All 100 emerging destinations and experiences

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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

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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

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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

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An insider’s guide to Noosa’s best-kept winter secrets

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
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    As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

    As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

    Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

    Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

    Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach
    Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

    Where to eat in Noosa

    Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

    There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

    There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis, Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa, organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano, traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina.

    diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter
    Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

    Where to stay in Noosa

    Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

    There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

    For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore. Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

    a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa
    Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

    Things to do on land

    There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

    A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

    Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

    woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter
    Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

    Things to do in the water

    Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

    You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

    Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater, a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

    For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

    women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter
    Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

    Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.

    All 100 Emerging Destinations & Experiences - Australian Traveller