You are absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to breathtaking beaches and stunning island destinations when visiting Australia, thanks to its ever-changing coastline which stretches more than 36,000km.
A number of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring islands in the world can be found off mainland Australia, including wild, rugged and unspoilt Bruny Island (located in southern Tasmania), spectacular and unique Rottnest island (near Perth in Western Australia) and stunning tropical Fitzroy Island (located off the coast of Cairns in Tropical Far North Queensland). Let’s take a closer look now at these three outstanding Australian island destinations!
Bruny Island, Tasmania
Bruny Island has some of the most incredible bush and coastal landscapes found anywhere in Australia and is also home to some of Australia’s most unique wildlife (including white wallabies). Roughly 50km long and located 55 minutes south (via road and ferry) of Hobart, Tasmania’s capital, Bruny Island is often mistaken for two islands, as its two main areas (referred to as North Bruny and South Bruny) are joined by a long, thin stretch of land called ‘The Neck’.
The breathtaking views from South Bruny National Park’s clifftops are what attract the majority of visitors to Bruny Island, in addition to hiking the island’s rugged bush and beach landscapes, where visitors have the opportunity to spot unique Australian wildlife such as echindas and white wallabies, as well as giant elephant seals, fur seals and numerous fascinating bird species.
Bruny Island is a fabulous place to visit not only for its wilderness, but also its heavenly local produce. Many visitors to Bruny Island enjoy pitching a tent in nature, however, the island has a wide variety of accommodation options to suit different tastes and budgets.
Image Credit: discovertasmania.com.au
Rottnest Island, Western Australia
Famous for its breathtaking and diverse range of beaches and bays (83 in total!), Rottnest Island is a must-see Australian island destination and welcomes travellers from all over the world. Rottnest Island is also home to an enormous population of the infamous quokka; these furry, friendly marsupials are totally adorable and a fan favourite for visitors to Rottnest Island.
Located just 19km from Fremantle (near Western Australia’s capital city, Perth), Rottnest Island is a nature and adventure lovers paradise that is best explored by hiring a bike and pedalling and exploring at your leisure, or by taking part in a walking tour. Of course, who could forget the amazing water activities on offer, including surfing and scuba diving! Numerous different types of accommodation are available on the island, meaning you can explore its beauty for more than just the day.
Image Credit: westernaustralia.com
Fitzroy Island, Tropical Far North Queensland
Fitzroy Island is a stunning tropical island paradise situated just off the coast of Cairns, right in the heart of the exquisite Great Barrier Reef. Fitzroy Island is easily accessed by means of a 45-minute Fast Cat ride from the Cairns Marina.
Fitzroy Island is one of the best places in Queensland from which to explore the Great Barrier Reef, with the option to explore this magnificent natural structure straight from the shore of the island via snorkelling, sea kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or glass-bottom boat.
Did you know that Fitzroy Island is home to Australia’s number one beach (Nudey Beach), as ranked in Australia’s Top 101 Beaches Awards in 2018? Mix this with the fact that Fitzroy Island is 97% National Park and covered by lush, tropical rainforest vegetation and coastal woodlands, and you have yourself one of Australia’s finest islands.
In addition to the wide array of amazing water activities on offer, Fitzroy Island is also home to numerous walking and hiking trails, the volunteer-run Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and a Giant Ocean Trampoline. If just the day is not enough for you to enjoy all Fitzroy Island has to offer, be sure to stay at Fitzroy Island Resort, the island’s exclusive accommodation with room types to suit all tastes and budgets.
