If you’re after a slice of island life, you’ve come to the right place. The islands around Australia number a mind blowing 8,222 and are as diverse as the country itself, from tropical palm tree fringed specks of land to chilly wind swept, rocky outcrops where the only residents are of the feathered and beaked variety.
We reckon the islands of Australia that truly deserve your time have a perfect mix of natural beauty and unique wildlife, beautiful beaches and that ‘can’t quite put your finger on it’ little something. So here they are.
So Here Are Some Unmissable Islands Around Australia
Of Course, Fraser Island – Dingoes and Pristine Wilderness
Ok, we might be biased here but we reckon it’s hard to beat Fraser Island when it comes to islands around Australia; which undoubtedly is a massive reason Fraser Island tours are so popular! With a world heritage listed status and known to be officially the largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island is unique in every sense. The purest strain of dingo in Australia calls the island home and it’s often possible to spot them trotting down the beach. You’ll find natural beauty here like nowhere else. There are freshwater lakes with the clearest water you’re ever likely to swim in, huge coastal sand dunes, pristine forests and the chance to live out your 4WD fantasies driving along 75 mile beach on our Drop Bear Adventures Fraser Island Tours. Fraser Island is an iconic island well worth your time when exploring Islands around Australia!
Magnetic Island – koalas and battlements
Just 8km off the coast from Townsville, and a perfect stop between Sydney and Cairns is the mountainous beauty of Magnetic Island. Just 52sq km in size and easily reached by ferry, Magnetic Island is one of the best known of all the islands around Australia. The island is a wildlife hotspot, mostly thanks to 54% of the land here being designated a national park. There are an estimated 800 koalas (among other critters) which are often seen along the popular Forts Walk trail which takes in coastal views and WWII battlements and ruins. Magnetic Island is a tropical paradise with history, wildlife, hidden bays and beautiful beaches making it one of the top islands around Australia.
Whitsunday Islands – paradise done 74 times over
The Whitsunday Islands of northern Queensland are probably what you’d conjure up if you wanted to live out those Robinson Crusoe dreams. These 74 islands are each their own paradise with fine white sand beaches lapped by turquoise waves, untouched interiors full of wildlife and all surrounded by the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef. Most are uninhabited national parks which you can visit with a guide and famous Whitehaven Beach is regularly named one of the top beaches in the world for its fine silica sand and natural beauty. The Whitsundays are truly heaven on earth and represent some of the very best islands around Australia.
Written by Kate Moxhay at katemoxhay.com