BridgeClimb, Sydney, NSW © Destination NSW

Local recommendations

Uncover authentic experiences away from the crowds with these local recommendations.

While visiting the icons is a great way to see the country, there’s something truly rewarding in uncovering the lesser-known attractions of a destination. Whether you’re visiting our major cities, heading to the remote outback or slipping away to a quiet island escape, there are plenty of opportunities to experience Australia like a local. So skip the crowds, find some hidden gems and discover the country through the eyes of an Aussie with these recommendations.

See where the locals like to go

Cape Schanck Boardwalk, Mornington Peninsula, VIC © Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism

Things to do

Chris Hemsworth's top 5 Australian beaches

Shark Beach, Nielsen Park, Sydney, New South Wales © Andrew Gregory / Destination NSW

Places to go

Sydney's secret beaches

Surfers Point, Margaret River, WA © Mark Boskell

Things to do

Chris Hemsworth's ultimate Australian coastal holiday

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Stuart Miller

Places to go

Experience Aboriginal culture in Canberra

Find hidden gems in Australia’s major cities

Brisbane River, Brisbane, QLD © Brisbane Marketing

Places to go

Brisbane's hidden gems

Discover some of Brisbane's lesser-known experiences for a trip that's packed with unique things to do.

Paddington Reservoir Gardens, Sydney, NSW © Josef Nalevansky, City of Sydney

Places to go

Sydney's hidden gems

There’s more to Sydney than meets the eye. Go off the beaten path as you discover Sydney by seeking out the city’s hidden gems.

Rutledge Lane, Melbourne VIC © Ashlea Wheeler

Places to go

Melbourne's hidden gems

There’s more to Melbourne than meets the eye. Go off the beaten path as you discover Melbourne by seeking out the city’s hidden...

Get more recommendations for planning the perfect Australian trip

Prairie Hotel, Parachilna, SA © South Australian Tourism Commission

Plan your trip

Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

Do as the Aussies do; there’s no better introduction to Australia.

Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel, Cairns, Queensland © Tourism Australia

Trips and itineraries

The ultimate trip to Australia

Experience the best of Australia on an epic journey from Sydney’s beautiful harbour to the red sands of Uluru in the outback and...

Injidup Beach, near Yallingup, WA © Tourism Western Australia

Plan your trip

How to choose your perfect Australian destination

Whether you are looking for a destination to rejuvenate or to adventure to the max, Australia has something for everyone.

Live like a local

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Indigenous symbol - Natural Beauty

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

Product Disclaimer

*Product Disclaimer: Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

*Product Disclaimer: Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

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