Trading places: Amazing alternatives to the usual suspects

Less crowded and star-studded than Byron Bay, Blueys Beach also boasts kilometres of sea and sand, as well as views of Seal Rocks.

Framed by Booti Booti, Wallingat and Myall Lakes national parks, Blueys Beach has all the laid-back allure of its more famous big brother without all the influencers. Pop in to Blueys Yoga Studio to completely ground yourself with salt-air vibes.

After being locked away from the rest of the country, Australia's unofficial art capital will undoubtedly be overrun with tourists come summer.

If jam-packed Melbourne galleries aren't your idea of fun, see what Canberra has to offer. Pop in to the Burrunju Art Gallery, Canberra Glassworks or Canberra Contemporary Art Space. A recent addition is Tributary Projects - a space run by and for creatives in a range of artistic mediums.

Litchfield has all the waterholes and waterfalls of the Daintree but it's in the Northern Territory.

The monsoonal vine forests contrast with enormous termite mounds making for an outback getaway and tropical escape in one. There's some crystal-clear swimming spots (Wangi Waterfall and Buley Rockhole), as long as you do your research and keep an eye out for anything green and scaly.

From vineyards-with-a-view to Australia's only carbon-neutral winery, the Orange wine scene is severely underrated.

As Australia's highest-altitude wine region Orange produces delicious cool-climate wines. Enjoy the small-country-town hospitality as you tour the vineyards. Be sure not to miss Mortimers, Bloodwood, Nashdale Lane and Patina. Stock up on local produce before you leave.

Only accessible by ferry or your own boat, Fitzroy Island is smaller and more peaceful than bustling Hamilton Island.

Fitzroy is open to day-trippers and the one resort is affordable and family-friendly. Keep an eye out for birds and wildlife as you explore the island's peaks and beaches. The giant ocean trampoline provides hours of fun for children and secluded Nudey Beach is perfect for snorkelling.

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