful throughout the year, the sinkhole is especially breathtaking when visited from December to February, as the hydrangeas in the region would be in full bloom, adding to the spectacle. You can read more about this attraction here.
WEDDING CAKE ROCK
Located along the Coast track of Sydney’s Royal National Park, the Wedding Cake Rock is a fragile rock formation that almost looks like a neatly cut slice of cake. Its whitish colour, caused by iron leaching, and sharp, cracked edges make it stand out from the rest of the sandstones in the area and is truly a beautiful sight to behold.
For those who love a good hike, this is the destination for you. In order to get to the cake slice, one must hike through a rocky track, which is an adventure on its own, due to the variety of plants, animals and birds you get to witness. Being a coastal track, you also get to enjoy scenic ocean views, perfect for whale watching and a cool Instagram post, all for free! Do note that the rock region tends to close down from time to time for deer control and protection, so it would be best to check for temporary closures beforehand and plan your trip accordingly. For more information, you can visit this website.
ASHCOMBE MAZE
What was once a sheep and cattle farm over 40 years ago, is now home to Australia’s oldest hedge mazes. The Ashcombe maze, made from over 1000 cypress trees, is over 3 metres in height and 2 metres in thickness. Neatly trimmed and maintained, the maze covers thousands of metres in pathways, and poses a fun little challenge for its visitors – find 4 mosaic flags spread across the 2 halves of the maze. Although not extremely complicated, this maze will definitely have you scratching your head for a while as you figure your way through it.
Once you manage to find your way out of the maze, don’t forget to visit the circular rose garden and the lavender labyrinth located in the same area. The rose garden is home to over 200 rose varieties, which you can smell along the way as you find your way to the centre of the circular garden and back. The lavender labyrinth, as the name suggests, is also a strategically placed garden of lavenders that leads up to a viewing platform to observe the flowers. Featuring more than 40 varieties of lavenders, this labyrinth sits on the rolling hillside overlooking the Ashcombe maze.
The Ashcombe maze, rose garden and lavender labyrinth are open to the public all year long, with the exception of Christmas Day. Although, in order to experience the flora in its full glory, the best time to visit would be during spring or autumn. The attraction does come with a small admission fee of $19 for adults and $10 for children, but it includes complete access to the maze and gardens. So, if the Ashcombe Maze and Gardens are on your bucket list, make sure to strike it off the next time you visit. Do look out for temporary closures beforehand, so as to plan accordingly and avoid any disappointments. For all the info you may require on this attraction, check out their official website here.
HAMERSLEY GORGE
One of the many gorges in the Karijini National Park, the Hamersley Gorge is one that is the most remotely located of them all and covers a wider area than the rest. The Hamersley Gorge offers a spectacular view of various ancient rocks banded together in colourful formations, along with a waterfall at the base of the gorge.
The Hamersley Gorge is a great spot for taking photos, marvelling at nature’s phenomena and also taking a dip. It is located about 400 metres away from the trailhead, making it an ideal spot for a quick hike as well. For a simple park entry fee, visitors can get to enjoy the entire Karijini National Park, and of course the Hamersley Gorge. Although open all year round, the Hamersley Gorge is best enjoyed from May to October, due to the drier weather with pleasant temperatures. You can also check out this website, for any additional information you may require.
CAPRICORN CAVES
The Capricorn Caves are a multi-generational family-owned attraction that is home to beautiful limestone caves, complete with breathtaking views, abundant wildlife and even some endangered species! These limestone caves were formed many aeons ago, from corals that grew in shallow waters and around volcanic lands. First discovered in 1881, by a Norwegian migrant named John Olsen, the Capricorn Caves went on to become a popular spot for those fascinated by nature and geography.
Sitting on about 80 acres of land, the Capricorn Caves is one of the longest-running attractions in Queensland, Australia, and now features exciting activities such as abseiling, rock climbing, fossicking and animal viewing. The tours offered also allow for an adventurous hike through the caves, as visitors can experience the limestones, cave wildlife, and even some man-made wonders like the Cathedral inside the cave. Once you’re winded from the cave exploration, don’t forget to grab a drink and a snack from the licensed cafe on-site!
The caves are open to the public all year round, offering a variety of tours and packages for every kind of visitor. For more information on the packages offered and any other information, you can visit the official website here.
GWALIA GHOST TOWN
A truly bizarre, and maybe even slightly terrifying location, is the ghost town of Gwalia. A gold-mining town back in the day, Gwalia is nothing but an abandoned town today, thankfully preserved by local organisations. What was once a bustling town, fell into ruin when the primary money-maker of the town, the Sons of Gwalia gold mine, shut down in 1963.
Today, the abandoned region of Gwalia makes for a tangible snapshot of a vanished era and way of life. Visitors to this quaint town get to experience various aspects of the once-thriving region, including the miners’ cottages, single men’s camps, the Mine Manager’s house, the Assay office, etc., to name a few. With adequate bed and breakfasts in the region, Gwalia’s ghost town also makes itself a hospitable place, allowing visitors to stay over and experience life as it was back in the day!
Gwalia’s ghost town is accessible to the public any time of the year, except for Easter and Christmas time. Although there is no booking or admission fee, donations are often welcome to help fund the protection of this historical site. Additional fees can also apply for any personal purchases, including bed and breakfasts, cafes, etc. For all that you want to know about this desolate town, check out their official website here.
COOBER PEDY
Yet another fun town to explore is Coober Pedy. Also known as the Opal capital of the world, Coober Pedy was once submerged underwater about 150 million years ago. As the water receded, the silica minerals solidified between rocky cracks and crevices, depositing over time to become opals. Visitors to the town can partake in tours around and through the opal mines, including the historic Old Timers mine, hand-dug in 1916.
Much like the opals, the rest of the town too, is beneath the ground. From “dugout” houses, and churches, to even art galleries and stores, most of the town’s buildings can be found underground, making it a truly “down under” experience (pun intended!). Although open all year round, Coober Pedy is best enjoyed from April to October. Since the region experiences a desert climate, summers tend to be extremely hot, while winters tend to be very cold. Hence, April to October makes for the best time to visit, with mild weather and pleasant temperatures.
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Coober Pedy is a spectacular destination for all travellers alike, serving up historic and cultural treasures for everyone to enjoy. You can check out their official website for further details, before planning your trip out to this opal wonderland. Just don’t forget to buy yourself a tiny opal as a souvenir on your way out!
Uncovering Australian hidden gems
Australia is home to a wide range of experiences, for travellers of every kind. From history and geography enthusiasts to beach lovers and thrill-seekers, Australia never fails to leave a lasting impression on every individual.
Embark on a crazy adventure to the island continent, from the flora and fauna of the national parks, the natural wonders that are the various rock formations, to even the historic and culturally significant towns and establishments, taking in the true “down under” experience of a lifetime.
Don’t also forget to spice up your vacation with a few popular and much-loved attractions too, that Australia has to offer.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and get yourself and your loved ones some tickets to the great Australia! Happy Travelling!
