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5 ridiculously beautiful places to stay that you won't believe are in Australia.

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You wake up in your own private treehouse to the sound of native birds greeting the morning sun.

After breakfast overlooking a lagoon, you pop on your walking shoes and explore the local waterfalls.

Or maybe after a day of swimming alongside humpback whales, you lay down under a million stars and let the sound of the crashing waves drift you off to sleep.

No, you’re not in some far-flung corner of the world. You didn’t have to take a red-eye flight to get here. You didn’t even need to leave the country.

You’re in one of the many, little-known patches of paradise right here in Australia.

A recent survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Expedia found that most Aussies have little knowledge of the hidden holiday gems in our very own backyard.

As a part of the study, seven images of well-known locations across Australia were shown to more than 1000 Australians. These included images of the Daintree Rainforest, Lake Eyre and the Whitsundays. Surprisingly, only one per cent could identify that these locations were in Australia.

To help us explore the beauty and wonder of our own country, Mamamia has scoured Expedia for the most beautiful spots that are just as good, if not better, than anything you’ll find overseas.

The treehouse experience: Daintree Ecolodge, Queensland.

Unplug from modern life and immerse yourself in nature in this unique boutique accommodation, nestled in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest.

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The Daintree Ecolodge offers 15 eco-friendly bayans (treehouses) where you can dine at the rainforest restaurant overlooking the lagoon, unwind at the Daintree Wellness Spa, or take a dip in the local swimming hole.

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Dip your toes in the lagoon and check out the rooms at the Daintree Ecolodge here.

A beach safari: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia.

Sal Salis is where Aussie outback meets the reef.

The exclusive beach safari camp, which you'll find in the dunes of the Cape Range National Park, offers 15 eco-friendly wilderness tents.

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Swim alongside whale sharks and humpback whales in the warm Indian Ocean during the day, then star gaze around the campfire at night, before falling asleep to the soothing sound of the waves.

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Breathe in the sea air and enjoy the night under the stars at Sal Salis here.

Trailer treasure: Notel Melbourne, Victoria.

Notel is unlike any hotel you've ever stayed in.

Located on the roof of a nondescript car park in the heart of Melbourne, Notel offers travellers something different with six chrome airstream trailers which have been refurbished into boutique accommodation.

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Spend the night at this urban oasis enjoying drinks on your deck, relaxing in your spa, or hitting the streets and exploring Melbourne's famous laneways and cult eateries.

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Embrace your adventurous side and find out more about Notel here.

Totally wild: Pumphouse Point, Lake St Clair, Tasmania.

Get back to nature and book in some R&R at Pumphouse Point, a wilderness retreat located on the edge of the picturesque Lake St Clair in Tasmania.

Spend your days wandering deep into the giant myrtle forests, drifting the waters by row boat or cycling around the mountains and lake, before kicking back and relaxing at night in the Pumphouse and Shorehouse lounges with drink in hand.

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Unwind and read more about picturesque Pumphouse Point here.

Miami chic: The Calile Hotel, Brisbane.

Transport yourself to the streets of Hollywood with The Calile Hotel's poolside vibes.

Located in the heart of Brisbane, The Calile combines subtropical resort with modern architecture and luxurious touches.

Spend your days lounging by the pool, relaxing at the day spa, or exploring the local shops and eateries.

 

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Pop your feet up and plan your next city escape to The Calile Hotel here.

Whether it’s a sneaky weekend away or a longer break, you now have a few bits of inspiration to book your next Aussie escape and explore the beautiful gems right here in our own backyard.

Head to Expedia to build your perfect trip, with advantages like bundling travel items together and access to great discounts. You can also unlock exclusive deals all year round via the Expedia app.

Now, tell us your recommendations of hidden Aussie spots you'd add to this list!

Expedia

Expedia offers a one-stop-shop travel booking experience, that aims to provide Aussie travellers the widest selection of top holiday destinations, affordable airfares, hotel deals, car rentals, cruises, in- destination activities and attractions.

For Aussies looking to start their great Australian adventure, download the app and join Expedia Rewards to unlock exclusive member prices, earn Expedia points to redeem on future travel and get early access to select sales.