Ningaloo Reef is The Great Barrier Reef of the West Coast, except this one is unspoiled and unpopulated. You can swim from the shoreline at Exmouth and Coral Bay directly onto the reef which is thriving with sea life.
Coober Pedy is the opal capital of the world and it’s so hot that much of the town is underground. Sleep in an underground cave, explore underground museums, mines, and churches, and play a round of golf on the desert course – not a blade of grass to be seen.
If there’s one national park you must experience in Australia, it’s Kakadu National Park. Although it’s quite well-known, it’s still off the beaten path as it’s quite a trek to get to.
It’s quiet and surrounded by surfing beaches, a lagoon for stand up paddle boarding and paddle boats, and The Haven for picnics, rolls down the Skillion and spectacular sunset views.
It made Lonely Planet’s must see destination list of 2011, and is the seventh largest city in Australia – although it doesn’t feel like it as it has a relaxed, surfer vibe and thriving art scene.