All 100 Emerging Destinations & Experiences

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

The holiday season is creeping up on us and now is the perfect time to book your summer getaway.

Coming up to the end of the year, many of us are dreaming of a break and starting to plan how we spend our precious holiday time. Thankfully, there is a range of accommodation, experience and cruise deals buzzing around the market to help make this time of year even more special.

We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up a range of holiday deals to ensure you have the summer break you deserve.

Accommodation

Australia: All Accor Hotel Escape Sale

The exterior of 25Hours Hotel Sydney — The newly opened 25hours Hotel The Olympia.

French multinational hospitality company are offering up to 20 per cent off , when you book two nights or more at hotel brands like, Pullman, Peppers, Mantra, Novotel, Mercure and ibis from now until 31 March, 2026. Some of the dreamiest stays include the newly opened 25hrs The Olympia in Sydney, perfect for a summer escape in the city, or Peppers Broadbeach for a coastal getaway.

Bookings: Now until 10 January, 2026

Hamilton Island: The Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows and The Sundays

The swimming pool at The Sundays, Hamilton Island — Lock in a stay at the coveted The Sundays, Hamilton Island.

Idyllic Hamilton Island is perfect for family getaways or couples retreats, offering Whitsunday adventures galore. Spend the holiday season in the tropics at one of the island’s best accommodations. Christmas and New Year’s Eve festive packages are available at Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows and The Sundays for stays of five nights or more, including December 24 and 25, 2025.

The Reef View Hotel and Palm Bungalows are offering deals that combine stay and festive dining, a fantastic value package for families celebrating Christmas on Hamilton Island. The five-night or more package includes Christmas Day buffet lunch, and if you book a Reef Suite or Superior Reef suites, breakfast is also included, plus other standard inclusions. This can save families up to $396 for two adults and two children.

Want a more luxurious experience? Spending Christmas and/or New Year at The Sundays will be an unforgettable family affair. They are offering a five-night+ package that includes Christmas Day lunch or dinner at Catseye Pool Club, a complimentary glass of champagne, a la carte breakfast daily at Catseye Pool Club, plus standard The Sundays inclusions. You could save up to $365 (based on two adults and one child).

Sydney: Fullerton Sydney

The grand exterior of the Fullerton Sydney — Base yourself in the heart of Sydney.

Those in need of a staycation or wanting to spend the holidays in Sydney should turn their attention to the Fullerton Sydney. The “Love Sydney Today ” package offers a convenient CBD location with several perks, including: Daily breakfast for two, complimentary self-parking for one vehicle, late check-out until 1pm and free breakfast for children up to 12 years old staying in existing bedding. Get in quick though, as the first 100 bookings will also get a A$100 food and beverage dining credit to use during the stay. From $499.

Promotion code: AUSTRAVELLER

Newcastle: QT Newcastle

A suite at QT Newcastle — Relax in style at QT Newcastle.

Discover charming Newcastle and stay at the city’s premier hotel QT Newcastle with the “Seek Off Beat” promotion. Get 15 per cent off the best available rate for a two-night stay (starting from $255 per person, per night), a $100 food and beverage credit and a late checkout at 12 noon.

Promotion code: SEEKOFFBEAT

Flinders Ranges: Arkaba Homestead

Arkaba Homestead in the outback — Arkaba is a private wildlife conservancy, and guests can stay in the beautiful homestead.

For the ultimate outback stay, Arkaba Homestead, a wildlife conservancy in South Australia’s picturesque Flinders Ranges, is great for unwinding after the Christmas rush. Enjoy a three-night, all-inclusive summer retreat in the historic homestead with the “Rest, Reset & Reconnect” package , which includes twice-daily guided safaris and bush walks focusing on wildlife and conservation, all meals and beverages and chef-led tastings. Bask in peaceful mountain views, leisure time by the pool and stargazing under the outback sky.

Available from: 27–30 December 2025 (three nights)

Rate: $5,985 per room (twin share) for three nights, at a discounted seasonal rate (saving $1,440).

Gold Coast: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

A room at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa — Soak up summer on the Gold Coast at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa.

Luxury vacationers and families can soak up summer on the Gold Coast with a two-night stay at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. The “Luxury Escape by JW GOLD COAST” package offers a two-night luxury stay in a guest room with a hinterland view, two welcome drinks each upon arrival, buffet breakfast for two at the Citrique restaurant, $50 AUD daily resort credit usable at onsite dining venues, Spa by JW treatments or resort activities and complimentary self-parking.

The “Family Getaway at JW Marriott Gold Coast” package offers a two-night luxury stay in a guest room with a hinterland view, daily buffet breakfast for two adults and two children, daily complimentary children’s meals, complimentary snorkel hire to swim in the resort’s saltwater lagoon and a choice of Family by JW activity, including pizza and sushi making classes and more.

Experiences

Australia: Great Southern Festive Escape 2025

Give yourself the gift of a bucketlist-worthy Christmas onboard a luxury train that traverses Australia’s East Coast. The Great Southern Festive Sale can save travellers up to $1,910 per couple if you book by 30 November 2025. Enjoy private cabins (Gold Twin, Gold Premium, and Platinum classes, each with varying luxury levels), gourmet meals including a fabulous Christmas Day lunch and stops for curated activities outside the train and a city stay in Adelaide.

Central Coast: Broken Bay Pearl Farm

Summer days call for indulging in fresh oysters, and Broken Bay Pearl Farm is offering 15 per cent off all of their experiences. Located on the stunning Lower Hawkesbury River, browse the selection of locally grown pearls, shells and jewellery, before enjoying some fresh local oysters outside while enjoying the river views.

Use code: COASTXMAS15

Tasmania: Tarkine and Cradle Mountain

Intrepid Travel’s six-day guided tour, “Best of Tasmania’s Tarkine & Cradle Mountain “, allows travellers to see Tassie’s most spectacular sites, including the ancient temperate rainforests of the Tarkine and enjoy walks and wildlife in Cradle Mountain National Park. Departing January 4, 2026, the six-day tour includes a local leader, activities, accommodation, transport and some meals, and they’re offering 20 per cent off for a total of $2,716 per person.

Tasmania: Hobart and Launceston

AAT Kings is offering two guided tours through Tasmania to experience the state’s divine national parks and wildlife. The AAT KINGS Tassie’s Wilderness Icons tour runs for six days, five nights from 27 December from Hobart to Launceston, visiting Mt Field, Franklin-Gordon, and Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair. For those seeking a longer getaway, the 10-day, more comprehensive Tasmanian Wonders includes additional destinations. Spot Tassie Devils and penguins, savour fresh seafood and cheese, and explore dramatic mountains and pristine lakes.
Tassie’s Wilderness Icons: $2,979 per person (after 10 per cent off, originally $3,310)
Tasmanian Wonders: $4,667 per person (after 9 per cent off)

Cruising

Sydney: Celebrity Cruises

Kangaroo Island coastline — Discover the picturesque Kangaroo Island. (Image: Frame)

This wine-focused cruise around Australia is designed for travellers who enjoy scenic coastal experiences, fine dining and exploring Australia’s renowned wine regions. The nine-night wine tour departs from 5 January 26, returning 14 January 2026, docking at Hobart, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide and Melbourne. Celebrity Cruises is currently offering up to 75 per cent off the second guest’s fare with rates starting at $4139 per person based on two people sharing an Infinite Veranda stateroom.

Sydney: Silversea

Experience-seeking travellers should turn their attention to the Silversea Sydney–Auckland luxury cruise . Departing just after Christmas, this 13-day cruise suits those seeking a festive yet sophisticated summer escape in the Southern Hemisphere. The itinerary combines coastal scenery, wildlife experiences, art, heritage sites, and nature-focused excursions along Australia’s east coast to Tasmania, then across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand. A 20 per cent limited-time discount applies to the All-Inclusive (covers accommodation, meals, drinks, gratuities, most onboard activities) and All-Inclusive Plus (includes everything above plus a US$720 shore-excursion credit per guest to use on tours in each port) fare types.

Booking code: SN251227013

Sydney to New Zealand: Princess Cruises 14-Day New Zealand Holiday

There is last-minute availability on the Discovery Princess’s 14-day New Zealand cruise over Christmas and New Year (December 20-January 3). It’s the ship’s inaugural season in Australia and New Zealand, and a rare opportunity to board a brand new ship. The 14-day New Zealand Discovery Princess cruise takes travellers to the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga, Picton, Dunedin and the Fiordland National Park.

Prices start from $4399 per person, including $600 onboard spending money per stateroom.

All 100 emerging destinations and experiences