The Times Australia
Holidays and Travel

.

The Backyard Bucket List: Australia’s Top Travel Hidden Gems


It’s time to dust off your bucket list in 2022 because GoSee has crunched the data to reveal the true top hidden gems in Australia and they’re sure to ignite your wanderlust!


It’s been two years since we really dared to dream of travelling. Our wanderlust has been bottled up in our saved ‘bucket list’ Instagram folder… until now.


To celebrate the rebrand of Webjet-owned GoSee, a comparison site for car and motorhome rentals worldwide, and a new year of travel opportunities, GoSee’s travel experts have pulled together the ultimate Backyard Bucket List - encouraging Aussie’s when the time is right to ‘GoSee’ the hidden gems that await on our very own doorstep. 


Analysing data from Atlas Obscura, a global travel community and database of the world’s most wondrous places, GoSee has uncovered the most coveted and popular, but least visited locations around the country - revealing a list of Australia’s true top hidden gems that are just waiting to be discovered!


With endless natural wonders, a rich history and a diverse landscape it’s perhaps no surprise that attractions in the nature (44%) and historical and cultural (37%) categories dominate the list, with Lake Hillier in Western Australia taking the crown for Australia’s top hidden gem. 


But Western Australia doesn’t take all the glory. NSW had the highest number of hidden gems in the top 100 claiming 27 of the top spots, while VIC and SA came in close second and third boasting 17 and 15 spots respectively. 


The Top 10 True Hidden Gem Locations in Australia:

  1. Lake Hillier - WA

  2. Glow Worm Tunnel, Helensburgh - NSW

  3. Gippsland Lakes Bioluminescence - VIC

  4. Paronella Park - QLD

  5. Glow Worm Tunnel, Newnes - NSW

  6. Redwood Forest Tree Art - VIC

  7. Ball’s Pyramid - Lord Howe

  8. SS Ayerfield - NSW

  9. William Ricketts Sanctuary - VIC

  10. The Witches Garden - VIC


“GoSee’s vision is to equip travellers with everything they need to make memories and connect them to the people and places they love,” says CEO Darren Linton. “We know people are itching to get back out and travel, and the Backyard Bucket List is just one way we can help travellers spend more time exploring what’s on offer in their own backyard.


“Slower DIY trips have been increasing in popularity, and while international travel has been limited in recent years, there are so many incredible locations on our own doorsteps. Last month, car rental demand was up 130% year-on-year as we saw more and more people keen to get out and enjoy all that Australia has to offer, and looking at this list it’s easy to see why!” said Linton.


So, if you’re ready to ‘GoSee’ the marvels that await in your very own state, or just over your neighbour’s fence, the Backyard Bucket List shares the locations that few have actually witnessed but that promise a spectacular experience if you’re adventurous enough to make the trip!


If there’s a certain type of adventure that captures your imagination, some of the top hidden gems from each Backyard Bucket List category include…


Top 3 awe-inspiring natural hidden gems:

  1. Lake Hillier - WA

  2. Glow Worm Tunnel Helensburgh - NSW

  3. Gippsland Lakes Bioluminescence - VIC


Top 3 fascinating historical & cultural hidden gems:

  1. Paronella Park - QLD

  2. SS Ayerfield - NSW

  3. William Ricketts Sanctuary - VIC


Top 3 most weird & wacky hidden gems:

  1. Magnetic Hill - SA

  2. Gnomesville - WA

  3. Crocodile Harry's Underground Nest Dugout - SA


Top 3 coolest hidden gem activities to check out:

  1. Ashcombe Maze - VIC

  2. Cage Of Death - NT

  3. Melbourne Glowgolf Docklands - VIC


Top 3 tastiest food & drink gems:

  1. The Butterfly Room - SA

  2. Lillipad Cafe Sydney - NSW

  3. Queen Adelaide Restaurant - SA


Check out GoSee’s full Backyard Bucket List here and discover the top true hidden gems broken down by every state! Add these goodies to your own 2022 bucket list and let’s look forward to getting out to ‘GoSee’, go explore and go adventure Australia!

Holidays & Travel

Great Barrier Reef operator Passions of Paradise

A series of sustainability firsts and a commitment to global best practice standards for more than 20 years has earned Cairns-...

The Great Fleecing: Time for Aussies to demand more from their banks

By Anhar Khanbhai, Chief Anti-Fleecing Officer, Wise   As Australians escape the winter chill for Europe’s summer or Southeast As...

Travel Insurance for Families: What Does it Cover and Why it’s Essential

Planning a family trip is exciting, but unexpected mishaps can turn your dream vacation into a stressful ordeal. That’s where tr...

Paddle into magic with Showtime Kayaking: Bioluminescence returns to Lake Macquarie

As the cooler months set in, Lake Macquarie is once again playing host to nature’s light magic, transforming into a glowing specta...

Don’t pack your bags without this: schengen travel insurance explained

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Before you get lost in dreams of Parisian cafés or snowy Swiss peaks, pause. If you’re heading ...

Exclusive Murray River experiences with the PS Murray Princess

SeaLink South Australia is delighted to unveil two brand-new, limited-time cruise experiences aboard the award-winning PS Murr...

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...