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Australia is a dreamy destination. Although it is renowned for its beaches, its surfers, its lively cities and its lush nature, the country also has many hidden gems… So let’s set course to the 5 most beautiful Australian islands.
1/ K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island): the biggest sand island in the world
K’gari is located in Queensland, around 6 hours North of Brisbane. Listed as a UNESCO World Site Heritage, this multifaceted island is world-famous for its lakes, its tropical forests, and its white sand beaches.
Fraser Island was recently officially renamed K’gari, or “paradise”, after its traditional name in the language of the Butchulla people. The island is full of mysteries and is only accessible by 4×4 giving its visitors a one of a kind adventure feeling.
When exploring the island, it is not uncommon to meet dingos, to admire humpback whales offshore, or even to photograph a shipwreck from 1935. What else would you need to include K’gari in our top 5 Australian islands?
Activities and highlights
- Lake Mckenzie,
- the Rainforest,
- 75 mile beach,
- Eli creek,
- the Pinnacles,
- Maheno Shipwreck,
- scenic flights.
Access and transport
You will need at least two days to explore the entire island. If you have a 4×4, take advantage of it! Live the K’gari adventure alone or with others. Warning: make sure to note the tide times as the island is known for their hazardousness. Many vehicles were struck by the power of its waves.
If you do not own a vehicle, no worries, many operators are available. You can choose among many trips and options!
How much does it cost?
Here is the bad news. K’gari probably is one of the most expensive island to get to.
For a full day guided trip around the island (bus/ferry, transfers, and meals included), allow AU$ 239 per adult (from January to July) and AU$ 259 per adult (from August to December)*.
*2022 fares (subject to change depending on the time of year and the choice of tour operator).
If you decide to discover the island by 4×4, you can find the ferry crossing fares on this link. Prices change depending on the size of your vehicle and the number of people travelling.
2/ Great Keppel Island: a well hidden secret paradise
Great Keppel Island, located in Queensland halfway between Cairns and Brisbane, is another island much less known than K’gari, though equally heavenly.
This island offers the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Nature-lovers will find everything they need: walking tracks, beaches and scuba diving.
The preservation of this site is quite special and it is not uncommon to find yourself sunbathing all alone on its beautiful white sand beaches.
Activities and highlights
- hiking around the island: Monkey Point, lookout trail, and Clam Bay trail,
- snorkeling at Fisherman’s Beach, Monkey Beach ou Clam Bay,
- fishing by Long Beach.
Access and transport
There is nothing easier. Simply take the ferry from the Rosslyn Bay Marina. It will drop you off directly on the beach.
There are no cars on the island. So don’t forget your hiking shoes to discover the island’s best secrets (yup, that is the price of paradise!).
How much does it cost?
The ferry crossing costs around AU$55 per person for a round trip. Click here to book your tickets.
3/ Whitsunday Islands: at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef
Whitsunday Islands are a group of islands located in North Queensland, just off the seaside town of Airlie Beach. It is a heavenly destination that attracts thousands of tourists every year.
This archipelago of 74 tropical islands is renowned for its unique flora and fauna.
Where the Great Barrier Reef starts and where time stops!
Its international fame is also due to the “heart reef”, the ocean’s heart, photographed by thousands of travelers lucky enough to have flown over it.
The destination is not to be missed for the ocean lovers! These islands belong to the world’s largest living ecosystem!
Activities and highlights!
- snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef,
- cruising around the islands on a sailboat or a catamaran,
- flying over the “heart reef”.
Access and transport
It is very easy to access the Whitsundays: by boat, plane or even helicopter.
From Airlie Beach, many operators offer packages for you to enjoy a unique adventure at the heart of this paradise.
How much does it cost?
Whitsunday Islands is an exceptional place isolated at the end of the world, getting there won’t be cheap!
As an example, the “fly & cruise” 2-day package includes a full day on Whitehaven Beach (including paddle, snorkelling and meals) and a 1-hour flight over the Great Barrier Reef, and costs around AU$ 359 per person*. But those memories would be priceless, right?
2022 fares (subject to change depending on the time of year and the choice of tour operator).
4/ Magnetic Island: a wilderness paradise
Located once again on the East Coast, Magnetic Island is mostly known for its beaches, bays and wildlife.
An oasis that is clearly different from other Australian islands thanks to its much wilder landscapes, hidden coves and koalas perched in the trees.
A place where you will find all of Australia’s best assets: beaches, koalas, wallabies, walking tracks, and ocean life. A one of a kind island that clearly deserves a spot in our top 5!
Activities and highlights
- Horseshoe Bay,
- Balding Bay,
- Radical Bay,
- Florence Bay,
- Arthur Bay,
- The Forts walk (1.5-hour walk to see koalas in their natural habitat),
- Nelly Bay.
Access and transport
The ferry trip takes only about 20 minutes from Townsville.
On the island, you can hire a bicycle, a scooter, or even a car to easily get around.
There is also a bus line which allows you to go around the island.
How much does it cost?
A round trip ticket along with a one day bus pass costs AU$39.50 per person*.
2022 fares (subject to change).
You can hire a scooter from AU$55 or a 4×4 from AU$80 per day. You need to book these in advance !
Let’s head to Western Australia, on the west coast of Australia, to discover Rottnest Island. Located just off Perth, this island is renowned for being the home of the happiest animal in the world: the quokka If you haven’t met them yet, these little marsupials are world famous for their smile and laughing faces. The quokka is a threatened species and mainly lives on Rottnest Island. The smallest island in our ranking, with a surface area of only 19 km², Rottnest Island is one of Australia’s little gems. Looking like the coves of the South of France, this island is sure to charm you! To get there, you can simply take the ferry from the Fremantle port or from the Perth marina. Allow 45 minutes to travel to the island. For the sportsmen among you, it is possible to cycle the whole of the island (be careful, it’s uphill). There is now also a bus line to easily visit the island’s highlights! Although small, it is not possible to visit the entire island by foot. It costs around AU$79 per person for a return ferry trip to Rottnest Island. If you wish to hire a bike for the day including the ferry journey, it will cost you around AU$109 per person*.5/ Rottnest Island: the island of the happiest animals in the world
Activities and highlights
Access and transport
How much does it cost?
2022 fares (subject to change depending on the time of year and the choice of tour operator).
And you, what is your favourite island?
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