Let’s begin with a statement on which we all agree: Nothing kills a great getaway faster than excessive crowds.

That’s why insurance company ROLLiN has analysed hundreds of regional towns and destinations in search of the top hidden gem destinations in Australia.

These places are genuinely little known to most of the population but still make for lust-worthy escapes not too far from home.

The report’s results are based on factors such as how hidden the destination is on social media, search volume hiddenness, destination quality and drive time from nearest capital city. And snagging the top slot as Australia’s top hidden gem destination is Dangar Island – a tiny floating hamlet on the Hawkesbury River.

Australia’s No. 1 hidden gem destination

Welcome to Dangar Island. Kookaburras herald the rising sun, rusty fishing boats sway off honey-hued sand and boathouse wharves, and laid-back locals sip pale ale at the island’s only pub.

Located off the eastern fringes of Brooklyn, the serene 30-hectare island is accessible only by boat and lies just 50 kilometres north of Sydney. Yet it feels a world away.

There are no cars on Dangar. Residents of the estimated 300-strong community use wheelbarrows to transport groceries between the wharf and their houses.

There’s just one charming cafe and one bowling club, which are both enveloped by gorgeous unruly bushland. And peace and quiet is easy to come by. Naturally, those looking for a relaxed bush break with creative community quirks will adore this river-skirted jewel, which makes a wonderful weekend or day trip from Sydney.

How to get to Dangar Island

Drive or take the train to Brooklyn from Sydney and then hop onboard The Sun. The quaint historic wooden ferry operated by the Brooklyn Ferry Service is part of the NSW transport network, so you can simply tap on with your card.

The ferry takes about 15 minutes and has frequent departures between 6.10am and 7.30pm Monday to Friday, and between 8am and 6.30pm on weekends and public holidays.

Best things to do on Dangar Island

While it’s small, there’s just enough to do on Dangar Island to fill a blissful low-key weekend.

First head to Dangar Island Depot next to the ferry wharf for coffee under the sun and tasty brunch bites ranging from BLTs to hot honey and goat cheese-topped toast. Open daily, the cafe – which doubles as a grocery store and post office – brings the island’s small community and visitors together.

Dangar Island Bowling Club is the island’s other key establishment. Slip in for afternoon drinks or pizza night by the community garden. The menu spans chipotle sweet potato fries and fresh seafood catch to crowd favourites like burgers. And don’t miss the live music held on some Sundays.

At high tide, make a beeline for Bradley’s Beach for a relaxing dip. It’s the only sand beach on the island and where you’ll find people unwinding under beach umbrellas and floating by on stand-up paddleboards.

Then set out on the loop walk that takes you up and around the island through the bush, passing quirky “roadside” attractions created by locals such as the giant scrabble board with words that often speak to the beauty of Dangar. It’s like a fun, mini sculpture trail with plenty of bird-spotting opportunities.

Where to stay on Dangar Island

There are a handful of Airbnbs and holiday rentals on Dangar Island that will sweep you up into a river reverie. One such stay is Banksia Boathouse, a beautifully designed and perfectly positioned Airbnb for two just steps from the sand. You’ll also wake up to the sound of waves lapping the shore at Deerubbin Boat House, a 1990s stay ideal for larger group on Bradley’s Beach.

Australia’s other top hidden gem destinations

According to ROLLiN, the below destinations are leading the charge when it comes to under-the-radar escapes that are worth your time.

1. Dangar Island, NSW
2. Killcare, NSW
3. Mintaro, SA
4. Manyana, NSW
5. Dawesville, WA
6. Aldgate, SA
7. Pialligo, ACT
8. Watervale, SA
9. Woonona, NSW
10. Littlehampton, SA

Republished from Australian Traveller