Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory

Swimming in a gorge surrounded by thousands of butterflies may seem a world away, but it’s actually just hidden beneath Kakadu National Park. 

The little known area of Nitmiluk National Park offers this and more in a covert sanctuary of clear waterfalls, deep sandstone gorges and endless cultural history. 

The Katherine Gorge is the main attraction in the 292, 008 hectare park, with thirteen different gorges following the Katherine River. Visitors can swim in Edith Falls in the West, a plunge pool where bright green panadus trees grow amongst large rock formations; or pay a visit to thousands of butterflies in Butterfly Gorge.

There’s no shortage of wildlife in Nitmiluk, so animal lovers and photographers alike can gaze at over 190 species of birdlife, including ospreys and red-tailed black cockatoos. Freshwater Crocs are prosperous in the area year-round, but it’s the Saltwater ones that enter during the wet season that you need to look out for. In fact, swimming during the wet season is prohibited. 

With the wet season spanning from November to April, the weather mightn’t be the best but it’s the perfect time to witness the stunning, rocky landscape turn into a lush green sanctuary with tumbling waterfalls. 

Not to mention that you’re practically in the middle of nowhere, so you’re completely surrounded by peaceful seclusion.  

Ningaloo Coast, Western Australia 

When an iridescent blanket of colour lights up the surface of the water, you know you’re witnessing something spectacular. It’s the striking vision of coral spawning, a sight that illuminates reefs only once a year. 

Such a vision can be seen on the fringing reef on the Ningaloo Coast of WA. You could visit the Great Barrier Reef, but why would you when a treasure trove of undiscovered waters is just a plane flight away?

The annual breeding occurs in March, exactly seven days after the full moon and when there is little tidal disruption. It’s at this point that coral ignites the reef with amazing colours – an experience that makes for stunning photographs, by the way.

If the timing isn’t right, visitors can still relax on the white beaches or enter an underwater world and snorkel with the whale sharks, turtles and over 500 species of fish. There’s even the option to hop in a sea kayak to explore the sheltered lagoons. 

Just half an hour away from Exmouth is Cape Range National Park, an area of rocky gorges and rugged scenery that contrasts the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef. It’s the perfect spot for adventure travellers with four-wheel driving and bush walking galore.

Southwest National Park, Tasmania 

Visiting a land practically untouched by humans? Now there’s one for the travel bucket list.  

Tasmania’s Southwest National Park is not exactly hidden, in fact, it spans over six hundred thousand hectares; but the remoteness of the park makes for excellent exploring and there’s sure to be some hidden treasures throughout.

The state’s largest national park is home to the rare and ancient Huon pine as well as the world’s tallest flowering plant, the swamp gum. Some specimens of the pine are over 2000 years old, making for an excellent travel icon. Then there’s the added bonus of wild rivers that run through deep gorges and turn into plunging waterfalls.

Parts of the wilderness are more than 50km from the nearest road, making the only accessible route via foot, air or sea – an alternative to the retreat holidays when looking to escape the city. Despite this, many parts have great 4WD routes, offering adventure alongside the area’s amazing scenery. 

The only downer is the snow, ice and strong winds that are plentiful in the area throughout the year. But it’s worth it when the fine weather comes and brings with it stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges.