Hero Image: Fitzroy Island
Australia is the largest country in the world that is completely surrounded by water, with a breathtaking and diverse coastline that stretches more than 36,000 kilometres. Therefore it’s no wonder that we are spoilt for choice when it comes to whisking away on an island adventure.
From the tropical islands in the north to the rugged wilderness of the island’s in the south, Australia is home to some of the most beautiful islands in the world, some of which we have shared with you below.
Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island is an unspoilt tropical paradise of lush rainforest and pristine beaches within the calm sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Located 45 minutes from Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, Fitzroy Island is easily reached by regular ferry transfers from the Cairns Marina.
Fitzroy Island is 97% National Park which you can explore by taking one of the many walking trails throughout the island. The beaches are picture perfect, with Nudey Beach being ranked No. 2 in Australia’s Best Beaches Award for 2017.
However, Fitzroy Island isn’t just about lazing around on a tropical beach. There is so much more to do and discover while on the island. On top of most visitors’ lists is the Great Barrier Reef, which can be accessed by snorkelling straight off the island’s beaches or taking part in a scuba dive.
You also have the opportunity to go on a guided Sea Kayaking Tour, get up close and personal to some sea turtles at the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, join in a yoga class or spend the afternoon on the giant ocean trampoline.
Fitzroy Island is a friendly, laid back island and the resort has a range of accommodation options to suit every budget, all set within a spectacular rainforest setting.
Bruny Island
Bruny Island is Tasmania’s premier island destination and has some of Tasmania’s most beautifully preserved environments with abundant wildlife and stunning cliff-top views. It can be accessed via a 20-minute ferry crossing from Kettering, around a 35-minute drive south of Hobart.
The island is roughly 50km long, which actually appears to be two islands with North and South Bruny joined by a narrow strip of land called ‘The Neck’. A highlight of the island is South Bruny National Park, with towering cliffs overlooking long sandy beaches, coastal heathland, and underwater gardens of kelp seaweed.
While on the island you can venture into the rugged wilderness on one of the many Bruny Island bush walks and hopefully come across some of the island’s rare and endangered animals, such as fur seals, fairy penguins and white wallabies. Or, you may wish to explore the stunning coastline from afar, by going on an eco-friendly cruise.
There are lots of places to stay on Bruny Island with accommodation ranging from friendly campsites to luxury beachfront retreats, allowing you time to discover the delicious local produce with producers specialising in oysters, cheese and chocolate.
Image Credit: mumslounge.com.au
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is located just 19km off the coast of Fremantle in Western Australia and is home to some of the most stunning beaches and bays in the world, with over 63 secluded beaches and 20 bays.
The casual atmosphere, mediterranean climate, picturesque scenery and dazzling marine life on Rottnest Island are all part of what lures visitors from all over the world to come and visit this unique piece of paradise.
As an A-Class Nature Reserve, the preservation and protection of Rottnest Island’s natural beauty is of top priority. They work hard to maintain a sustainable power, gas and water supply to minimise environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions.
The island offers a range of nature-based activities to enjoy, including free guided walking tours, chartered diving, surfing, fishing and whale watching and also offers a unique range of budget to premium accommodation to choose from, including heritage-listed cottages and apartments with breathtaking beachfront views.
Image Credit: rottnestfastferries.com.au
Fraser Island
Fraser Island lies just off the coast of Hervey Bay and is the world’s largest sand island, stretching for 123 km and spanning 166,000 hectares. It is a place of exceptional beauty, with its long uninterrupted white beaches, strikingly coloured sand cliffs, towering rainforests and over 200 freshwater lakes.
75 Mile Beach on Fraser Island is an adventure lovers’ paradise with an actual 4WD highway that runs up the surf side of the island. The beach is also famous for some of the best beach fishing action in the world and popular with surf lovers.
The untamed wilderness and rugged terrain of Fraser Island is the perfect environment for a camping holiday. However, the island also has the option to choose luxurious resort accommodation for those travellers who like to unwind in style after a big day of adventuring.
Image Credit: whc.unesco.org
Trying to decide on the most beautiful islands in Australia is no easy task. In this amazing country, we are blessed with an abundance of breathtaking islands right on our doorstep. However, the ones included here are definitely up there with the very best and a great place to start your island adventures.
