The SA island named one of Australia’s top under-the-radar spots

Remote, rugged and on the rise – this is one of the country’s top hidden gems, as voted by you.

If there’s one thing Aussies do well, it’s celebrating local destinations that are pushing the envelope. And in our 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, you proved your impeccable taste once again. We asked you for the one destination that deserves a little more of the spotlight. Clearly, one South Australian gem stood out – and it’s not hard to see why.

Which SA island made the list?

Kangaroo Island, SA — The sea and the bush exist in peaceful harmony on Kangaroo Island. (Image: Frame)

It may only be 15 kilometres off the coast of South Australia, but Kangaroo Island feels a world away from anything. At just over 150 kilometres long and 55 kilometres wide, it’s a small but mighty sanctuary that lives and breathes the hyperlocal. Kangaroo Island is one of those deeply Australian places where the ocean and bush peacefully coexist, not just in close proximity, but in complete harmony.

It’s this gentle way of life, deeply rooted in the natural landscape, that captivated the island’s roughly 5000-strong population. It’s also what attracted over 180,000 visitors last year, a number the South Australian Tourism Commission expects to climb in 2025.

So, how has such a magical place managed to fly under the radar for so long? The answer is pretty simple – a sustainable ethos that respects the environment, paired with a conservationist mindset that aims to protect it for years to come. Visiting Kangaroo Island is all about treading lightly, with stays and experiences that blend low-impact and luxury in order to showcase the landscape, instead of competing with it.

Your guide to exploring Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island may be small in size, but it certainly isn’t lacking in things to see and do. In fact, you’ll be spoilt for choice. On the west coast, Flinders Chase National Park is a natural haven for wildlife.

It offers a rare glimpse into the lives of Kangaroo Island’s furred and feathered locals, from koalas, kangaroos, pigmy possums and penguins to a range of reptiles and over 260 bird species.

A baby seal on Kangaroo Island, SA — Kangaroo Island is home to a thriving colony of sea lions. (Image: Southern Ocean Lodge)

If you’d rather meet the residents of the sea, join a tour with Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari . The locally run business offers a range of experiences, from group snorkelling to private charters, where seals, sea lions, dolphins and turtles come out to play.

Prefer to take things a little slower? Spend an afternoon sampling local gin at Kangaroo Island Spirits , or pop into Kangaroo Island Brewery for a pint of beer brewed onsite. You can also taste your way through some of the island’s best restaurants – with menus that are inspired by the landscape and hero local ingredients.

Kangaroo Island Spirits on Kangaroo Island, SA — Sample gin infused with local ingredients and distilled on the island. (Image: Kangaroo Island Spirits)

Did you know that Kangaroo Island is also home to one of Australia’s most spectacular lavender farms? That’s right – head to the northern side of the island and you’ll find Emu Bay Lavender Farm , where you can purchase souvenirs like soap, lotion and oil, honey, jam and gin.

Where to stay on Kangaroo Island

Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, SA — Southern Ocean Lodge is designed around 180-degree ocean views. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

While there’s an accommodation type to suit travellers of all budgets, Kangaroo Island offers some truly luxurious stays. Take the recently revamped Southern Ocean Lodge, which was meticulously restored following severe damage from the 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires.

Thanks to the dedication and determination of owners James and Hayley Baillie of Baillie Lodges , it reopened to the public in 2023. Guests can expect spacious suites, a day spa, wet-edge pool, walk-in wine cellar and uninterrupted ocean views – all futureproofed against fire.

Wander on Kangaroo Island, SA — Settle into your private outdoor tub overlooking Snelling Beach. (Image: Wander/Remy Brand Creative)

Or go off-grid at Wander on Kangaroo Island , a five-star stay that’ll have you feeling like the last person on Earth. Overlooking Snelling Beach, each WanderPod offers its own little pocket of private luxury. Your cosy cabin is complete with a fireplace, rainshower, outdoor bath and fully equipped kitchenette, plus some of the most jaw-dropping views you’ll ever see.

A few things to remember

Kangaroo Island is only accessible via air or sea. To get there, you can take a 45-minute ferry from Cape Jervis or hop on a 30-minute flight from Adelaide. SeaLink runs up to 12 services per day (dependent on the weather) and QantasLink offers daily departures.

Visitors should familiarise themselves with Kangaroo Island’s strict biosecurity laws before they arrive. Its remote location has protected it from many of the pests and diseases found on mainland Australia.

If introduced, these harmful organisms could have devastating effects on the island’s natural environment and agricultural industry. The exchange is beautifully uncomplicated: take only memories, leave only footprints.

A world away from the hustle, bustle and chaos of the big smoke – yet with a distinct sense of familiarity – Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region is an incomparable place.

Victoria’s Grampians are a visual feast, a seemingly endless vista of craggy cliffs, rolling valleys and untamed bushland. But they’re also much more than a scenic mountain landscape. Diverse and storied, each region within the range has its own rhythm. The Wimmera Mallee – a pocket in the state’s north-west, stretching from Horsham to near Mildura – is one of the most captivating.

Once known as Victoria’s agricultural heartland, the Wimmera Mallee has evolved in recent years into a dynamic, slightly offbeat hub. It buzzes with a creative hum and welcoming energy, and harbours an eclectic mix of long-time locals and tree-changers. Once you encounter its unmistakable charm, feel its warm country hospitality and taste its nationally celebrated vanilla slice, you may find yourself lingering longer than planned.

Eager to explore? These must-visit spots let you experience the inimitable spirit of this special part of the world.

Wimmera Mallee’s quirky attractions

The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria — Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

If you’re after something a little more unconventional, the Wimmera Mallee delivers in droves.

The Dimboola Imaginarium – located in a historic bank building in its namesake town – is a gift shop and boutique accommodation in one. Shop for unique and whimsical keepsakes, stay overnight in an elegant themed room, and lose yourself in one of the Imaginarium’s interactive experiences.

Also in Dimboola, just a short drive from the Imaginarium, is a menagerie of utter delight. Tiny Goats and Co. is home to a herd of miniature goats, with the farm offering group visits and special events like goat yoga and cuddle sessions.

Arcade aficionados should visit the Australian Pinball Museum in nearby Nhill. Here, you’ll find the biggest selection of playable pinball machines in the country, featuring modern models and classics dating all the way back to 1931.

Arts and culture in Wimmera Mallee

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed — Step into history at the Stick Shed. (Image: Visit Vic)

As a thoroughly creative community, it’s no wonder the Wimmera Mallee has a host of venues focused on its rich arts and culture scene.

Wander Trickbots Metal Art & Sculpture Garden in Nullawil, a winding trail filled with unique and quirky creations fashioned from metal odds, ends and scrap. A walk through the garden is inspiring enough, but consider buying a piece to take home and treasure.

The town of Nhill also has a significant Karen-Burmese refugee community, who make up 10 per cent of the local population. Discover the artistry of this vibrant culture at Paw Po , where you can purchase traditional hand-woven and textile products. Choose from a selection of beautifully crafted homewares, fashion and dolls.

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed , the only WWII emergency grain store still standing today. This National Heritage-listed structure takes you on a journey through the region’s agricultural past and is a dramatic sight with its towering and eerily striking timber poles.

Nature escapes around Wimmera Mallee

pink Lake Tyrrel, Wimmera Mallee, Victoria Australia — Take in the pink hues of Lake Tyrrell. (Image: Visit Vic)

Much like the majestic beauty of the wider Grampians, the Wimmera Mallee is a mélange of serene and spellbinding nature escapes.

Victoria’s pink lakes are famed nationwide, and two of them are found right here. See the flamingo-pink hues of Loch Iel, particularly vivid after a heavy downpour, or the vast and ancient Lake Tyrrell , which turns pink during wet and warm conditions.

The Snowdrift dunes in Wyperfeld National Park are ideal for adventurers. Set amid the area’s semi-arid landscape, the dunes are expansive mounds of sand deposited around 40,000 years ago. Hike or sandboard them and make sure to visit at sunset, when the sand glows golden.

And while some travellers chase the highest peaks, you can see the most modest in the Wimmera Mallee. Standing a mere 43 metres above the surrounding terrain, Mount Wycheproof is considered the smallest registered mountain in the world. Courtesy of its relatively gentle inclines, it’s a lovely spot for a walk and a picnic.

Culinary adventures in Wimmera Mallee

border inn in the Wimmera Mallee — Meet the locals at Border Inn.

As a region rich in agricultural bounty, it’s little surprise the Wimmera Mallee has such a robust and vibrant food scene. The community is fiercely proud of its local produce, showcasing the flavours and heritage of the area.

The Border Inn in the village of Apsley is a quaint country pub and meeting spot for the local community, featuring a classic country menu and warm hospitality.

The Horsham Golf Club is a popular spot for golf buffs with an adjoining bistro and bar. Try a modern twist on hearty favourites while taking in views of the green. For a taste of the area’s vintages, head to Norton Estate Wines – a boutique wine producer and cellar door open weekends.

A Wimmera Mallee jaunt wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famed Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip. Here, you’ll find a velvety vanilla slice that’s been crowned as Australia’s best seven times.

Wimmera Mallee accommodation

Fulham Homestead in wimmera mallee — Escape to Fulham Homestead.

If you’re enjoying an extended trip, you’ll need somewhere to rest. After a day tackling Wyperfeld’s epic dunes, visit Pine Plains Lodge , also in the national park. Built from reclaimed timber planks and logs, and anchored by rugged stone fireplaces, the lodge is a rustic and cosy hideaway.

For a refined yet relaxing escape, head to Fulham Homestead – a gorgeously restored guesthouse on an idyllic working farm, complete with farm animals and scenic vistas. Built in the 1840s, it has all the elegance and charm of its heritage, plus contemporary comforts like a modern kitchen, wi-fi and air-conditioning.

The Hermitage Hotel is Victoria’s oldest inland pub and an equally delightful blend of old and new. The restored rooms are perfectly appointed and adorned with period furnishings and high-quality linens. The pub itself is a favoured food and wine spot among locals and travellers alike.

If camping is more your style, the Lake Lascelles Cabins and Camping (formerly Mallee Bush Retreat) is a sprawling oasis with powered and unpowered sites and snug cabins. The setting is stunning too, the pristine Lake Lascelles sitting right in its centre.

Annual events

Wimmera Mallee Nhill Aviation Museum — Time your visit to Nhill Aviation Museum for the annual air show.

You may not need an excuse to revisit the Wimmera Mallee, but these annual and bi-annual events will almost certainly have you returning again and again.

Each year, the Lake Chalegrark Country Music Marathon takes over the town for a spectacular line-up of musicians from around Australia. The event is easygoing, family-friendly, and set in scenic surrounds on the shores of Lake Charlegrark.

Every two years, the region holds colourful events like the Wimmera Steampunk Festival , a raucous celebration of 19th-century steampunk culture with a different theme each time; the Nhill Air Show , which features jaw-dropping aerial stunts, aircraft displays, music, activities and more; and the Nati Frinj , a festival of art, culture and performance showcasing the many talents of the Natimuk community.

From the quirky to the tasty, start planning at visitwimmeramallee.com.au