Australia is home to plenty of internationally-acclaimed travel destinations. But there are also still so many 'hidden gems' to discover around the country. New research by travel and luggage experts at Bounce has revealed the Australian states with the most must-see 'secret' attractions.
The team analysed hidden gem attractions in Australia, using Tripadvisor and search data, to reveal the most treasured spots. They then compared how many total attractions were available, to how many were still relatively unknown. Here's how each state stacked up.
Often deemed Australia's foodie capital, Victoria (and its capital Melbourne) is considered to have the least amount of 'secret' spots left to discover. Despite also offering 10,000-plus attractions, like its biggest competitor on that front in Sydney, only 260 of those remain relatively unknown. The state encompasses mountains, national parks, wineries and surfing beaches.
The Great Ocean Road follows the coast west to Port Campbell National Park, where the Twelve Apostles are limestone stacks on the edge of the ocean. Percentage of hidden gems: 3.12% As the smallest state with the least attractions overall on offer, the ACT still managed seventh spot.
The city's focal point is Lake Burley Griffin, filled with sailboats and kayaks. On the lakeshore is Parliament House, as well as museums including the National Gallery, known for its indigenous art collections. The Australian War Memorial is another key attraction for visitors.
According to the research though, there are still a handful of 'hidden gems' to discover. Percentage of hidden gems: 3.12% Over 14.
4 million visitors travelled to Sydney in 2024 (year ending March 2024), including 10.9 million domestic trips and 3.4 million international.
Sydney Harbour and the Blue Mountains are world-famous attractions (some of over 10,000 on offer in the state). But there are still a few 'secret' spots you can find, particularly to the west of the Great Dividing Range, as well as along the stunning North and South Coasts. Percentage of hidden gems: 4.
01% Consistently crowned Australia's favourite holiday destination, most of Queenslands top attractions aren't so 'secret' any more. From the popular Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise, to the sands of the Sunshine Coast and Noosa, nothing much can surpass the awe-inspiring nature of the home of the Great Barrier Reef. And yet, it has placed in fifth position with a few 'hidden gems' still to be flooded with travellers.
Toowoomba, a city in the Darling Downs region of southern Queensland, was actually the most popular hidden gem destination, with 937,500 searches in the last twelve months. Percentage of hidden gems: 4.20% As the biggest state in the country it's no surprise Western Australia is home to plenty of stunning spots.
The Margaret River wine region and the riverside capital, Perth, are two of the most popular. In the far north, the Kimberley region is home to ancient Aboriginal rock art, the Bungle Bungle sandstone domes and Broome, with Cable Beach consistently being named on of the best beaches in the country (if not the world). Percentage of hidden gems: 4.
53% South Australia is in the southern central part of the country and covers some of the most arid parts of Australia. The dramatic outback landscapes are home to some of the country's most spectacular scenery, such as The Flinders Ranges, Limestone Coast, and Murray River. Some notable gems include the impressive Umpherston Sinkhole, a naturally formed limestone cave, and Seal Bay, where you'll find yourself surrounded by adorable seals lazing on the sand.
Adelaide was also crowned as the Australian city with the most hidden gems, with a percentage of 7.99 per cent hidden gems in the city. Percentage of hidden gems: 4.
77% The island state of Tasmania, Australia, encompasses the main island of Tasmania, the 26th largest island in the world, and the one thousand surrounding islands. Tasmania is the hidden gem of Australia, whether you're travelling for the amazing colours of the painted cliffs on Maria Island or the ancient pines and glacial lakes at Cradle Mountain. Percentage of hidden gems: 4.
82% The Northern Territory is Australia's vast federal territory famed for its Outback desert landscapes, including its arid Red Centre where the iconic sandstone monolith Uluru lies. Other points of interest include the red rock domes of Kata Tjuta and the sculpted cliffs of Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. Remote Alice Springs is the gateway to the Red Centre desert and offers several hidden gems, including historical sites, Aboriginal art galleries, and the Olive Pink Botanic Gardens.
Percentage of hidden gems: 8.47% Darwin, the capital of Australia's Northern Territory, was also one of Australian cities with the most hidden gems, according to the same research. Darwin, the gateway to the massive Kakadu National Park, recorded 21 hidden gems, equivalent to 6.
29 per cent of its attractions. Its popular waterfront area has several beaches and green areas, including Bicentennial Park. Visitors can discover East Arnhem Land and Australia's raw and rugged coastline by water on an exclusive charter.
The tour allows you to fly into the homelands to venture deep into Australia's ancient backyard, known as one of the country's greatest untouched wilderness areas..
