This publish could comprise affiliate hyperlinks. We could obtain a small fee, for free of charge to you, if you happen to make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.
If you consider Australia, your thoughts is perhaps conjuring up photos of white-sand seashores, expansive Nice Barrier Reef, and Aussie’s driving the very best surf on this planet. Australia is a big nation, however for sun-worshippers and nature lovers, Australia’s coast is the place to be.
In the event you’re dreaming of a sun-filled getaway, you then would possibly need to contemplate certainly one of Australia’s islands.
Australia truly has 8,222 islands, and it’s not doable to see all of them (nicely, you may strive!), so if you happen to’re unsure what are a number of the greatest islands in Australia that it’s best to contemplate in your subsequent getaway, you then’re in the best place.
Now we have visited our fair proportion of the islands round Australia, and have picked our favorites primarily based on our private expertise, so you may resolve which one is best for you. We’ve picked ones that cater to each sort of journey expertise, and for each funds, so there must be an island for everybody on this listing.
The Greatest Islands In Australia To Go to
So with out additional ado, listed below are my high island escapes in Australia that make an awesome getaway vacation spot and even only a day journey!
1. Rottnest Island, WA
Rottnest Island, or “Rotto” because the locals name it, is simply spectacular. I’d rank it as certainly one of our high 3 favorite islands in Australia.
Positioned 18 kilometres off the coast of Perth, it has over 60 picturesque seashores and bays. It’s one of many high spots for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, swimming and fishing – a real island paradise.
The easiest way to discover is by hiring a bicycle (there aren’t any automobiles on the island) and go exploring. Don’t overlook your snorkelling gear, as you’ll need to cease off at a number of the seashores to see the thriving marine life that shares the waters right here.
As a result of Rottnest Island is so small, it may be seen as a day journey, however we advocate you keep over a weekend to actually calm down and unwind.
You’ll make sure you meet a lot of the true locals getting round, the QUOKKA. The Quokka is a small macropod (rat-like animal) concerning the dimension of a home cat. They’re so cute and pleasant.
2. Fraser Island, Queensland
Because the world’s largest sand island, stretching 123 km lengthy and 23 km vast, Fraser Island is a mecca for 4WD lovers.
Driving alongside the 75 Mile Seaside, which can be the island’s solely freeway, in a four-wheel drive jeep is a thrill like no different. It extends for the whole jap aspect of the island and provides coastal views. You might even see some humpback whales breaching from the shore, and be careful for the island’s native dingos.
Fraser Island additionally provides a lot greater than 75 Mile seaside. You may drive alongside the sand tracks by means of towering rainforest, swim in one of many many freshwater lakes like Lake Mackenzie, or take a dip at Champagne Swimming pools or float down Eli Creek.
Go to the well-known shipwreck, spot whales migrating, and get up to dawn at Eurong Seaside – the listing of issues to do on Fraser Island is countless. Right here’s some insights on how one can go to Fraser Island on a day journey. We additionally advocate staying at Kingfisher Bay Resort.
3. Phillip Island, Victoria
We thought Phillip Island was all concerning the penguins and the Grand Prix Motor Cycle Race, however after spending a calming eight days on the island, we will guarantee you it provides way more!
The primary city of Cowes Seaside is an effective place to base your self and has an honest cafe and restaurant scene. The seaside right here is household pleasant with mild waves and clear sands. In the event you favor scenic seashores, don’t miss Smiths Seaside.
If you take within the Penguin Parade Expertise, get there early and discover The Nobbies, which has spectacular views over Bass Straight – it is going to be windy although!
Phillip Island is among the greatest getaways from Melbourne for many who need to escape the honking and chaos of the town for a number of days. It’s solely a 90-minute drive from Melbourne.
Different issues to do on Phillip Island that’s price exploring are The Koala Conservation Centre, Chocolate Manufacturing facility, A Maze N Issues Theme Park, and the Grand Prix circuit.
4. Daydream Island, Queensland
In search of a family-friendly island getaway within the Whitsundays? Then Daydream Island has obtained you coated!
The small island is strictly what it says on the tin – a dream! The island is one massive family-friendly resort, and has kayaks, SUPs, and different watersport gear you may hire.
There’s loads of water actions for all family members, together with snorkeling, wind browsing and extra.
Alternatively, you may laze round one of many swimming pools with a cocktail in hand or watch the sundown with a sundowner.
It’s additionally simply accessed from Airlie Seaside by ferry, making it a extremely accessible weekend vacation spot from the mainland of Australia.
5. Moreton Island, Queensland
Moreton Island was certainly one of our greatest surprises from travelling round Australia, and after spending a enjoyable crammed three days exploring the island, I’m completely happy to say that it’s nicely worthy of this listing.
It’s like a mini Fraser Island, however with simpler to entry from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
You’ve obtained the four-wheel driving motion, tenting, fishing, sand boarding, freshwater lakes, a lighthouse, and even a shipwreck!
One of many distinctive experiences you are able to do right here is feed the dolphins at Tangalooma or go snorkelling or kayaking across the Tangalooma Wrecks.
6. Bruny Island, Tasmania
We solely spent a number of hours on Bruny Island, however it left a long-lasting impression and was a spotlight of our month lengthy journey round Tasmania.
Bruny is a straightforward day journey from Hobart, from the place you may bounce on a tour. Alternatively, you may self-drive (like we did) and catch the automobile ferry over from Kettering.
Bruny is dwelling to rugged shoreline, rock formations and sea caves. It additionally has a colony of fur seals, fairy penguins, an abundance of chicken life. In the event you time your journey proper the chance to see migrating whales.
The easiest way to see Bruny Island is on a 3-hour cruise with Rob Pennicott Wilderness Journeys – he’s a legend down there!
7. Nice Keppel Island, Queensland
Queensland does island getaways higher than most, however there aren’t too many islands within the Nice Barrier Reef the place you may escape the crowds.
In the event you’re pondering of a extra romantic island getaway, then you may get your personal seaside bungalow for an affordable worth on the Nice Keppel Island!
Only a quick 30-minute ferry journey from Yeppoon will get you to Keppel and the Southern Finish of the Nice Barrier Reef.
Right here you’ll discover pristine and wholesome coral teeming with brightly colored fish and marine life like star fish and turtles.
Nice Keppel has appeal – no automobiles or high-rise buildings, simply seaside bungalows that appear to be they belong on a calming island seaside. Excellent for an island getaway that received’t break the financial institution.
8. Magnetic Island, Queensland
Slip right into a hammock between palm timber and also you’re experiencing a bit of “Maggie Time” off the coast of Townsville in North Queensland.
Magnetic Island is that chilled out island that’s good for a day journey or an prolonged getaway while you simply want to modify off from life and breathe a sight of launch. We truly spent every week in Maggie time, as a result of the soothing environment was too exhausting to say Googbye to!
You may lay on a seaside, take a dip in one of many picturesque bays, go on a hike and see koalas within the wild, soak up a snorkeling or fishing journey across the island, feed the rock wallabies, zip across the island in a mini moke.
No matter you propose to do, be certain to complete off with sundown drinks at Horseshoe Bay. It’s the right sundown spot to finish a day at.
9. Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Islands, Queensland
I discussed The Whitsundays earlier, it’s the place Daydream Island is positioned, however do you know it’s truly made up of a bunch of 74 islands surrounded by the Nice Barrier Reef?
In the event you’re searching for an island to base your self at to discover extra of those different island, then Hamilton Island is the go-to alternative.
It’s a bit extra developed than Daydream Island, which is basically only one resort, and so it has extra choices obtainable to you for excursions and boat journeys.
The island nonetheless has a calming environment although, with a car-free ethos and far of its rugged bushland untouched. In addition to being a base for island hopping, it’s additionally dwelling to native animals similar to koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and kookaburras.
However after all, the rationale you go to Hamilton Island is to get out on the water. Think about sipping champagne in your crusing boat, consuming the freshest seafood conceivable, dropping anchor in picturesque bays and diving over board to swim within the heat tranquil waters and digging my toes into the white powdery sand on a number of the most superb seashores in Australia…
You are able to do all that and extra. Simply be sure you don’t miss our favorite seaside in Australia, the world well-known Whitehaven Seaside!
10. Hayman Island, Queensland
In search of an opulent island getaway in The Whitsundays? Hayman Island will blow your thoughts!
Solely 8 of the 74 islands are inhabited, with the northernmost of these being Hayman. This seclusion makes it excellent for many who need to escape the crowds and dip into luxurious.
It’s additionally the place you’ll discover Australia’s premier luxurious nature resort the Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort.
The second you set foot on Hayman after being picked up by way of non-public boat or helicopter, you already know you’ve landed in paradise.
If it’s tranquillity and pure magnificence, and a bit of piece of Aussie paradise you’re after, look no additional than Hayman!
11. Cockatoo Island, Sydney
Cockatoo Island is a brief day journey from Sydney and is understood for being the place used to accommodate convicts within the colonial period. The island is being considerably reclaimed because it’s coated with purple gums and frequented by the sulphur-crested cockatoos, which gave the island its title.
It’s now a World Heritage Web site that’s dwelling to historic buildings, an previous navy shipbuilding yard, and a campground proper on the sting of the harbour.
Think about waking as much as magnificent views of one of many world’s greatest harbours, out of your tent website, at funds costs?
Even when only for a day journey, bounce on the quick ferry journey from Round Quay and take within the superb Sydney skyline alongside the way in which.
12. Tasmania
Okay, I do know Tasmania is a state, and it’s removed from being a tropical island getaway. Nevertheless, I like Tasmania as an island vacation spot and it’s sufficiently small to discover in a comparatively quick time frame, so I’m including it to this listing.
Earlier than visiting Tassie, I knew it had the historical past, however I didn’t know the meals and wine scene was so unbelievable.
It has a number of the greatest, freshest produce we’ve had anyplace – and nicely, the surroundings, the seashores, the wildlife, and the mountain climbing is one thing else too!
Do your self a favour and incorporate a Tassie island getaway into the combination.
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia is a lessor-known island famend for its beautiful landscapes from seashores to sand dunes and forests to rolling farmlands.
Not solely that, it’s typically known as Australia’s Galapagos Island due to its wild array of Australian animals – dolphins, kangaroos, koalas, seals and extra. The meals and wine can be unbelievable right here. Use our 4 day Kangaroo Island highway journey information that can assist you plan.
Extra Australia Journey Ideas
Want extra inspiration for a visit to Australia? Listed here are another useful guides…
Save It On Pinterest
Are you able to recommend any islands in Australia for a getaway? Please share within the feedback beneath!
Supply: Breaking Travel News