One of Australia s most experienced travel writers has come up with a must visit list of virtually unknown places he says are the perfect escapes.
Among the towns Bruce Elder recommends are scenic Denmark in Western Australia, historic Walhalla in Victoria and Strahan, an isolated town on the west coast of Tasmania.
He also recommends getting out to Silverton, population 50, on the edge of the desert - especially for people sick of the city - describing it as the quintessential Australian town .
Whale Sharks watched by tourists off the coast in Ningaloo Reef, described by Mr Elder as better than the Great Barrier Reef
Enlarge image Champagne Pools, Fraser Island: Many visitors to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fraser Island are familiar with the striking Lake McKenzie - the island s most visited and photographed attraction. Lesser known are the magical Champagne Pools on the island s eastern beach. Acting as a natural day spa, the waves crash over the volcanic rock and the water bubbles and fizzes like Champagne. You can reach Fraser island via a 40-minute boat ride off Hervey Bay, three hours north of Brisbane. The Champagne Pools are located approximately 2.5hrs drive north up 75 Mile Beach from Eurong Beach Resort.
Photo: Supplied by Kingfisher Bay Resort