Have you been looking to head off the beaten path and avoid the usual tourist hotspots? Well, you’re not alone! New research shows that more and more Aussies are hitting the road in search of Australia’s best hidden secrets, quiet corners, and off-grid escapes.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia has just dropped its 2025 Secret Road Trip Hotspots study, revealing the most underrated, under-the-radar spots across the country.
The study looked at over 50,000 locations using TripAdvisor ratings and Google search volume, cross-checking for the places Aussies love, but rarely search for. This has resulted in a national shortlist of jaw-dropping spots quietly racking up praise, while staying mostly off the mainstream travel map.
Coming in ranked 21st is the surreal Painted Desert near Oodnadatta. This is a dramatic outback landscape that looks more Mars than SA, and despite its cinematic beauty, it’s still a wonderfully quiet detour for 4WD fans and sunset chasers heading north.
Kangaroo Island also got recognised, with Stokes Bay landing 46th. Known for its white sand, rugged cliffs and tucked-away beach cave, this is a place that locals adore.
Back on the mainland, Tantanoola Caves ranked 64th for truly being one of the country’s most impressive caves. The conservation park is easy to get to from Mount Gambier and perfect for a wintery weekend road trip.
Closer to home, HMAS Hobart Lookout in Normanville and the Copper Coast up on the Yorke Peninsula both got a shoutout too. HMAS Hobart Lookout came in 44th, and the Copper Coast ranked just above at 40th.
With all these amazing places right on our doorstep, it’s no surprise to see domestic travel booming, and more Aussies craving low-key adventures. This list couldn’t have come at a better time. According to Tourism Research Australia, 2024 saw record-breaking numbers of local overnight trips, with people swapping jam-packed itineraries for slower, more intentional getaways.
The SA gems featured on the list are the perfect spots for last-minute long weekends or more extensive cross-country road trips. So if you’ve been looking for the perfect excuse to get outside and explore, this might be it!
To check out the full list, click here.
