Hidden gems in Australia you didn't know about

We all love Aussie for a holiday... But do you find yourself returning to the same spots year-in, year-out? Fear not, for every well-loved Aussie experience, there are plenty more to discover.

Ella Kernick Harvey from House of Travel Blenheim shares her favourites.

1. Gold Coast

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The Wizard of Oz & Green Lantern at Warner Bros Movie World

Roller coaster rides that’ll churn your insides and more family friendly rides, movie themed motion stimulators followed by a casual yarn with Batman. You’re either very young, or young at heart – and either works! Warner Bros Movie World has it all; the newly opened world first The Wizard of Oz precinct, stunt shows and street parades and characters patrolling the park, from Bugs Bunny to Tweety.

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Shrek, Kung Fu Panda & The Wiggles at Dreamworld

With nine high-adrenalin, Big Thrill rides, over 40 attractions and the title as Australia’s largest theme park, Dreamworld Gold Coast also boasts ABC Kids World; home to Giggle & Hoot, The Wiggles, Play School and the Bananas in Pyjamas’ fun maze, not forgetting the famous residents of Cuddlestown. Suitable for big kids, small kids and those old enough to foot the bill, there are tiger shows, DreamWorks Experience and virtual reality V8 Supercars. Look who’s driving now!

2. Tropical North Queensland

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A Great Barrier Reef day cruise

The perfect set-up of teal water and endless coastline fringed with palm trees. Your vessel slicing through the water, with sugary soft sand in the distance and if you’re lucky, whales on the horizon. For the water-babies there’s nothing better, activities abound. From snorkelling and diving (including helmet diving for those that don’t want to get their hair wet!) to coral exploration, semi sub rides and plenty of dips in and out of the sea.

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A Great Barrier Reef heli-tour

The high-rolling Aussie lifestyle. Soar over the famous Great Barrier Reef in pure luxury. Heli tours provide bucket-list wow-moments from the air rather than land or sea. The Tropical North Queensland colours from a bird’s eye perspective swirl like a painter’s strokes; turquoise hues fused with shallow coral. Or why not indulge yourselves further with a stay at one of the deluxe island resorts surrounding the Reef – take your choice of Bedarra Island Resort or Lizard Island Resort.

3. Victoria

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Melbourne Zoo

Seeing your little tykes getting acquainted with Australia’s fascinating wildlife; their grins spreading from ear to ear. If you and the family are big fans of Melbourne Zoo, you’ll already know it’s one of the best days out in the Victoria state; the ultimate wildlife encounter and just five minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. Stroll through lush Asian and African rainforests, discover Australian bush land and if it’s water creatures that

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Werribee Open Range Zoo

Why travel across the globe when you can get a taste of African safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo? A mere 30-minutes out of Melbourne and en route to the Great Ocean Road, discover African, Asian, North American and Australian wildlife across more than 200 hectares of open range environment. The animals have so much space they behave exactly as they would in their natural habitats. Hop on a free safari tour or stay overnight for a unique ‘Slumber Safari’.

4. New South Wales

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Byron Bay

The gateway to abundant surf opportunities, one hour south of Gold Coast Airport. Host to a medley of annual events, be sure to catch the annual BluesFest in March – the quintessential blues and roots music festival. Next year’s acts include UB40, City and Colour and Tom Jones! Byron Bay is a year-round crowd puller, popular with all those who enjoy a cruisey combination of relaxation and recreation, from energising dawn surfs to sleepy late-morning markets.

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Port Stephens

Port Stephens is Sydney’s playground, just two hours drive north of the city. Head to Port Stephens to enjoy nature walks and wildlife spotting. Home to over 100 bottlenose dolphins, dolphin-spotting tours and kayaking trips depart from Nelson Bay and whale-watching is also popular during the annual migration north in June and July, and south from September to November. For the adventurous try a quad bike ride across the massive sand dunes.

5. South Australia

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Kangaroo Island

Food in its purest form. Organic cheese and cultured yoghurt, honey harvested from Ligurian bees and seafood so fresh it’s practically still swimming. No doubt South Australia’s Kangaroo Island is your favourite island to grace this earth. A haven of fertile land and water, Australia’s finest gourmet foods – as well as the country’s most talented artisans – reside here. As wild as it is delicious, you’ll know its renowned food and wine trails well; sampling products directly from the source.

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Fleurier Peninsula

Beer. But of course! Venture to South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, only forty five minutes south of Adelaide, and experience an off-road 4WD beer tour with ‘Off-Piste’. Forge a route through the rugged terrain on-board a robust Toyota Troop carrier, while gaining a behind-the-scenes look into various boutique breweries, complete with lunch. A labour of love, discover award-winning hand crafted beers, all served with a backdrop of back-country vistas and stunning coastline.