9 of the best Australian islands to escape to
While we may be a stone’s throw from Pacific paradises, many of us take for granted the number of idyllic spots in our own backyard.
Blessed with locations like the Great Barrier Reef and some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, Australia is host to a wealth of pristine islands that rival the Maldives — each unique in its own way, appealing to every type of vacationer from the adventurers ready to tackle great heights, to the mellow travellers who simply wish to sunbathe by the sea.
Below, we roundup the best, most picturesque island oases that offer vacations you won’t soon be forgetting.
Lord Howe Island
A modestly-sized island located in the Tasman Sea, east of Port Macquarie, Lord Howe Island is home to one of the country’s most pristine coral reefs, abundant wildlife, and just under 400 local residents. Quiet and yet full of adventures to be had, it’s hard to believe that such a paradise is just a two-hour flight from the Big Smoke of the Sydney CBD.
Spend your days snorkelling or diving, taking in all that the marine park has to offer, or even venture on one of the many hikes available, from the more advanced Mount Gower trek, to the gentle walk along the Valley of the Shadows.
Fishing is also a main attraction as commercial fishing is banned, meaning there’s no detriment to spending an afternoon snapping up some garfish or yellowfin tuna yourself. Cook up the day’s catch in a self-service apartment, complete with a kitchen, or head out on the town to one of the island’s varied dining spots.
Kangaroo Island
Situated just off the mainland of South Australia, south west of Adelaide, Kangaroo Island epitomises the beauty of the Australian landscape. Between the sea lions basking in the sun along the water’s edge to the quiet groups of kangaroos that line the horizon, observing you as their guest, there’s no better spot to get your wildlife fix.
At 155 kilometres long and up to 55 kilometres wide, there’s plenty to soak up within Australia’s third largest island. It’s a place you can go to slow down or find adventure, depending on what you’re looking for. The only guarantee is a complete recharge.
Kangaroo Island is also a cultural hub. As it’s just a skip away from South Australia, you’ll find world class food and wine in abundance. With the freshest seafood, eggs, honey, olives and wine on offer, lovers of artisanal local foods will be in utter bliss.
And while there’s plenty of rich history and art to soak up, don’t be fooled into thinking that the destination is adults-only. Families can enjoy a host of exhilarating activities like sand-boarding, quad biking, kayaking, paint ball, horseback riding, ferry tours and plenty more.
Rottnest Island
Home to the quokka, a critter which is arguably one of the cutest and happiest little animals on the planet, Rottnest Island is the perfect place to unwind. Located 19 kilometres off the coast of Perth, the island is just a 25-minute ferry ride from Fremantle.
With over 63 beaches across the island boasting calm, clear waters, the hours on the water swimming, snorkelling, diving and fishing will fly by. Join a whale watching cruise to take in the scope of marine life or, if you fancy yourself as more of an adrenaline junkie, get your blood pumping with a skydiving session.
There are also plenty of dining options available, with everything from casual cafes to up-market fine dining restaurants to be experienced — all with sweeping ocean views, of course.
You can stay in one of the island’s many resorts and self-service apartments, or even take the camping route. As far as getting around goes, the island is a car-free zone, and cycling is the main form of transport.
Magnetic Island
Traditionally known as Yunbenun, Magnetic Island sits just 8 kilometres off the coast of Townsville, Queensland. Known for its palm-fringed beaches and mountainous topography, it’s also home to Australia’s largest colony of koalas.
Channel your inner adventurer with jet ski rides, picturesque hikes and kayak tours, or even a dive to the Yongala shipwreck. If you’re after a relaxing stay, simply laze about on one of the island’s many pristine beaches.
Hayman Island
The most northerly of the 74 islands making up the Whitsundays, Hayman Island is the ultimate luxury getaway in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Featuring spectacular panoramas of white sand and turquoise waters, it boasts views that are difficult to wrap your head around.
Arrive by seaplane or yacht and succumb to the island’s restorative peace from the moment you step down. From the warm, still waters and tropical air to the sunrise yoga sessions and meditation classes, every element of this destination coaxes you to relax and unwind.
Spend the day lavishing in the many spa treatments available, or by the water with a good book. Hayman Island also boasts a number of secret coves and remote beaches that are too easy to sneak off to.
For meals, indulge in one of the island’s many exquisite culinary offerings, and if it’s a special occasion, why not try a cooking masterclass, private cabana dining or dine out under the stars. With all the offerings of city life, without the hustle and bustle, it’s no wonder notable guests have included Rod Stewart, Jane Fonda, Bill Gates and Nicole Kidman.
Fraser Island
Covering over 184,000 hectares, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world, home to a unique ecosystem that is a wonder to explore. A world heritage site, it consists of stretches of white sand beaches flanked by towering sand cliffs, over 100 freshwater lakes, and stunning rainforests and creeks to boot.
Home to a diverse array of native fauna, it offers the rare opportunity to spot dingoes overlooking the ocean from a distance. Dolphins, dugongs and turtles frequent the island’s waters, and from July to November, humpback whales can be sighted embarking on their migration.
With so much to see, we recommend tapping a local guide to show you the can’t-miss spots like Lake Mackenzie and Indian Head in order to soak up everything you can. But if you’re interests lean more towards adventuring, see the island via a 4WD tour. Snorkelling and swimming are non-negotiables, and of course, the famous 75 Mile Beach offers some of the best fishing in the world.
Food is wonderfully varied, ideal when holidaying with groups or families. Whether you love your pub grub or are more fine dining-inclined, just like the rest of the island, there is truly something for everyone.
Stradbroke Island
Traditionally known as Minjerribah, and affectionately referred to by locals as Straddie, Stradbroke Island is a subtropical island located 30 kilometres southeast of Brisbane. As the world’s second largest sand island, it’s just slightly smaller than Fraser Island.
Unpretentious and uncrowded, it’s an ideal spot for the family. During the day, venture out on a bush or coastal walk, complete with expansive views of the stunning landscape that blends sun, sand, water and lush greenery all in one.
Surfers can enjoy some waves at Point Lookout, while swimmers can bask in the clear waters of the Main Beach, a place easy to sink the hours away.
In the evening, you’re going to want to catch the sunset with a cool beer in hand at one of the local haunts. With its laid back island vibe, think of Straddie as a remote iteration of Byron Bay.
Bruny Island
Located off the coast of Tasmania, Bruny Island is a photographer’s dreamscape and a food lover’s paradise. With sparse beaches sheltered by rugged cliffs, it’s a great spot for those who don’t mind a bit of chill, just a 20-minute ferry from the mainland.
A highlight is the South Bruny National Park, a place where you’ll find the island’s diverse wildlife and flora. Next up you can take a walking tour up to the Cape Bruny Lighthouse. First lit in 1838, it’s Australia’s second oldest and longest continually staffed lighthouse. When it gets colder in the evening, there’s no better place to be than one of the many dining spots, enjoying a tasting of local wines.
And of course, being in such proximity to one of the biggest food hubs in the country, there is plenty of exquisite local produce on offer. From its famous fresh oysters to its artisanal cheeses and chocolates, there are plenty of creature comforts to indulge in on the island.
Norfolk Island
Located in the South Pacific ocean, Norfolk Island may be small, but it’s rich in scenery. With impossibly clear waters surrounded by coral reefs just a short snorkel from the sand, it’s a highly underrated beach escape. Surfers can delight in untouched waves and you can prepare for the catch of a lifetime.
With lush forests that make Norfolk Island truly unique, the destination is home to some of the tallest fern trees on the planet and, coupled with ocean views, there isn’t a patch of grass that couldn’t rival your city’s best picnic spots.
The local golf club also boasts one of the most spectacular views in the country, and wildlife lovers will be kept on their toes with a number of rare species found only on the island.
You’ll be spoiled for choice with your meals, too. From fine dining to the more informal post-swim fish and chip shops, there’s plenty to snack on. As far as getting there goes, Air New Zealand runs a handful of flights from Sydney and Brisbane that take approximately two-and-a-half hours.
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