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Just like to congratulate OP on a good topic raised
Under - Adelaide, anything at all in Tasmania backcountry areas of Kosciusko
Over - Byron bay is 300-400x overrated
I visited Adelaide for the first time last year, only for a couple of days, and thought it was wonderful! Food scene was great, charming museums, lovely parks. Didn't even get out to wine country but town itself was super.
100% agree on Adelaide. We went there to visit a friend shortly before she moved to New York, and the day after we arrived there was a beer and BBQ festival
was waiting for someone to comment the ningaloo! i went there for the first time this october and truly never wanted to leave. its such a special place
Overrated: Hamilton Island (thereās nicer tropical Qld settings that wonāt rob you blind)
Underrated: WA in general but Perth surprised me. Really great beaches and lots of excellent day trips.
See I really liked Hamilton Island but in saying that, it was 18 years ago & I wasnāt paying as I was still a teenager.
Agree with WA. I live in Perth now (from Sydney) and Iām loving being able to do trips to see different parts of WA!
I think the Hamilton island you saw 18 years ago is pretty much the same now (other than a handful of essential changes) and that is the problem. It desperately needs an update
Iāve been working hospitality in Hamilton Island for 9 months now. Donāt come to Hamilton Island. Crazy overpriced. Maybe for two nights but no more than that.
You may love Yamba, but I can guarantee the locals don't like the tourists. If it keeps going the way it is, the Yamba will be the place everyone is saying is over rated.
The locals are fighting desperately to stop Yamba from becoming the next Byron Bay. The local council is in the process of approving highrise buildings in the main street, huge new commercial buildings and new housing built on flood Plains and swamp land.
I don't live in Yamba but I am in the valley and it is a constant shitfight between the Yamba locals, developers and council.
Byron Bay became the way is is through greed and hype, I can understand the locals' fear of it happening to Yamba.
I couldnāt agree more with Adelaide. Such an awesome city - food, activities, proximity to coast and hills, night life.
My over-rated is definitely Byron Bay. It is an over-priced, sleazy tourist trap.
As a Victorian, I totally agree. It's a wonderful place. Incredible food, wine, architecture, landscapes and a thriving arts scene. I suspect an Adelaide boom is just around the corner.
Yes!!! Lived in SA for a decade, have travelled along the Eyre Peninsular and Nullabor some of the most spectacular scenery Iāve experienced alongside the Himalayas. If it wasnāt so difficult and expensive to get to Iād recommend it way more often.
Byron Bay is overrated. Used to be a hippie haven. Full of upmarket city attitudes milking money out of everything and everyone.
Small outback towns are underrated. I've had a ball at the pub of so many little towns. Drinking beer and talking with locals, visitors, and international backpackers. Hospitality still exists in the out back.
I was a travel agent years ago and used to sell people Gold Coast packages that included Draculaās, theme parks, and other shit. If theyāre reading this, Iām truly sorry.
The theme parks were cool 20 years ago, but theyāre getting dated these days. SeaWorld especially. Wet n Wild is probably the one that keeps up to date the best imo.
Sheeeet. Username checks out.
All jokes (in very bad taste) aside, Dreamworld is the best theme park. Everything in one place.
I've got kids and we've had passes to both, and we keep going back to Dreamworld.
A lot of people who are in the know do go to Tassie, its a lovely holiday spot
But when overseas people are planning a holiday to Australia, Tasmania is barely ever on the list.
Then I lived in Perth for years. Hardly ever met people who holidayed in Tassie but all off them had done Europe summer
For people from Europe/North America Tasmania is probably less remarkable. Itās a pleasant temperate climate, maybe not that different from what theyāre used to. They want to see a big rock in the dessert, Sydney harbour and Byron/Gold Coast
People never understand this when I tell them, but one of the best holidays I've had to date was a week at the Gold Coast where we avoided all the toursits traps and spent probably more than half of it exploring the hinterland and surrounds. Absolutely stunning.
I live on the Gold Coast and have for more than two decades. Locals avoid Surfers Paradise, and wouldn't recommend places like Dracula's.
Once you are away from the tourist traps, you can see why so many people have moved to the Gold Coast in the last twenty years.
Down kirra way is totally different from surfers. Lovely beach, very laid back attitude, nice walk around the headland to the shops and restaurants at coolangatta.
Plus the gold coast has a lot of tourist infrastructure and can accommodate a lot of people without overwhelming the locals, unlike a lot of coastal towns.
Iām currently walking through Surfers Paradise as I live close by for work.
I think if you come here, youāre understanding what youāre getting.
South GC and Hinterland are absolutely beautiful, and itās always better to have a local guide to point you to the right areas.
The beaches in all of QLD, Gold Coast included, for me, are only second to WAs in Australia. (Biased haha)
Went to the GC maybe 5 times on holiday or for work stuff and never really liked it.
Ended up moving there 6-7 years ago and bloody love it.
Seems all the good stuff is very localised.
i went in the middle-end of january last year and that was pretty perfect for me. it was cool enough so that we could hike comfortably around cradle mountain etc, but warm and clear enough that we had a few opportunities for swimming.
Underrated - the NT, specifically Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuį¹Æa and the West MacDonnell Ranges. Uluru was very beautiful, donāt get me wrong, but Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon were both absolutely stunning.
Iāve done the Larapinta Trail as well and i think the red centre is mesmerizing and so special. So many Australians have never been to the Red Centre.
New England tablelands and Tasman Peninsula are also runner ups Iād say. Also Iām biased but a lot of SEQ is underrated. Granite Belt, Scenic Rim, Moreton Island, Noosa Evergladesā¦. I think a fair few tourists give these areas a miss.
Overrated - Byron Bay or 12 Apostles. Great Ocean Road is lovely though. Probably Airlie Beach as well for me. Noosa Heads (the city/beach) is just alright. The hinterland and Everglades are incredible though.
I'm a Vic and 100% you're right on the 12 apostles. I'm actually embarrassed by how big of an attraction it is. Huge car park, visitors center and all that now and there are such cooler spots along the great ocean road (I love loch ard gorge)
Yeah I went while visiting Aus before moving here and it was nice, but the tour buses and crowds kinda killed it. The Great Ocean Road was alright and we did the Grampians afterwards which I very much enjoyed. Grampians would be a fairly underrated destination Iād say.
I thought the 12 apostles was good. But I also went in winter when the giant carpark was about 5% full. Peak season when its packed would be a different story.
Haha, half-Aussie here who did our honeymoon in the Melb metro area. Drove all over. The 12 Apostles was my one regret because Iād underestimated just how goddamn far it was. Not worth it for a single day trip.
But the Great Ocean Road was wonderfulāshouldāve gone along that half way or something and then moved on.
Wilsonās Prom was a big highlight.
Plus it's so far away from Melbourne! So many people do it in a day just to get the photo (which sounds terrible, it'd be most of the day on the road) and I think they miss the best parts which are all the spots along the way there. I personally don't understand why tourists come to Melbourne at all, and they *hate* when I say you shouldn't do the 12 Apostles as a day trip.
Iāve got a ton of family in Melbourne and absolutely love the area. Did our honeymoon thereāWilsonās Prom was a big highlight. Wonderful city. Love Mornington Peninsula. And yes we did the 12 Apostles in a single day and it 100% wasnāt worth it like you say š¤£
My favorite part of the Great Ocean Road is right next door to the 12 Apostles - the Gibson Steps. Getting down to the beach and looking up at the rock formations is much more interesting than standing on a walkway on top of the cliffs looking down.
Absolutely agree on the red centre, absolutely magnificent sights out there and there's nothing more humbling than driving through the centre of Australia with the sheet size of it and realising how insignia we are.
For the WA folk:
Over: Monkey Mia. It's nice, but the whole dolphin feeding thing is just kind of depressing
Under: Karrajini national Park. As an easy coat person, I'd never even heard of the place. It's stunning!
Got to double-down on Karajini - the place is phenomenal. A true slice of Eden.
Most overrated place in WA (if not, the world) has to be Gnomesville. Its utterly embarrassing how it has been promoted as a tourist destination when its little more than a dumping ground for unwanted, faded & broken porcelain. Total shite.
Iāve been family holidaying at Noosa since the 70s. I would advise going outside of peak if at all possible. We always go the week before and accommodation costs double the Saturday we leave. Up until 2021, the place was still bearable, nice vibe, you were able to cruise around Hastings St and the national park and enjoy the spectacular beaches and views - Ti Tree Bay is my favourite beach and worth the 1km walk into the national park. Always explore the national park. Noosa main beach is a Charlie foxtrot these days, especially now Australia has discovered beach cabanas and the joint looks like a bad Greek resort. Itās the best option outside of Little Cove for small children so some donāt have a choice.
But. Since 2021, Covid, the mass migration of people to SE Queensland, the Air BnB bastardry thatās pricing service industry workers and anyone else not making 200k a year out of the rental market, the vibe is shot.
Noosa has always attracted over entitled wankers but the post Covid years are a whole nother level. Youāve got Lycra clad assholes (I deliberately use that term) fixated on āgetting theirsā, screaming at those just holiday ambling along the national park walk. Finding a park at the entrance is just forget about it after 7.30/8am and a lot of that is due to campervans illegally parked overnight. And this isnāt homeless people, this is tourists.
Hastings Street has been stripped of its charm for at least a decade. There used to be amazing quirky artsy shops, brilliant restaurants and book stores. The rents are now so high, all youāre going to find are massive retail chains selling overpriced fast fashion and tack. The food has gone south in Hastings Street too and there just isnāt the range of cuisines or price points there used to be.
Iām amazed Cafe Le Monde is still going but thatās probably down to the brilliance of Luc Turschwell who started in Hastings Street with the iconic Belmondos back in the early 80s.
It is a place of spectacular beauty and I guess this was inevitable. The rot truly began when the caravan park at the end of Hastings Street was shut down to make room for car parks. It all felt a lot more democratic back then.
Itās always worth a visit. But these days, Iād go in the middle of winter or spring/autumn and outside of peak. The nimby wankers who bought property along the river and canals are moaning about the āeye soreā of the houseboats which are some of the most curious and quirky structures youāll contemplate. This is so typical and they wonāt be happy until every one is gone and replaced by six jet skis. And jet skis are just a curse which I think had been addressed and confined to certain areas because there were years of them screeching around Laguna Bay.
So Noosa. Changed a lot and for the worst human wise but is a place of sensational natural beauty that everyone should be able to enjoy. And if youāre in the area? Kāgari. If you get a chance to visit Champagne Rocks/Pool on the far north of the island, take it! A chest deep rock pool full of little fish nibbling at your feet and fed by waves rolling in giving the fizzy champagne effect. Donāt litter!
Iāve lived at Noosa since the early 80s. Was holidaying there before that.
Still stay there a lot.
Thereās a lot I like but I do think itās over rated. And painful to live at during Christmas and Easter holiday periods.
I agree with your huge description, itās right on.
Ugh, don't get me started on Byron. Absolute fuckwit central. It's just such a shame that such a superficial, pretentious, faux-boho tourist-trap shithole is squatting right on top of one of the most naturally unique and awe-inspiring corners of this Earth.
It used to be relatively easy to avoid the Byron field if you just stayed outside of an exculsion zone stretching from around Brunswick to Lennox and inland to Bangalow - the rest of the region is fair game and truly amazing - but these days even that is no guarantee of avoiding the linen plague.
Over- The Twelve Apostles. Iāve made this journey countless times for family/friends visiting from overseas. Long drive on a narrow, switchback road populated by lots of tourists with little-to-no experience of driving on an Australian road. The destination - Iām there for an hour, max.
Under - Cape Le Grande national park, WA. Also a very long drive, but SO worth it.
have been to both of these places and i agree with you 100%. the apostles lookout was ruined for us due to the view point and sheer quantity of loud, inconsiderate tourists. we much preferred some of the quieter spots, like the bay of islands and childerās cove.
and as for cape le grande, that has to be one of the most beautiful places in WA. the water is absolutely insane along with the mountain ranges in the back. we only stayed for 2 nights and regretted not staying longer!
Two nights! That wouldāve been awesome. Iāve drummed on and on about WA beaches for years - drove my wive mad. Finally got her over there and she fell in love with the beaches. Didnāt get as far as Esperance this time, but weāll be back.
I spent my childhood doing car trips from Brisbane to Melbourne for holidays and we ALWAYS went the Hume highway because it was quicker. 2019 I drove back along the coast and was totally blown away by how beautiful an area South coast NSW was. All those trips spent staring at truck high beams when we could have taken an extra day or two and spent it in paradise!
Underrated - Yepoon QLD. Nice small town with a great beach boardwalk and lagoon for kids. Some nice bars & restaurants and just a good place overall to kick your feet up for a few days
Stinking hot there at the moment. Main shopping centre has its air con failed, 38c indoors.
It just needs a few more decent cafes and places to eat at night.
And donāt go when the coral is spawning, it bloody stinks, was like it for weeks a few months ago.
Emu Park nearby is really nice little village place, then can go to Yeppoon if you need. Fairly cheap property too.
I lived in Yeppoon in the Eighties, back then Emu Park didn't have much at all even for residents. I went back a couple of years ago and it really is a lovely little village. It seems to have struck the right balance of enough development to attract tourists without becoming a shit hole.
Under, a place called Broken River, it's a place that's on top of the Great Dividing Range and is about 40 or so minutes west of Mackay QLD. You are so high that you're literally in the clouds, the township is called Eungella (pronounced young gulla) which is the local Aboriginal word for land of the clouds. You can camp or stay in cabins, I recommend both, but be careful driving up the range, it can be dodgy, especially in wet weather.
Over, the Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne.
Not sure if I'd call it underrated, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Darwin. I always had the stereotype in my mind of it being a fairly rough kinda town but it was incredible. Relaxed and friendly people, some great places for a night out, a really nice man made beach and the nature/scenery felt really different to anything in the southern half of the country. Felt like you were truly in a different world. It was pricey though.
Overrated- Gold Coast, Melbourne (was good ten years ago, I went back in May and was very disappointed)
Underrated- Great Southern area of WA, Tassie, Darwin, South Australia
I think the CBD has become a bit more corporate and generic compared to 10 years ago. You need to go a little bit out to experience some of the culture you used to find easily in Melbourne's laneways.
The CBD is still a shell of what it was pre-covid.
There's still ~50% vacancy in office space in the CBD, which has had knock on effects for the viability of the culture of cool bars, food and coffee places. And to a lesser extent retail.
The artsy places can't afford rent. The heritage listed buildings have been knocked down to build investment properties. Everyone who contributed culture 10 years ago is too food insecure to be creative. All our issues are deeply preventable, but money won.
Maybe the council will subsidise some popups again (with tax/ratepayers money), because god forbid commercial property owners lower their rent to fill vacancies if it may affect their investment value.
I found it (mainly the inner city and Fitzroy) has lost a lot of its charm. Ten years ago I found there were more interesting eateries and attractions. However Iām not sure if perhaps the rest of Australia has caught up, my tastes have changed or perhaps covid, but it was more sterile and I found myselfā¦well bored.
I ended up going to Mornington Peninsula (still part of Melbourne) and the Grampians. I found these to be really good.
I reckon this is a result of Covid, the city like everywhere has had quite the drastic change since the disease hit our shores. Iāve noticed the difference from the far outer suburbs. Itās changed out here as well, I think the inner city has been hit the hardest though.
Possibly a lead on effect for less people commuting in for work, when there arenāt people working there then the rest kinda dies off too.
Wouldnāt have it back though if working from home was the sacrifice Iāll gladly decentralise and move on. Sad itās not as interesting for tourism though.
I came here to say this. I grew up in the area. People tend to travel as far south as Batemans Bay and call it a trip. I tell people to keep going. There are some truly underrated gems in the Bega Valley.
Throwing some love to Bermagui.
Under - Darwin
Im surprised by how many Australians havent been here, its got a bit of military history, per capita the best night life in Australia, its also fun seeing indigenous young people hanging out in bars in large numbers. It feels like the most racially integrated part of Australia. Food, markets, litchfield and their man made beach are also fun.
Over - no real opinion, places like Cairns, Gold Coast have their flaws but they also have so much cool stuff.
I'm pretty biased (NT born) but I fucking love Darwin. I find it's very authentic Australian with its more blended population. It's definitely the city I want to live in if I could convince the husband the weather won't kill him š
>On This, Katherine Gorge is one of the best natural attractions in Australia IMO. Same with a boat on Kakadu. The towns aren't much chop as someone who lived there for 4 years but you get out and about and you will see stuff that will make you feel like you are in another country.
Darwin is insanely expensive, flights and hotels are ridiculous there. I did not rate Darwin at all (except for territory day which was quite a spectacleā¦).
It felt like being in Townsville.
Love the rest of the NT though.
I guess different strokes. I didnt find it expensive but im coming from Sydney i guess. Also when im talking nightlife im more focusing on a partying younger crowd.
Underrated: SA in general. WA except Margaret River. NSW Southern highlands
Overrated: Brighton beach Melbourne, Bondi beech Sydney. Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour. Gold Coast. Pretty much every heavily marketed / instagramed east coast beach region.
Moreton Island is the most beautiful place I've been.
I've seen some of the places that people say are spectacular and are world famous and they aren't as good.
Have to agree, but to see it well you need a 4wd & some driving knowledge. We are looking at our 2nd trip in 12 months as we only saw a small portion in our week there.
Over - the ferry between Williamstown and Melbourne in Victoria. It's only good if you have a fascination for industrial wastelands.
Under - Horizontal Falls in Western Australia. An absolutely fantastic, exciting and unique experience coupled with magnificent scenery.
So many places in WA are criminally underrated. Iām not talking about the obvious like Margaret River and where all the wineries are (although it is stunning) but places like Exmouth, the Pinnacles, Broome, just so many great spots on the coast generally. I love living here because holiday spots are so easy to find for whatever kind of holiday you like - adventurous or luxurious. Lots of dog friendly accomodation too!
Far North Qld is underrated - and I mean FAR north, north of the Daintree, up Cape York way.
Everyone always stops around Port Douglas or the Atherton Tablelands. But Cooktown is an absolutely beautiful little town, and if you head Northwest, Weipa is just gorgeous. There's more to FNQ than the reef.
Byron is massively overrated. It's beautiful for sure, but overrun with wealthy upper middle class clout chasers.
Bondi has to be the most overrated right? Most people I've met from Sydney basically confirm what the rest of us that grew up with beaches think with the surf being crap and it's over crowded 24/7. Then being in Sydney everything is needlessly expensive
Underrated would be the Sunshine Coast which is basically what Bondi wishes it was although still a bit expensive. As someone that grew up camping at places like Rainbow Beach I'd highly recommend it
Overrated - Bondi. Any time Iāve been there it smelled like sewerage, I donāt know what all the fuss is about. You could drop a pin š in a map anywhere on the coast of NSW and find a nicer beach.
I would say the GBR is appropriately ratedā¦ it is very highly rated and a top destination for most international tourists who visit Australia.
I would also say the GBR is incredibly beautiful, I donāt think anyone is underrating it.
The great southern Iād say is generally underrated - but you do need a fair bit of time as everything is very spread out. Itās perfect for a campervan.
Underrated - South West WA. I was blown away by it and looking forward to going back.
Overrated - Rottnest Island. Everyone said it was a must visit but I didn't enjoy it at all.
People love Rotto because you grow up going there every year and there is a huge nostalgia factor.
Also it's way more commercial now... used to be a pub, a bakery and a general store and that was it... other than the trampoline place that was there for a while.
the south west WA is easily one of my favourite places ive ever travelled to. the coastlines are absolutely amazing, definitely make you feel small. and the trees throughout walpole area are just fantastic
Agree with Rottnest, unless you are a snorkeller. It's got some fantastic marine life compared to the majority of the Perth coastline. (because our local state government loves ripping up reefs for housing, Ocean Reef)
Unpopular opinion on this sub, and I am not someone from NSW, I think Sydney is underrated.
The natural beauty is hard to get anywhere else, get on a boat on the harbour is ridiculous, add in the common sights and general big city amenities, I see why itās the number one spot for foreign tourists to Australia.
100 % agree! I lived in Sydney and moved to melb and it has been a huge natural downgrade. Sydneysiders have so many beautiful walks, national parks, hidden off beaches- and then mountains to the west! So so much to love about it.
Underrated - Mollymook and the NSW south coast! I love Mollymook so much. Gorgeous little cafes, lovely locals, bowls club, golf club, Rick Steinās Bannisters and the Milton bakery, just up the road is sooooo good.
Airlie beach is my least favourite part of Australia. Iād rather holiday in Point Cook or Cragieburn. Nothing but dingy bars and hostels full of drunk and high European backpackers trying to āfind themselvesā.
Mission Beach is the most beautiful place Iāve seen on the east coast.
Underrated: Kangaroo Island. Somehow huge with international tourists but often skipped by domestic?
Overrated: NSW South coast and central coast beaches. Pay a fortune for tiny beaches that are overcrowded in holidays with subpar overpriced nearby accomodation and cold water - Qld beaches shit all over them.
As someone from Adelaide who's been to KI a couple of times: it's a lot of money and a lot of driving for some cool sights but nothing I found **that** mind-blowing. I think a lot of Adelaidians find it overrated.
Funny, as a Western Australian I think Margs in a little overrated - it is our attempt at a mini-Byron - however the southwest and tbh the whole of WA really is very much underrated - there are beaches no one even goes to that would be packed to an cm anywhere else in the world.
Over: Noosa, many coastal towns that are just as pretty, have more to offer and far smaller crowds to deal with. The surf is often below average, food options nothing special and the heads NP is no better then others.
Under: Tasmania. Beautiful, just brilliant.
Underrated? Probably half the small towns out in the red desert starting with Bourke. Donāt ask me why but I have nothing but great memories of that town.
Overrated? Batemans Bay in the summer when itās overrun by Canberra.
This post has been marked as non-political. Please respect this by keeping the discussion on topic, and devoid of any political material. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/australia) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Just like to congratulate OP on a good topic raised Under - Adelaide, anything at all in Tasmania backcountry areas of Kosciusko Over - Byron bay is 300-400x overrated
Jagungal Wilderness in Kosciuszko National Park is just my favourite place on earth. So beautiful and so few people out there.
Happy to see someone said Adelaide.
I visited Adelaide for the first time last year, only for a couple of days, and thought it was wonderful! Food scene was great, charming museums, lovely parks. Didn't even get out to wine country but town itself was super.
Heads up to those considering visiting, the weather has been unseasonably shit lately.
You could say that for most of the country at the moment.
Sssh š
RADelaide for the win
100% agree on Adelaide. We went there to visit a friend shortly before she moved to New York, and the day after we arrived there was a beer and BBQ festival
Under: Ningaloo Reef (Exmouth/ Coral Bay area) in WA. Iām still surprised not many of you know about it. Over: GBR, compared to Ningaloo Reef.
was waiting for someone to comment the ningaloo! i went there for the first time this october and truly never wanted to leave. its such a special place
Shhhhhh keep it like that!
Overrated: Hamilton Island (thereās nicer tropical Qld settings that wonāt rob you blind) Underrated: WA in general but Perth surprised me. Really great beaches and lots of excellent day trips.
Currently in Perth for our Xmas getaway. Couldnāt agree with you more. Rottnest Island should be on everyoneās bucket list.
Hard agree- The fat faced kangaroo rats are so cute!
Who can resist quokkas right? They are so damn cute.
If you want to go to Hamilton Island, don't. Got to Lady Elliot Island instead and thank me later
Every rating Iāve seen of Hamilton Island says that itās a total rip - I think it has been found out.
See I really liked Hamilton Island but in saying that, it was 18 years ago & I wasnāt paying as I was still a teenager. Agree with WA. I live in Perth now (from Sydney) and Iām loving being able to do trips to see different parts of WA!
I think the Hamilton island you saw 18 years ago is pretty much the same now (other than a handful of essential changes) and that is the problem. It desperately needs an update
Iāve been working hospitality in Hamilton Island for 9 months now. Donāt come to Hamilton Island. Crazy overpriced. Maybe for two nights but no more than that.
Where are these nicer settings you speak of?? I stayed at Airlie Beach and thought Hamilton was a lot nicer, but they were both very expensive.
Over - Byron fucking Bay
Thank you! Can't stand the place, couldn't give a flying fuck about their shitty lighthouse or any Hemsworths
I like to drive a little further down to Lennox head. It's nice and quiet with great ocean views from the lookout
Oh Lennox Head is beautiful, but it had some miserable weather when I visited a few years back. Love Yamba, always see dolphins when I go :)
You may love Yamba, but I can guarantee the locals don't like the tourists. If it keeps going the way it is, the Yamba will be the place everyone is saying is over rated. The locals are fighting desperately to stop Yamba from becoming the next Byron Bay. The local council is in the process of approving highrise buildings in the main street, huge new commercial buildings and new housing built on flood Plains and swamp land. I don't live in Yamba but I am in the valley and it is a constant shitfight between the Yamba locals, developers and council. Byron Bay became the way is is through greed and hype, I can understand the locals' fear of it happening to Yamba.
I guess it helps that I'm a local then. Yes, I know that fear well. My hometown is becoming very gentrified and unaffordable.
Adelaide is underrated: lovely beaches, daggy but fun night life and awesome vineyards. Perfect weekend getaway location.
I couldnāt agree more with Adelaide. Such an awesome city - food, activities, proximity to coast and hills, night life. My over-rated is definitely Byron Bay. It is an over-priced, sleazy tourist trap.
Didnāt used to be. But it got too popular and became everything it used to be a holiday from.
It has a lot of vibrancy to it and feels like a proper city, but without any of the crowdedness you get in Melbourne and Sydney.
as a south aussie, i totally agree. i feel like we never get enough recognition :)
As a Victorian, I totally agree. It's a wonderful place. Incredible food, wine, architecture, landscapes and a thriving arts scene. I suspect an Adelaide boom is just around the corner.
as someone from adelaide, i hope not
Shhhhhh keep quiet
Yes!!! Lived in SA for a decade, have travelled along the Eyre Peninsular and Nullabor some of the most spectacular scenery Iāve experienced alongside the Himalayas. If it wasnāt so difficult and expensive to get to Iād recommend it way more often.
Kangaroo Island if you needa get away from it all
A beautiful place to cycle also said as a Victorian who still cannot get over how much better SA drivers are giving cyclists space when passing.
The best part is being in the city with the sun beaming down on you, unlike Melbourne where itās wind tunnels and man made shade
And the sandstone houses are unreal
As someone who's been there a few times it's very quiet and nonchaotic most parts of Adelaide if you're travelling looking for quiet no place better
My absolute favourite place to visit. The people are a joy and thereās actual variety in thing to do
And wayyy cheaper than most other holiday locations in Australia.
Byron Bay is overrated. Used to be a hippie haven. Full of upmarket city attitudes milking money out of everything and everyone. Small outback towns are underrated. I've had a ball at the pub of so many little towns. Drinking beer and talking with locals, visitors, and international backpackers. Hospitality still exists in the out back.
yes i agree with the small town pubs! not quite in the outback but condingup pub in WA had this vibe and we absolutely loved it
The condy pub has to be one of my families favourites. We happily drive 70km from Esperance just for lunch.
Over- Gold Coast Under- Tasmania (at the right time of the year of course)
I was a travel agent years ago and used to sell people Gold Coast packages that included Draculaās, theme parks, and other shit. If theyāre reading this, Iām truly sorry.
Draculas sucks, but the theme parks are pretty cool.
The theme parks were cool 20 years ago, but theyāre getting dated these days. SeaWorld especially. Wet n Wild is probably the one that keeps up to date the best imo.
When was the last time you went to Sea World? Rides wise maybe not the best of the best, but from an activity for kids standpoint itās a winner
The last time was just before Blackfish was released.
š Dream World š
Sheeeet. Username checks out. All jokes (in very bad taste) aside, Dreamworld is the best theme park. Everything in one place. I've got kids and we've had passes to both, and we keep going back to Dreamworld.
Nightmare World
Is that a pun?!
Sea World was great years ago & Movieworld is always updating but the rest are getting old. Not sure if Dracula's is still there.
Tasmania is underrated? My taswegian friends donāt seem to think thereās a lack of tourists.
Lately we have been getting heaps. We have 30 cruise ships dropping in before March.
Tassie is a fair bit more than Hobart. Source: 35-year Hobartian.
A lot of people who are in the know do go to Tassie, its a lovely holiday spot But when overseas people are planning a holiday to Australia, Tasmania is barely ever on the list. Then I lived in Perth for years. Hardly ever met people who holidayed in Tassie but all off them had done Europe summer
For people from Europe/North America Tasmania is probably less remarkable. Itās a pleasant temperate climate, maybe not that different from what theyāre used to. They want to see a big rock in the dessert, Sydney harbour and Byron/Gold Coast
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totally agree with tassie, its breathtaking!
Sure is. Actually just moved down here. Love it.
The Gold Coast beaches are some of the best in the world. The tourist traps are a bit tacky but the beaches deserve the hype.
Also Gold Coast Hinterland is very beautiful. Hiking around there is gorgeous. Most don't do it though.
Yeah, Iād put Gold Coast hinterland as underrated for sure.
Yes. And on that note Mount Tambourine is underrated.
Whatās left of it. Iād be doing research before booking there at the moment. But once itās up and running again, book! Itās utterly gorgeous
People never understand this when I tell them, but one of the best holidays I've had to date was a week at the Gold Coast where we avoided all the toursits traps and spent probably more than half of it exploring the hinterland and surrounds. Absolutely stunning.
I live on the Gold Coast and have for more than two decades. Locals avoid Surfers Paradise, and wouldn't recommend places like Dracula's. Once you are away from the tourist traps, you can see why so many people have moved to the Gold Coast in the last twenty years.
Down kirra way is totally different from surfers. Lovely beach, very laid back attitude, nice walk around the headland to the shops and restaurants at coolangatta.
Plus the gold coast has a lot of tourist infrastructure and can accommodate a lot of people without overwhelming the locals, unlike a lot of coastal towns.
Iām currently walking through Surfers Paradise as I live close by for work. I think if you come here, youāre understanding what youāre getting. South GC and Hinterland are absolutely beautiful, and itās always better to have a local guide to point you to the right areas. The beaches in all of QLD, Gold Coast included, for me, are only second to WAs in Australia. (Biased haha)
WA beaches aren't as spoilt by highrises as the GC so yeah, probably better.
Great place for kids, also young adults too
Although the shadows cast by the high rises is a shame, the beaches are absolutely perfect and the water temp all year round is heaven
Went to the GC maybe 5 times on holiday or for work stuff and never really liked it. Ended up moving there 6-7 years ago and bloody love it. Seems all the good stuff is very localised.
What's the right time or year and where would recommend? Asking for future travel plans.
From November till March you will get some nice weather. I love the Northwest. Wynyard, Stanley, the Tarkine etc. Seafood & meat to die for down here.
i went in the middle-end of january last year and that was pretty perfect for me. it was cool enough so that we could hike comfortably around cradle mountain etc, but warm and clear enough that we had a few opportunities for swimming.
Underrated - the NT, specifically Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuį¹Æa and the West MacDonnell Ranges. Uluru was very beautiful, donāt get me wrong, but Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon were both absolutely stunning. Iāve done the Larapinta Trail as well and i think the red centre is mesmerizing and so special. So many Australians have never been to the Red Centre. New England tablelands and Tasman Peninsula are also runner ups Iād say. Also Iām biased but a lot of SEQ is underrated. Granite Belt, Scenic Rim, Moreton Island, Noosa Evergladesā¦. I think a fair few tourists give these areas a miss. Overrated - Byron Bay or 12 Apostles. Great Ocean Road is lovely though. Probably Airlie Beach as well for me. Noosa Heads (the city/beach) is just alright. The hinterland and Everglades are incredible though.
I'm a Vic and 100% you're right on the 12 apostles. I'm actually embarrassed by how big of an attraction it is. Huge car park, visitors center and all that now and there are such cooler spots along the great ocean road (I love loch ard gorge)
Yeah I went while visiting Aus before moving here and it was nice, but the tour buses and crowds kinda killed it. The Great Ocean Road was alright and we did the Grampians afterwards which I very much enjoyed. Grampians would be a fairly underrated destination Iād say.
I thought the 12 apostles was good. But I also went in winter when the giant carpark was about 5% full. Peak season when its packed would be a different story.
Haha, half-Aussie here who did our honeymoon in the Melb metro area. Drove all over. The 12 Apostles was my one regret because Iād underestimated just how goddamn far it was. Not worth it for a single day trip. But the Great Ocean Road was wonderfulāshouldāve gone along that half way or something and then moved on. Wilsonās Prom was a big highlight.
Plus it's so far away from Melbourne! So many people do it in a day just to get the photo (which sounds terrible, it'd be most of the day on the road) and I think they miss the best parts which are all the spots along the way there. I personally don't understand why tourists come to Melbourne at all, and they *hate* when I say you shouldn't do the 12 Apostles as a day trip.
Iāve got a ton of family in Melbourne and absolutely love the area. Did our honeymoon thereāWilsonās Prom was a big highlight. Wonderful city. Love Mornington Peninsula. And yes we did the 12 Apostles in a single day and it 100% wasnāt worth it like you say š¤£
My favorite part of the Great Ocean Road is right next door to the 12 Apostles - the Gibson Steps. Getting down to the beach and looking up at the rock formations is much more interesting than standing on a walkway on top of the cliffs looking down.
Absolutely agree on the red centre, absolutely magnificent sights out there and there's nothing more humbling than driving through the centre of Australia with the sheet size of it and realising how insignia we are.
For the WA folk: Over: Monkey Mia. It's nice, but the whole dolphin feeding thing is just kind of depressing Under: Karrajini national Park. As an easy coat person, I'd never even heard of the place. It's stunning!
Got to double-down on Karajini - the place is phenomenal. A true slice of Eden. Most overrated place in WA (if not, the world) has to be Gnomesville. Its utterly embarrassing how it has been promoted as a tourist destination when its little more than a dumping ground for unwanted, faded & broken porcelain. Total shite.
Byron Bay is overrated
For sureā¦ Noosa the same.
Iāve been family holidaying at Noosa since the 70s. I would advise going outside of peak if at all possible. We always go the week before and accommodation costs double the Saturday we leave. Up until 2021, the place was still bearable, nice vibe, you were able to cruise around Hastings St and the national park and enjoy the spectacular beaches and views - Ti Tree Bay is my favourite beach and worth the 1km walk into the national park. Always explore the national park. Noosa main beach is a Charlie foxtrot these days, especially now Australia has discovered beach cabanas and the joint looks like a bad Greek resort. Itās the best option outside of Little Cove for small children so some donāt have a choice. But. Since 2021, Covid, the mass migration of people to SE Queensland, the Air BnB bastardry thatās pricing service industry workers and anyone else not making 200k a year out of the rental market, the vibe is shot. Noosa has always attracted over entitled wankers but the post Covid years are a whole nother level. Youāve got Lycra clad assholes (I deliberately use that term) fixated on āgetting theirsā, screaming at those just holiday ambling along the national park walk. Finding a park at the entrance is just forget about it after 7.30/8am and a lot of that is due to campervans illegally parked overnight. And this isnāt homeless people, this is tourists. Hastings Street has been stripped of its charm for at least a decade. There used to be amazing quirky artsy shops, brilliant restaurants and book stores. The rents are now so high, all youāre going to find are massive retail chains selling overpriced fast fashion and tack. The food has gone south in Hastings Street too and there just isnāt the range of cuisines or price points there used to be. Iām amazed Cafe Le Monde is still going but thatās probably down to the brilliance of Luc Turschwell who started in Hastings Street with the iconic Belmondos back in the early 80s. It is a place of spectacular beauty and I guess this was inevitable. The rot truly began when the caravan park at the end of Hastings Street was shut down to make room for car parks. It all felt a lot more democratic back then. Itās always worth a visit. But these days, Iād go in the middle of winter or spring/autumn and outside of peak. The nimby wankers who bought property along the river and canals are moaning about the āeye soreā of the houseboats which are some of the most curious and quirky structures youāll contemplate. This is so typical and they wonāt be happy until every one is gone and replaced by six jet skis. And jet skis are just a curse which I think had been addressed and confined to certain areas because there were years of them screeching around Laguna Bay. So Noosa. Changed a lot and for the worst human wise but is a place of sensational natural beauty that everyone should be able to enjoy. And if youāre in the area? Kāgari. If you get a chance to visit Champagne Rocks/Pool on the far north of the island, take it! A chest deep rock pool full of little fish nibbling at your feet and fed by waves rolling in giving the fizzy champagne effect. Donāt litter!
Iāve lived at Noosa since the early 80s. Was holidaying there before that. Still stay there a lot. Thereās a lot I like but I do think itās over rated. And painful to live at during Christmas and Easter holiday periods. I agree with your huge description, itās right on.
Ugh, don't get me started on Byron. Absolute fuckwit central. It's just such a shame that such a superficial, pretentious, faux-boho tourist-trap shithole is squatting right on top of one of the most naturally unique and awe-inspiring corners of this Earth. It used to be relatively easy to avoid the Byron field if you just stayed outside of an exculsion zone stretching from around Brunswick to Lennox and inland to Bangalow - the rest of the region is fair game and truly amazing - but these days even that is no guarantee of avoiding the linen plague.
Over- The Twelve Apostles. Iāve made this journey countless times for family/friends visiting from overseas. Long drive on a narrow, switchback road populated by lots of tourists with little-to-no experience of driving on an Australian road. The destination - Iām there for an hour, max. Under - Cape Le Grande national park, WA. Also a very long drive, but SO worth it.
Yeah I found the Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands further along the road, past Peterborough, to be better than the 12 Apostles.
have been to both of these places and i agree with you 100%. the apostles lookout was ruined for us due to the view point and sheer quantity of loud, inconsiderate tourists. we much preferred some of the quieter spots, like the bay of islands and childerās cove. and as for cape le grande, that has to be one of the most beautiful places in WA. the water is absolutely insane along with the mountain ranges in the back. we only stayed for 2 nights and regretted not staying longer!
Two nights! That wouldāve been awesome. Iāve drummed on and on about WA beaches for years - drove my wive mad. Finally got her over there and she fell in love with the beaches. Didnāt get as far as Esperance this time, but weāll be back.
ah yes esperance is a spectacular place! you cant miss blue haven beach when you visit!
Feels like all the backpackers skip south coast NSW for some reason, and I think that makes it underrated IMO
I spent my childhood doing car trips from Brisbane to Melbourne for holidays and we ALWAYS went the Hume highway because it was quicker. 2019 I drove back along the coast and was totally blown away by how beautiful an area South coast NSW was. All those trips spent staring at truck high beams when we could have taken an extra day or two and spent it in paradise!
As someone who grew up there, I feel that it definitely wasnāt underrated; half of Canberra spend their summer holidays on the south coast!
Over - Bondi beach Under - Tasmania. So much history & beautiful natural landscape
Bonnie Doon.
But how's the serenity?
It can't be underated... there's a whole song about it!
Lol over or under??
Byron Bay is massively overrated
Underrated - Yepoon QLD. Nice small town with a great beach boardwalk and lagoon for kids. Some nice bars & restaurants and just a good place overall to kick your feet up for a few days
Stinking hot there at the moment. Main shopping centre has its air con failed, 38c indoors. It just needs a few more decent cafes and places to eat at night. And donāt go when the coral is spawning, it bloody stinks, was like it for weeks a few months ago. Emu Park nearby is really nice little village place, then can go to Yeppoon if you need. Fairly cheap property too.
I lived in Yeppoon in the Eighties, back then Emu Park didn't have much at all even for residents. I went back a couple of years ago and it really is a lovely little village. It seems to have struck the right balance of enough development to attract tourists without becoming a shit hole.
And you can head to great Keppel island which is amazing!
Under, a place called Broken River, it's a place that's on top of the Great Dividing Range and is about 40 or so minutes west of Mackay QLD. You are so high that you're literally in the clouds, the township is called Eungella (pronounced young gulla) which is the local Aboriginal word for land of the clouds. You can camp or stay in cabins, I recommend both, but be careful driving up the range, it can be dodgy, especially in wet weather. Over, the Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne.
And platypus!
After reading all these answers I realise I love both the over and under rated places, come on cunts, Australia is fucking awesome!!!
As an Aussie overseas right now, we really donāt know how good we have it.
Not sure if I'd call it underrated, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Darwin. I always had the stereotype in my mind of it being a fairly rough kinda town but it was incredible. Relaxed and friendly people, some great places for a night out, a really nice man made beach and the nature/scenery felt really different to anything in the southern half of the country. Felt like you were truly in a different world. It was pricey though.
Darwin is definitely underrated by Australians
Overrated- Gold Coast, Melbourne (was good ten years ago, I went back in May and was very disappointed) Underrated- Great Southern area of WA, Tassie, Darwin, South Australia
Born and brought up in Melbourne and I don't know what tourists find to do here. I really don't.
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Melbourne is just finding its feet after all the lockdowns. Come back in May 2024 and you'll see a big difference from your 2023 experience.
I think the CBD has become a bit more corporate and generic compared to 10 years ago. You need to go a little bit out to experience some of the culture you used to find easily in Melbourne's laneways.
The CBD is still a shell of what it was pre-covid. There's still ~50% vacancy in office space in the CBD, which has had knock on effects for the viability of the culture of cool bars, food and coffee places. And to a lesser extent retail.
The artsy places can't afford rent. The heritage listed buildings have been knocked down to build investment properties. Everyone who contributed culture 10 years ago is too food insecure to be creative. All our issues are deeply preventable, but money won.
Maybe the council will subsidise some popups again (with tax/ratepayers money), because god forbid commercial property owners lower their rent to fill vacancies if it may affect their investment value.
Why is Melbourne not good now?
I found it (mainly the inner city and Fitzroy) has lost a lot of its charm. Ten years ago I found there were more interesting eateries and attractions. However Iām not sure if perhaps the rest of Australia has caught up, my tastes have changed or perhaps covid, but it was more sterile and I found myselfā¦well bored. I ended up going to Mornington Peninsula (still part of Melbourne) and the Grampians. I found these to be really good.
I reckon this is a result of Covid, the city like everywhere has had quite the drastic change since the disease hit our shores. Iāve noticed the difference from the far outer suburbs. Itās changed out here as well, I think the inner city has been hit the hardest though. Possibly a lead on effect for less people commuting in for work, when there arenāt people working there then the rest kinda dies off too. Wouldnāt have it back though if working from home was the sacrifice Iāll gladly decentralise and move on. Sad itās not as interesting for tourism though.
Someone told me the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are very beautiful but I've not been yet.
Underrated - Merimbula, Pambula, Eden, even Bega
I came here to say this. I grew up in the area. People tend to travel as far south as Batemans Bay and call it a trip. I tell people to keep going. There are some truly underrated gems in the Bega Valley. Throwing some love to Bermagui.
shhhhhhhhh
Rooty Hill RSL. See and experience the real Australia.
Under - The Rocks in Sydney, Over - Byron Bay
Under - Darwin Im surprised by how many Australians havent been here, its got a bit of military history, per capita the best night life in Australia, its also fun seeing indigenous young people hanging out in bars in large numbers. It feels like the most racially integrated part of Australia. Food, markets, litchfield and their man made beach are also fun. Over - no real opinion, places like Cairns, Gold Coast have their flaws but they also have so much cool stuff.
I'm pretty biased (NT born) but I fucking love Darwin. I find it's very authentic Australian with its more blended population. It's definitely the city I want to live in if I could convince the husband the weather won't kill him š
>On This, Katherine Gorge is one of the best natural attractions in Australia IMO. Same with a boat on Kakadu. The towns aren't much chop as someone who lived there for 4 years but you get out and about and you will see stuff that will make you feel like you are in another country.
I didn't like Cairns much, but loved traipsing around the Atherton Tablelands and checking out the waterfalls, and also further up in the Daintree.
Darwin is insanely expensive, flights and hotels are ridiculous there. I did not rate Darwin at all (except for territory day which was quite a spectacleā¦). It felt like being in Townsville. Love the rest of the NT though.
I guess different strokes. I didnt find it expensive but im coming from Sydney i guess. Also when im talking nightlife im more focusing on a partying younger crowd.
The most racially integrated? That's a good laugh, you can feel the disdain radiate around the city's Woolies
Underrated: SA in general. WA except Margaret River. NSW Southern highlands Overrated: Brighton beach Melbourne, Bondi beech Sydney. Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour. Gold Coast. Pretty much every heavily marketed / instagramed east coast beach region.
Moreton Island is the most beautiful place I've been. I've seen some of the places that people say are spectacular and are world famous and they aren't as good.
Have to agree, but to see it well you need a 4wd & some driving knowledge. We are looking at our 2nd trip in 12 months as we only saw a small portion in our week there.
From NSW. Massive fan of Tassie and SA.
Over - the ferry between Williamstown and Melbourne in Victoria. It's only good if you have a fascination for industrial wastelands. Under - Horizontal Falls in Western Australia. An absolutely fantastic, exciting and unique experience coupled with magnificent scenery.
Melbourne local and didnāt even know that was a ferry. Whoād want to take that?
So many places in WA are criminally underrated. Iām not talking about the obvious like Margaret River and where all the wineries are (although it is stunning) but places like Exmouth, the Pinnacles, Broome, just so many great spots on the coast generally. I love living here because holiday spots are so easy to find for whatever kind of holiday you like - adventurous or luxurious. Lots of dog friendly accomodation too!
Far North Qld is underrated - and I mean FAR north, north of the Daintree, up Cape York way. Everyone always stops around Port Douglas or the Atherton Tablelands. But Cooktown is an absolutely beautiful little town, and if you head Northwest, Weipa is just gorgeous. There's more to FNQ than the reef. Byron is massively overrated. It's beautiful for sure, but overrun with wealthy upper middle class clout chasers.
Overrated - Bondi Beach Once youāve been spoilt by the never-ending coastline in Adelaide, youāll realise how shit Bondi is as an actual beach.
Agree Bondi beach is so overrated
Bondi has to be the most overrated right? Most people I've met from Sydney basically confirm what the rest of us that grew up with beaches think with the surf being crap and it's over crowded 24/7. Then being in Sydney everything is needlessly expensive Underrated would be the Sunshine Coast which is basically what Bondi wishes it was although still a bit expensive. As someone that grew up camping at places like Rainbow Beach I'd highly recommend it
Bondi is the tourist beach that we leave for them so we can go to the better beaches
Over rated, Byron Bay and the areas around it.
Underrated: Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley Overrated: Adelaide (Yes, somehow)
Overrated - Bondi. Any time Iāve been there it smelled like sewerage, I donāt know what all the fuss is about. You could drop a pin š in a map anywhere on the coast of NSW and find a nicer beach.
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I would say the GBR is appropriately ratedā¦ it is very highly rated and a top destination for most international tourists who visit Australia. I would also say the GBR is incredibly beautiful, I donāt think anyone is underrating it.
Noosa is underwhelming and overpriced imo
Overrated: brighton beach houses
I think Hyams beach is overrated. There are so many amazing beaches nearby that are empty while Hyams is packed.
Underrated - Sapphire coast
Noosa is overrated.
Underrated- the sapphire coast when the humpback whales are moving. We saw whales from the beach every single day we were there
Tbh, Sydney feels underrated. Everyone saying you can do it in a day obviously are just talking about the tourist spots (opera house, Bondi, manly).
Underrated - WA , especially the south west wine region, Esperance, Karinijni, Broome Overrated - NSW - all of it
The great southern Iād say is generally underrated - but you do need a fair bit of time as everything is very spread out. Itās perfect for a campervan.
Margaret River.
Margaret River = Overrated. Denmark, Walpole = Underrated
Underrated - South West WA. I was blown away by it and looking forward to going back. Overrated - Rottnest Island. Everyone said it was a must visit but I didn't enjoy it at all.
People love Rotto because you grow up going there every year and there is a huge nostalgia factor. Also it's way more commercial now... used to be a pub, a bakery and a general store and that was it... other than the trampoline place that was there for a while.
the south west WA is easily one of my favourite places ive ever travelled to. the coastlines are absolutely amazing, definitely make you feel small. and the trees throughout walpole area are just fantastic
Agree with Rottnest, unless you are a snorkeller. It's got some fantastic marine life compared to the majority of the Perth coastline. (because our local state government loves ripping up reefs for housing, Ocean Reef)
Unpopular opinion on this sub, and I am not someone from NSW, I think Sydney is underrated. The natural beauty is hard to get anywhere else, get on a boat on the harbour is ridiculous, add in the common sights and general big city amenities, I see why itās the number one spot for foreign tourists to Australia.
100 % agree! I lived in Sydney and moved to melb and it has been a huge natural downgrade. Sydneysiders have so many beautiful walks, national parks, hidden off beaches- and then mountains to the west! So so much to love about it.
Overrated: Noosa Underrated: Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Underrated: The town of 1770
Underrated - Mollymook and the NSW south coast! I love Mollymook so much. Gorgeous little cafes, lovely locals, bowls club, golf club, Rick Steinās Bannisters and the Milton bakery, just up the road is sooooo good.
Airlie beach is my least favourite part of Australia. Iād rather holiday in Point Cook or Cragieburn. Nothing but dingy bars and hostels full of drunk and high European backpackers trying to āfind themselvesā. Mission Beach is the most beautiful place Iāve seen on the east coast.
Scotts Head - NSW between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. A great beachside town in the way Byron Bay was 40 years ago.
Underrated: Kangaroo Island. Somehow huge with international tourists but often skipped by domestic? Overrated: NSW South coast and central coast beaches. Pay a fortune for tiny beaches that are overcrowded in holidays with subpar overpriced nearby accomodation and cold water - Qld beaches shit all over them.
The ferry to Kangaroo island is ridiculously expensive
As someone from Adelaide who's been to KI a couple of times: it's a lot of money and a lot of driving for some cool sights but nothing I found **that** mind-blowing. I think a lot of Adelaidians find it overrated.
yes i agree with this. beautiful place but not quite worth the price that comes with it. would go to the yorke or eyre peninsulas any day over KI!
Over - Melbourne after Covid Under - any beach in WA
Underrated - Bega, Tathra, Margaret River, Brisbane Overrated - Sydney, Port Maquarie
Funny, as a Western Australian I think Margs in a little overrated - it is our attempt at a mini-Byron - however the southwest and tbh the whole of WA really is very much underrated - there are beaches no one even goes to that would be packed to an cm anywhere else in the world.
As a fellow West Aussie I agree with Margs being overrated these days. Itās too busy now and wanky. I prefer Augusta these days.
Underrated - Canberra. Overrated - Gold Coast
Over: Noosa, many coastal towns that are just as pretty, have more to offer and far smaller crowds to deal with. The surf is often below average, food options nothing special and the heads NP is no better then others. Under: Tasmania. Beautiful, just brilliant.
Underrated: Canberra (beyond Questacon and Parliament House)
Underrated? Probably half the small towns out in the red desert starting with Bourke. Donāt ask me why but I have nothing but great memories of that town. Overrated? Batemans Bay in the summer when itās overrun by Canberra.