This NSW island hamlet will sweep you up into a river reverie.
Let’s begin with a statement on which we all agree: nothing kills a great getaway faster than excessive crowds. That’s why insurance company ROLLiN has analysed hundreds of regional towns and destinations in search of the top hidden gem destinations in Australia . These places are genuinely little known to most of the population but still make for lust-worthy escapes not too far from home.
The report’s results are based on a number of factors including how hidden the destination is on social media, search volume hiddenness, destination quality and drive time from nearest capital city. And snagging the top slot as Australia’s top hidden gem destination is Dangar Island – a tiny floating hamlet on the Hawkesbury River.
Australia’s No. 1 hidden gem destination
Take a dip at Dangar Island. (Image: Imogen Eveson)
Welcome to Dangar Island. Kookaburras herald the rising sun, rusty fishing boats sway off honey-hued sand and boathouse wharves, and laid-back locals sip pale ale at the island’s only pub. Located off the eastern fringes of Brooklyn, the serene 30-hectare island is accessible only by boat and lies just 50 kilometres north of Sydney. Yet it feels a world away.
There are no cars on the island. Residents of the estimated 300-strong community use wheelbarrows to transport groceries between the wharf and their houses. There’s just one charming cafe and one bowling club, which are both enveloped by gorgeous unruly bushland. And peace and quiet is easy to come by. Naturally, those looking for a relaxed bush break with creative community quirks will adore this river-skirted jewel, which makes a wonderful weekend or day trip from Sydney.
How to get to Dangar Island
Take the ferry from Brooklyn to Dangar Island. (Image: Imogen Eveson)
It takes just 15 minutes to get to Dangar by boat. (Image: Imogen Eveson)
Dangar is surrounded by peaceful waters. (Image: Imogen Eveson)
Drive or take the train to Brooklyn from Sydney and then hop onboard The Sun. The quaint historic wooden ferry operated by the Brooklyn Ferry Service is now part of the NSW transport network, so you can simply tap on with your card. The ferry takes about 15 minutes and has frequent departures between 6:10am and 7:30pm Monday through Friday, and between 8:00am and 6:30pm on weekends and public holidays.
Best things to do on Dangar Island
Everything on Dangar Island is within walking distance. (Image: Imogen Eveson)
While it’s small, there’s just enough to do on Dangar Island to fill a blissful low-key weekend. First head to Dangar Island Depot next to the ferry wharf for coffee under the sun and tasty brunch bites ranging from BLTs to hot honey and goat cheese-topped toast. Open daily, the cafe – which doubles as a grocery store and post office – brings the island’s small community and visitors together.
Dangar Island Bowling Club is the island’s other key establishment. Slip in for afternoon drinks or pizza night by the community garden. The menu spans chipotle sweet potato fries and fresh seafood catch to crowd favourites like burgers. And don’t miss the live music held on some Sundays.
Spot colourful birdlife. (Image: Imogen Eveson)
At high tide, make a beeline for Bradley’s Beach for a relaxing dip. It’s the only sand beach on the island and where you’ll find people unwinding under beach umbrellas and floating by on stand-up paddleboards. Then set out on the loop walk that takes you up and around the island through the bush, passing quirky ‘roadside’ attractions created by locals such as the giant scrabble board with words that often speak to the beauty of Dangar. It’s like a fun, mini sculpture trail with plenty of bird-spotting opportunities.
Where to stay on Dangar Island
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Watch the river flow by at Banksia Boathouse. (Image: Imogen Eveson)
Banksia Boathouse is right on the beach. (Image: Imogen Eveson)
Design details at Banksia Boathouse. (Image: Imogen Eveson)
There are a handful of Airbnbs and holiday rentals on Dangar Island that will sweep you up into a river reverie. One such stay is Banksia Boathouse , a beautifully designed and perfectly positioned Airbnb for two just steps from the sand. You’ll also wake up to the sound of waves lapping the shore at Deerubbin Boat House , a 1990s stay ideal for larger group on Bradley’s Beach.
Australia’s other top hidden gem destinations
According to ROLLiN, the below destinations are leading the charge when it comes to under-the-radar escapes that are worth your time.
Dangar Island, NSW
Killcare, NSW
Mintaro, SA
Manyana, NSW
Dawesville, WA
Aldgate, SA
Pialligo, ACT
Watervale, SA
Woonona, NSW
Littlehampton, SA
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.
As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.
Slip, slop, slap.
And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.
Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.
1. Underwater worlds
Get a chance to swim with the locals.
There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.
Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.
Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.
2. Farm-to-table dining
Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)
Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.
The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection, is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.
Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.
3. Water wellness
Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)
You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.
4. Restorative seaside stays
Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.
The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.
While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.
5. Tasty drops
Join a Farm to Bottle tour. (Image: Salsingh Photography)
The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.
6. Rail trail adventures
Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.
Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.
7. Linger longer
Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.
Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.
Stay for longer and indulge in plat at Tweed Holiday Parks.
