6 hidden holiday destinations you've never thought of

27 Sep 2016

Keen to experience the road less travelled? Here are six lesser-known holiday destinations to add to your list.

1. The magic of Madagascar

Dr Karl Kruszelnicki has been on a mission to share his love of science since he first walked into ABC radio station Triple J in 1981 and talked about the space shuttle launch. He hasn’t looked back since. These days he’s teamed up with World Expeditions to lead a 13-day adventure to Madagascar in September 2017, exploring the island’s spectacular national parks and unique wildlife. The trip’s highlights include walking among the Baobabs forest in Reniala Private Reserve and searching for the rare Golden Bamboo Lemur at the National Park of Ranomafana. 

2. Walking Maria Island

Renowned for its amazing landscapes, convict history and vast array of wildlife, Maria Island is one of Tasmania’s most spectacular destinations. Visitors can enjoy four different walks to explore this magical place. The Winter Escapes Walk is one not to miss – the three-day, two-night trip sees guests stay at the world heritage convict settlement of Darlington. They’ll also get the chance to visit the Painted Cliffs, Fossil Bay and summit Mt Maria. 

3. Experience modern Egypt life

Peregrine Adventures invites guests to take the road less travelled in their limited edition Pyramids, Mummies and Pharaohs tour of Egypt. Explore the lesser-known sights off the tourist trail and be invited into the home of a local family to share a traditional home-cooked meal – a unique way to experience the culture and hospitality of Egypt and learn about modern Egyptian life. 

4. Dine among the treetops

Located just 45 minutes north of Cairns, Thala Beach Nature Reserve is a wildlife retreat with 58 hectares of native forest next to the secluded Oak Beach – all just waiting to be explored. Boutique timber bungalows sit within the forest canopy on high stilts, offering ocean, mountain or forest views. Granite boulders, waterfalls and overhanging trees create natural swimming pools and guests can dine among the birds in the surrounding treetops at Osprey Restaurant.   

5. Follow ancient emperors’ footsteps

Custom tour operators Walk Japan have recently launched the Kumano Wayfarer Tour – a tour following the Kumano Kodo, an ancient route travelled on foot by emperors, pilgrims and ascetic monks for more than a thousand years. Uniquely self-guided, the tour offers guests the means and support for a truly enjoyable journey, with the luxury of exploring at their own pace.  

6. Sleep under the stars

While the Great Barrier Reef might not classify as a ‘hidden’ destination, Cruise Whitsundays’ Sleeping Under the Stars tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Guests are invited to spend two days and one magical night on the permanently moored pontoon known as ‘Reefworld’ at Hardy Reef, one of the most spectacular stretches of the Reef. Settle down for the evening and as dusk approaches, watch for turtles surfacing and gaze up at a million stars from your swag set up on the top deck of the pontoon – then just wait for the soft ocean sounds to lull you to sleep.