July 27, 02:11 PM 
514 Chai Chee Lane 03-16, Singapore 469029 Singaporeans visit Australia a lot. Tons.
So it's a little disconcerting then, that we keep going to the same few places. Great Ocean Road? Been there thrice. Sydney Opera House? Check. Gold Coast? Come, I clap for you.
Are we really that boring? To help us become less touristy, here are some destinations you might want to consider for your next trip down under. Most of them are far away from the cities where tourists throng, so you might want to get a driver's license to prevent disappointment.
1. Grampians National Park, Victoria
Breath-taking mountain ranges that have stood the test of time await you at the Grampians National Park. Keep your eyes out for kangaroos, wombats and burrowing echidnas as you tackle a wide variety of walking trails. This is one of the few places in the world where you can safely say that the rocks are legitimately interesting. Most of them being massive boulders that have been wind-sculpted into peculiar formations.
Recommended days: 2-4 days
Recommended walks: Mt Stapylton Loop Walk, The Pinnacle Walk.
Best time to go: September, October, November, where wildflowers are in bloom.
Entrance fee: Free.
Main activity: Hiking and camping.
2. Lake Hillier, Western Australia
Take your bikini pictures up a notch with the strikingly pink Lake Hillier. No, the lake is pink not because of local LGBT rallies (though it makes a good venue). Rather, like other pink lakes, it is a result of the reaction between sea salt and minerals, or a certain type of bacteria. It is also very salty.
By this point you probably just want to know whether you can swim in it without fear of getting deadly skin allergies or being dragged underwater by a closet Loch Ness Monster. So, short answer: Yes. You can.
Recommended days: 1 day
Recommended activity: Taking pictures.
Best time to go: All year round.
Entrance fee: Free.
Main activity: Swimming, strolling, other beach activities.
3. Coober Pedy, South Australia
Think Singapore is hot? Well you ain't seen nothing yet. Former opal mining town Coober Pedy lies amidst red arid plains and temperatures are upwards of 47 degrees Celsius. At first glance, the town looks dusty and unspectacular, the sort of place where dreams curl up and die.
But that's because much of the homes and community buildings are underground. Living underground "dugouts" protect delicate human skin from the sun's unforgiving heat. There are subterranean campsites, churches, restaurants and even golf courses to visit.
If you ever wanted to know what it would be like to be in a gigantic ant colony or a post-apocalyptic universe, well, this comes pretty close.
Recommended days: 1-2 days
Recommended activity: Taking pictures, pretending to be an ant
Best time to go: June, July, August, when temperatures are lower
Entrance fee: Entry to Coober Pedy is free, but fees apply for certain venues.
Main activity: Sightseeing/ Urban exploration
4. Iga Warta, South Australia
Stay for free at this humble Aboriginal settlement, run by the Adnyamathanha people, traditional owners of the land. Too good to be true? Well, yes, sort of. You need to earn your keep by helping out. Expect to move items, do some gardening and chores. (You can also pay and not do any chores, in case you are wondering).
But don't worry, its not a slave camp. Far from it. Guests are exposed to a rich aboriginal culture, at the same time, making new friends. When this writer was there, the owners even offered to teach him how to hunt his own food -- red kangaroo! If sitting down by the campfire chewing on sinewy meat whilst listening to dream time stories is your thing, Iga Warta is worth a visit.
Recommended days: 1 week
Best time to go: To the typical air-conditioned human being, the outback can be a nightmare in summer. Avoid November, December and January.
Contact details: www.igawarta.com
Main activity: Cultural exchange and learning.
5. Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Whether you choose to rough it out or travel in style, Kangaroo Island will have something for you. Camp amongst wildlife in one of the island’s numerous campgrounds, or live it up in luxurious retreats. It is here that the Tammar Wallaby, the smallest of the kangaroos dwell, along with some of Australia’s most pristine beaches and rugged cliff faces. Great fan of oysters? Check out The Oyster Farm shop for some of the best oysters in the state.
Recommended days: A week
Recommended attractions: ATV rides, Sand boarding at Little Sahara, Remarkable Rocks, Admiral’s Arch, Seal Bay Conservation Park
Entrance fee: It’s A$26 one way to get to Australia’s second largest island. We do not recommend swimming.
Main activity: Depends really, visit www.tourkangarooisland.com.au to plan your own itinerary.
6. Mt. Kosciuszko, New South Wales
Strike off the Seven Summits from your bucket list with Mt. Kosciuszko. It might be a mere pimple compared to Everest, but at 2,228m, this large hill is Australia's tallest mountain. The summit route can be tackled in a few variations, depending on your gear and fitness level. If you can’t walk 2.4 km without perspiring, there is a chairlift to bypass any form of physical exertion. In winter months, skiing is also an option at the nearby alpine village of Thredbo.
Recommended days: 1-2 days
Recommended route: The 27.7km Main Range Track can be tackled over two days and grants you a majestic view of the Australian Alps. Best time to go: Summer for reaching the summit (December, Jan, Feb), Winter for skiing (June & July). We do not recommend camping in winter.
Main activity: Hiking, walking, skiing, sight seeing.
7. Overland Track, Tasmania
Hands down the most spectacular trek in Australia. Seven days and 65 kilometres of walking through alpine plains, swinging bridges and pristine glacier lakes. Spend your nights in heated communal huts, making friends with fellow hikers. (You can also set up your tent, if you want.) Avid photographers may want to pack at least one wide-angled lens to capture the jaw-dropping scenery, or a telephoto to capture the dozens of wombats, wallabies and the occasional quoll.
Do note that this walk is a significant undertaking, and you need to be physically and mentally prepared. There is no wifi, but it will definitely be the most enjoyable route march you'll ever do. I guarantee it.
Recommended days: 7 days, more if you want to explore the side trips.
Recommended side trips: Barn Bluff, Mt Ossa, The Acropolis
Fee: During the popular walking months, from 1st October to 31st May you must pay a A$200 fee. It is free during winter and early spring, from 1st June to 30th September.
Best time to go: October to May
Main activity: Walking
Tips to save more money:
a. Get a tent so that you won't spend too much on accommodation. A decent two-person tent shouldn't set you back more than $250. If you want to get one to tackle harsher climates, its advised to seek professional help in choosing one.
b. If you're 25, you'll save significantly more on car rental. You can a) Try to grow older. It happens. Or, b) get someone who’s at least 25 to go along.
c. Don’t mind meeting new people? Hitchhiking is a viable option and you get to make friends. Look for people giving free rides on Gumtree. Be discerning when it comes to choosing a travel partner, of course.
d. Eating a meal out in Australia can be expensive. Save your money for a few select restaurants you really want to dine at. Otherwise, having meals bought at supermarkets really does wonders for your pocket.
e. If you rent a campervan (www.wickedcampers.com.au) or (www.jucy.com.au), you get to cut both your accommodation and travel costs significantly. They're pretty slow though, and need some time getting used to.
Top image from here.
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