Five undiscovered Australian gems
Go where the tourist maps forget to mention and see the lesser-known parts of this incredible country
LIVING in the best country in the world comes with a curse... There are so many incredible places to choose from it’s virtually impossible to know where to start. Luckily, it’s a great problem to have and the team at Stonestreets Travel Toowoomba are here to help.
They’ve helped us compile a list of five of the top undiscovered Australian destinations, where you’re in for an experience of a lifetime.
KING AND FLINDERS ISLANDS, TASMANIA
Known as the isles of chalk and cheese, Tasmania’s small island neighbours King and Flinders Islands are so close yet worlds apart. Northeast of Launceston, Flinders Island is drenched in chalky-white sand and skirted by clear sapphire waters. Its rugged mountain ranges make for brilliant hiking trails, and there is plenty of wildlife to meet around the island. Give gem fossicking a go and try to find the native Killiecrankie Diamond - a clear, ice blue or pink gold topaz (also the November birthstone).
Next door at King Island, you’re bound to find some world-class surfers taking advantage of the clean breaks, but it’s the cheese that will win you over. It’s the birthplace of multiple award-winning cheeses you’ll dream about for years after you leave. Top restaurants in Australia, Asia and Europe have this place on speed-dial because they know King Island’s reputation for producing some of the tastiest and freshest food around.
Both islands have rich history and shipwrecks waiting to be learned. Don’t do Tasmania without including these islands in your itinerary.
INNAMINCKA, AND THE BURKE AND WILLS DIG TREE
A town of just 130 people, you’ll find Innaminka along the Strzelecki Track, close to the South Australia and Queensland border. It may be a one-pub, one general store type of town, but it’s an absolute gem. If you want to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, with the peace, quiet and seemingly never-ending landscapes that come with it, then don’t miss Innamincka on your travels along Cooper Creek. As you head east, make sure you stop at Burke and Wills Dig Tree. One of the nations icons, Dig Tree is believed to be 200-250 years old and is a memorial to explorers Burke and Wills, who died during an expedition.
BROKEN RIVER, EUNGELLA, QUEENSLAND
About an hour and a half west of Mackay, Eungella is a nature-lover’s paradise and the platypus capital of the world. Dubbed the most ‘reliable’ location for viewing platypus, you’re almost guaranteed to see these elusive monotremes in their natural habitat. The Eungella region has a rich history of gold mining, timber, dairying and tourism with its subtropical rainforest and rugged escarpments offering awe-inspiring views.
LAKE GAIRDNER, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Photos of this magical salt lake are often confused for its cousin Lake Eyre because of their similarities, which means its beauty is absolutely world class. When full, this lake holds only about one to two feet of water and offers stunning mirror reflections. It’s located about 440km northwest of Adelaide, on the northern side of the Gawler Ranges. Along with much smaller Lake Everand and Lake Harris, the three form the Lake Gairdner National Park.
LARK QUARRY, WINTON, QUEENSLAND
The Dinosaur Stampede National Monument at Lark Quarry is the site of the world’s only known record of a dinosaur stampede. Fossilised footprints of 150 dinosaurs are preserved in the fossilised mud of what is thought to have been a river crossing. A truly one-of-a-kind experience, Winton will take you back to the prehistoric ages.
Be quick - get to these places before everyone else finds out!