Top Beautiful Islands in Australia for a Blissful Getaway
Australia is home to over 8,000 beautiful islands along its vast coastline. From tropical northern islands to wild southern islands, the variety of landscapes and experiences on offer make island hopping in Australia extremely rewarding.
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Introduction
Australia’s islands offer a sense of escape and relaxation unlike any other. Whether you want pristine white sand beaches, sheltered bays for swimming and snorkeling, unspoiled wilderness, or a place to unwind in seclusion – Australia’s amazing islands have it all. Planning an island getaway is the ideal way to soak in nature’s splendor and relax your mind.
In this blog post, we will look at some of the most beautiful and blissful islands across Australia from north to south. For each island mentioned, we will discuss key details like landscape, attractions, activities, accommodation options, and how to get there. We aim to provide an informative guide for you to select your perfect Australian island escape based on your preferences. Let’s explore the natural beauty and calm that awaits you on some of Australia’s most idyllic islands.
Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef
Located within the spectacular Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area off the far north Queensland coast, Lizard Island is considered one of the jewels of the reef. Sprawling over an area of 27 sq km, this continental island is surrounded by the clearest turquoise waters teeming with marine life.
Landscape and Activities
Lizard Island boasts breathtakingly beautiful white sandy beaches fringed with coconut palms and rugged granite headlands. Popular activities include scenic snorkeling straight off the beaches, diving the vibrant coral reefs, or taking a guided tour to spot turtles, dolphins, and even rare Dugongs. There are also excellent opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and relaxing in seclusion.
Accommodation
Accommodation options range from comfortable resort-style rooms at the Lizard Island Resort to fully self-contained cottages. For a truly indulgent experience, stay in one of the exclusive private beach villas.
Getting There
Fly into Cooktown and take a 25-minute scenic flight with Lizard Island Airport Transfers. Charter boats are also available from Cairns. Lizard Island is approximately 25km north of Cooktown in far northern Queensland.
Lord Howe Island
Nestled amidst one of the most pristine subtropical marine environments in the world, Lord Howe Island is a treasure trove of natural beauty. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site both for its cultural and natural significance, this tiny crescent-shaped island covers just 14.55 sq km.
Landscape and Activities
Lord Howe has picture-perfect white-sand beaches lined with Norfolk pines and lush subtropical rainforests ascending its mountains. Activities include swimming, snorkeling the colorful fringing coral reefs, hiking the trails with 360-degree ocean views, kayaking, and cycling around the island. You can also spot native woodhens and other rare endemic birds.
Accommodation
Accommodation is limited due to the island’s small size but includes boutique beachfront resorts, self-contained apartments, and B&B-style guesthouses. Booking well in advance is recommended especially during summer and spring months.
Getting There
Lord Howe can only be reached by flying from Sydney to Lord Howe Island Airport, which takes around 2.5 hours. Flights operate daily weather permitting. The secluded feeling on this tiny island truly allows you to immerse in nature.
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Famously known as Australia’s “Nature’s Playground”, Kangaroo Island is the country’s third-largest island located just off the coast of South Australia. Comprising of dramatic coastlines, untouched wilderness, and rare endemic species, this island offers a one of its kind getaway experience.
Landscape and Activities
With over 150 natural attractions, you can explore rugged limestone cliffs, sheer sea cliffs, sandy hook beaches, and striking rock formations. Popular activities include swimming with sea lions, spotting kangaroos and koalas in the bush, hiking trails, cycling, and wildlife viewing cruises. Don’t miss Remarkable Rocks for their unique rock formations.
Accommodation
Kangaroo Island offers a range of accommodations from luxury eco-lodges integrated with nature to beachside resorts, cottages, farm stays, hotels, and camping facilities. Some unique options are glamping tents, eco-luxe treehouses, and wilderness retreats.
Getting There
The two main options to reach Kangaroo Island are:
- By air – Regular flights connect Kangaroo Island Airport to Adelaide and other regional cities in South Australia.
- By ferry – Seafisher (1hr 40mins) and Kangaroo Island SeaLink (2hrs) passenger ferries operate daily between Cape Jervis on the mainland and Penneshaw on the island.
Fraser Island, Queensland
World’s largest sand island and a true natural wonder, Fraser Island sits between the calm waters of Hervey Bay and vibrant Rainbow Beach in southeast Queensland. Spread over an astonishing 123,000 hectares, Fraser Island offers extraordinary scope for exploration and adventure in its rugged landscape.
Landscape and Attractions
Explore 75 miles of spectacular beaches, discover mangrove-lined creeks and freshwater rainforest oases, climb colorful dunes up to 400 feet high, observe dingoes in their natural habitat, and glimpse prehistoric rainforests from the treetop canopy walk. Don’t miss the multi-colored lakes and rare perched dune lakes during your Fraser Island experience.
Accommodation
Choose from a variety of accommodations across the island including campgrounds, lodges, resorts, and wilderness retreats. For an authentic bush camping adventure, you can also opt for 4WD accessible inland camping sites. Book well ahead, especially during the peak summer season.
Getting There
Fraser Island is accessible only by 4WD or tour buses. Ferries connect River Heads and Wanggoolba Creek on the mainland with Kingfisher Bay Resort and Eurong respectively on the island. Private vehicles can be taken across by barge service while tours leave from Hervey Bay.
Whitsunday Islands, Queensland
Considered one of Australia’s most beautiful island chains, the Whitsunday Islands comprising over 74 islands and islets stand out for their breathtaking white sandy beaches and striking azure waters. Popular for sailing adventure, this archipelago is a top sailing destination in the world.
Landscape and Attractions
The islands showcase rainforests teeming with birds, secluded beaches, and dramatic coves. Activities include sailing, snorkeling the dazzling Great Barrier Reef, scuba diving wrecks, lazing on uninhabited islands, and spotting whales during winter months. Hill Inlet on Long Island stands out for its natural beauty.
Accommodation
Stay on the resort islands of Daydream and South Molle offering a range of accommodations from luxury beach villas and apartments to camping. Day trips and cruises are other accommodation options.
Getting There
The Whitsundays lie off the coast between Proserpine and Airlie Beach in Central Queensland. Access is primarily via Airlie Beach which has ferry connections to the islands, Hamilton Island Airport, and tours.
Philip Island, Victoria
Just a 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne lies the charming island destination of Philip Island. Known for its unique nightly penguin parade and scenic drives, Philip Island is a family-favorite Australian island escape close to a major city.
Landscape and Activities
Spend your days wandering picturesque beaches, exploring Cape Woolamai’s coastal walks with cliffs and surf, spotting kangaroos at the Wildlife Park, or taking a scenic flying fox ride. But nothing beats the heartwarming penguin parade showcasing little penguins waddling back from sea at sunset.
Accommodation
Stay in family-run guesthouses, motels, a lodge, luxury eco-resort, and beach houses for short or long getaways. Camping is also an option.
Getting There
Drive south from Melbourne along the scenic Bass Coastal Road. Philip Island can also be accessed via the 90-minute train ride from Southern Cross Station to Cowes arriving station. Then take a short taxi/bus ride to your accommodation.
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Hinchinbrook Island, Queensland
Located within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, Hinchinbrook Island is Queensland’s largest island national park and a pristine wilderness jewel. Its rugged mountains rising from the Coral Sea create a dramatic natural landscape to discover.
Landscape and Activities
Explore Hinchinbrook’s lush coastal rainforests, waterfalls, wild orchid thickets, and 20 unspoiled beaches. Spot birdlife, dolphins, and turtles while scenic walking trails reward you with panoramic ocean vistas. Swim in secluded bays or kayak mangrove flats to spot bull sharks and saltwater crocodiles.
Accommodation
Only low-impact camping is permitted in designated zones at Zoe Bay, Georges Creek, and other beach areas on Hinchinbrook Island. Camping permits must be obtained in advance from the Hinchinbrook Island National Park Visitor Centre located on the mainland. Luxury chartered boat camping experiences are also available from Cairns.
Hinchinbrook Island is a true wilderness island getaway for people looking to immerse themselves in unspoiled nature. Leave-no-trace practices must be followed to maintain its pristine state.
Getting There
To access Hinchinbrook Island, arrange a water taxi transfer from Cardwell or take a guided tour. Day trips land at designated beaches while overnight tours dock at Ramsay Bay. Due to its national park status and remote location, proper planning well in advance is essential for your Hinchinbrook Island experience.
