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It’s hard to resist the lure of a hidden gem. Sure, it might be hiding in plain sight, and yes, calling it a “gem” could be stretching things a little – but there’s something undeniably satisfying about exploring a place most of the world hasn’t discovered yet. In today’s digital world, hidden gems hardly stay secret for long. Still, a new study has uncovered ten incredible yet lesser-known destinations in Australia that are still flying under the radar.
To determine these hidden gems, the team at Rollin’ analysed destinations across the country using five key factors: average monthly Google search demand (the lower, the better), social media visibility, the number of accommodations and attractions, distance from the nearest capital city and weather suitability. These scores were then combined to create an overall index, revealing the top ten under-the-radar locations in Oz.
Dangar Island, a dreamy car-free island just an hour north of Sydney, claimed the top spot as Australia’s ultimate hidden gem for 2026. What makes this sleepy-tree-studded island so special is its remoteness: you’ll need to drive or catch a train to Hawkesbury River Station, then hop on a boat to reach the island. With no cars, lots of scenic walks, a private beach, a cosy café and a relaxed RSL, Dangar Island offers a rare kind of getaway that still feels genuinely undiscovered… for now, at least.
Close behind, Killcare on NSW’s Central Coast provides another seaside alternative for hidden-gem hunters. Though it’s slightly less under the radar than other top-ten destinations, it offers a greater selection of outdoorsy activities, great dining spots and charming places to stay.
Rounding out the top three hidden gem destinations in Australia is Mintaro in South Australia’s Clare Valley wine region. With the lowest online footprint of any location in the top ten, this historic town feels like stepping back in time (long before social media was even a thing).
I’ll admit, I’d never heard of seven of these so-called hidden gems in Australia, which feels like proof this study is onto something. You can check out the top ten hidden gem destinations below.
The top 10 hidden gem destinations in Australia
- Dangar Island, NSW
- Killcare, NSW
- Mintaro, SA
- Manyana, NSW
- Dawesville, WA
- Aldgate, SA
- Pialligo, ACT
- Watervale, SA
- Woonona, NSW
- Littlehampton, SA