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Australia’s hidden gems

by Caroline Gladstone

Australia’s icons are well known: the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, the huge red rock in the centre of the country.
There are hundreds of other gems waiting to be discovered for those who have time to linger just a little longer in this wide brown land.

Byron Bay & Hinterland (New South Wales)

Sitting on the most eastern point of Australia is Byron Bay, arguably the country´s hippest beach town. Its beautiful beaches, gourmet cafes and a serious cool vibe draw visitors in their droves. But for a green and serene escape, head for the hills behind the beach to what Aussies call the hinterland. Here are lush rainforests, quaint villages, soothing day spas and a fair sprinkling of New Age residents selling their wares at the weekly markets that rotate around this beautiful region.

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It might be todays word, but it still doesn't work.


GO LEAFS GO!!!

Got that one wrong LOL

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New Norcia (Western Australia)

The Benedictine community of New Norcia is a fascinating place and Australia´s only monastic town. Founded by Spanish monks in 1846 and located 132km north of Perth, New Norcia was originally developed as an Aboriginal orphanage and later turned into a boarding school. Today its resident monks devote their life to prayer, tending their farmlands and welcoming travellers in the time-honoured tradition of St. Benedict. Daily tours visit the grand school buildings and art gallery whose prized possession is a work by Raphael; the gift shop sells the monastery´s own olive oil, wine, beer and bakery goods. A peaceful night´s stay is guaranteed in the monastery guesthouse or bed down in the beautifully-restored New Norcia Hotel.

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Broome and the Bungle Bungle Range (Western Australia)

Red rocks, turquoise waters, pearls, boab trees and spectacular sunsets - just a few sights you´ll encounter in Broome, a town of 13,5000 people, located a long 2415 km (1509 miles) north of Perth. It began life as a pearling station in the late 19th century with a multicultural mix of Japanese, Malay and Filipino pearl divers. Pearls are still cultivated today, although the town´s drawcards are its long, sandy beaches and its position as the gateway to the Kimberley region and the amazing red and black-striped beehive shaped sandstone towers known as the 'Bungles'. The best ways to explore the region is by organised 4WD tour, or if time is limited – and cash is unlimited – take a scenic flight over the spectacular ancient landscape.

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g.m. & thank u; have a great day

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Mornington Peninsula (Victoria)

Lapped by water on three sides, the Mornington Peninsula is a bountiful region of wineries, food providores and beaches. Excellent pinot noir and chardonnay are its hallmarks; however, wine lovers can also sample fine Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Rieslings and Shiraz at any of 50 cellars doors. Hilltop restaurants with sweeping views over the bay and farm gates and providores selling olives, olive oil, cheeses, stone fruits, bread and chocolates will satisfy the most demanding foodie. Only an hour´s drive from Melbourne, the peninsula is perfect for a day-trip or a few days´ away with a choice of B&BS and grand hotels.

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McLaren Vale (South Australia)

Vineyards and beaches are also the main attractions of McLaren Vale, one of the most accessible wine regions in Australia. Located 39 km (24 miles) south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale is the name of both a town (population 5,070) and a wine region, located on the Fleurieu Peninsula. While a boutique village, it´s jam-packed with restaurants, cafes and art galleries. The rolling hills are covered in vineyards, many of which have sweeping views over St Vincent´s Gulf and the magnificent Mount Lofty Ranges. The region´s fantastic coastal location is celebrated each June at the two-day Sea and Vines Festival, where great seafood and wines are on the menu at 20 wineries. ()

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Sunshine Coast & Glasshouse Mountains (Queensland)

One long 60-km (37 miles) stretch of white sand beaches sums up the glorious Sunshine Coast, located just over an hour´s drive north of Brisbane. Choose from sophisticated Noosa Heads or family-friendly Caloundra, which is itself a short drive from the Steve Irwin´s famous Australia Zoo. Behind the beaches lurks the rich hinterland region of old volcano peaks known as the Glass House Mountains (perfect for viewing or climbing), rustic towns jammed with artefact shops and national parks perfect for picnics.

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Kangaroo Island (South Australia)

The name evokes wildlife and Kangaroo Island, a quick hop by plane from Adelaide, or a 45-minute ferry ride, delivers plenty of furry encounters. Australia´s third largest island has a huge colony of sea lions basking on beaches at Seal Bay, koalas dozing in gum trees, kangaroos and Fairy Penguins waddling along its shores. Weirdly-shaped formations known as the Remarkable Rocks and the dramatic Admiral´s Arch are the drawcards of Flinders Chase National Park on the island´s west coast, which also hosts a colony of cute New Zealand fur seals.

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Freycinet National Park & Wine Glass Bay (Tasmania)

It tops the 'best beaches´ in the world list over and over, but you won´t find crowds of sun-worshippers on the crescent-shaped Wineglass Bay in southeast Tasmania. It´s one of a dozen secluded beaches in Freycinet National Park, which is loved by hikers, campers and anyone who embraces the great outdoors. The best views of the bay are from a high rocky platform (reached via a 30-minute walk from the car park), while the roundtrip walk to the beach itself is a good 2.5 hours – but paradise is worth the trek. The park has dramatic granite landscapes called the Hazards, sheer cliffs and plenty of easy trails where you´re likely to spy native wildlife.

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Western MacDonnell Ranges & Larapinta Trail (Northern Territory)

Whether you hike, bike or drive, the rugged red mountains known as the Western MacDonnell Ranges have to be seen. They stretch for 200 km (125 miles) westward from the town of Alice Springs, cutting across the desert and rising to some 600 metres. They are dissected by gorges and conceal deep waterholes and valleys of rare palms and ghost gum trees. Motorists can travel along the Larapinta Drive visiting the stunning the Standley Chasm (a canyon), Ellery Creek Big Hole and Serpentine Gorge in just a few hours. Walkers setting out on the Larapinta Trail need to be fit enough to tackle any or all of the 12 sections of the trail - a purpose built walking track with camping sites. Spectacular vistas and sleeping under a canopy of stars are the rewards.

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Indian Pacific

Named after the two great oceans it connects, the Indian Pacific rail journey runs 4,352 km (2,698 miles) across Australia, traversing three states (Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales). Passengers embark in either Perth or Sydney for a three-day ride that crosses the Nullarbor Plain, stopping at remote outposts and gold-boom towns. There´s time to stretch your legs in the three-resident town of Cook, and walk the wide streets of historic Kalgoorlie where gold was discovered in 1893. A visit to the 'super pit', an enormous working gold mine, is a must. The train´s elegant dining car serves three meals a day and you´ll be rocked to sleep by the rhythm of the rails.

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