10 ways you can experience Australia like a local

Find Port Fairy passé? Broome boring? Is Seal Rocks so last year? Then you, trend hunter, will want to take note. From the next Mudgee to tiny towns big on art and your new favourite foodie destination, we have these places pegged as the next hot ticket (so get there before everyone else does).

1. Bondi’s sleepy south Coast Cousin

Where: Bermagui, NSW

Swaddled by national park and with its iconic Blue Pool (just quietly, we think it could bump Icebergs from its popularity podium if it was closer to Bondi), our soft spot for Bermagui is growing larger by the day.

The pretty seaside town on the Sapphire Coast is experiencing a swell of new cafes and restaurants to complement its already undeniably beautiful natural assets, like Camel Rock and Wallaga Lake.

Head to Long Time No Sea , which opened in December, for brunch with an unbeatable view over Cuttagee Beach or book ahead for an intimate fine-dining experience on Thursday, Friday or Saturday evenings.

“Bermagui has just evolved so much since I moved here seven years ago… but it’s still so simple and it keeps you in touch with what’s important in life," says Timenah Hunt of Gulaga Organics.

2. No longer under lock and key

Where: Beechworth, VIC

It could be one of the prettiest towns with an infamous criminal record.

And now the Beechworth Gaol – which once held Ned Kelly – has been promised a more glamorous life ahead after a consortium of locals and investors banded together to buy it last year.

While it’s set to become a centre of excellence for young entrepreneurship and a hub for the cycling groups that whorl through Beechworth , new cafes, a co-working space and accommodation are all on the cards.

For now, guided tours of the gaol will take you back to the Kelly Gang days.

3. Seafood, shipwrecks & sorbet

Where: Moonta Bay, SA

The Yorke Peninsula is a finger of land with Innes National Park at its tip, and looks a bit like Italy’s boot.

Seafood is bountiful, surfers head for rugged beaches like Pondalowie and Browns, and shipwrecks lie submerged offshore.

Walking is one of the best ways to explore this coastal frontier.

Walk the Yorke is a 500-kilometre collection of trails stretching from Port Wakefield to Moonta Bay , a once-booming copper mining town that now lures families with its waterfront Splash Park and homemade Italian gelato.

“People will drive from Adelaide for the day just to have a gelato.

The sorbets are very popular, too. We have our own orchard, so we can we use our fruit," says Janette Martino from the Coffee Barn & Gelateria in Moonta.

4. Silo-sized street art in Victoria’s tiny towns

Where: Patchewollock to Rupanyup, VIC

When Brisbane street artist Guido van Helten transformed the towering decommissioned silos in the small country town of Brim, none of the locals could have predicted what an effect it would have.

Curious travellers came flocking, a car park was formed in front of the silos and the news reached international shores.

Now, the Wimmera-Mallee region is well on its way to becoming Australia’s largest outdoor gallery with a new art trail stretching 200 kilometres and linking some of Victoria’s smallest towns.

With artworks on silos in Patchewollock and Sheep Hills since the Brim makeover, Rupanyup, Lascelles and Roseberry are next, leading to the culmination of the official Silo Art Trail in July – aka a damn good reason for a road trip.

5. Your new favourite foodie destination

Where: The Scenic Rim, QLD

Technically a cluster of towns, this produce-rich region – one hour’s drive from Brisbane or the Gold Coast – also dishes up six national parks, so eating and exertion come in equal measure.

Three things to buy:

1. A bottle of Reserve Selection Lona Sparkling from O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards. oreillys.com.au

2. Olives from Rathlogan Grove in Rathdowney.

3. Naughty Little Kids goat’s milk gelato in Peaks Crossing, near Boonah.

6. Emerging out of Margaret River’s shadow

Where: Manjimup, WA

Twenty years ago the first truffles were planted at The Truffle & Wine Co .

In Manjimup , just over 300 kilometres from Perth.

Today, the region offers a bounty of produce, truffle hunts and the annual Truffle Kerfuffle festival.

We asked Alex Wilson, senior sales and marketing manager for The Truffle & Wine Co.

What to do when we’re in town.

Must-eat… Truffle cheesecake from The Truffle & Wine Co.

Stay at… Fonty’s Pool – a massive man-made lake with surrounding cabin, caravan and camping accommodation.

All the locals have a soft spot for Fonty’s.

While you’re here… Go canoeing at Big Brook Dam or follow the bike trails in the Pemberton area, just down the road.

7. Go now before the crowds

Where: Punsand Bay, Cape York, QLD

With word that the trip to the tip could be paved in bitumen by as early as 2020, getting properly off the grid will be harder than ever.

So now’s the time to plan your Cape York adventure.

New boutique operations like Adventure Australia Treks & Tours will take you on the back roads, or you can join a tag-along if you’ve got your own wheels.

8. You’ve been to Mudgee, so what about…

Where: Jugiong, NSW

Sydneysiders who can sniff out a trend 300 kilometres away are driving to Jugiong, on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, just to eat lunch at The Sir George .

Opened in December after a nine-month renovation of the 1852 pub (which had been in the same family for 165 years before the handover), the chic venue houses a restaurant, sourdough bakery and beer garden, with heritage-listed Cobb & Co. stables accommodation coming at the end of this year.

With a cafe and cooking school, The Long Track Pantry , next door and the Curators Collective just up the road, we’re sensing a hint of Newrybar in the Riverina, especially with its position just off the Hume Highway.

9. Folk festival meets foodies

Where: Cygnet, TAS

With tickets sold in record time for this year’s Cygnet Folk Festival – which has been running since 1982 – buzz is building around this hippie enclave, one hour from Hobart.

It’s always been a magnet for creative types, but there’s an undercurrent of change afoot.

“There is a bit of foodie culture that’s coming into town, there’s a wood-fire bakery that’s opened up just next door… and there are lots of small, vegetable growers and producers around," says Joe Pickett, co-owner of vegetarian cafe The Velvet Lounge .

10. A surf and art lover’s haven

Where: Yallingup, WA

As well as luring surfers to its consistently quality waves, Yals (as it’s affectionately known) is an art-lover’s paradise.

Yallingup Galleries is the obvious first port of call but you can also pick up some amazing local art at the markets, and follow the arts precinct along Marrinup and Gunyulgup Drives.

Three breaks to surf:

1. Smiths

2. Three Bears

3. Supertubes

The wild, otherworldly beauty of The Grampians offers a perfect place to unwind, slow down and relax.

Not all holidays yield the same result; some are bustling, with endless things to do, events to book and places to see. All great things, but they leave you feeling more tired than before. Then, there are destinations that help you slow down, making real connections and participating in self-care.

Destinations like The Grampians : surrounded by untouched nature, allowing a chance to reconnect with yourself and loved ones at a slower pace.

Discover six science-backed ways to enjoy a holiday and feel restored at the end of it.

1. Practice mindfulness

Hamilton Gallery, the grampians — Be present at Hamilton Gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Mindfulness – the practice of tuning into the present moment – has been found to help in reducing stress, anxiety and depression. One way to practice this art is by immersing yourself in art.

Hamilton Gallery has been in operation for over 60 years, and is not only home to many significant art pieces but also runs workshops and events for all ages to expand their awareness and understanding of art. The gallery is also the custodian of the largest collection of Gunditjmara artefacts held on country.

If you prefer to practice mindfulness through movement, visit Halls Gap Zoo to feed the meerkats – who wouldn’t feel better after focusing on these little guys? Or visit The Grampians Horse Riding Centre for an unforgettable morning ride through 10 kilometres of bushland. Enjoy the soothing movement of the horse and experience the bush anew.

2. Indulge in self-care

two people swimming in the Venus Baths, the grampains — Take an immersive bath in nature on the Venus Baths loop walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

While the term self-care might conjure up images of indulgent bubble baths or a soothing massage, there’s more to it than pampering. Self-care is any action that protects your physical, emotional and mental well-being.

Like taking an immersive ‘bath’ in nature. Do just that on the Venus Baths loop walk – ideal for less experienced hikers or those walking with kids – stopping at freshwater-filled rockpools to cool down along the way.

Serious hikers (we’re talking some rock hopping and traversing slippery tracks) can tackle the Wurgarri, or Mount Sturgeon walk, which rewards the effort with panoramic views from the summit.

For those whose idea of self-care leans more towards arts and culture, a visit to WAMA is a must. Australia’s first national centre for environmental art is home to exhibitions that explore the natural world through film, installation, painting, performance and more.

3. Embrace nature

Boroka Lookout, the grampians — Soak in incredible views over Halls Gap at Boroka Lookout. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Spending time in nature is the ultimate way to soothe your body and mind. It’s been proven to help with all manner of things, from reducing stress to boosting cognitive function. And there’s no better place to enjoy it than among the raw sandstone, wildflowers and native creatures of The Grampians.

Rocklands Reservoir, spanning 6700 hectares, is an ideal spot. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the view over Grampians National Park. Cast a line, hire a canoe or follow nature trails along the water’s perimeter. How’s the serenity?

To appreciate nature’s imposing power, head to Splitters Falls. Here, find unrivalled tranquillity. Spring is the best time to visit, when bouquets of native spring flowers greet visitors.

Those with limited mobility will appreciate Boroka Lookout, a viewing platform surrounded by breathtaking views over Halls Gap and the eastern Grampians. Come early to witness a sunrise you’ll never forget.

4. Prioritise Rest

outdoor bathtub at Nook On The Hill — Recharge at Nook on the Hill. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Above all else, a holiday should be an opportunity to recharge, and there’s no better way to do it than to get a good night’s sleep. We don’t need to tell you how essential sleep is, for everything from mental health to strengthening the immune system.

Try Wanderlust Glamping , where guests fall asleep to the soothing sounds of nature after an evening relaxing around the fire pit and wake to your very own green oasis.

For pure luxury in the foothills of the Grampians National Park, look no further than Nook on the Hill – a handcrafted tiny house surrounded by rewilded, lush native Australian bush. It might be small, but Nook on the Hill has everything needed to unwind in style, including an outdoor bath for balmy nights.

For a modern farm stay, book at Mount William Station in the foothills of The Grampians. The station combines old-world charm with modern amenities and easy access to everything this region has to offer.

5. Engage Your Senses

Salingers Cafe, destinations that help you slow down — Indulge in a meal at Salingers. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Few human senses are as fun to indulge in as taste. A meal at Salingers in Great Western is the ultimate treat, and not only for the taste buds. The food is excellent, but Salingers’ really unique attraction is the bustling beehive that lives within the walls of the historic building.

For an expertly smoked burger, ribs, or beef brisket, head to Flame Brothers in Halls Gap. Tuck into delicious food while you enjoy the view.

If you prefer your senses heightened by the pump of adrenaline, Grampians Soaring Club offers an eagle-eye view of the Grampians National Park and Pyrenees Ranges from a glider. Take in the sights with a cross-country flight, ridge soar, or altitude wave flight.

6. Connect and reconnect

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

Making shared memories is a wonderful way to reconnect with old friends or make new ones. These unexpected finds make it easy to discover something new in The Grampians.

Amateur geologists will delight at the Kanawinka geotrail, which covers 60 sites over Australia’s most extensive volcanic province. Visit the Penshurst Volcano Discovery Centre to learn more about volcanic activity in The Grampians, or head to nearby Mount Napier State Park for a trip into the Byaduk lava caves.

Pop in to the Ros McArthur Art Studio to peruse the gardens full of native and exotic plants and flowers that serve as the subjects of Ros’s still life paintings.

For a shopping experience like no other, head to the Dimboola Imaginarium . Far more than a shop, the Dimboola Imaginarium is an immersive experience where you’ll find all manner of quirky bits and pieces. Expect the unexpected.

Put these science-backed holiday benefits to the test during a trip to The Grampians. Plan your peaceful getaway at visitgrampians.com.au.