11 amazing Australian islands
A rundown of unmissable islands in Australia
Australia is home to some of the most stunning and diverse islands on the planet. From the rugged beauty of Tasmania to the lush rainforest of Lord Howe Island, Australia's islands are truly spectacular.
Whether you're looking for an adventure, a romantic getaway or just an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there's an Australian island to suit every taste.
In this article, we'll take a look at 11 amazing Australian islands, offering information, tips and facts about each one. So pack your bags and let's explore the unique beauty of Australia's islands!
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Fraser Island
Located off the east coast of Australia, Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island. It stretches for 123 km along the coast and is home to endless unique flora and fauna. It’s also the only place in the world where rainforests grow on sand. Fraser Island is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Activities on the island include swimming, fishing, camping, and four-wheel driving. The island is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as its stunning environment has been protected since 1992. With so much to explore and discover, it’s no wonder Fraser Island is such a popular holiday destination!
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Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island, off the coast of Western Australia, is a unique Aussie destination, renowned for its gorgeous beaches and stunning turquoise waters. It is home to the quokka, a small wallaby-like marsupial native to the island.
Rottnest is car-free and can be explored on foot or by bike, making it perfect for day trips or longer stays. Fun activities on the island include snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and surfing.
Take a guided tour to learn about the island’s history and cultural heritage, or dip your toes in the crystal waters. With over 63 stunning beaches, incredible seafood, and plenty of wildlife to spot, Rottnest Island is an unforgettable Australian experience.
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North Stradbroke Island
Located off the coast of Brisbane, North Stradbroke Island is one of the most stunning islands in Australia. It is home to an abundance of wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins and sea eagles.
Explore a variety of natural attractions such as freshwater lakes, walking trails, sand dunes and gorgeous beaches. There are also plenty of activities for all ages, from fishing and surfing to whale watching and stand-up paddle boarding.
A trip to North Stradbroke Island is sure to be an unforgettable experience, as it's filled with unique sights, sounds and experiences. Not to mention, it's one of the few places in Australia where you can see humpback whales up close!
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Moreton Island
Moreton Island is located in the eastern part of the Queensland coastline. It's one of the largest sand islands in the world, boasting stunning beaches, crystal-clear lakes and lagoons, and fascinating wildlife.
A popular tourist destination, Moreton Island is home to various activities such as sand boarding, four wheel driving, and snorkeling. If you're looking for a relaxing day out, the island also has plenty of parks and picnic spots.
One of the most fascinating facts about Moreton Island is that it's home to more than 100 shipwrecks, making it a mecca for scuba diving enthusiasts. With its diverse landscape, Moreton Island is an ideal destination for visitors wanting to explore Australia's amazing coastlines.
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Hamilton Island
One of Australia's best-known islands, Hamilton Island is a paradise located in the Whitsunday Islands off the coast of Queensland. It has a tropical climate and is surrounded by stunning coral reefs and white sandy beaches.
With its luxury resorts, world-class restaurants, activities like golf and scuba diving, and a range of outdoor adventure tours, it's a popular destination for holidaymakers and adventurers alike.
Hamilton Island is home to the largest population of koalas in the Whitsundays. It’s the only island in the Great Barrier Reef with a commercial airport, and it has over 300 days of sunshine each year.
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Whitsunday Island
This is one of the most spectacularly beautiful islands in Australia, located in the stunning Whitsunday Passage. It is home to the stunning Whitehaven Beach, renowned for its stunning pure white sand and crystal-clear waters. Its stunning coastline is home to plenty of marine life and provides the perfect backdrop for a dreamy getaway.
You can relax in the sun, go swimming, snorkelling, diving, or even try your hand at sailing. Visitors will be spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring the island's lush rainforest, secluded coves and bays, and sweeping white beaches. If you're looking for an unforgettable island experience, Whitsunday Island is definitely the place to go!
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Magnetic Island
Located 8 km offshore from the city of Townsville, Magnetic Island is a beautiful destination for those looking for a tropical getaway. It’s known for its golden beaches, stunning nature and a large population of koalas.
The island is around 8km long and 5km wide and boasts some of the most spectacular landscapes in Australia. Visitors can explore the many walking trails that take you to stunning lookouts, explore the National Park and spot wild koalas along the way.
There are also plenty of activities to keep you busy such as swimming, kayaking, fishing and snorkeling. The island is a great spot for holiday makers looking for some peace and quiet as well as adventure seekers looking for a fun-filled holiday.
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Great Keppel Island
Located off the coast of Queensland, Great Keppel Island is a must-see for those looking for a tropical paradise. With 17 white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, the island is a popular destination for those wanting to enjoy some sun and relaxation.
There are plenty of activities available, from snorkeling and swimming, to bird watching and bush walking. The island is home to unique species of flora and fauna, including wallabies and koalas, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled.
Notable landmarks include an old lighthouse and the remains of an old fish cannery. If you’re looking to get away from it all, then Great Keppel Island is a perfect spot.
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Hayman Island
Located in the Whitsunday Islands of Queensland, Hayman Island is a true tropical paradise. Enjoy turquoise waters and white-sand beaches surrounded by coral reefs that are teeming with marine life.
This beautiful island is the perfect destination for beach lovers, offering luxury resorts and spa treatments, as well as activities like snorkeling, sailing and fishing. Hayman Island has a rich history, with Aboriginal tribes inhabiting the island for thousands of years.
It is also home to one of Australia’s most famous shipwrecks: the HMS Pandora, which sunk off the coast in 1791. With its stunning natural beauty, Hayman Island is an idyllic retreat from everyday life.
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Lord Howe Island
A little known paradise situated in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand, Lord Howe Island is a stunning and unique location. The island has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its remarkable diversity of marine life and endemic plants.
It features two mountains, pristine beaches, subtropical rainforest, coral reefs and crystal clear waters. Its lagoon, named Ned’s Beach, is home to many colourful fish and turtles. Visitors to the island can take part in activities such as kayaking, surfing, snorkelling, fishing and bird watching. Lord Howe Island is an incredibly special place that needs to be experienced firsthand.
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Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is a stunningly beautiful island located off the coast of South Australia. It is the country’s third-largest island and is known for its pristine beaches, unique wildlife, and rugged cliffs.
Kangaroo Island is home to an abundance of flora and fauna, including kangaroos, sea lions, wallabies, koalas, and rare birds. It also features remarkable geological formations, including Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, and Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
The island also features many unique attractions such as the Pennington Bay and Vivonne Bay, the Seal Bay Conservation Park, and the Flinders Chase National Park. There are plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy, from swimming, fishing, and surfing to 4WD safaris and bird watching.
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