Unsung tropical spot emerges as one of Australia’s top under-the-radar destinations
An Aussie destination has been named one of the top places to go this winter to avoid crowds and get the most for your money.
Mackay in Queensland has landed on Skyscanner’s Smarter Winter Sun Report – the only spot in the country that made it onto the list by the travel site.
Heart Reef in The Whitsundays which is 15km from Mackay in Queensland. iStockphoto
The company said the beach-side city is “gaining traction as a savvy alternative for travellers seeking authenticity, value and space to explore”.
Mackay is between Rockhampton and Townsville on the Queensland coast and part of the Mackay Isaac region.
It’s a gateway to the southern part of the Great Barrier Reef, plus has the longest stretch of subtropical rainforest in Queensland.
There are also multiple small tropical islands to discover off the coast, including Keswick Island, Brampton Island, and Carlisle Island.
Think white sand beaches with epic snorkelling and unspoiled rainforests.
Tourism Queensland said it’s much quieter than seeing the reef from spots like Cairns.
But even on shore, the area is a haven for everything outdoors, with hiking, fishing, and camping popular. There are also 31 sandy beaches to relax at.
Gold-rush era ghost town, Mount Britton, which dates back to 1880 is another interesting spot to explore inland.
In Mackay itself you can see kangaroos and wallabies at Cape Hillsborough. The city also has buzzing restaurants.
Plus, it’ll be the first city in the Southern Hemisphere to host Disney: The Exhibition – A Century of Magic from December.
Mackay's Great Barrier Reef trips are much quieter than travelling from spots like Cairns. iStockphoto
Also on the sought-after under the radar winter destinations list were the island of Milos in Greece and Japanese Tokyo alternatives Fukuoka and Nagoya.
Denver in Colorado in the US, which is famous for hiking, was also listed.
In Mackay, you can see kangaroos and wallabies at Cape Hillsborough. istockphoto
Busan in South Korea, a nation Aussies are discovering, also came out as a recommended hidden gem.
Another Indonesian destination and a Bali alternative, Padang, also made it onto the list.
It’s something of a culinary hub and a good spot to stay before heading to the remoted and tropical Mentawai Islands off Sumatra.
The busy city Indonesian city Medan also got a mention.
Busan, South Korea, is a popular off-the-radar place to holiday. iStockphoto
And for those who dream of atmospheric riads and bustling souks, Casablanca in Morocco landed on the chart.
Top 10 lesser-known destinations for 2026
- Milos, Greece
- Nagoya, Japan
- Ottawa, Canada
- Medan, Indonesia
- Denver, United States
- Busan, South Korea
- Mackay, Australia
- Padang, Indonesia
- Casablanca, Morocco
- Fukuoka, Japan
The Mentawai Islands in Indonesia are an alternative to Bali, though harder to reach. iStockphoto
Skyscanner’s data found 70 per cent of Aussies asked were open to travelling to lesser‑known spots.
“It’s less about any single factor driving domestic travel, and more about a broader shift in how Australians are approaching their trips,” Skyscanner Australia travel expert, Jarrod Kris told nine.com.au.
“Travellers today are becoming more considered, weighing value, availability and overall experience when planning.”
As for the more traditional cold season places Aussies are flocking to, there was no surprise.
Queenstown in New Zealand, a haven for all things winter sports was top.
Phuket in Thailand, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Nadi in Fiji were on the list of the hottest winter sun spots.
