off the BEATEN TRACK

5 great Aussie destinations not in the guidebooks

- Andrea Black

FITZROY ISLAND QLD

Queenslanders are already in on this secret, but the rest of us might look to Hamilton, Hayman or Daydream Islands when thinking of a tropical paradise. Azure waters fringed by coral, snorkelling among sea turtles, hiking walking tracks in a national rainforest, a palm-fringed beach-side barefoot bar - the lesser-known Fitzroy Island, just off the coast of Cairns, has it all. Simply step onboard the Fitzroy Flyer and 45 minutes later you're swimming at the uncrowded Nudey Beach (Nudey only by name you have to keep your swimmers on!). On the island, there's a range of accommodation, from penthouse suites and cabins to bungalows and camping.

fitzroyisland.com

SEABIRD WA 

Coastal towns to the north of Perth don't get as much attention as those in the winery-filled south-west, but they should. On the Sunset Coast near Lancelin, the seaside town of Seabird is a perfect destination for a weekend by the sea. Use the town as a base to discover the sand dunes of Lancelin, and discover Moore River or just relax and enjoy all the Indian Ocean offers, including fishing and swimming. At sunset, enjoy watching the spectacle while enjoying fish and chips at Seabird Tavern.

mooreriverregion.com.au/explore/seabird