Remote Aussie destinations attracting tourists thanks to social media

MANY Australians haven’t visited these places or even know about them but tourists are flocking to them thanks to social media.

THEY are isolated areas that can be difficult to get to but many tourists are venturing beyond Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef in search of stunning locations in Australia — thanks to social media.

Once-quiet areas of the country that many Australians have never even visited or even know about, are experiencing an economic boost thanks to becoming “Insta-famous”.

Here are some of the hip destinations you’ve never heard of.

LAKE TYRRELL, VICTORIA

In the right conditions, this isolated salt lake in regional Victoria becomes so still it creates a mirror of the sky and makes for stunning photos. It’s also very shallow in some areas so you can look like you’re walking on water.

Chinese tourists in particular have flocked to this isolated attraction in search of the perfect holiday snap, much to the bemusement of locals.

FIGURE EIGHT POOLS, NEW SOUTH WALES

This became a popular attraction a few years ago when it gained Instagram notoriety and became a ‘bucket list’ destination.

The pools in the shape of a figure eight are one hour drive south of Sydney and require a steep hike into the Sydney’s Royal National Park near Burning Palms Beach. It can also be quite dangerous as freak waves have injured many people desperate to capture the perfect photo. Timing is also important as the tide and swell have to be quite low if you want to see the pools.

Figure Eight Pools is located on a dangerous rock platform in Sydney's Royal National Park.

Tourists taking photos and swimming at the Figure Eight pool.

PINK LAKES, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The pink lakes of Western Australia have become an increasingly lucrative attraction for the remote state.

Visiting unique locations has become a status symbol for the Chinese in particular as they are becoming more adventurous and seek experiences outside of the traditional trips to Sydney’s Opera House or the Great Barrier Reef.

In particular a flight over Hutt Lagoon at Port Gregory near Geraldton in Western Australia is popular, and a visit to the bubblegum pink of Lake Hillier, located on an island near Esperance is also drawing crowds despite its remote location that requires a six-hour boat ride.

“All of a sudden, these pink lakes are getting quite a following in China, largely through social media,” Tourism Western Australia chairman Nathan Harding told Australia China Business Review.

“They are in relatively remote locations and I’d dare say that there are probably a lot of people in Perth that haven’t been to see the lakes,” Mr Harding said.

Progress Midwest economic development officer Han Jie told ABC the Chinese were fascinated by Australia’s pristine environment.

“We take the sunset for granted but the Chinese are really fascinated by our sunset,” she said.

Hutt Lagoon has even been featured in a Lancome advertisement styled by one of Australia’s most successful bloggers Nicole Warne (aka Gary Pepper Girl).

One of the photos featuring Hutt Lagoon in Lancome’s advertising. Picture: Luke Shadbolt.

Know of any other unique locations in Australia that have become Insta-famous? Comment below.