12 Australian Travel Experiences You Haven’t Even Thought Of

From mysterious caves to restored railway carriages, Australia is home to a plethora of otherworldly accommodation that cater for those who prefer their digs a wee bit kooky. We’ve rounded up 12 Australian travel experiences that we’re guessing aren’t even on your radar yet…

1. A Night on Montague Island

Located off the south east coast of New South Wales, Montague Island is a patch of paradise within a stone’s throw of the Australian coast. The island is renowned for its marine and animal life, and features ample accommodation for those looking to spend the night among nature.

2. Subterranean Comfort in NSW

Buried beneath the red sands of northern NSW lies the White Cliffs Underground Motel – a sunken hotel capable of accommodating up to 100 guests. Dug by hand in the 1980s, White Cliffs is about the size of a football pitch, and features a warren of cosy rooms – no two of which are the same.

3. Roar & Snore at Sydney Zoo

Perhaps the wackiest getaway on the shortlist; Sydney Zoo’s quirky Roar & Snore short breaks offer the chance to camp out on the same patch of earth as the zoo’s exotic – and often, deadly – resident wildlife. Fancy it? You’ll need to book well in advance.

4. Jungle Camping at Arts Factory Lodge

Created by hippies for hippies, the Arts Factory Lodge attracts travellers from all walks of life thanks to its serene location on the shores of Byron Bay. From tepees and yurts to traditional hostel bunks, travellers can choose from a roster of accommodation types in this unusual holiday commune.

5. Sleep with the Fishes at the Great Barrier Reef

One of the world’s all-time favourite natural wonders, The Great Barrier Reef frequents many a bucket list, and is an absolute must-see. To make your visit to the reef truly unforgettable, why not book a “Reefsleep” in one of the specially built pontoons that overlook the coral.

6. Rent a Cave in the Blue Mountains

Set in 8 acres of pristine, private land in the Blue Mountains nature reserve is Hatter’s Hideout, a series of caves, tepees and tents offering rough-and-tumble accommodation for backpackers and ramblers. The site overlooks the Wollemi Wilderness World Heritage Site, and some would argue there’s no finer spot in all of Aus.

7. Sample Life at Sea

Book a short break and experience another side to Australia – its coast. Sampler cruises are cheap and flexible, with regular one or two night sailings departing from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. As Cruise1st Australia explain, “cruise holidays aren’t just for old people – there are cruise ship festivals like Sea’n’Beats and It’s the Ship which are perfect for partygoers – and shorter taster cruises are a great way to explore our beautiful coast.”

8. Enjoy a Romantic Retreat on the Hawkesbury River

Built on the banks of the tranquil Hawkesbury River is the Bathers Boatsheds, a huddle of tumbledown shacks offering romantic accommodation for two. With hammock-strewn pontoons and complementary rowboats, the Bathers Boatsheds are perfect for a weekend away with your other half.

9. Stay in Australia’s Most Haunted House

Striking fear into the hearts of Australians for centuries; Monte Cristo Homestead is thought to be the country’s most haunted abode, and now – you can stay there. For those brave enough, the house offers a charming – albeit, unnerving – place to spend the night.

10. Camp Beneath the Stars at Clancy’s Camp Site

Kip like a cattle drover at Clancy’s Camp Out, and you too can enjoy an unforgettable night beneath Australia’s famously starry-skies. The experience starts with a trip on the ranch’s Cobb and Co Stage Coach, before you settle beside the campfire to hear a tall-tale or two from a passing cattleman – bliss.

11. Board a Restored Railway Carriage for a Night at the Undara Lava Tubes

“Quirky” doesn’t quite do the Undara Experience justice. Featuring a fleet of renovated railway carriages, as well as tepees, huts and special safari shelters, there’s no better place to rest your head on a visit to the enchanting lava tubes. Undara’s railway sleepers are still attached to the original Cobb & Co coach road – which only adds to the fascination of the place.

12. Glamp-Out at the Karijini Eco Retreat

Take one look at the deluxe eco tents erected within the Karijini Eco Retreat, and you’ll know this is no ordinary campsite. With a comprehensive range of camping options available – including 82 campsites, 40 luxury, semi-permanent eco tents and a handful of timber cabins – Karijini offers genuine hospitality in the heart of the western outback.