Australia has 8222 islands, but these 15 are among the best
Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to island getaways, but they are not all about blue waters and coral: there’s an island type for everyone.
By Emma Shaw
Lord Howe Island is an outdoor lover’s dream.Credit: Destination NSW
Most of us think of bright white sand, palm tree-lined shores and sparkling turquoise water when we picture an island, and although Australia has these aplenty, there are many different types of island experiences around the country.
These range from off-the-beaten-track adventures, wildlife experiences, and completely private islands, to fun for the whole family, adults-only islands, fishing meccas, and cultural trips.
Every island offers something unique. But with 8222 unique islands, choosing which one you want to visit is the hardest part.
From the Tiwi Islands in the north, to Bruny Island/Lunawanna-alonnah in the south, you could island-hop for a year if you desired, experiencing turtles nesting and hatching on the beach, whale season during the migration, snorkelling in the largest coral reef in the world, World Heritage-listed sites, beach driving, cultural workshops, epic landscapes and sampling incredible local food and drinks.
The Mackerel Islands are a mecca for fishing, snorkelling and marine wildlife.Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Here, in this extract from the new book Ultimate Island Escapes Australia, published by Hardie Grant Explore, we present a selection of the best Australian idyll adventures.
THE GREAT ESCAPE ISLAND: Orpheus Island/Goolboddi, Qld
Days at Orpheus Island can be as full or as laid-back as you like.
Why go Indulge in all-inclusive island luxury.
Stay Orpheus Island Lodge offers the only accommodation on the island, with 14 suites for guests.
See + do Immersed in the Great Barrier Reef, just off the coast of Townsville, days at Orpheus Island can be as full or as laid-back as you would like, with candlelight dinners over the water, an incredible infinity pool overlooking the Coral Sea, a schedule of complimentary activities to choose from, walking trails to explore, watercraft waiting for you on the beach or day trips to secluded close-by islands and beaches.
Eat+drink Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all taken care of, with exceptional menus and delicious food. Fresh produce is sourced from the island’s own veggie patch.
Don’t miss Grab a cocktail and watch the sunset over the infinity pool before dinner. It just might be one of the most beautiful sunset locations on the east coast of Australia.
Essentials Orpheus Island is accessed from Townsville, via a 30-minute helicopter flight. In September and October the weather starts to heat up, but the days are still sunny and dry. See orpheus.com.au
THE INDIGENOUS CULTURE ISLAND: Tiwi Islands, NT
With a thriving Aboriginal arts culture, fishing lodges, coastal landscapes with breathtaking sunsets, the Tiwi Islands is a destination like no other.Credit: Elise Cook
Why go This is where rugged Top End beauty meets unique ancient culture.
Stay Tiwi Island Retreat is a barefoot beach retreat, with oceanfront rooms and luxury glamping tents with private spas overlooking the ocean.
See+do Affectionately known as the “island of smiles”, the Tiwi Islands are actually an archipelago of 11 islands. The two main islands, Bathurst and Melville, known as Ratuwati Yinjara (Two Islands) to Traditional Owners are the largest and most used. The Tiwi have a different history to mainland First Nations People, and they are welcoming and excited to share their culture and traditions with visitors. Explore art, experience a traditional welcome ceremony, go mud crabbing, visit secluded waterholes, and join cultural walking tours around the main settlement.
Eat+drink Tiwi Island Retreat has a restaurant and bar that serves all your meals, as well as snacks. Menus often revolve around whatever fresh fish is caught that day.
Don’t miss Book an introduction to art and culture at Tiwi by Design.
Essentials Sitting 80 kilometres off the coast of Darwin/Garramilla, the Tiwi Islands are accessible via ferry or charter flight. The dry season, from May until September, is generally the best time to visit. See tiwilandcouncil.com; tiwiislandretreat.com.au
THE FAMILY FUN ISLAND: Moreton Island/Mulgumpin, Qld
Moreton Island is also known for the Tangalooma Wrecks, a cluster of 15 shipwrecks that are great for snorkelling.Credit: Ben Hudson - Visit Brisbane
Why go Just off the coast of Brisbane/Meanjin, this is an adventure lover’s paradise jam packed with activities and experiences to keep you going for days.
Stay Tangalooma Island Resort offers a range of beachfront accommodation overlooking Moreton Bay.
See+do The third-largest sand island in the world, just two per cent of its composition is rock. Gheebulum Kunungai (Moreton Island) National Park covers 95 per cent, and is home to the highest coastal sand dune in the world, Mount Tempest. Moreton Island is also known for the Tangalooma Wrecks, a cluster of 15 shipwrecks that are great for snorkelling. Scenic helicopter flights, ATV tours, desert safaris and so much more await the adventurous, including wildlife encounters.
Eat+drink Tangalooma Island Resort has several all-day eateries. For self-catering campers, there are a couple of general stores with sit-down options and supplies.
Don’t miss Combine a four-wheel drive adventure with a stay at the resort, so you can experience the remote side of the island as well as all the resort’s incredible activities.
Essentials Only 75 minutes from Brisbane, the island is serviced by two ferries, one for resort guests only. This is a year-round destination. See tangalooma.com ; moretonislandadventures.com.au
THE FAR FLUNG ISLAND: Christmas Island, Indian Ocean Territories
Dramatic wild landscapes, tall limestone cliffs and powerful blowholes await those who visit Christmas Island.
Why go Rugged and remote, this is a Jurassic wonderland ready to be explored.
Stay There is a range of accommodation, including boutique hotels, self-contained units and apartments or holiday houses.
See+do Only 400 kilometres from Indonesia and 2600 from Perth, Christmas Island is one of Australia’s most distant islands. The famous red crab migration at the beginning of the wet season is often what draws visitors, but there’s so much more with its dramatic wild landscapes, tall limestone cliffs, and powerful blowholes. Two-thirds of the island is a national park. Its rich multicultural population means there are lots of different cultural experiences to be had and delicious cuisines to try.
Eat+drink When you arrive, pick up a copy of the Taste Guide from the airport visitor’s centre stand for information about the island’s restaurants and cafes.
Don’t miss Rent a car to get out and explore every corner of Christmas Island. Be sure to book a vehicle well in advance.
Essentials Virgin Australia makes the round trip to the Indian Ocean Territories twice a week from Perth. The dry season is May to October, but the red crab migration is at the beginning of the wet season. See christmas.net.au
THE FOODIE ISLAND: Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Hop your way across some of the beautiful beaches that make up the KI coastline, like this one at Stokes Bay.
Why go KI, as it’s known to locals, is where natural beauty meets great food and wine.
Stay There are eight different regions on Kangaroo Island which all offer different accommodation. Kingscote is the main town, where most can be found.
See+do Explore Flinders Chase National Park, and hop your way across some of the beautiful beaches that make up the KI coastline. Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park, home to Australia’s largest wild sea lion colony and Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, where koalas roam freely.
Eat+drink KI has a strong focus on local produce and farm-to-plate dining. Cactus Kangaroo Island in Kingscote and Mille Mae’s Pantry in Penneshaw are both breakfast favourites. Vivonne Bay General Store does a great burger. Head to Kangaroo Island Spirits to taste its award-winning botanical gin or Kangaroo Island Brewery for beers. Dudley Wines, False Cape Wines and The Islander Estate have great cellar doors.
Don’t miss If there’s only one beach you visit on Kangaroo Island make it Vivonne Bay, with the most epic blue water and perfect swimming conditions.
Essentials SeaLink operates a daily vehicle and passenger service between Cape Jervis on the mainland and KI. The best time to visit is summer. See tourkangarooisland.com.au ; sealink.com.au/kangaroo-island
THE NATURE ISLAND: Heron Island, Qld
Heron Island has the clearest, brightest blue water you’ll see.
Why go The best place to see turtles nesting and hatching on the beach also has the clearest, brightest blue water you’ll see.
Stay A self-rated 3.5-star island resort offers several different room types.
See+do A snorkelling and diving hotspot year-round, Heron Island is known for its turtles, rays and reef sharks that you can swim with a few metres from the beach. Often spotted from the jetty, or even the sand, the underwater life here is phenomenal. But one of the biggest drawcards of Heron Island is that it is a significant nesting location for Green Turtles and Loggerhead Turtles on the Great Barrier Reef.
Eat+drink The main eatery is Shearwater Restaurant. Baillie’s Bar has a large lounge and outdoor seating overlooking the water and resort pool. The Heron Island Shop sells drinks, ice-creams and small snacks.
Heron Island is the best place to see turtles nesting.
Don’t miss Plan your visit during February or early March to experience both turtles nesting and baby turtles hatching on the same trip. Guided turtle walks will help you find some action.
Essentials The island is 72 kilometres from Gladstone which is serviced by flights from Brisbane. From there, the Heron Islander Ferry makes a round-trip five days per week. This is a great year-round destination. See heronisland.com
THE OFF-THE-BEATEN-TRACK ISLAND: Mackerel Islands, WA
The type of luxury that only nature can provide… Mackerel Islands, near Onslow, Western Australia.
Why go This barefoot paradise off the Pilbara Coast is the perfect place for a reset.
Stay Of the 10 islands, two welcome guests. Thevenard Island is the main hub with beach houses; Direction Island has a sole beach shack for a secluded stay.
See+do The Mackerels are about 22 kilometres off the coast of Western Australia. This is a mecca for fishing, snorkelling and marine wildlife. Rent an Island Explorer Boat, known as plakas (requires a recreational skippers/boat licence). Fishing gear is also available for rent as are snorkels, bodyboards, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Eat+drink You need to bring all your food and drink, however no BYO alcohol is allowed due to the island having a liquor licence. There is a small grocery store if you forget anything, as well as the bottle shop. At Dinner Under the Stars (Tuesday and Friday) the Mackerels team puts on a delicious buffet. Bookings essential.
Don’t miss Visit during July and August when you can see migrating whales right from your beach shack porch.
Essentials There is an island ferry transfer, or bring your own boat from Onslow, otherwise you can fly in via charter flight from Exmouth. The best time to visit is April-October. See mackerelislands.com.au
THE WILDLIFE ISLAND: Maria Island, Tas
Maria Island has an abundance of wildlife, including one of the healthiest populations of Tasmanian devils.
Why go For extraordinary landscapes just off the east coast of Tassie with an abundance of wildlife, including one of the healthiest populations of Tasmanian devils.
Stay Camping is the most popular option. Otherwise, there is some basic accommodation at Maria Island Penitentiary.
See+do There’s plenty of history to explore – the Traditional Owners are the Palawa People and their culture can be traced back more than 40,000 years. Convicts were settled on the island, and you can explore the heritage-listed Darlington Probation Station. From secluded bays and beaches, to McRaes isthmus and the abundance of wombats, wallabies, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils and Cape Barren geese wandering across the island, it’s also a natural paradise waiting to be explored.
Eat+drink Bring all your own food and drinks (as well as things to cook with). There are no shops or restaurants on the island and there is no fresh drinking water available.
Don’t miss Pitch a tent on the lawns of Maria Island and wake up in the morning to wombats on the grass right outside.
Essentials Triabunna is a 1.5-hour drive from Hobart or two and a half hours from Launceston. It’s where Encounter Maria Island operates a ferry to and from the island several times a day. Maria Island is a national park – buy a Parks Pass before you visit from Parks & Wildlife Tasmania. See encountermaria.com.au; passes.parks.tas.gov.au
THE WORLD HERITAGE ISLAND: Lord Howe Island, NSW
Capella Lodge at Lord Howe Island: the outdoor lover’s dream.Credit: Capella Lodge
Why It’s home to the world’s southernmost coral reef.
Stay For luxury accommodation try Capella Lodge. But there are plenty of options. Book well in advance.
See+do With fewer than 500 permanent residents, and visitors restricted to 400 at a time, it’s always quiet on Lord Howe Island. The only destination in Australia that’s free from snakes, crocodiles, stingers, dangerous sharks and poisonous spiders, it’s an outdoor lover’s dream, and a great place to immerse yourself in nature – or to simply kick back and relax. Join water or land tours, hike, swim, even play golf on the island, thought to be the last to be discovered in the world.
Eat+drink There is an array of dining, cafe and drinking options on Lord Howe, including a brewery and a bowlo.
Don’t miss Head to Signal Point, only a short walk from the main beach, for views over Lagoon Beach and the famed twin peaks of Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird.
Essentials QantasLink flies daily from Sydney to Lord Howe Island Airport. Visit September to May. See lordhoweisland.info
THE DARK SKY ISLAND: Norfolk Island, Independent Territories
Norfolk Island may be little, but it brings big energy with some of the best beaches in the South Pacific.
Why go Culture, nature and starry night skies abound on Australia’s own South Pacific island.
Stay There is a wide variety of accommodation on Norfolk Island across hotels, cabins, holiday houses, apartments and homesteads.
See+do About 1600 kilometres east from Sydney, Norfolk Island may be little, but it brings big energy with some of the best beaches in the South Pacific, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, national park walking trails, and the tallest fern trees on the planet. Descendants of legendary 18th-century British Navy mutineers (the Bounty) and Polynesian families live here, meaning Norfolk has a culture, history and identity all of its own. Keep busy hiking, swimming, eating and of course viewing the incredible night sky. Norfolk is a Gold Level Dark Sky Town; there are hardly any lights.
Eat+drink Pick up an eating-out guide from the visitor’s centre for information on opening hours and what’s available.
Don’t miss Grab an afternoon drink at the Norfolk Island Brewery and make friends with the locals, before dinner.
Essentials Norfolk Island is a two-hour flight from Brisbane/Meanjin or two and a half from Sydney, with Qantas flying between both several times a week. With a lovely subtropical climate, Norfolk Island is a great destination to visit year-round. See norfolkisland.com.au
Five Australian islands within easy reach
Cockatoo Island/Wareamah, Sydney, NSW
Sitting in the middle of Sydney Harbour, Cockatoo Island/Wareamah is home to historic landmarks, award- winning accommodation and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Convict Site. It offers a completely different insight into Sydney, and is one few people take the opportunity to explore. Guided tours and some accommodation, including camping, are available. See cockatooisland.gov.au
Phillip Island/Millowl, Vic
Less than a two-hour drive from the city of Melbourne/Naarm, Phillip Island is a local favourite, with families flocking to its beaches in summer, adventure parks, heritage farms, epic mazes and activities to keep the whole family entertained for days on end. Most famous of all its attractions is the Penguin Parade, where you can watch little penguins return home from the sea each night. See visitphillipisland.com.au
Bruny Island/Lunawanna-alonnah, Tas
Bruny Island/Lunawanna-alonnah is close enough to Hobart/Nipaluna for a daytrip, but far enough away to spend a whole weekend or more. Made up of a north and south island, held together by the iconic and narrow isthmus called The Neck, it’s a place for foodies, hikers, nature lovers and those wanting to immerse themselves in a piece of Tassie’s great outdoors. See brunyisland.com
Rottnest Island/Wadjemup, WA
Only 19 kilometres off the coast of Fremantle in Western Australia is the tiny island paradise of Rottnest Island/Wadjemup, affectionately known as “Rotto”. An island of bicycles and beaches and home to the happiest animal on Earth, the quokka. Here, everything you need is a short walk away – great food and drinks, 63 stunning beaches and 20 bays to swim in, and plenty of history. See rottnestisland.com
Fitzroy Island/Koba, Tropical North Qld
Just a 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns Marina, Fitzroy Island offers a laid-back island vibe, with sea turtles and giant schools of fish swimming around the jetty, resort rooms overlooking the ocean and open-air dining surrounded by palm trees. The scenery is simply spectacular, with the rolling hills of the tablelands on the horizon. It’s the perfect spot for a quick island day trip or a weekend getaway to soak up the sun. See fitzroyisland.com
This is an edited extract from Ultimate Island Escapes: Australia by Emma Shaw, published by Hardie Grant Explore, $45. See hardiegrant.com/au/explore
Extract edited by Julietta Jameson.