5 Best Islands in Australia you MUST visit!

Looking to relax and unwind in Australia? We share the best islands in Australia, perfect for those planning a relaxing trip in Australia.

Did you know that Australia has more than 8000 islands surroundings its shores?

There best islands in Australia are of all sizes, some are inhabited, and some are wild wonderlands just waiting to be explored.

Many of these amazing islands are within a stone’s throw of the shoreline, while others may require a plane or boat ride to reach them – either way, this country is surrounded by some of the most amazing islands that are just waiting for your visit. Take a trip over to the island of Tasmania, see the wildlife on Kangaroo island or visit the protected sand island of Moreton Island; all famous landmarks in Australia.

But, with so many islands off Australia’s shores, how do you choose which one to visit? Well, today, we’re going to tell you about 3 of our favourite islands that you can visit today.

Best Islands in Australia

1. Heron Island, Queensland

Named after the herons that call the island home (amongst many other amazing birds), this best islands in Australia is well known for the variety of animals that have and do still call the island home – particularly the birds. It is a must on your Australia bucket list.

The island is located around 70km northeast of Gladstone, which is about a third of the way up the Queensland coast. The island itself is actually a coral cay that began to form about 6000 years ago and is at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef region.

Visitors to the island have a peaceful experience as there is only one resort, meaning limited guests are present at any one time – giving you plenty of opportunities to explore and discover this stunning destination.

A former turtle cannery, the island is now one of the most revered snorkelling and scuba diving sites in Australia. There are over 20 different dive sites available, with the majority of them only being around 15 minutes from the island’s beach.  

This island is a total nature lover’s paradise, and the island’s only resort is completely eco-friendly. And the moment you set foot on the island, you’ll be surrounded by some of the gorgeous native Australian marine life that live in the waters, like reef sharks and sea turtles.

In fact, if you visit after October, you’re likely to see plenty of turtles as this is right when the turtle season begins. Many sea turtles call the waters and the island itself home due to the safe natural habitat of the island.

The natural beauty of the island is truly rewarding to the viewer and once you visit it will become abundantly clear why the island is a World Heritage-listed Marine National Park.

If you’re an animal lover and/or a nature lover, this island cannot be missed.

2. Bedarra Island, Queensland

If you head further north from Heron Island, you’ll eventually reach Bedarra Island, our next best islands in Australia. To get here, you need to take either a boat or helicopter transfer from the Dunk Island area, which is about 140km south of Cairns.

This island is the perfect option for those who like the finer things and live in a luxury. The island is extremely private and offers its visitors a welcomed reprieve from the stresses of ordinary day-to-day life.

Specialising in romance, Bedarra is great for honeymoons, special occasions and just when you want some alone time with your loved one. On the island, you can basically do anything you want, whenever you want.

Some of the favourite activities of visitors include jet-skiing, parasailing and of course maximum pampering. The island is one of the most picturesque tropical destinations you will ever set eyes on, rivalling any tropical holiday destinations you’ve seen in the movies.

The tropical setting has rainforests to explore, as well as caves and beaches just waiting for you to explore them. It is also situated right in the heart of the waters that house the Great Barrier Reef, so if getting close to the amazing marine life that calls the Reef home is on your bucket list, here you can do so.

If you need a private getaway with your partner, one where you can relax and truly escape it all, you can’t go past Bedarra Island.

3. Fitzroy Island, Queensland

Fitzroy Island is the ultimate destination for people who want a little bit of everything – from exploration, nature, action, adventure, and relaxation – Fitzroy has it all.

This best islands in Australia itself is almost 97% national park and offers visitors an amazing array of landscapes just waiting to be explored. Luscious rainforests turn into woodlands and then turn into stunning beaches. In fact, one of the favourite beaches of the island, Nudey beach, was actually named Australia’s Most Beautiful Beach in 2018.

While the land itself offers visitors so much to do and see, the real star of the show for Fitzroy Island is the incredible array of water sports on offer. Fitzroy Island is the ideal holiday destination for those who love the water and love a little bit of action.

You can try any water sport you want here, from sea kayaking to snorkelling, scuba diving to stand up paddle boarding, there’s even glass bottomed boat rides to let you explore the marine world without even getting wet. To try these sports, you don’t need to bring any gear with you, you can hire it all from the island’s sports hub.

There are even activities that have been tailored for kid’s specifically, so if you’re travelling with little ones, you won’t have any problems keeping them entertained.

Possibly our favourite experience on the island is totally exclusive to Fitzroy Island – the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. This is a volunteer-run organisation that helps to treat and nurse ill and injured sea turtles back to health. Here you can learn about the sea turtles that call the Coral Sea home, as well as meet some of the residents in the centre’s care – you might even get to feed them. It’s a truly rewarding experience for people of all ages.

Staying on the island is made easy with various forms of accommodation, including camping, bungalows, cabins, rooms, and penthouse suites, all available at Fitzroy Island Resort. With so much to see and do, Fitzroy Island is the perfect holiday destination for people of any age!

4. Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Located just off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island is one of the country’s most famous island escapes and is our next best islands in Australia. It is often described as a “mini Australia” thanks to its diverse landscapes and wildlife. The island is known for its dramatic coastal scenery, including rugged cliffs, pristine beaches and unique rock formations like the famous Remarkable Rocks.

Wildlife lovers will find plenty to enjoy here. Kangaroo Island is home to kangaroos, koalas, echidnas and large colonies of Australian sea lions. At Seal Bay Conservation Park, visitors can walk along the beach with a guide and see sea lions relaxing just metres away. Nature continues to dominate the island’s appeal in Flinders Chase National Park, where walking trails lead to scenic lookouts, coastal arches and windswept forests.

Beyond its natural beauty, Kangaroo Island also has a growing food and wine scene. Local honey, fresh seafood, artisan cheeses and boutique wineries make it a fantastic destination for travellers who want to combine outdoor adventures with great food.

5. Magnetic Island, Queensland

Magnetic Island, affectionately known as “Maggie” by locals, lies just off the coast of Townsville in Queensland and is one of the most accessible tropical islands in Australia. Despite being only a short ferry ride from the mainland, the island feels worlds away with its relaxed atmosphere, secluded bays and stunning natural scenery.

A large portion of Magnetic Island is protected as national park, offering excellent hiking opportunities. When organizing the best time to visit Australia, plan your visit around the weather it, it is perfect!

One of the most popular walks is the Forts Walk, where visitors can explore World War II ruins while spotting wild koalas in the surrounding eucalyptus trees. In fact, the island is home to one of the largest koala populations in northern Australia. 

Magnetic Island also boasts beautiful beaches such as Horseshoe Bay, Arthur Bay and Florence Bay. These calm coves are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking, while coral reefs just offshore make it a great place to explore marine life. With its mix of wildlife, history and laid-back beach culture, Magnetic Island is a perfect tropical getaway without the crowds of larger resort islands.

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