Six under-the-radar Australian islands
With more than 8000 islands within its maritime borders, unexplored coves, quiet coastal walks and pristine beaches abound off Australia’s coast. You just need to know where to look.
Leave Europe to the summer hordes and plan your winter escape a little closer to home.
Australia’s vast coast is speckled with islands that are waiting to be explored. From tiny atolls and secret beaches to patches of paradise where visitor numbers are capped all year round, slowing down and switching off in the lap of luxury is all the more achievable in these stunning locations.
Whether you’re plotting to spend winter in tropical Queensland or want to experience private luxury in a remote seaside hideaway, these are our picks of Australia’s most under-the-radar island escapes.
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Queensland
BEDARRA ISLAND
Nothing compares to the allure of this heavenly island on the Great Barrier Reef. Away from the tourist masses without skimping on five-star luxury, visiting the paradisical outpost off the coast of Mission Beach involves truly succumbing to the beauty of Bedarra. Swim in the sparkling warm waters of Tropical North Queensland, explore the local reef with a kayak or stand-up paddle board and island hop with a charter boat. Want a kid-free experience? Stay at Bedarra Island Resort, an adults-only oasis with 12 private villas, featuring infinity plunge pools, sundecks, daybeds and beach access.
Stay: Bedarra Resort
Getting there: 45-minute helicopter ride from Cairns
ORPHEUS ISLAND
With only one resort on the island, peace and quiet is all you’ll find here. With no more than 28 guests allowed at one time at Orpheus Island Lodge, a bright and breezy property with 14 rooms, suites and villas, secluded luxury sets this lesser-known spot apart from its busier neighbours. Most of the small island, located 80km off the coast of Townsville, is covered in unspoilt national parkland. Rainforests and woodlands spill out onto the white sandy beaches. Days will be spent on walking tracks, snorkelling, kayaking or relaxing at the spa. Keep an eye out for black-tip reef sharks (they’re harmless), snubfin dolphins and manta rays. Back at the lodge, experiences the island’s signature dining experience Dining with the Tides for a six course degustation with wine pairings.
Stay: Orpheus Island Lodge
Getting there: 30 minute helicopter ride from Townsville
LIZARD ISLAND
Touch down in the lap of luxury on this mountainous island in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Just a one-hour flight from Cairns, Lizard Island has 24 beaches, fantastic diving and snorkelling on the surrounding reefs and accommodation options ranging from Lizard Island Resort to the ultra-private The House. With space to sleep six and all the amenities of a luxury resort (it is serviced by Lizard Island Resort), this may well be Australia’s ultimate beach house. Enjoy lavish interiors, coastal vistas, an infinity pool and access to three private beaches. Hike to the top of the 359m mountain where Captain Cook stood in 1770 or head out on a fishing charter. Being a national park, there are also camping grounds for those wanting to be even closer to nature.
Stay: The House or Lizard Island Resort
Getting there: One-hour flight from Cairns
FITZROY ISLAND
Fitzroy Island is the perfect hideaway for those looking to escape the crowds. Home to sweeping rainforests, seascapes and a national park, the island is just a 45-minute boat ride from Cairns and is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the remnants of the island’s WWII history along wartime walking trails that lead to the famous lookout. Go diving and snorkelling in the reef surrounding the island or take a glass bottom boat tour. On the south west shores of the island you’ll also find Nudey Beach, a pristine white-sand and coral beach voted the World’s Best in a recent poll. Sip on cocktails at the oceanside Foxy’s Bar & Cafe located in the Fitzroy Island Resort, where accommodation ranges from the penthouse suite to cosy beachfront cabins.
Stay: Fitzroy Island Resort
Getting there: 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns
Tasmania
SATELLITE ISLAND
It doesn’t get any more low-key than this. Located along the southeastern coast of Tasmania, Satellite Island is a rugged islet in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, 10km by sea from Bruny Island. You can reach the island by a private boat where you’ll find a rugged landscape of jagged cliffs and native brush. You won’t want to leave The Boathouse, a stunning two-bedroom abode on the jetty down the hill from the main three-bedroom Summer House. Inside is light, airy and brimming with charm. An innkeeper is on hand to help with anything guests may need and a private chef can be arranged to come to the island and cook for the duration of the stay. As for activities, forage for your own ingredients, learn how to shuck freshly harvested oysters, dive for abalone or fish off the island’s single jetty. This is the ultimate, rustic seaside escape.
Stay: The Boathouse
Getting there: Five minute boat ride from Bruny Island or a 20-minute helicopter from Hobart.
New South Wales
LORD HOWE ISLAND
With only 400 visitors allowed to visit Lord Howe Island at one time, being swamped by fellow travellers is replaced with blending in with the locals and doing as the locals do. The island, just a one-and-a-half hour plane ride northeast of Sydney’s coast, is achingly beautiful with breathtaking mountains, tropical lagoons and the looming Balls Pyramid rising from the ocean. Wake at dawn to catch the sunrise from Malabar Peak over Ned’s Beach, climb Mt Gower and swim with Galapagos Whale Sharks. Stop by The Crooked Post, a small bar specialising in tropical-inspired cocktails or Anchorage Restaurant for a heartier meal during the day. There’s only six cars on the island so the best way to get around is by push bike. Accommodation at Pinetrees Lodge includes suites or cottages that are perfect families. For larger groups, Island House is an upscale offering with two houses for a maximum of eight guests. Inside is decorated with vintage furniture from Danish designers Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen and features opulent copper bathtubs overlooking the surrounding forest with old Banyan trees.
Stay: Island House
Getting there: 1.5 flight from Sydney