10 Under-The-Radar Outback Destinations To Visit

Draw your attention to this new wave of outback icons that you’ll want to add to your bucket list.

You’ve heard of the big ticket outback destinations but there are a variety of places that have managed to fly under the radar of most Aussie’s bucket lists. It’s time to put the spotlight firmly on these incredible outback places.

1. Karijini National Park, WA

An oasis deep in the Pilbara, some 1400 kilometres from Perth, Karijini’s ancient landscape was carved out over billions of years. Covering more than half a million hectares, this natural wonderland comprises layered ochre-coloured rocks and sheer gorges, interspersed by fern-fringed, emerald-hued waterholes and cascading waterfalls. Hike to the summit of Punurrunha (Mt Bruce) for views of mulga flats or go gorge-hopping to see sunken gardens and deep, cold pools. During the winter months, wildflowers add bursts of colour to the rugged landscape.

a red and dusty road in Pilbara Karijin National Park — Drive to the red, dusty road in Karijini National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

2. Purnululu National Park, WA

At the end of the remote Gibb River Road (and then another five hours’ drive), this UNESCO-listed park is worth the detour for the enigmatic Bungle Bungle Ranges, a maze of 250-million-year-old orange-and-black-striped sandstone domes that rise 300 metres out of grassy plains. The supporting acts are just as wondrous, however, including Cathedral Gorge, a natural amphitheatre with euphonious acoustics, and Echidna Chasm, a narrow and steep gorge that you can walk through. It’s best seen at noon when light floods in and illuminates the rocks red and orange.

the Bungle Bungle Ranges in Purnululu National Park — Marvel at the enigmatic Bungle Bungle Ranges. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Northeast Arnhem Land, NT

At the tip of the Northern Territory, Northeast Arnhem Land is a vast and isolated region located on Yolu Country. The region has entered the national psyche, thanks to the annual Garma Festival that is attended by movers and shakers such as current and former PMs. But just off the coast, tropical Bremer Island flies under the radar. Home to a small Indigenous community, the island is fringed by empty white-sand beaches where sea turtles nest. Visit on a day tour via fast boat from Nhulunbuy or stay overnight at eco-resort Banubanu Beach Retreat . When in Nhulunbuy, art collectors should make the pilgrimage to Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre for the opportunity to purchase Yolu art.

Garma Festival in Northeast Arnhem Land — Garma Festival celebrates Yolngu life and culture in Northeast Arnhem Land. (Image: Tourism Australia)

4. Mary River, NT

Twitchers and fishermen are in on this secret. One of eight rivers in the Top End with seemingly endless floodplains, the Mary River comprises billabongs, woodlands, paperbark and monsoon forests and is teeming with wildlife, such as brolgas, egrets, sea eagles, monstrous saltwater crocs and wild buffalo. Visitors can explore this lush wetland system by scenic cruise, take a fishing charter in search of barramundi, or amp up the adventure on an airboat.

An air-boat adventure in Mary River National Park — Hop on an airboat adventure in Mary River National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Wilpena Pound/Ikara, SA

Known as Ikara to the local Adnyamathanha people, Wilpena Pound covers eight times the area of Uluru yet is still relatively unknown to many Aussies.

clouds covering Wilpena Pound Flinders Ranges National Park — The stratified rim of Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre of mountains. (Image: Julie Fletcher)

This massive crater is a remnant valley floor from an ancient mountain range that eroded away over millennia; a lush carpet of native flora is cradled within its jagged peaks. Tie up your laces and hit one of the trails from Wilpena Pound Resort , such as a leisurely walk along Wilpena Creek into the Pound or a challenging hike to St Mary’s Peak.

a family relaxing at Wilpena Pound Resort — Relax around a fire at Wilpena Pound Resort, SA. (Image: Julie Fletcher)

6. Arkaroola, SA

In the northern Flinders Ranges, 600 kilometres from Adelaide, Arkaroola was established as a private wildlife sanctuary in 1968. The 60,000-hectare property has extreme topographical diversity and rich geological significance. The jagged granite peaks, deep gorges and open woodlands cradle a plethora of native wildlife, notably the elusive yellow-footed rock wallaby.

the night sky filled with stars at Lake Mungo — Arkaroola is an International Dark Sky Reserve. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Experiences here include a four-wheel-drive Ridgetop Tour along steep mountainous terrain, where you can camp under the stars. Speaking of which, Arkaroola is one of four International Dark Sky Reserves in the country and has three astronomical observatories where you can learn more about the cosmos.

7. Mungo National Park, NSW

Outback NSW or the surface of the moon? Squint your eyes and it’s hard to tell at Mungo. This surreal landscape, some 10 hours from Sydney and six hours from Melbourne, has been a place of mind-blowing archaeological discovery, including the oldest collection of fossilised footprints in the world, fossils of megafauna such as the giant short-faced kangaroo, and the remains of Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, which at 40,000 to 42,000 years old are the planet’s oldest ritual burials.

the stratified rim of Wilpena Pound — Lake Mungo’s lunar-like landscape. (Image: Tourism Australia/Time Out Australia)

Now a dry bed, Lake Mungo is fringed by the ethereal Walls of China, a 30-kilometre-long sand and clay lunette that is particularly spectacular to view at sunrise or sunset.

a desert landscape in Mungo National Park — Mungo National Park is home to some of the world’s oldest fossils. (Image: Tourism Australia/Time Out Australia)

8. Lightning Ridge, NSW

Sure, Lightning Ridge is no secret. Its claim to fame is the elusive black opal, which has been mined here since the 1800s. But there’s more than these precious rainbow-hued gemstones under the surface (quite literally).

a hand holding opal stone from Lightning Ridge — Lightning Ridge is an opal mecca, where the rare black opal is mined. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Lightning Ridge sits on the Great Artesian Basin, which contains mineral-rich waters that are naturally heated at a toasty 41.5 degrees year-round. Soak in the therapeutic waters at the local bore bath, an idyllic experience under a star-filled outback sky.

rustic vehicles in Lightening Ridge — The town is full of rustic character. (Image: Tourism Australia)

9. Winton, Qld

Waltzing Matilda was written and first performed by Banjo Paterson in this outback Queensland town. Now Australia’s unofficial anthem, the poem is celebrated at the Waltzing Matilda Centre alongside other Australiana: the origins of Qantas, opal mining, the 1891 Shearers’ Strike, Australia’s war history and local Indigenous culture.

fossils inside the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, Winton — Fossils and footprints can be seen at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Winton is also the only place in the world that has evidence of a dinosaur stampede, with more than 3000 footprints discovered. See them and other fossils at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum .

a dinosaur display at Winton — Winton is famous for its dinosaur discoveries. (Image: Tourism Australia)

10. Boodjamulla National Park, Qld

Like a mirage on the epic Savannah Way, this national park is abound in lush vegetation and emerald waters, spectacular gorge country, rugged sandstone ranges and World Heritage fossil sites. The Traditional Owners are the Waanyi people who know this country as Boodjamulla – Rainbow Serpent Country.

a vehicle driving along the Savannah Way toward Boodjamulla National Park — The park is accessed via the Savannah Way. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Paddle along creeks framed by sheer red sandstone cliffs, hike to see ancient rock carvings and visit the Riversleigh Fossil Site, which David Attenborough described as ‘extraordinary’.

a spectacular gorge in Boodjamulla National Park — Boodjamulla National Park possesses spectacular gorges. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

From cabins to canvas, craft distillers to destination dining, Heathcote locals reveal their eco-savvy passions in ways that resonate with those seeking to travel lightly.

Heathcote , on traditional Taungurung Country in Central Victoria, is synonymous with its garnet-hued shiraz, but wine isn’t the only string to its bow. The town itself is sprinkled with heritage buildings from the gold rush era, and beyond that a growing collection of sustainable gastronomy and eco-friendly escapes. Nearby Bendigo, one of only 65 cities in the world recognised as a UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy, plates up an astonishing calibre of produce, wine and food for its size. Increasingly the entire region is taking up the challenge, though Heathcote in particular shines with its focus on sustainability.

Pink Cliffs GeologicalReserve — The dramatic landscape of Heathcote’s Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Goodfrey)

The eco-stays bringing sustainability to Heathcote

Yellow BoxWood’s safari-style tents — Yellow Box Wood’s safari-style tents are nestled on 40 hectares of bushland. (Image: Emily Goodfrey)

Andee and Lisa Davidson spent years working in southern Africa before settling in Heathcote. “We had a vision of how this could be,” explains Andee. “We wanted a retreat, but one that was off-grid and environmentally sustainable.” Now, at Yellow Box Wood , two luxury safari-style tents are at the heart of 40 hectares of rolling hills and native bush, with kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, goanna and birdlife aplenty. It’s all solar-powered, wood for the fire is mainly fallen timber, and water is collected on the carport roof. No lack of creature comforts though – en suite with rain shower, espresso coffee maker, comfy seating, wood-burning fire all set to go. There’s also a solar-heated, mineral salt pool in a bush setting, walking tracks, and even a mini bush golf course. On my visit, I put the vision to the test. Cocooned in the plush four-poster bed I can glimpse the stars, while the heater casts a golden glow on the canvas. In the morning, I wake to a blush-pink sunrise, kangaroos feeding and a soundtrack of magpies.

If a tent is not your style, Stephen and Cally Trompp’s carbon-neutral Mt Ida Eco Cabin might entice with its generous deck and farmland views. Inside the cabin, corrugated iron walls as rusty as a shearing shed, gleaming (recycled) floorboards, timber truss ceiling (crafted by Stephen), wood-fired heater and an old-school turntable with a pile of vinyls to spin. It’s fun, and a little boho. “Everything is recycled. The cabin takes maximum advantage of the sun in winter. It’s all solar-powered. Don’t panic, though,” says Stephen, “you can still charge your phone and get 4G reception!” Settle into an Adirondack chair on the deck or pedal off on a mountain bike to suss out the wineries.

A taste of Spain in Central Victoria

Another person with a vision is Evan Pritchard at his Three Dams Estate where the wines reflect his deep love of Spain and of Spanish-style grapes, such as tempranillo. Afternoons in the ‘wine shed’ or cantina are matched with music (flamenco is a favourite), Spanish bites from tapas to paella (with Evan on the pans!) and views to Mount Alexander. Sustainability is also a passion. “You don’t need to buy anything. We decided to be off-grid from the start, but it is a lifestyle change,” he says. “You need to think about it and be careful.” Everything here is recycled, reassembled, refurbished. Evan has an electric car (with solar-powered charger), solar-power for the winery, and even a jaunty little electric tractor/forklift. “I love the idea of all the things you can do using the sun.” Sipping a crisp rosado (a Spanish rosé) with Evan in the sunshine, I couldn’t agree more.

The vineyard redefining sustainable winemaking

Silver Spoon winery — The Silverspoon Estate winery is completely off-grid. (Image: Graham Hosking)

On the other side of Heathcote, Silver Spoon Estate demonstrates sustainability on a more extensive scale. Tracie and Peter Young’s winery, cellar door, award-winning restaurant and their own house are all solar-powered and off the grid. Sustainability is intrinsic to everything they do. The property sprawls across 100 hectares, with 20 hectares under vine – shiraz, viognier, grenache, tempranillo. As the climate has changed, so too has the approach. These are dry-grown vineyards. “We prune for drought. That means lower yields but more intense flavours,” says Peter. The fine-dining restaurant offers sweeping views, a wood-burning fire and a deck for languid lunches. Head chef Ben Hong sources regional, sustainable ingredients and weaves estate wines into the menu – think crispy wild mushroom arancini, viognier-infused chicken breast.

Silver Spoon’s award-winning restaurant.

Heathcote’s other hidden gems

Not all local wineries have a cellar door, but I find local treasures at the Heathcote Wine Hub , a petite 1855 timber church in the main street, lovingly returned to life by Karen Robertson and Carey Moncrieff. “Carey is a scrounger,” says Karen. “He doesn’t throw a single thing away.” He does, however, craft things into something quite special. Heritage floors, light-filtering lancet windows and shelves of regional wines create the perfect ambience for wine tasting. Or order a glass and linger over a cheese platter.

Heathcote is not all wine, of course. Nathan Wheat and partner Vanessa Curtis run Envy Distilling with a committed sustainable ethic – and a serious love of gin. Their small-batch distillery produces grape-based gin, and soon brandy. Distilled water is reused in an ingenious cooling system. All waste is treated on site. They buy excess wine from winemakers to distil and buy recycled barrels. “Distilling with the sun,” as Nathan says. Each Envy gin has its own story. Spicy, award-winning The Dry, is designed to capture the region’s dry, rugged nature. Pull up a stool at the bar (reclaimed timbers and tiles, of course), order a Gin Flight, or kick back with a cocktail and let Nathan share his eco journey.

Envy gins — Sample gins at small-batch distillery Envy.

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

It’s less than two hours’ drive from Melbourne. The scenic route we take goes past Sunbury, then along a splendid country road through Romsey and the magic, boulder-strewn landscape of Lancefield. Watch for kangaroos on the road!

Staying there

Go off-grid in style at Yellow Box Wood for glamping or try Mt Ida Eco Cabin for a couple’s weekend hideaway.

Eating there

French dishes at Chauncy — Award-winning French restaurant Chauncy.

At award-winning Chauncy , French chef Louis Naepels and sommelier wife Tess Murray have created a tiny, elegant pocket of rural France. Meticulously restored 1850s sandstone building, sun-drenched dining room, impeccable service, a menu suffused with local flavours and thoughtful wine pairings.

Fodder is both cafe and social hub. Chef Mo Pun and sister Lalita serve classic Aussie breakfast-to-lunch fare, though their Nepalese heritage sneaks through.

Playing there

Sanguine Estate ’s cellar door and terrace overlook bucolic vineyards. Its award-winning, dry-grown wines include the distinctive D’Orsa Blanc dessert wine, reflecting the family’s Swiss-Italian heritage. Order a charcuterie board and stay a while. Keep it carbon neutral by cycling some (or all) of the 50-kilometre O’Keefe Rail Trail to Bendigo.

At Bridgeward Grove , learn about the property’s Old Mission Grove heritage olive trees, do a sommelier olive oil tasting, and stock up on sustainably grown olives and oil. Explore the unique landscape, wildflowers and wildlife of pink cliffs geological reserve.

10 under-the-radar outback destinations to visit