You’re in the mood for an adventure, and what better way to satisfy that itch than a road trip to some of the most remote destinations in Australia.
Visiting these out-of-the-way destinations, is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in nature. Explore rugged mountains, vast plains, or pristine beaches, in areas that offer a chance to escape the noise and chaos of everyday life and find peace and quiet in the midst of nature. As you road trip to your destination, you’ll be surrounded by stunning landscapes, and you’ll have the chance to experience a sense of adventure and excitement as you explore these remote areas.
In addition to the natural beauty, remote destinations often have a rich cultural heritage and unique wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else. As you visit these areas, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the history and customs of the Indigenous communities that have lived in the area for thousands of years. Whether you’re observing exotic wildlife in their natural habitat, or taking in the views from a scenic lookout, these destinations offer a chance to gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultural traditions and natural beauty that make Australia such a special place.
Hire a campervan from Sydney, or bring your own 4WD for those off-the-beaten-track destinations, and get ready to explore some truly breathtaking landscapes. Here are ten best remote destinations in Australia, that are just waiting for you to discover them.
Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
Kakadu National Park is located in the Northern Territory, less than 2 hours drive from Darwin. This destination is known for its stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.
Take a scenic drive through the park and admire the beauty of the surrounding landscape, or go on a hike and explore some of the many trails that wind through the area. One of the must-visit attractions in Kakadu is the Nourlangie Rock, an ancient rock art site that dates back thousands of years. Here you can admire some of the oldest rock art in the world and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous people of Australia.
Another must-visit attraction in Kakadu is the Yellow Waters Billabong, where you can take a boat tour and see the unique wildlife that lives in the area, including saltwater crocodiles, exotic birds, and other exotic species.
Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Ningaloo Reef is located on the northwest coast of Western Australia, about a 13-hour drive from Perth. This destination is known for its stunning coral reefs, clear waters, and abundant marine life.
Take a snorkeling or scuba diving tour of the Ningaloo Reef and admire the beauty of the coral formations and the unique marine life that lives there. Or, if you prefer to stay on land, go on a whale watching tour and see the majestic Humpback Whales as they migrate along the coast.
Another must-visit attraction in Ningaloo is the Cape Range National Park, where you can go on a scenic drive and admire the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. =
Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain is located in Tasmania, about a 4 hour drive from Hobart. This destination is known for its stunning alpine landscapes, unique wildlife, and abundant outdoor activities.
Take a hike through the Cradle Mountain National Park and admire the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, go on a scenic flight and see the stunning views from above. Another must-visit attraction in Cradle Mountain is the Dove Lake, a serene lake surrounded by soaring mountains and lush forests.
Birdsville
Birdsville is a small town located in far-west Queensland, about 18 hours drive from Brisbane. This destination is famous for its annual race meeting, which attracts thousands of visitors each year, but it’s also a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the outback.
One of the must-visit attractions in Birdsville is the Big Red Sand Dune, which is one of the tallest sand dunes in the country. Take a 4WD tour to the top of the dune and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, or go sandboarding for an unforgettable experience. And don’t forget to stop at the Birdsville Hotel, a historic outback pub that’s been serving locals and visitors for over a century. With its charming decor and friendly atmosphere, it’s a great place to relax and soak up the local culture.
Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy is a small town located in South Australia, about 9 hours drive from Adelaide. What makes this destination so special is its unique underground homes, which were created to escape the harsh desert temperatures.
Take a tour of one of the underground homes and experience life below ground, or visit the Old Timers Mine to learn about the history of opal mining in the area. And don’t miss a visit to the Opal Capital of the World, where you can see some of the most stunning examples of opals on display and even purchase a piece of jewellery for yourself. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also go on a flinders4WD tour of the surrounding outback and admire the unique landscapes that make this area so special.
Another must-visit attraction in Coober Pedy is the Breakaways Reserve, where you can admire the unique landscapes and rock formations that are unique to this area.
Flinders Ranges
The Flinders Ranges are a range of mountains located in South Australia, about 5 hours drive from Adelaide. This destination is a nature lover’s paradise, with its rugged peaks, rolling hills, and stunning gorges.
Take a scenic drive through the park and admire the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, or go on a hike and explore some of the many trails that wind through the ranges. One of the must-visit attractions in the Flinders Ranges is Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre surrounded by soaring cliffs.
Nullarbor Plain
The Nullarbor Plain is a vast, flat plain that stretches across the southern coast of Australia, about 12 hours drive from Adelaide or 18 hours from Perth. This destination is famous for its endless vistas, rolling hills, and unique wildlife, and it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Take a scenic drive across the Nullarbor and admire the beauty of the surrounding landscape, or go on a hike and explore some of the many trails that wind through the area. One of the must-visit attractions in the Nullarbor is the Head of the Bight, where you can see Southern Right Whales as they come to mate and calve in the sheltered waters.
Broken Hill
Broken Hill is a mining city located in western New South Wales, approximately 10 hours drive from Sydney. What makes this destination so special is its unique desert landscape, with its red earth, vast skies, and unique rock formations. It’s a photographer’s dream come true, and its rugged beauty has been the backdrop for numerous films and photo shoots.
There is plenty to do in Broken Hill, starting with a visit to the Living Desert Sculptures, where you’ll find unique sculptures created by local artists and set against the stunning desert background. Take a stroll through the Silver City Art Centre, where you can admire local art and sculptures and even try your hand at making some silver jewellery. And don’t forget to stop at the Broken Hill Visitors Centre, where you can learn about the city’s rich history and the significance of its mining industry.
Lightning Ridge
Lightning Ridge is a small town located about 8 hours drive from Sydney, known for its rich opal fields and stunning outback scenery. This is one of the few places in the world where you can find black opals, and it’s a popular destination for those looking to strike it rich.
One of the must-see attractions in Lightning Ridge is the Black Opal and Fossil Centre, where you can learn all about the history of opal mining and see some of the most beautiful examples of black opals on display. Take a guided tour of one of the opal mines and experience what it’s like to search for these precious stones. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go on a 4WD tour of the surrounding outback and admire the unique landscapes that make this area so special.
Innamincka
Innamincka is a remote outpost located in the heart of the South Australian outback. This destination is truly one of a kind, with its vast open spaces, rich history, and breathtaking scenery.
One of the highlights of Innamincka is a visit to the Dig Tree, a historic site that marks the location where Burke and Wills started their ill-fated expedition to cross the continent in 1860. It’s a reminder of the harsh conditions that explorers faced in the outback, and the significance of this area in Australia’s history. Take a scenic drive around the Innamincka Regional Reserve and admire the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscapes, or go on a bushwalk and experience the peace and quiet of this remote area.