Australia's Top Emerging Aquatic Experiences

It’s time to splash out at Australia’s next beachside holiday hotspots and discover a raft of new ways to enjoy life by the water.

Journey with our writers as they take you into Australia’s top emerging aquatic experiences from our 100 Emerging Destinations and Experiences series.

1. Time in the sun for Brisbane’s low-key island gem

Travelling with: Susan Gough Henly

Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island or Straddie to the locals, might live in the shadow of its big sister, K’gari (Fraser Island), but this beach getaway surrounded by aquamarine waters is a closely held secret. When Sydneysiders and Melburnians cram into Queensland’s Gold and Sunshine coasts during the school holidays, those in the know keep this low-key gem to themselves.

North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah is known for its pristine beaches. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

While it may be only one-sixth the size of K’gari, this 37-kilometre-long sliver of sand is the second-largest sand island in the world with a mind-boggling array of powdery white beaches. It’s just 45 minutes across Moreton Bay from the Brisbane suburb of Cleveland and once you get off the ferry, you’re on ‘Straddie time’.

Delvene Cockatoo-Collins on North Stradbroke Island — Artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins showcases artwork at her shop. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The Traditional Owners, the Quandamooka people, have a long unbroken history on Minjerribah and artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins beautifully showcases their totems in weavings and artwork at her shop in Dunwich on the western side of the island. There’s a lot to love on Straddie. Take the North Gorge Walk to Point Lookout, one of the world’s best land-based whale-watching sites. You’ll also spot dolphins, manta rays, turtles, ospreys and sea eagles throughout the year.

Whales off the coast of North Stradbroke Island — Whale watching season is a highlight on North Stradbroke Island. (Image: Sean Scott Photography)

The lawns around the Point Lookout Surf Club are a favourite spot for sundowners and a hangout for eastern grey kangaroos. You’ll also see koalas, dolphins and all manner of birdlife at Amity Point. Manta Lodge and Scuba Centre offer dives in summer to see manta rays and speckled leopard sharks, and you can listen to whale song underwater in winter.

Kangaroos on North Stradbroke Island — Make friends with locals on the island. (Image: Sean Scott Photography)

Stay at the refurbished Beach Hotel , glamp at Bradbury’s Beach or rent one of the many Brisbane architect-designed holiday homes; pick up local prawns from Rufus King Seafoods; and savour Straddie’s own homemade gelati at Oceanic Gelati & Coffee Bar with its majestic view of the ocean.

2. Western wellness on Dirk Hartog Island

Travelling with: Bonita Grima

“We are best reminded of our true essence when surrounded by Great Nature," says yoga instructor Lara Dwyer, motioning to the ocean in front of us. “Out here we see how reliably the sun rises, how gracefully the seasons change and how effortlessly water flows without resistance to the currents. By mirroring nature and aligning ourselves with her rhythms, we too can move with greater ease," Lara explains.

We are learning about the Vedas – ancient knowledge gathered from Hindu texts that teach how to live in harmony with the elements. And although we’re not in India, I agree Dirk Hartog Island is the perfect classroom as I sit cross-legged on the mat, soft-gazing out to sea.

Dirk Hartog Island, WA — Enjoy island life on Dirk Hartog Island. (Image: Bonita Grima)

We have travelled – over turquoise waters and coral cays – from Shark Bay’s tiny airport on the mainland to Western Australia’s largest island and the country’s most westerly point – to experience its first wellness retreat. Packed with daily yoga and meditation classes, outdoor fitness sessions, luxurious massage treatments and comforting meals full of fresh goodness from the Gascoyne region, we learn that wellness here extends beyond just our physical bodies.

Breakfast on Dirk Hartog Island, WA — Breakfast is served fresh from the nearby Gascoyne region. (Image: Will Wardle)

Resting within the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, 750 kilometres north of Perth, Wirruwana – as it’s known to Traditional Owners, the Malgana people – is as diverse as it is beautiful. From wild western cliffs to calm eastern beaches and rolling sand dunes to marine sanctuary zones, Dirk Hartog Island is globally renowned not only for its rich history, but for its significance as a haven for endangered animals and birds. Granted national park status in 2009, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ Return to 1616 Project has seen the gradual restoration of the island’s flora and fauna to the way it was before the arrival of Europeans.

Turtle in the waters off Dirk Hartog Island, WA — Dirk Hartog Island is a haven for marine life. (Image: Will Wardle)

The successful eradication of feral cats, sheep and goats in recent years, combined with the reintroduction of native animals such as dibblers, Shark Bay bandicoots and western grasswrens, means the number of rare animals is rising. We witness evidence of this firsthand during a nocturnal wildlife excursion – spotting two rufous hare wallabies and one Shark Bay mouse within the first 10 minutes of our walk.

Marine life here is abundant too. And though visible from our paddleboards and kayaks within the eco lodge’s protected bay, a boat trip to the island’s best snorkelling spots has us swimming with colourful reef fish and sighting sharks, loggerhead turtles, pelicans, pied cormorants and dugongs along the way.

Dirk Hartog Island — There’s so much to see and do on the island. (Image: Will Wardle)

Living in harmony with nature is a way of life for the island’s sole residents, Kieran and Tory Wardle, who have raised their children here. Sharing the vision of Kieran’s grandfather, Sir Thomas Wardle – who purchased the island’s pastoral leasehold in 1968 – the couple have transformed the former pastoral station into one of the country’s top ecotourism destinations and believe the wellness retreats are an additional way to give back. “Island living unplugs you, keeps you active and takes you back to basics," says Tory. “We want to give people a taste of that, but also provide practices to take away, making healthy living sustainable."

Dirk Hartog Island eco lodge — The eco lodge oozes rustic luxury. (Image: Will Wardle)

Converted from the old shearer’s quarters, the eco lodge where we are staying oozes rustic luxury. With ocean-facing rooms, outdoor eating and lounging areas, and a beach-shack bar that’s considered to be Australia’s most remote, it’s the perfect place to cast away cares. Finding flexibility and balance is part of island life and a philosophy the Wardles intend to continue with their retreats.

Starting with an early-morning yoga class, a day here could see you running along a coastal trail in the morning, pausing with a drink made from Dirk Hartog Island Distilleries ’ Inscription Gin in the late afternoon, followed by a clifftop meditation session and ending with the wonder of ‘Australia’s last sunset’ at the island’s most westerly point. Five-day retreats run quarterly with the next scheduled for 28 May – 3 June.

3. Do the big lap of Australia by sea

Travelling with: Kassia Byrnes

There’s a new way to see Australia arriving in 2025 and it comes with comfort, luxury and nautical miles. Viking has announced a Grand Australia Circumnavigation cruise, which will make its way around our stunning coastline and beyond over 32 days.

Viking Cruise in Sydney Harbour — The Grand Circumnavigation cruise arrives in 2025. (Image: Viking Cruises)

Wave goodbye to Sydney Harbour before sailing up the coast to Cairns with stops in the Whitsundays and more before hitting the Arafura Sea at the Top End. From here you’ll divert to Indonesia for stops in Komodo and Bali before circling back to where you started via Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. Phew!

Stop off at breath-taking locations like Hamilton Island. (Image: Viking Cruises)

4. The Barrington Coast’s crowning beach

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

I had mixed feelings when I saw the second place-getter crowned by Tourism Australia’s ‘Beach Expert’ Brad Farmer as one of his favourite stretches of sand for 2023. Don’t get me wrong, I wholeheartedly agree that Boomerang Beach, on NSW’s serene Barrington Coast, is one of Australia’s best. This pristine arc of sand is bookended by headlands that create both a sheltered swimming spot and excellent surf conditions. But alas, the secret is now out.

Boomerang Beach, Barrington Coast, NSW — Boomerang Beach on the Barrington Coast is one of the country’s best. (Image: Undertow Snaps)

Simplicity is the lure of Boomerang Beach in the nostalgically named Pacific Palms region, which cues memories of sun-soaked school holidays spent in retro beachside motels. Neighbouring Blueys Beach is the main hub where you’ll find chilled Indo-inspired Kembali Cafe , Hueys at Blueys pizzeria , a bottle shop, deli and small supermarket. Blueys has a consistent beach break and boasts views towards isolated surf village Seal Rocks to the south.

In the other direction, you’ll find Booti Booti National Park, an eight-kilometre peninsula wedged between the Pacific Ocean and Wallis Lake. Meaning ‘plenty of honey’ in the local Worimi language, this protected paradise comprises walking tracks through coastal rainforest and white-sand swimming spots such as remote Seven Mile Beach and family-friendly Elizabeth Beach. If you crave more hustle, take the 25-minute drive north to Forster.

Mahalo on Boomerang Beach — Check in and zen out at luxe stay Mahalo. (Image: Claudia Gabriel Lim)

Embark on a road trip with your favourite crew and bunker down in one of Hola Palms ’ beautiful holiday homes in Boomerang Beach, such as bright and cheerful townhouse Sundays or luxe four-bedroom house Mahalo. Here you can spend your days with sandy feet and salty skin bouncing between beach and pool. When night falls, the place to be is around Mahalo’s outdoor fire pit sipping sundowners and cooking up a feast in the pizza oven. Bliss.

Sundays at Boomerang Beach — Sundays is one of Hola Palms’ beachside holiday homes. (Image: Claudia Gabriel Lim)

5. Eco exploration in Mission Beach

Travelling with: Taylah Darnell

The quiet stretch of Tropical North Queensland known as Mission Beach has been thrust into the spotlight. Netflix miniseries Irreverent unfolds here, bringing this little slice of the Cassowary Coast to the small screen.

Mission Beach, QLD — Mission Beach is tucked away on the Cassowary Coast. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Yet fame shan’t tinge the heart of this sleepy beach town, which is full of genuine locals, palm-laden shores and outdoor adventures. Think hidden swimming holes, waterfalls, island-hopping and diving tours.

The Cassowary Coast is currently on its journey towards ECO Destination Certification, which means visitors to the region can take solace in the fact that the gorgeous environment they’re exploring is sustainable, nature-based and protected.

6. Conquer Australia’s longest whitewater trail

Travelling with: Emily Murphy

Seek adventure and that’s what you’ll find on the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail in northern NSW’s Clarence Valley. Combining the Nymbodia, Mann and Clarence rivers, the 195-kilometre trail is the longest-mapped whitewater trail in Australia.

Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail in Clarence Valley, NSW — Get your heart pumping on the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. (Image: MyClarenceValley)

This gem is split into eight sections of varying difficulty for you to pick and choose what suits your skill level – whether that be waterfalls and unhinged rapids with names such as Tombstone and Demolition Derby or mellow cruising downriver. However you experience the trail, you’ll be left in awe of the natural beauty that it encompasses.

7. Go remote in the Nuyts Archipelago

Travelling with: Taylah Darnell

For those seeking their next Australian adventure, a remote and paradisiacal collection of islands await you off the coast of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. Be one of only 60 people a year that explore Nuyts Archipelago on a three-night expedition with EP Cruises that accentuates the splendours of this protected marine area in the Great Australian Bight.

Nuyts Archipelago, South Australia — Only 60 people a year are lucky enough to visit Nuyts Archipelago.

With room for only 10 expeditioners and three crew members, you’ll get a remarkable insight into the islands, beaches, reefs and wildlife that call the Nuyts Archipelago home. The expedition includes all camping and safety gear, a double swag, bathroom and kitchen facilities and rare island experiences such as cliff jumping, swimming with dolphins, birdwatching and nocturnal tours.

8. First Nations perspective on the Tiwi Islands

Travelling with: Elizabeth Whitehead

Our little six-passenger plane judders over the Beagle Gulf as we head north of Darwin. Despite our pilot’s assurance that the flight is “basically a milk run" for him, my heart still thumps in tandem with the whirring jet engine. But the anxiety quells once the Tiwi Islands come into view. The land below is rich and ripe with green, spliced with rivers strewn out like ribbons that oxbow and horseshoe across the terrain.

Tarntipi Bush Camp on the Tiwi Islands, NT — Discover Tarntipi Bush Camp on the Tiwi Islands. (Image: Nicholas Walton Healey)

Tiwi Elder and educator Edward ‘Teddy’ Portaminni is our guide, showcasing island life through Tiwi art, nature, history and storytelling. A former school teacher, Teddy now runs Tarntipi Bush Camp, an educational tourism experience and the only First Nations-owned accommodation on the Tiwi Islands. Teddy is enthusiastic about teaching visitors about bush food, so they can “learn the bush tucker we had a long time ago".

As we walk, he plucks sour billy goat plums from the trees for us to try and yanks a pandanus leaf from its trunk. “You can use this for weaving baskets, or boil it up to cure a stomach ache. Or you can wear it," he says with a grin, wrapping the leaf around his head. He keeps it on for the rest of the tour.

Edward Portaminni on the Tiwi Islands, NT — Pandanus leaves have multiple uses. (Image: Elizabeth Whitehead)

Visitors to Tarntipi Bush Camp can expect to dine on fresh fish that Teddy has caught and prepared that day. Teddy is a keen fisherman with hook and line, but also in the way he tells stories, too. He speaks with a stillness and equanimity that reels you into fascinating yarns about life growing up on Bathurst Island, Tiwi culture and local creation myths.

9. The secret beach that’s a favourite with Darwin locals

Travelling with: Leah McLennan

Mindil Beach, Casuarina, Nightcliff… Darwin is known for its postcard-worthy sunset spots. But the surrounding coastline boasts a treasure trove of sublime beaches where you can admire the twilight far from the crowds.

Golden Sands Retreat on Wagait Beach, NT — Golden Sands Retreat is right on the beach and features a private plunge pool.

A local secret up in the Top End, Wagait Beach on the Cox Peninsula is a teeny oceanfacing community 10 kilometres west of Darwin by sea. For a sprinkling of warm golden sand, punch Wagait Beach into Maps and let the ferry take you from Darwin’s Cullen Bay to Mandorah Jetty. With a population of around 465, it won’t be long before you’re recognising friendly faces as you comb for shells and settle in for sunset on the dog-friendly beach.

Wagait Beach, NT — Head to Mandorah Jetty for beautiful views across the water.

For dinner, throw in a line to catch queenfish, trevally or mackerel at the Mandorah Jetty or just relax at the Cox Country Club. When you’re ready for a kip, check into Golden Sands Retreat, a four-bedroom beauty with a plunge pool and private access to the beach. History buffs can pay a visit to the wreck site of Milady, a US bomber that crashed in the Second World War.

Keep reading our 100 Emerging Destinations and Experiences series for more.

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

Australia’s top 9 emerging coast and island experiences