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When you think of Australia, your mind might be conjuring up images of white-sand beaches, expansive Great Barrier Reef, and Aussie’s riding the best surf in the world. Australia is a huge country, but for sun-worshippers and nature lovers, Australia’s coast is the place to be.
If you’re dreaming of a sun-filled getaway, then you might want to consider one of Australia’s islands.
Australia actually has 8,222 islands, and it’s not possible to see them all (well, you can try!), so if you’re not sure what are some of the best islands in Australia that you should consider for your next getaway, then you’re in the right place.
We have visited our fair share of the islands around Australia, and have picked our favorites based on our personal experience, so you can decide which one is right for you. We’ve picked ones that cater to every type of travel experience, and for every budget, so there should be an island for everyone on this list.
The Best Islands In Australia To Visit
So without further ado, here are my top island escapes in Australia that make a great getaway destination or even just a day trip!
1. Rottnest Island, WA
Rottnest Island, or “Rotto” as the locals call it, is just spectacular. I would rank it as one of our top 3 favourite islands in Australia.
Located 18 kilometres off the coast of Perth, it has over 60 picturesque beaches and bays. It’s one of the top spots for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, swimming and fishing – a true island paradise.
The best way to explore is by hiring a bicycle (there are no cars on the island) and go exploring. Don’t forget your snorkelling gear, as you’ll want to stop off at some of the beaches to see the thriving marine life that shares the waters here.
Because Rottnest Island is so small, it can be seen as a day trip, but we recommend you stay over a weekend to really relax and unwind.
You’ll be sure to meet lots of the true locals getting around, the QUOKKA. The Quokka is a small macropod (rat-like animal) about the size of a domestic cat. They are so cute and friendly.
2. Fraser Island, Queensland
As the world’s largest sand island, stretching 123 km long and 23 km wide, Fraser Island is a mecca for 4WD enthusiasts.
Driving along the 75 Mile Beach, which is also the island’s only highway, in a four-wheel drive jeep is a thrill like no other. It extends for the entire eastern side of the island and offers coastal views. You may see some humpback whales breaching from the shore, and watch out for the island’s native dingos.
Fraser Island also offers so much more than 75 Mile beach. You can drive along the sand tracks through towering rainforest, swim in one of the many freshwater lakes like Lake Mackenzie, or take a dip at Champagne Pools or float down Eli Creek.
Visit the famous shipwreck, spot whales migrating, and wake up to sunrise at Eurong Beach – the list of things to do on Fraser Island is endless. Here’s some insights on how you can visit Fraser Island on a day trip. We also recommend staying at Kingfisher Bay Resort.
3. Phillip Island, Victoria
We thought Phillip Island was all about the penguins and the Grand Prix Motor Cycle Race, but after spending a relaxing eight days on the island, we can assure you it offers much more!
The main town of Cowes Beach is a good place to base yourself and has a decent cafe and restaurant scene. The beach here is family friendly with gentle waves and clean sands. If you prefer scenic beaches, don’t miss Smiths Beach.
When you take in the Penguin Parade Experience, get there early and explore The Nobbies, which has spectacular views over Bass Straight – it will be windy though!
Phillip Island is one of the best getaways from Melbourne for those who want to escape the honking and chaos of the city for a few days. It’s only a 90-minute drive from Melbourne.
Other things to do on Phillip Island that’s worth exploring are The Koala Conservation Centre, Chocolate Factory, A Maze N Things Theme Park, and the Grand Prix circuit.
4. Daydream Island, Queensland
Looking for a family-friendly island getaway in the Whitsundays? Then Daydream Island has got you covered!
The small island is exactly what it says on the tin – a dream! The island is one big family-friendly resort, and has kayaks, SUPs, and other watersport equipment you can rent.
There’s plenty of water activities for all members of the family, including snorkeling, wind surfing and more.
Alternatively, you can laze around one of the pools with a cocktail in hand or watch the sunset with a sundowner.
It’s also easily accessed from Airlie Beach by ferry, making it a really accessible weekend destination from the mainland of Australia.
5. Moreton Island, Queensland
Moreton Island was one of our biggest surprises from travelling around Australia, and after spending a fun filled three days exploring the island, I’m happy to say that it’s well worthy of this list.
It’s like a mini Fraser Island, but with easier to access from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
You’ve got the four-wheel driving action, camping, fishing, sand boarding, freshwater lakes, a lighthouse, and even a shipwreck!
One of the unique experiences you can do here is feed the dolphins at Tangalooma or go snorkelling or kayaking around the Tangalooma Wrecks.
6. Bruny Island, Tasmania
We only spent a few hours on Bruny Island, but it left a lasting impression and was a highlight of our month long trip around Tasmania.
Bruny is an easy day trip from Hobart, from where you can jump on a tour. Alternatively, you can self-drive (like we did) and catch the vehicle ferry over from Kettering.
Bruny is home to rugged coastline, rock formations and sea caves. It also has a colony of fur seals, fairy penguins, an abundance of bird life. If you time your trip right the opportunity to see migrating whales.
The best way to see Bruny Island is on a 3-hour cruise with Rob Pennicott Wilderness Journeys – he’s a legend down there!
7. Great Keppel Island, Queensland
Queensland does island getaways better than most, but there aren’t too many islands in the Great Barrier Reef where you can escape the crowds.
If you’re thinking of a more romantic island getaway, then you can get your own beach bungalow for a reasonable price on the Great Keppel Island!
Just a short 30-minute ferry ride from Yeppoon gets you to Keppel and the Southern End of the Great Barrier Reef.
Here you’ll find pristine and healthy coral teeming with brightly coloured fish and marine life like star fish and turtles.
Great Keppel has charm – no cars or high-rise buildings, just beach bungalows that look like they belong on a chilled island beach. Perfect for an island getaway that won’t break the bank.
8. Magnetic Island, Queensland
Slip into a hammock between palm trees and you’re experiencing a little “Maggie Time” off the coast of Townsville in North Queensland.
Magnetic Island is that chilled out island that’s good for a day trip or an extended getaway when you just need to switch off from life and breathe a sight of release. We actually spent a week in Maggie time, because the soothing atmosphere was too hard to say Googbye to!
You can lay on a beach, take a dip in one of the picturesque bays, go on a hike and see koalas in the wild, take in a snorkeling or fishing trip around the island, feed the rock wallabies, zip around the island in a mini moke.
Whatever you plan to do, make sure to finish off with sunset drinks at Horseshoe Bay. It’s the perfect sunset spot to end a day at.
9. Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Islands, Queensland
I mentioned The Whitsundays earlier, it’s where Daydream Island is located, but did you know it’s actually made up of a group of 74 islands surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef?
If you’re looking for an island to base yourself at to explore more of these other island, then Hamilton Island is the go-to choice.
It’s a bit more developed than Daydream Island, which is essentially just one resort, and so it has more options available to you for tours and boat trips.
The island still has a relaxing atmosphere though, with a car-free ethos and much of its rugged bushland untouched. As well as being a base for island hopping, it’s also home to native animals such as koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and kookaburras.
But of course, the reason you go to Hamilton Island is to get out on the water. Imagine sipping champagne on your sailing boat, eating the freshest seafood imaginable, dropping anchor in picturesque bays and diving over board to swim in the warm tranquil waters and digging my toes into the white powdery sand on some of the most amazing beaches in Australia…
You can do all that and more. Just make sure you don’t miss our favourite beach in Australia, the world famous Whitehaven Beach!
10. Hayman Island, Queensland
Looking for a luxurious island getaway in The Whitsundays? Hayman Island will blow your mind!
Only 8 of the 74 islands are inhabited, with the northernmost of those being Hayman. This seclusion makes it perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and dip into luxury.
It’s also where you’ll find Australia’s premier luxury nature resort the Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort.
The moment you set foot on Hayman after being picked up via private boat or helicopter, you know you’ve landed in paradise.
If it’s tranquillity and natural beauty, and a little piece of Aussie paradise you’re after, look no further than Hayman!
11. Cockatoo Island, Sydney
Cockatoo Island is a short day trip from Sydney and is known for being the place used to house convicts in the colonial era. The island is being somewhat reclaimed as it’s covered with red gums and frequented by the sulphur-crested cockatoos, which gave the island its name.
It’s now a World Heritage Site that is home to historic buildings, an old navy shipbuilding yard, and a campground right on the edge of the harbour.
Imagine waking up to magnificent views of one of the world’s best harbours, from your tent site, at budget prices?
Even if just for a day trip, jump on the short ferry ride from Circular Quay and take in the amazing Sydney skyline along the way.
12. Tasmania
Ok, I know Tasmania is a state, and it’s far from being a tropical island getaway. However, I love Tasmania as an island destination and it’s small enough to explore in a relatively short period of time, so I’m adding it to this list.
Before visiting Tassie, I knew it had the history, but I didn’t know the food and wine scene was so incredible.
It has some of the best, freshest produce we’ve had anywhere – and well, the scenery, the beaches, the wildlife, and the hiking is something else too!
Do yourself a favour and incorporate a Tassie island getaway into the mix.
Read more: Places to Visit in Tasmania
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia is a lessor-known island renowned for its stunning landscapes from beaches to sand dunes and forests to rolling farmlands.
Not only that, it’s often called Australia’s Galapagos Island because of its wild array of Australian animals – dolphins, kangaroos, koalas, seals and more. The food and wine is also incredible here. Use our 4 day Kangaroo Island road trip guide to help you plan.
More Australia Travel Tips
Need more inspiration for a trip to Australia? Here are some other helpful guides…
- 9 ways to experience the magic of Uluru
- 25 Outstanding National Parks in Australia
- 14 Best Road Trips in Australia
- 50 Stunning and Adventures Things to do in Queensland
- 50 Amazing Things to do in Western Australia
- 20 Places to Put on your Australian Bucket List
- 45 Things to know before visiting Australia
- How to visit the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
- How to Explore Kakadu National Park in the NT
- Road Trip from Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation
- 28 Sensational Things to do in Broome, WA
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Can you suggest any islands in Australia for a getaway? Please share in the comments below!