Seven Australian Islands You Must Visit

Not only is Australia a giant island, but it is surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of incredible, smaller islands. Below are seven top Australian islands to visit.

Switch off from reality at Lord Howe Island

Located off the New South Wales coast, Lord Howe Island is an island of tranquillity. Small, and packed with stunning birds and rainforest, you will spend your days hiking, snorkelling, and relaxing on the beautiful beaches. If you choose to visit Lord Howe Island, accommodation is easy to find – check out resorts like Pinetrees Lodge for a truly relaxing escape.

Lose yourself on Kangaroo Island

One of the largest islands off the Australian coast, Kangaroo Island is home to stunning beaches and plenty of native flora and fauna. The food and wine scene is also remarkable, so be prepared to loosen your belt as you tour this beautiful island.

Drive on the beach Fraser Island

The largest sand island in the world is a perfect place to go camping off Queensland’s coast. Pack your swag in your 4WD and drive down the beach at low tide. Stop off at Lake McKenzie for a swim in the pristine fresh water, before taking a hike to the lookout point. If you’re lucky, you might see dolphins, turtles or manta rays in the surf below. Just remember not to feed the local dingoes, and store and throw away food as instructed, and you’ll have a fabulous trip.

Get a selfie with a quokka at Rottnest Island

If you haven’t already seen them, quokkas are pretty much the most photogenic animals in the southern hemisphere. So jump on the ferry from Perth and travel across to Rottnest Island. Hire a bike (no cars allowed), and cycle your way across the island, discovering its recent history, visiting the lighthouse, and finding a quokka to take an obligatory selfie with.

Mix with the penguins at Phillip Island

Spend your evenings admiring the Little Penguins that come in to nest on the beaches of this Victorian island. Once you’ve had your fill of cute penguins, fill your days surfing and swimming at the beautiful beaches, tasting wines at the local wineries, or even visiting the galleries for a taste of local art.

Smile at the Tiwi Islands

Located north of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands are known as the ‘Islands of Smiles’ thanks to the incredibly friendly local people. Join a fishing tour and snag yourself some tasty fresh barramundi, spend the afternoons visiting the renowned art galleries, and don’t forget to chat with the island’s residents. Just remember: don’t swim in the water without checking with the locals first!

Learn your biology at Heron Island

For fans of diving, marine biology and eco-tourism, Heron Island is the perfect location. Established with a research station and focus on marine preservation, it’s a great place to visit for a tropical island holiday for the whole family. Leave the kids with the Junior Rangers (they will love it), and spend the day snorkelling and the evening drinking cocktails by the water. Pure bliss!

These are just seven of Australia’s magnificent islands. Which ones have you visited?

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* Photos were sourced by Wikipedia