Australia's New Trendsetters: Beyond the Icons

A year in Australia granted me some of my most unforgettable travel memories. I rang in the new year from Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens, watching an explosive fireworks display over the Sydney Harbour and Opera House. I wandered through Melbourne's iconic laneways with a coffee in hand, watching the city transform into an enchanting dreamscape of light and colour during the White Night art festival. And those were just the moments I caught on camera.  

Some of the most vivid and magical moments were the ones that convinced me to put my camera down and live in the moment. These unfiltered moments are the ones that linger in my mind, revealing an extraordinary side of Australia beyond the usual that you'll rarely find trending on social media feeds. 

Beating trends is one of travel's greatest rewards, and if you're looking to explore Australia beyond the usual bucket-list stops, start with the Gold Coast, South Australia, and the Northern Territory—Australia's next must-visit destinations. 

Gold Coast

There's no better place to begin than the Queensland’s Gold Coast, blessed with over 300 days of sunshine annually and a favourite for many Australians. The Gold Coast's world-class surf breaks, beaches, entertainment, nightlife, and lush rainforest hinterland are only a short drive from Brisbane, an international gateway into Queensland. Families will cherish the memories made at the adrenaline-pumping theme parks stretching from Coomera to Main Beach. Solo travellers will appreciate the selection of accommodations, beaches, and experiences from Miami Beach to Palm Beach. Globetrotters of all kinds will be drawn to the Gold Coast's unrivalled opportunity for adventure and relaxation. North American snowbirds can take note; this is the perfect place for an extended stay while you escape those northern winters. 

Cap all this off with a rising culinary scene rivalling some of the country's best, featuring fine-dining options with a laid-back Queensland flair, vegan and clean eating eateries, trendy rooftop bars, vibing local cafes, and, of course, a deliciously fresh selection of seafood. You'll also come across a few boutique vineyards during your adventures in the hinterland. So, be sure to sample the local Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Chambourcin, a red hybrid you likely won't find anywhere else in the country.  

Northern Territory

From there, make your way toward the Northern Territory, where classic Aussie experiences take on a wild, exhilarating, and profoundly spiritual essence. This destination is shaped by 65,000 years of Aboriginal heritage and a unique pioneering history. Witnessing the sunrise and sunset over Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is an unforgettable experience as the rock formations and the land around them shift through a breathtaking palette of reds, oranges, purples, blues, and greens throughout the day. 

Kakadu National Park, one of Australia's largest national parks, offers nearly 20,000 sq-km (7,722 sq-mi) of cultural and natural wonders, with both rugged and luxury accommodation and dining. Its two neighbours, the vibrant capital city of Darwin and the vast wilderness area of Arnhem Land, further illustrate the Northern Territory's striking contrasts. Darwin features a laid-back tropical city lifestyle, excellent waterfront dining, and more street art murals per capita than anywhere else in Australia. Meanwhile, Arnhem Land's rugged coastline, rich Aboriginal culture, savannah woodlands, and hidden beaches framed by the Arafura Sea create an awe-inspiring atmosphere. 

The Katherine region showcases the beautiful collision of the Outback and the tropics, with plenty of gorges, hiking trails, hot springs, and limestone caves to explore. Be sure to join the three-day-long Barunga Festival every June to celebrate the country's Aboriginal culture through storytelling circles and traditional sporting events alongside some of Australia's best Aboriginal musicians and dancers. 

South Australia

Australia's contrasts don't end there. In the state of South Australia, you can go from the red desert sands to rolling green hills, blue waters, and golden wines. The charming, festival-loving, and walkable capital, Adelaide, sits on the doorstep of the famous Barossa, just one hour’s drive away, where you'll find over 150 wineries upholding the region's reputation as the country's best. Readily as close to Adelaide is Kangaroo Island (a 20 min-flight or 1-hour and 45-minute drive and ferry ride), where you'll find leaping kangaroos, lounging koalas, and whimsical seals and sea lions, all roaming freely in the wild. And Kangaroo Island's natural features are just as bold as its wildlife. Discover the Remarkable Rocks—incredible clifftop granite boulders in Flinders Chase National Park shaped by erosive winds and impact from the sea over 500 million years—and peer through the dramatic Admirals Arch to see playful seals and their pups. 

South Australia is also a hub for three of Australia's most iconic rail journeys: The Ghan, the Great Southern, and the Indian Pacific, each offering a unique and comfortable glimpse into this flourishing region. One of the most memorable moments comes during The Ghan's journey from Darwin to Adelaide when you stop in quirky Coober Pedy, the world's opal capital and where half the town lives in underground dugouts due to the extreme heat. Here, you can not only tour the mines but also eat and sleep in underground hotels and restaurants while collecting some of the most mesmerizing souvenirs in the country. If all this sounds enticing, you can hit up most of these sights on one of the country's best road trips—the Explorer's Way from Adelaide to Darwin. 

These rising destinations are only beginning to outshine Australia’s icons, from the red sands of the Outback to the ancient tropics of Queensland, the sun-drenched energy of the Gold Coast, and the tranquil coastal havens of Southern Australia. The best adventures belong to those who seek them early, so set your own course and experience Australia’s hidden wonders today.