Eastern Europe is the latest hot spot for Australian travellers.

An online poll of 5,067 people run by Expedia.com.au, discovered that almost a third picked Eastern Europe as their preferred emerging holiday destination in 2008.

The results inspired the online travel site to conjure up its top 10 hidden corners of that part of the world.

They have included unusual and diverse locations and activities, saying it's an untapped part of Europe.

Plus, it's a highly cost-effective and uncrowded alternative to its more conventional Western counterpart, they said.

Marketing director for the Australian wing of Expedia, Kristi Barrow, said the survey found Australians were tired of the tried-and-tested, mature tourist destinations.

"Many (are) now seeking a completely new and different holiday experience," Barrow said.

"It seems Eastern Europe has it all - centuries of history, unspoiled natural environments, uncrowded facilities for popular past-times, even Black Sea coastal resorts that rival their Mediterranean counterparts."