Seven Australian Islands You Must Visit
Table of Contents
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?
What are you waiting for? Share this post or leave a comment below. If you like this post and want to read more like this why not subscribe to our Newsletter? We won’t spam you or share your personal details. If you’re not doing so already, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or click the Mix, Flipboard or other social media buttons below to share this post with others who might enjoy reading it.
* Photos were sourced by Wikipedia
I’ve heard about some of these islands, Lynn, but never realized how unique they each are. In particular, though, I would love to see a quokka. I’d never heard of it before today.
This is an awesome list. Australia is my next big trip and I will have to keep these in mind for sure to visit!
I’ll be happy if I visit one or two of these islands. I am more interested in Kangaroo and Philip Islands.
I just got back from a business + vacation trip to Australia. My fave island was Tasmania 😀 I even managed to spot a platypus in the wild! I also enjoyed a bit of sailing in the Whitsundays. Australia is such an amazing country!
Oh, I’d love to attend the Fête de la Crêpe festival! I am a big fan of crêpes. I didn’t go to any of these food festivals, but I’ve been to a few in Budapest, Dresden and Munich over the years. Great post!
Ah, Lyn, I don’t need any more reasons to visit Australia. Your featured photo is absolutely gorgeous! You are really spoiled. I didn’t realize there are so many beautiful islands there.
What about magnetic island off Townsville?? That has to be #8 I’m certain 🙂 great list!
I haven’t been to Magnetic Island, but only heard good things. Thanks for your comment Jenny.
Oh man, I want to go and visit them all NOW. Great roundup, thanks for sharing. Can’t wait till I make it back to Australia!
Do you have plans to visit Australia Alyssa or just wishing and dreaming? There are just so many beautiful places in the world aren’t there? Thanks so much for your comment.
I had never heard of Tiwi Island. And I call myself Australian. Shame, Paula, Shame. Great post of some of our most beautiful islands.
We are privileged to have some stunning islands here aren’t we Paula. Don’t be so hard on yourself, I’m sure there are many who have not heard of a few of them.
Kangaroo Island is amazing. Such a great place to see Australian wildlife and the beaches are fantastic! Thanks for sharing it is a great list.
Glad you enjoyed Elizabeth. Thank you for your comment.
Most of these islands are definitely on my list. I’ve been to Fraser and absolutely loved it!
I hope you get to visit them all Corinne, Australia has so many wonderful islands.
Thank you for linking up on Travel Tuesday!
I have visited Kangaroo Island and Philip Island. I LOVE the rock formations on Kangaroo Island and the penguins on Philip Island. I consider myself to have travelled to Australia quite a bit (at least 5 times, but I lost count of the exact number), but I have only visited only 2 of these amazing 7 islands?! Gosh..
Those little penguins on Phillip Island are so cute, I could watch them over and over.
Our visit to Kangaroo Island is one of my favorite memories of our trip to Australia. I had really wanted to squeeze in Phillip Island, but there wasn’t time. Of the rest, the only one I’ve heard of is Rottnest. Heron Island sounds fantastic. Thanks for linking up with #WkendTravelInspiration.
These are just a sample of some of the amazing islands around Australia Michele, I am glad so many have heard of several of them.
I can’t believe that as an Australian who has actually travelled around Australia I have only been to 3 (Rottnest, Fraiser and Philip) and all a long time ago. Think I better pick up my game.
We are truly spoilt for choices in Australia, so many beautiful places to visit, so little time. Thanks for linking up for #wednesdaywanderlust
You are so right there Malinda, as much as I love travel we are so spoilt with beautiful places here in Australia.
They all look like great places to visit. I’ve never been to Australia, but I’d love to visit.
Sadly Rottnest and Phillip are the only 2 I’ve been to….
Two down, five to go Lydia. I do hope you get to the other five.
Beautiful pictures! I haven’t been to Australia but it’s definitely on my list. Lord Howe Island looks just like paradise.
Thanks Liz, I do hope you get to Australia, it is such a beautiful country and I’m so proud to call it home.
I found you by Our World Tuesday. It is a very interesting blog for me, because my husband and I are passionate travelers! We already traveled the 4 continents.
Very nice pictures you are showing us in ‘Seven Australian Islands You Must Visit’.
Enjoy life!
Greetings from Belgium, Hilde
Thank you Hilde, I love not only how travel brings us all together from different countries but also the linkups. Thank you for your comment, happy travels.
What a lot of great places to visit! The Island of Smiles sounds like a fun place to explore, for sure.
Crysta I’m sure you would find them all fun places, each for their uniqueness.