Australia attracts millions of visitors every year, but many miss out on experiences that locals cherish. If you’re looking to go beyond tourist attractions, this guide will help you find just that.

You’ll discover unusual things to do in Australia that aren’t crowded or overly commercial. These are spots and activities that locals enjoy on weekends.

Whether you’re hiking in the bush, having road trips in Australia, discovering local art, or eating at a countryside bakery, there’s something unexpected around the corner.

Swim in the Natural Rock Pools of Kiama

Australia has beautiful beaches to discover, such as Bondi or Manly, but locals often prefer the quieter, natural rock pools in Kiama. Located two hours south of Sydney, Kiama features rock formations shaped by volcanic activity and ocean erosion.

Locals swim here because it feels remote, calm, and free of large tourist crowds. The water is clear, and the waves crash just beyond the rocks, offering a dramatic but safe swimming experience.

There’s also a strong sense of routine and community—you’ll often see the same faces swimming early in the morning or just before sunset. It’s a perfect spot to unwind, read a book, or enjoy fish and chips from a local takeaway.

For an unusual way to experience the Australian coast, skip the beaches and try the rock pools instead. They offer peace and beauty without the chaos of city life.

Popular Hobbies in Nature: Surfing and Hiking

Australians enjoy a wide range of hobbies since there are many unusual things to do in Australia, many of which reflect the country’s outdoor lifestyle. Surfing is one of the most popular hobbies in Australia, especially along the coasts of New South Wales and Queensland.

Locals of all ages take to the waves before or after work, with beach culture playing a central role in daily life. Bushwalking and hiking are also common, with national parks offering trails that vary from easy walks to multi-day treks.

Explore the Underground Art Scene in Melbourne’s Back Alleys

Melbourne is famous for its street art, but most visitors only see the well-known Hosier Lane. Locals, however, prefer to explore hidden laneways that showcase ever-changing murals and underground art.

You’ll find pieces that comment on politics, identity, or local events, all tucked between cafes and second-hand bookshops. Some alleyways, such as Union Lane or Duckboard Place, are easy to miss if you don’t know where to look.

Artists repaint walls often, so there’s always something new to see. It’s not unusual to spot a group of locals photographing fresh graffiti or quietly sipping coffee while watching an artist at work.

This DIY creative energy defines a big part of Melbourne’s culture. If you want to experience the city’s raw artistic side, skip the museums and walk the alleys that locals love to frequent.

Visit a Ghost Town in Western Australia

Many Australians have never heard of Gwalia, a ghost town in Western Australia that once thrived during the gold rush. Locals who love road trips and offbeat history often stop here to explore what remains.

The city is located near Leonora and features abandoned homes, a school, a barber shop, and even an old hotel. The desert air preserves everything in eerie detail. It feels like stepping into a photograph from 100 years ago.

Locals recommend visiting in the late afternoon, when the sun casts long shadows and the wind whistles through empty structures. There’s also a mining museum run by local volunteers who share stories about the town’s past.

For anyone interested in unusual things to do in Australia, this quiet ghost town delivers a strong sense of the country’s forgotten past and regional character.

Attend a Country Pub Choir Night

In rural Queensland and South Australia, country pubs host choir nights where locals gather to sing, drink, and share stories. These events are casual and welcoming. You don’t need any singing experience—just show up and join in.

Locals enjoy these nights because they bring people together without pressure or performance. Popular songs include Aussie rock, 80s hits, or country ballads.

You might end up singing alongside a farmer, a schoolteacher, or the local postie. These pub choir nights build a sense of community, and some have even gone viral online for their energy and joy.

If you’re driving through the outback or regional towns, look for posters in pub windows or community boards. Joining one of these evenings is a fun and very human way to connect with real Australians outside the cities.

Taste Pies from a Remote Bakery

Australians love meat pies, but locals know the best ones aren’t always in big cities. Small-town bakeries across the country often make legendary pies with unique fillings and flaky crusts.

Take the drive to towns like Boonah in Queensland or Robertson in New South Wales, and you’ll find bakeries that have been serving locals for generations.

You might try kangaroo pie, Thai green curry pie, or a traditional chunky beef with gravy. Locals will often debate which bakery is best, and these debates can go on for hours.

Watch the Bats Fly Over in Brisbane

Every evening in Brisbane, thousands of flying foxes (large fruit bats) leave their roosts and fly over the city toward feeding grounds. Locals often gather near the Brisbane River or in New Farm Park to watch the event.

It starts just after sunset and lasts around 20 minutes. The sky fills with dark shapes that flap in coordinated lines across the skyline. It’s silent, eerie, and oddly beautiful.

While tourists rush to see kangaroos and koalas, many locals appreciate driving through Australia and enjoying this less obvious wildlife display. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and enjoy a sunset picnic while the bats make their journey.

It’s a unique local tradition that feels entirely removed from typical tourist experiences. If you want peaceful outdoor moments, this is one of the most unusual things to do in Australia’s urban areas.

Conclusion: Unusual Things to Do in Australia

Locals know that Australia’s true charm lies in the small, hidden places and shared moments, not just the tourist highlights. Whether it’s swimming in a rock pool, eating pie in a rural bakery, or watching bats fly over a quiet city park, these experiences show a different side of the country.

By exploring unusual things to do in Australia, you connect with people and places in a way that’s real and memorable. Skip the crowded bus tours and choose the things that locals truly enjoy. You’ll return home with stories that stand out and memories that last longer than any photo.

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