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)

Makers, bakers, artists, chefs, crafters – Ballarat and its surrounds are overflowing with creative spirits. All dedicated to keeping traditional skills alive for a city that is humming with artful energy.

Modern makers: a new generation of artists and artisans

“Keeping craft alive is a noble cause,” says Jess Cameron-Wootten, a charming and passionate master leathercrafter and cordwainer, who handmakes traditional leather boots and shoes in Ballarat’s old Gun Cotton Goods Store.

Ballarat was recognised in 2019 as a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art, and today it’s a place where craft traditions converge with contemporary needs. Nothing quite captures this convergence as a visit to Wootten , the workshop and store of Jess Cameron-Wootten and his partner Krystina Menegazzo.

heritage buildings in Ballarat — Ballarat’s streets are lined with heritage buildings. (Image: Matt Dunne)

Jess’s father was an artisan bootmaker, or cordwainer. Now Jess and Krys and their small team of artisans continue the tradition, but with a modern spin. The company’s boots and shoes, made completely from scratch, are renowned for their quality and longevity. Wootten also craft shoes, bags, belts, leather aprons, wallets and more.

Cosy beanies, gloves, alpaca socks, “unbreakable” shoelaces and various other goods – many from local craftspeople and small-scale makers – fill the shop’s shelves. “We’re always happy to support a mate,” says Jess. “People love to see the workshop and where things are made. Our clients care about quality and sustainability,” Krys comments. The company slogan ‘Made for generations’ says it all.

Ruby Pilven’s ceramics at Ross Creek Gallery. (Image: Tara Moore)

For Ruby Pilven, craft is also in the DNA – both her parents were potters and with her latest porcelain ceramics, Ruby’s young daughter has been helping add colour to the glazes. “I grew up watching my parents in the workshop – I’ve always been doing ceramics,” she says, although her Visual Arts degree was in printmaking. That printmaking training comes through particularly in the rich layering of pattern. Her audacious colour, unexpected shapes and sudden pops of 12-carat gold are contemporary, quirky – and joyful.

You can see Ruby’s handcrafted ceramics, and work by other local and regional artists, at Ross Creek Gallery , a light-filled space surrounded by serene bushland, across from the mudbrick house her parents built in the 1980s. A 10-minute drive from Ballarat, it’s a tangible link to the region’s well-established craft traditions.

How Ballarat is preserving the past

artisans making crafts at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — The Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades holds workshops to preserve crafts and skills.

While tradition is ongoing, there’s a danger that many of these specific type of skills and knowledge are fading as an older generation passes on. Step forward the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades .

The seven purpose-built studios occupy a fabulous modern building adjacent to Sovereign Hill, with state-of-the-art facilities, enormous windows and landscape views across to Warrenheip and Wadawurrung Country.

artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — Check out artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades.

Practising artisans run hands-on workshops. Fancy making your own medieval armour? Or trying your hand at blacksmithing, spinning wool, plaiting leather, weaving cane or craft a knife? Book a class and learn how. “It’s about creating awareness and also sharing knowledge and skills before they are lost,” explains Deborah Klein, the centre manager.

A city steeped in food and flavours

Chef José Fernandez preparing American streetfood at Pancho — Chef José Fernandez creates vibrant South American street food at Pancho. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

One skill that hasn’t been lost is that of cooking. Ballarat’s burgeoning gastronomy scene runs the gamut from an artisan bakery (the atmospheric 1816 Bakehouse) to cool coffee shops, speakeasy cocktail bars and distilleries to fine-dining venues. But I’m still surprised to find Pancho , José Fernandez’s South American street food restaurant, serving fried cheese tequeños, fiery fish tacos, Argentinian grilled chicken.

The room is as lively as the food – a whirl of colour filled with gifted and thrifted paintings, photos, tchotchkes (trinkets), plants. There’s a Mexican abuela aesthetic going on here. Even before the music and mezcal kick in, it’s fun. Heads up on the drinks menu – an authentic selection of mezcal, tequila, South American wines and Mexican cerveza.

a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits, Ballarat — Enjoy a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

The spirit is willing, so after lunch we head towards the gold rush-era Ballarat train station and across the line to the old 1860s Goods Shed for Itinerant Spirits . At one end, a massive German copper still looms behind a wall of glass. The fit-out embraces deep olive-green tones, original bluestone walls, steamer trunks as coffee tables, heritage timber floors, oversized lamp shades and cognac-hued modernist leather seating.

the Itinerant Spirits Distillery & Cocktail Bar, Ballarat — The distillery operates from an old goods shed. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Gallivanter Gin, Vansetter Vodka and Wayfarer Whiskey – the key spirits distilled – star at the bar. The spirits are crafted using grains from the Wimmera Mallee region, and native botanicals foraged in the Grampians. Seasonal cocktails are inspired by local people and places (I loved The Headland, inspired by Sovereign Hill and flavoured with old-fashioned raspberry drops). Sample the spirits, and join a cocktail masterclass or a distillery tour. It’s a seductive setting – you’ll likely find yourself ordering a charcuterie platter or pizza as the evening progresses.

The Ballarat stay combining history and luxury

one of the rooms at Hotel Vera, Ballarat — The rooms at Hotel Vera have a contemporary style. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

New lives for old buildings keeps history alive. Vera, Ballarat’s boutique five-star hotel, has taken it to the next level: it’s a palimpsest, a subtle layering of early 1900s and 1930s Art Deco architecture with a sleek new wing. There are seven spacious suites, each a dramatically different colour, with designer chairs, blissful bathrooms. High-end pottery and hand-picked artworks imbue the spaces with personality.

Vera’s intimate, award-winning restaurant, Babae, is subtly theatrical with sheer drapes and gallery lighting, its bespoke timber furniture and brass-edged marble bench setting the stage for food with a sharp regional focus. “We have goat’s cheese from a local supplier, handmade granola from local Vegas & Rose, truffles from nearby Black Cat Truffles, fresh food from our garden, and regional wines,” says joint owner David Cook-Doulton.

Celebrating the local makers, bakers, growers and producers, and the master chefs who work their magic is all part of the rich tapestry that links Ballarat’s history to its vibrant present.

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

It’s 90 minutes from Melbourne, either on the Western Freeway, or hop on a V/Line train from Southern Cross Station.

Staying there

Hotel Vera is a centrally located Art Deco boutique hotel. Consider Hotel Provincial , which feels like a sleek country house, but with its own restaurant, Lola.

a contemporary room at Hotel Provincial, Ballarat — Hotel Provincial has country house vibes.

Eating there

dining at Mr Jones, Ballarat — The table is set at Mr Jones. (Image: Tony Evans/ Visit Victoria)

Culinary whiz Damien Jones helms Chef’s Hat winner Mr Jones Dining with quiet assurance. His modern Asian food is deceptively simple with deep, intense flavours. Low-key, laid-back ambience, lovely staff, thoughtful wine list.

Cocktails are definitely a thing in Ballarat. Reynard (fox in French) is foxy indeed, a clubby space with top-notch cocktails and small bites. Grainery Lane is extravagantly OTT with its massive 1880s bar, myriad chandeliers, brass gin still, Asian-inspired food and lavish cocktails.

dining at Grainery Lane, Ballarat — Dining at Grainery Lane.

Playing there

a laneway filled with artworks in Ballarat — An artful laneway in the city. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Check out local design legend Travis Price’s wall murals in Hop Lane with its colourful canopy of brollies, or in Main Street. The Art Gallery of Ballarat’s off-site Backspace Gallery showcases early-career artists in a stylish, contemporary space. First Nations-owned and run Perridak Arts connects people to place, bringing together art and crafts in this gallery/shop.

a woman admiring artworks at Perridak Arts Gallery — Perridak Arts is a First Nations-run gallery. (Image: Tony Evans)

The wineries of the Pyrenees are close at hand with their welcoming cellar doors and robust reds. Join a behind-the-scenes tour at the Centre for Gold Rush Collections .

Don’t forget the giant bluestone Kryal Castle , ‘the land of adventure’, for a little medieval magic, and not just for the kids: get ready for Highland-style feasting, jousting, even overnight stays.

10 under-the-radar outback destinations to visit