21 top off-the-beaten-track destinations for 2024

It’s no secret that Australia and New Zealand have a multitude of hidden treasures that go well beyond the usual suspects. So, in 2024, let's venture off the beaten track and discover wild places to defy belief.

Here is AAT Kings' list of places that promise unique experiences and unforgettable memories in 2024: 

1. ‎ULUṞU-KATA TJUṮA NATIONAL PARK - SACRED OUTBACK WONDER

Credit: Toursim NT & Rhett Hammerton

We’re not sure we could ever begin a list of Australia travel bucket-list without first listing the magical ‎Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park.

Begin your bucket list journey in the heart of Australia, where the sacred Uluṟu rock formation rises from the ochre sands of the Red Centre. Immerse yourself in the spiritual significance of this monolith, especially during the mesmerising sunrises and sunsets. A magical place that truly needs to be experienced to be believed.

Find out more about our Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park Day Tours, Short Breaks & Guided Holidays here

 

2. DAINTREE/JULAYMBA NATIONAL PARK - ANCIENT RAINFOREST

Next, escape to the ancient Daintree/Julaymba Rainforest in Far North Queensland. Cruise along the Daintree/Julaymba River, explore Mossman Gorge, and experience the captivating biodiversity of the oldest rainforest on the planet.

Find out more about our Daintree/Julaymba National Park Day Tours & Guided Holidays here

 

3. ARKAROOLA WILDERNESS SANCTUARY - OUTBACK FRONTIER

Credit: Narelle Bouveng

 

Embark on an outback adventure in South Australia's Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Stargaze in one of the Southern Hemisphere's best observatories, explore ancient geological formations, and witness the rugged beauty of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges.

Experience the charm of Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary on day 5 of our South Australian Outback Adventure tour here

 

4. THE KIMBERLEY - RUGGED BEAUTY

Embark on an outback adventure in The Kimberley, Western Australia. Cruise through the Horizontal Falls, marvel at the Bungle Bungle Range, and witness the stunning landscapes that unfold stories of Australia's ancient past.

Find out more about our awe-inspiring Kimberley Region Guided Holidays here 

 

5. FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK - COASTAL ELEGANCE

Credit: Tourism Australia

 

Explore the coastal elegance of Freycinet National Park in Tasmania. Hike to Wineglass Bay, kayak in the crystal-clear waters, and indulge in fresh seafood in this less-travelled gem on the east coast.

Find out more about our Freycinet National Park Guided Holidays here

 

6. BROOME/RUBIBI - PEARLING PARADISE

Journey to the remote beauty of Broome in Western Australia. Discover Cable Beach's golden sands, explore the historic pearling industry, and take a walk along the coastline during sunset.

Find out more about our Broome/Rubibi Guided Holidays here

 

7. YORKE PENINSULA/NARUNGGA - COASTAL CHARMS

Venture to the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia for a coastal escape. Discover hidden beaches, explore historic mining towns, and savour fresh seafood. It's an off-the-radar gem for those seeking serenity.

Find out more about our Yorke Peninsula/Narungga Guided Holidays here

 

8. K'GARI/FRASER ISLAND - SANDY PLAYGROUND

Escape to the world's largest sand island, K'Gari/Fraser Island. Explore the stunning Lake McKenzie, marvel at the Maheno Shipwreck, and trek through ancient rainforests. It's a natural wonderland located a short ferry ride from Queensland's Hervey Bay.

Find out more about our  K'gari/Fraser Island Guided Holidays here

 

 9. MARGARET RIVER/WOODITCHUP - COASTAL HAVEN

Explore the coastal beauty of Margaret River/Wooditchup in Western Australia. Surf pristine waves, visit renowned wineries, and indulge in the local culinary scene. It's a laid-back paradise for beach lovers and food enthusiasts.

Find out more about our  Margaret River/Wooditchup Guided Holidays here

 

10. GRAMPIANS/GARIWERD - MOUNTAIN MAJESTY

Head to the Grampians/Gariwerd in Victoria for a mountainous retreat. Hike to panoramic lookouts, explore ancient Aboriginal rock art, and witness the stunning MacKenzie Falls. It's a haven for nature lovers seeking tranquility.

Find out more about our Grampians/Gariwerd Guided Holidays here

 

 11. ADELAIDE/TARNTANYA - FOODIE'S DELIGHT

 

Savour the flavours of Adelaide/Tarntanya. Explore the Central Market, indulge in wine tasting in the Barossa Valley, and enjoy the city's burgeoning food scene. Adelaide is a paradise for culinary enthusiasts.

 Find out more about our Adelaide/Tarntanya Guided Holidays here

 

12. AORAKI/MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK - ALPINE GRANDEUR

Explore New Zealand's South Island and discover Mount Cook/Aoraki National Park. Hike through alpine meadows, witness the Hooker Valley Glacier, and stargaze in one of the world's largest dark sky reserves.

Find out more about our Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Guided Holidays here

 

 13. COROMANDEL/Te Tara-o-te-Ika-a-Māui PENINSULA - SECLUDED BEACHES

Explore the secluded beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand. Visit Cathedral Cove, soak in the Hot Water Beach, and trek the Coromandel Coastal Walkway for breath-taking coastal views.

Find out more about our Coromandel Guided Holidays here

 

 14. FIORDLAND/TE RUA-O-TE-MOKO NATIONAL PARK - SOUTHERN SPLENDOUR

 

No journey through New Zealand's South Island is complete without a visit to Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in New Zealand. Cruise through Milford Sound, hike the Routeburn Track, and immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of New Zealand's southern wilderness.

Find out more about our Fiordland guided holidays here

 

 15. KARIJINI NATIONAL PARK - RED EARTH WONDERS

Embark on a journey to Western Australia's Karijini National Park for an exploration of stunning red earth landscapes. Hike through dramatic gorges, marvel at ancient rock formations, and plunge into refreshing natural pools beneath waterfalls. Discover the rugged beauty and unique ecosystems that make Karijini a hidden gem in the heart of the Outback.

Experience the beauty of Karijini National Park on day 8 of our Wonders of the West Coast & Kimberley tour here

 

16. MOUNT FIELD NATIONAL PARK - TASMANIAN WILDERNESS

Venture into the heart of Tasmania and explore the untamed beauty of Mount Field National Park. Hike through ancient rainforests, witness cascading waterfalls, and encounter unique wildlife. This Tasmanian gem offers a wilderness experience that goes beyond the well-trodden paths, providing a true escape into the island's pristine natural landscapes.

Experience the beauty of Mount Field National Park on day 2 of our Tasmanian Wonders tour here

 

 17. ESPERANCE (KEPA KURL) - TURQUOISE WATERS

Discover the turquoise waters of Esperance in Western Australia. Marvel at the stunning Pink Lake, relax on the pristine beaches of Cape Le Grand National Park, and explore the hidden gems along the Great Ocean Drive.

Experience the beauty of Esperance on day 2 of our Western Wonderland tour here

 

18. COOBER PEDY/UMOONA - UNDERGROUND FRONTIER

 

Embark on an extraordinary journey to Coober Pedy, South Australia's underground town. Delve into the unique opal mining culture, explore subterranean homes and churches, and witness the stunning desert landscapes that make this outback town a truly distinctive destination. Experience the charm of living underground in the heart of the Australian Outback.

Experience the charm of Coober Pedy/Umoona on day 5 & 6 of our South Australian Outback Adventure tour here

 

19. KANGAROO ISLAND/KARTA PINTINGGA - WILDLIFE HAVEN

Discover Kangaroo Island/Karta, a wildlife haven off the coast of South Australia. From the Remarkable Rocks to Seal Bay, this island offers a secluded escape with pristine beaches and abundant native wildlife.

Find out more about our Kangaroo Island/Karta Pintingga Guided Holidays here

 

20. BLUE MOUNTAINS/COLOMATTA - WILDERNESS RETREAT

Just a short trip from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer a tranquil retreat. Hike through eucalyptus forests, visit the lesser-known Grand Canyon Track, and experience the sublime beauty of this World Heritage-listed area.

Find out more about our Blue Mountains/Colomatta Guided Holidays here

 

21. STIRLING RANGES - PEAKS AND WILDFLOWERS

Credit: Tourism WA

 

Conclude your off-the-beaten-track journey in Western Australia's Stirling Ranges. Hike among rugged peaks, discover a tapestry of wildflowers, and immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of this diverse landscape. Explore Bluff Knoll and other scenic trails, and witness the unique flora and fauna that make the Stirling Ranges a hidden jewel in Australia's southwestern corner.

Experience the beauty of Stirling Ranges on day 5 of our Western Wonderland tour here

Wild Awaits with these 21 hidden gems of Australia and New Zealand in 2024. Pack your sense of adventure and uncover the remarkable hidden in the unexpected with AAT Kings.