UnDiscover Australia: 5 Experiences That Are Unfamiliar, Unusual & UNREAL

This is the Australia you’re probably familiar with.

Ridiculously blue waters, sunny skies that stretch for days…. And you’re not wrong either. From Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach to Perth’s gorgeous Cottesloe Beach, Australia is not short of gorgeous white sand, world-class surf spots and vibrant dive bars you’ll love.

But to picture Australia as a destination solely known for its beaches, furry kangaroos and coffee culture is a disservice to the rich diversity of experiences, landscapes, food and nature it brims with.

Image credit: Simon Rae (L) and Gallivantinglife (R)

Scrumptious food and wine? Check. A vibrant nightlife? Double check. Bountiful nature that runs the gamut of everything from IG-worthy lavender fields to surreal Mars-like desert landscapes? Triple check.

We’ve uncovered AND debunked 5 common myths about Australia below – how many were you guilty of believing in?

Myth #1: Australia – the cities that never sleep at night.

With its stellar coffee and cafe culture and bright sunny beaches, Australia is pretty sweet in the day – but come nightfall, the country comes alive with a dynamic nightlife scene and epic outdoor adventures.

Surprise, surprise:

Image credit: Vivid Sydney (Facebook)

From impressive speakeasy bars in every city, alfresco opera performances, open-air alfresco cinema experiences, to chic rooftop bars boasting panoramic views, Australia’s cities are buzzing with plenty to sink your teeth into when the sun sets. With spectacular annual night events in the city such as Vivid Sydney and Enlighten in Canberra, you’ll be entertained throughout the night.

If the city nightlife isn’t your cup of tea, fret not. Away from the brightly-illuminated city skylines, Australia’s raw, untouched nature has plenty to offer at night too – even in the Outback. Experience magic deep into the night, gazing up at the Outback’s blanket of seemingly infinite stars.

Image credit: Tourism Australia

For an UNREAL outback experience, check out the critically-acclaimed Field of Light in Uluru by internationally celebrated artist Bruce Munro. Picture this: 50,000 spindles of multi-coloured lights illuminating the desert skyline in the dark.

Good news! The exhibition has been extended until 2020, so there’s plenty of time to plan for a trip! You can also check out its sister installation, Avenue of Honour, that recently opened in Albany, Western Australia. It would be a perfect addition to your trip if you are planning to self drive to Perth from Margaret River.

Image credit: Tourism Australia

You’ve probably heard of the Aurora Borealis – but what about the Aurora Australis? Make no mistake; the Northern Lights’ southern counterpart is every bit as mesmerising. The best place to catch this otherworldly natural phenomenon is in Tasmania. Better still, you can witness them all year round (with the right weather conditions), although they are most common during the winter months between May and August.

Image credit: Tourism Australia

You can even visit the Great Barrier Reef at night on board the Reefsleep Experience, which lets you stay on after all the daytrippers leave for the day. Squeeze in more swimming, a starlit dinner and even a night dive for a refreshingly alternative experience of the Reef. Needless to say, it’s pretty magical.

Myth #2: Australia has stunning beaches – and nothing much else.

You’re probably familiar with gorgeous Australian surf boy— I mean, beaches. But equally stunning (and worth a visit!) are the breathtaking flower fields that crown the country’s landscapes.

Surprise, surprise:

Image credit: astridtj

Case in point? Tasmania’s lavender flower fields. They are in full bloom right now, usually up until early February – so if you’re travelling there soon, lucky you!

From June to November, Western Australia welcomes a riot of vibrant blooms of every type, colour and scent. If you’re spending a long weekend in Perth, you can also check out the blooms in Kings Park and Botanic Garden during September.

Image credit: Floriade Australia

If you’re heading to Australia in September or October, be sure to take a trip to its capital, Canberra, and witness how its landscapes transform as over a million flowers bloom. It’s also home to Floriade, the largest flower festival in the Southern Hemisphere – that’s guaranteed to score you top-notch floral pictures for the ‘gram’.

Image credit: Tourism Australia

Only a three-hour drive away from Melbourne’s urban jungle is the postcard-perfect Grampians National Park – the area is famous for its hiking trails, rich Aboriginal history and production of quality red wines. In South Australia, you can marvel at the peaks and gorges of Flinders Ranges just five hours from Adelaide, glamp under the stars at Arkaba Station and even… taste kangaroo and emu meat firsthand?

Myth #3: Australia isn’t a food destination.

There’s so much more to Australia than its coffee and cafe grub. If you’d thought that Australia weren’t a foodie destination, you’re not alone. 73% of Singaporeans hold that sentiment – unfathomable, considering the array of cuisines and gourmet experiences Australia has to offer.

From Sydney’s thriving craft beer scene and hands-on food experiences in its farming regions, to its world-famous food and wine festivals and multicultural cuisine, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Surprise, surprise:

Image credit: Tourism Australia

With its fresh local produce and world-famous wines, it’s no surprise that Australia’s also home to a wide range of food festivals – like the annual Margaret River Gourmet Escape in November. Enjoy scrumptious local fare from over 100 artisan food producers, restaurants, breweries and wineries along the picturesque Margaret River.

Image credit: Tourism Australia

Owing to its increasingly diverse multicultural social fabric, you’ll find a growing crop of restaurants whipping up different cultural cuisines, from fusion Southeast Asian diners to even halal-certified eateries!

Myth #4: Meh, nothing much happens in Australia’s Outback.

When you picture the Outback, stretches of red dirt and arid land probably come to mind. However, you’d be surprised by the motley of landscapes – from otherworldly rock formations at the Pinnacles Desert to beautiful waterholes – and a rich Aboriginal culture.

Surprise, surprise:

Image credit: Tourism Australia

The Aboriginals hold one of the oldest cultures in the world – and a fascinating one to discover. There are numerous festivals every year you can partake in, like the Garma festival in Arnhem Land and the four-day Tjungu festival at Ayers Rock Resort. Here, you’ll get to learn about the ancient stories and traditions passed down from generation to generation, taste traditional bush foods and dance to both traditional and contemporary Aboriginal music!

Image credit: Tourism Australia

It’s like you’re stepping into a whole other world: words don’t cut it when describing the surreal landscapes of the Pinnacles in Western Australia.

Located near Cervantes on the Turquoise Coast (250 kilometres north of Perth), the Pinnacles Desert has thousands of imposing limestone pillars juxtaposed against its golden sandy backdrop. Brace yourself for the fascinating shadow play cast by the formations when you visit during dawn or dusk. Psst, you might even see wild emus lurking on the horizon!

Image credit: Brian McMahon (Unsplash)

A trip to the Outback is not complete without a visit to the iconic Uluru. While most people opt to explore the landmark on foot, an epic way to take in its sights and sounds is on a scenic helicopter tour. Enjoy the expansive bird’s eye view of the rugged landscape – you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re flying over Mars.

Myth #5: Australia is best explored on guided tours.

With hundreds of national parks and curated trails scattered across the country, perhaps one of the best ways to truly undiscover Australia is to explore it on your own.

Surprise, surprise:

Image credit: Tourism Australia

While Australia is more than just its amazing beaches, you wouldn’t want to give the coastlines a miss – venture through the lands and seas of Australia in one of the best ways possible by being your own guide and soak in the full experience.

A crowd favourite is the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, which lets you enjoy Sydney’s iconic coastline. Or if you’re looking for an escape from the city, Wilsons Promontory National Park (about 4 hours south of Melbourne) takes you on trails winding through hidden gems of beaches, eucalyptus forests, and rocky mountaintops.

If you love cycling, rent a bike and enjoy a spin along the Yarra River in Melbourne during sunset – or take a day trip to Rottnest Island from Perth and ride around the island to meet the quokkas!

Image credit: Tourism Australia

Some of Australia’s best-kept secrets are also the places that the tour buses can’t and don’t bring you to. Hop behind the wheel for an epic road trip on the Great Beach Drive, a wave-washed highway spanning 200 kilometres on the Sunshine Coast.

Some of the sights you’ll get to enjoy include the famous Coloured Sands cliffs and Carlo Sand Blow, a unique “moonscape” sand mass. We mean it when we say that a scenic coastal drive along the soft lapping of the waves is a memory you won’t forget.

The buzzing nightlife, scrumptious multi-cultural foods and insane otherworldly landscapes – do you need any more convincing to undiscover everything you thought you knew about Australia? Head to the Down Under now!

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