All 100 emerging destinations and experiences

By Editor
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Discover Australia’s top 100 emerging destinations and experiences.

Australia’s always-evolving tourism offering is what has inspired us to highlight emerging destinations and experiences.

What do we mean by emerging? Think everything from Australia’s next holiday hotspots and regions on the rise to tiny towns now on the map thanks to innovative new dining or hotel options. And from places we might think we know well whose reinventions are prompting us to look again to the latest travel trends and more.

Here is the complete list, for you to keep your own appetite for exploring Australia well and truly whetted.

Towns

See Australia’s top emerging towns here.

1. Mapleton, Queensland

2. Witchcliffe, Western Australia

3. Mount Beauty, Victoria

4. Mount Gambier, South Australia

5. Nagambie, Victoria

6. Oatlands, Tasmania

7. Esperance, Western Australia

8. Yeppoon, Queensland

9. Tenterfield, New South Wales

10. Jabiru, Northern Territory

Neighbourhoods

See Australia’s top emerging neighbourhoods here.

11. Sandstone Precinct at Circular Quay, NSW

12. Pentridge Precinct, Coburg, Victoria

13. Noosaville industrial area, Queensland

14. Dromana Habitat, Victoria

15. Adelaide’s Inner West, SA

16. Tiger Lane precinct, Canberra, ACT

Regions

See Australia’s emerging regions here.

17. Scenic Rim, Queensland

18. Southern Flinders Ranges, SA

19. Mid West, WA

20. Mildura-Wentworth, NSW-Victoria border

21. Central Coast, NSW

22. Kimberley, WA

23. Peel, WA

24. Gippsland, Victoria

25. Townsville, Queensland

26. Launceston and Northern Tasmania

Cities

See Australia’s emerging city experiences here.

27. Brisbane precincts, Queensland

28. Dairy Road, Canberra, ACT

29. kipli takara walking tour, Hobart, Tasmania

30. Geelong comes of age, Victoria

31. Albury’s first degustation, NSW

32. Foodie experiences in Darwin

Stays

See Australia’s top emerging stays here.

33. Basalt, Orange, NSW

34. Baillie Lodges, Kangaroo Island, SA

35. Sea Sea, Crescent Head, NSW

36. Samphire Rottnest Island, WA

37. Ampersand Estates, Pemberton, WA

38. Sunnymead, Aireys Inlet, Victoria

39. The Louise, Barossa Valley, SA

40. Rangelands Outback Camp, Queensland

41. The Oaks Ranch, Eurobodalla, NSW

42. Melbourne CBD’s luxury new hotels, Victoria

Food and wine

See Australia’s emerging food and wine experiences here.

43. Murwillumbah, NSW

44. Kuti Shack, Goolwa, SA

45. Portarlington Mussel Tours, Victoria

46. Granite Belt Wine Region, Queensland

47. Canberra Wine District, ACT

48. Sustainability in McLaren Vale, SA

49. Trentham, Victoria

50. Kakadu Full Moon Feast, NT

51. The Rockley Pub, NSW

Culture

See Australia’s top emerging cultural experiences here.

52. Bruce Munro at Discovery Parks King Canyon, NT

53. The Banya, Mullumbimby, NSW

54. Outback Queensland’s festival calendar, Queensland

55. Fine Vines festival, WA

56. Queenstown, Tasmania

57. Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat, Victoria

58. Wintjiri Wiru, Uluru, NT

59. Harvest Rock Festival, SA

60. Cultural Attractions of Australia, ACT, NSW, SA, Queensland and WA

61. Regional galleries, NSW and Victoria

62. Street art, NSW

63. Cairns Italian Festival, Queensland

Sustainable

See Australia’s top emerging sustainable experiences here.

64. Wuldi Cultural Experience at Gemtree Estate, SA

65. Wellness in Shoalhaven, NSW

66. Gumbaynggirr Country, Coffs Coast, NSW

67. Gold Coast Dive Trail, Queensland

68. Bundaberg, Queensland

69. Margaret River, WA

70. Positive Energy Adventures and Retreats, NSW

71. Inclusive travel

72. Fraser Coast, Queensland

Trails

See Australia’s top emerging trails here.

73. Rail trails, NSW and Victoria

74. Slow food and rail tour, NSW

75. Tasmanian Walking Company, Tasmania

76. Australia’s bushwalking state, NSW

77. Dam mural in Wellington National Park, WA

78. Silo Art Trail, Victoria

79. Seasoned Tasting Trail, Victoria

80. Warlu Way, WA

Coast & Island

See Australia’s top emerging aquatic experiences here.

81. North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah, Queensland

82. Wellness on Dirk Hartog Island, WA

83. The Big Lap by sea

84. Boomerang Beach, NSW

85. Mission Beach, Queensland

86. Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail, NSW

87. Nuyts Archipelago, SA

88. Tiwi Islands, NT

89. Wagait Beach/Cox Peninsula, NT

Nature

See Australia’s emerging nature experiences here.

90. Wildlife Wonders, Great Ocean Road, Victoria

91. Tiny houses, Australia-wide

92. Grampians/Gariwerd, Victoria

93. Yagurli Tours, Queensland

94. Yarriba Dreaming, Queensland

95. Wild South Coast Way on the Heysen Trail, SA

96. The Pilliga, NSW

97. Murray River, SA

98. On Board Expeditions, Tasmania

99. Christmas Island, WA

100. Bremer Bay, WA

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Win 1 of 10 luxury holidays worth over $38,000!

    By Editor
    Continue
    What’s better than booking your dream holiday? Winning it, of course!

    Enter the 2025 Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards for your chance to win big in our mega prize giveaway!

    To celebrate our Readers’ Choice Awards, we have curated 10 incredible travel prizes worth $38,871 to give away, to inspire you to explore Australia.

    Please note: you will not be able to choose which prize you win.The winners will be contacted after the competition closes and announced in issue 108 (on sale from 3 November 2025).

    Read the general competition terms and conditions, as well as the Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards terms and conditions, before you enter. You only need to enter the giveaway once.

    Entries for this competition close at 5 pm AEST on 25 September 2025.

    Intrepid Travel | JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa | Pair’d Margaret River | Kingfisher Bay Resort | Prancing Horse | Star RV | Lancemore | The Fullerton Hotel Sydney | Glenayr Farm | Taronga Zoo

    Intrepid Travel’s six-day exploration of Tasmania’s Cradle Coast worth $6430

    Intrepid-Travel-Tasmania-Cradle-Mountain-leader

    Explore the edge of the world on this six-day exploration of Tasmania’s untamed Cradle Coast.

    Discover the wild and rugged beauty of Australia’s most southern state on Intrepid Travel’s Best of Tasmania’s Tarkine & Cradle Mountain trip. The ultimate six-day escape for two loops in Tarkine/Takayna rainforest, a Cradle Mountain hike and inspired pit stops along the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail. Spot wombats, stargaze in remote stays, and connect with Indigenous culture in stunning national parks. Includes accommodation, select meals, and unforgettable scenery.

    What’s included?

    • Hotel stay (four nights)
    • Cottage stay (one night)
    • Five breakfasts
    • One lunch
    • Two dinners
    • Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail sampling fresh raspberries, cheese, ice cream and brews along the way

    A luxury stay at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa worth $5280

    JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa_ Saltwater Lagoon Ariel View

    Enjoy white sandy beaches, a swim-up grotto and waterfalls.

    Treat your other half to a long weekend away in an Ocean View Executive Suite at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. Enjoy daily breakfast for two at Citrique restaurant, a signature massage or facial at Spa by JW, and a three-course dinner with wine pairing at the award-winning Citrique. This unforgettable experience also includes complimentary self-parking so you can get out and explore while on the Goldie.

    What’s included?

    • Three-night stay in an Ocean View Executive Suite
    • Breakfast daily for two in Citrique Restaurant
    • Signature massage or facial for two at Spa by JW
    • Three-course dinner with wine pairing for two in the award-winning Citrique Restaurant
    • Self-parking

    A Pair’d festival getaway in Margaret River worth $5000

    Beach club at Pair'd Margaret River

    Enjoy diverse programming at Pair’d. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    Win a three-night luxury escape for two at Smiths Beach Resort during the annual Pair’d Margaret River Festival. Enjoy return flights to Busselton, admission to select signature events from 21–23 November, and access to the best of the region’s bounty. This prize also includes exclusive Pair’d merch – everything you need for the ultimate festival adventure in the heart of WA’s iconic Margaret River Region.

    Pair’d is Western Australia’s top wine and food festival, designed with a ‘wine first’ approach. This festival brings together the best of culinary, music and cultural experiences, all thoughtfully curated by sommeliers to create an unforgettable celebration of the senses.

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    • Three-night luxury stay at Smiths Beach Resort, nestled on the pristine coastline of the Margaret River Region
    • Festival ticket pack to select signature events across the weekend of 21–23 November
    • Return flights to Busselton, flying into the heart of the region
    • Exclusive Pair’d merchandise, perfect for your weekend adventure

    The ultimate K’gari adventure worth $5000

    Lake McKenzie aerial shot on K'gari

    Paradise awaits on K’gari.

    Pack that floppy hat and factor 50+ sunscreen for five unforgettable days on World Heritage-listed K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). This epic prize includes airport transfers, ferry transport to the island, three nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort and one night at K’gari Beach Resort.

    This ultimate island escape includes two days of guided 4WD touring, daily buffet breakfasts, touring lunches, national park fees and tickets to the magical Illumina light and sound show.

    What’s included?

    • Return airport transfers to River Heads / Hervey Bay Airport
    • Return passenger ferry transfer
    • Three nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort
    • One night at K’gari Beach Resort
    • Full days of guided 4WD coach touring including lunch, National Park fees and permits
    • Daily buffet breakfast
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    A $5000 supercar escape with Prancing Horse

    Red Ferrari driving down road with Palm trees.

    Drive an unparalleled collection of supercars on exclusive driving experiences across Australia.

    Buckle up for the drive of a lifetime with Prancing Horse luxury driving experiences. Take the wheel of the world’s most coveted supercars – think Ferrari, McLaren or Lamborghini – for a breathtaking spin through one of six spectacular Australian regions. The ultimate road trip for two lucky rev-heads includes curated routes with gourmet dining, luxury hotels and jaw-dropping scenery.

    What’s included?

    • Gourmet dining at award-winning restaurants
    • Exceptional hospitality and some of the most exciting driving roads in Australia

    A seven-day Star RV motorhome getaway worth over $4300

    Star RV Polaris 2 MountCook 1 NZ

    This is your chance to live the van life dream. (Image: Clint Trahan)

    Ready to hit the road? Win a seven-day adventure in a premium Star RV Polaris 6 motorhome valued at more than $4300. Choose to explore Australia or New Zealand with unlimited kilometres, 24/7 roadside assistance, basic insurance and a fully equipped home on wheels that sleeps six. The swanky motorhome is decked out with a full kitchen, bathroom, air-conditioning and outdoor gear included.

    Designed with space, style and adventure in mind, the Polaris 6 has ample room to stretch out. Whether you’re chasing sunsets along the coast or stargazing in the outback, this is road tripping at its best. Perfect for a family holiday, a friend escape or a couple’s adventure – you get to write the story.

    What’s included?

    • Unlimited kilometres
    • 24/7 roadside assistance
    • Basic insurance cover
    • Fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and air conditioning
    • Camping chairs and a table for those al fresco moments

    A luxury Red Hill Escape worth over $2500

    The Ninch Lindenderry

    Rest and dream at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill.

    If ever there was a place for you to rest and dream, it is Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill. The escape includes a stay in the luxurious Balcony Suite, tucked away amid 13 hectares of gardens and vineyards on the Mornington Peninsula.

    Enjoy daily breakfast and a two-course degustation dinner with wine pairing at the acclaimed two-hatted restaurant, The Dining Room. Just minutes from beaches and top wineries, this is the perfect getaway for food, wine and nature lovers.

    What’s included?

    • Breakfast
    • Two-course degustation dinner and wine pairing at the award-winning two-hatted restaurant, The Dine Room

    A night at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney worth $2200

    The Fullerton Staircase

    A night in the Heritage Long Suite offers a truly unforgettable stay.

    Experience over-the-top indulgence in the Heritage Long Suite, the largest guestroom at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney in the historic former General Post Office building. The suite features original marble fireplaces, a grand living area, the postmaster’s original writing desk from 1874 and a dining space for six.

    Two lucky guests will enjoy Fullerton Club Lounge access with breakfast, afternoon tea, evening canapés and handcrafted cocktails. With its heritage charm and modern amenities, the prize amounts to an unforgettable stay for two.

    What’s included?

    • Exclusive access to the Fullerton Club Lounge
    • A full-size refrigerator
    • Stocked mini-bar (on request)
    • A dining area for six
    • Ensuite master bathroom
    • Separate guest bathroom
    • King-sized beds

    A luxe glamping stay for eight at Glenayr Farm worth $2000

    Glenayr Farm hot tub

    Glenayr Farm is a fully sustainable, off-grid accommodation. (Image: Salty Luxe)

    Grab seven of your nearest and dearest and make a beeline for wine country in Mudgee. At Glenayr Farm, a 129-hectare working sheep and cattle property, you’ll have four luxe bell tents all to yourselves for two blissful nights. Pick up a bottle of wine at a nearby cellar door and uncork it in a hot tub or by the outdoor fire pit come evening.

    Fall in love with the unrivalled views of the sunsets and incredible vistas over one of the most beautiful areas in the region. At night, the sky explodes to life as the area is one of the premier stargazing sites in Australia. Disconnect to reconnect and immerse in the peace of nature and country living.

    What’s included?

    • Communal area with kitchen
    • Lounge/games room with billiards table, TV and bathrooms
    • Private hot tubs
    • Fire pits

    A Wildlife Retreat experience worth $1159

    Taronga Zoo Eco Retreat

    Unique eco-retreat accommodation with immersive native animal experiences, modern Australian dining, all overlooking iconic Sydney Harbour.

    Wake up with koalas and kangaroos at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga with an unforgettable overnight stay for two in an Animal View Room. Overlooking Sydney Harbour and hidden within Taronga Zoo, this luxury eco-retreat includes two-day zoo access, a guided Sanctuary tour, buffet breakfast at Me-Gal restaurant and free onsite parking. It’s a unique blend of nature, comfort and conservation – the perfect wild escape in the heart of Sydney/Warrane.

    Every visit to Taronga Zoo directly supports vital wildlife conservation efforts, meaning your unforgettable experience helps contribute to a greater cause.

    What’s included?

    • Two-day access to Taronga Zoo Sydney
    • An exclusive guided Sanctuary tour to meet some of Australia’s most beloved native animals up close
    • A delicious buffet breakfast at the Me-Gal restaurant
    • Onsite parking

    Subscribe now to increase your chances of winning big. Simply subscribe to view digital versions of past magazines going back seven years, so you can get plenty of travel inspiration while you wait for your first printed magazine to arrive.