Australian Traveller magazine reveals Queensland's best-kept travel secrets

Australian Traveller magazine reveals Queensland's best-kept travel secrets.

People often say that to truly experience a holiday somewhere new, it's a good idea to speak to the locals.

They can tell you some great places to go that lie off the beaten-track, providing you with directions to restaurants and attractions that you won't find in a travel guide!

That said, it's not always easy to meet local residents who are happy to impart all of the best-kept secrets about their neighbourhood.

The good news is, Australian Traveller magazine has done some undercover research and managed to find the country's top 100 travel secrets.

Eleven 'travel experts' came up with the top 100, narrowing down an impressive 1,000 nominations from Australian Traveller magazine readers.

Australian Traveller editor Georgia Rickard said that she hoped this list would inspire travellers to explore some of the country's unsung locations.

"This list really highlights how many incredible locations and experiences we have on offer here in Australia," she said.

"It just goes to show, you don't have to go to big-name destinations, or pay premium prices in order to have an amazing holiday. There are hidden gems everywhere in this country."

White's Beach in Byron Bay earned the number one spot on the list, with Wilpena Pound in Flinders Rangers, SA coming in at second.


"Swimming with Minke Whales came in at number three, an activity that can be enjoyed near the Great Barrier Reef at a certain time each year."


Australian Traveller's research found Queensland to be particularly abundant in travel secrets, with a total of 18 locations making the list.

Swimming with Minke Whales came in at number three, an activity that can be enjoyed near the Great Barrier Reef at a certain time each year.

Apparently for a few weeks sometime between May and August, dwarf minke whales flock to far North Queensland.

On MinkeWhales.com.au, they are described as friendly and are said to "actively seek out and engage with snorkelers".

This is a great excuse to plan a Queensland family holiday and head to the Great Barrier Reef to catch a glimpse of one of Australia's best kept-secrets.

You have to be in quick though - according to Australian Traveller, only around 300 people a year are able to swim with the minkes.

Other hidden gems on the top 100 best travel secrets list include Mossman Gorge in Cairns, Escape Beach in Hamilton Island and Opera in the Outback at Undara Volcanic National Park.

Whether you want to catch a glimpse of tropical animals, snorkel in the waters surrounding the Great Barrier Reef or learn more about Australia's Aboriginal culture, there is something for everyone in Queensland.

Ms Rickard said that this is what makes the state one of the most popular destinations.

"Queensland continues to be Australia's absolute sweetheart as a holiday destination - there is nowhere Aussies would rather take a vacation," she said.

"But the incredible diversity of secrets on this list just goes to show how much more the state has to offer."

It might be a good idea to start preparing for a family holiday in Queensland. Now that you have some ideas of attractions to check out, it's time to organise accommodation.

To stay in the heart of the action, close to the Great Barrier Reef and some of the state's most beautiful tropical rainforests, why not pick from one of the Mantra hotels in Cairns?

Mantra Trilogy and Mantra Esplanade are both incredibly central, so you'll have access to many local attractions.

Alternatively, Mantra also has hotels in Port Douglas and Palm Cove.

No matter where you stay, be sure to make time to head along to see some of Queensland's best-kept secrets for yourself!


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