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Australia is a dreamy destination. Although it is renowned for its beaches, surfing, lively cities and lush nature, the country also has many hidden gems… So, let’s set a course for the five 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 six hours north of Brisbane. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this multifaceted island is world-famous for its lakes, tropical forests, and 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.
When exploring the island, it is not uncommon to meet dingos or see humpback whales offshore. You can even photograph a shipwreck from 1935. What else would you need from an Australian island?
Activities and highlights
- Lake Mckenzie
- K’gari Rainforest
- 75 Mile Beach
- Eli Creek
- The Pinnacles
- S.S. Maheno shipwreck
- Scenic flights
Access and transport
You will need at least two days to explore the entire island. If you have access to a 4×4, take advantage of it! Live the K’gari adventure, solo or with others. Warning: take note of the tide times, as many vehicles have been caught out by the power of the waves. The island can be hazardous.
If you do not own a vehicle, don’t worry, as you can choose from tours and rental options!
How much does it cost to visit?
Here is the bad news. K’gari probably is one of the most expensive islands to get to.
For a guided trip around the island (bus/ferry, transfers, and meals included), allow at least AU$200 to AU$300 per day.
If you decide to explore the island by 4×4, you can find the ferry crossing fares here. Prices vary depending on the size of your vehicle and the number of people travelling.
2. Great Keppel Island: A hidden secret paradise
Great Keppel Island is located in Queensland, halfway between Cairns and Brisbane. Great Keppel Island is less well-known than K’gari, though equally heavenly.
This island offers the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Nature-lovers will find everything they could want: walking tracks, beaches, scuba diving, etc.
This site is uniquely preserved and isolated. 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
- Snorkelling at Fisherman’s Beach, Monkey Beach or Clam Bay
- Fishing by Long Beach
Download the island map to plan your adventure.
Access and transport
It’s easy to reach Great Keppel Island. Simply take the ferry from the Rosslyn Bay Marina and it will drop you off directly on the beach.
There are no cars on the island, so don’t forget your hiking shoes if you want to discover the island’s best secrets (that is the price of paradise!).
How much does it cost to visit?
The ferry crossing costs around AU$55 per person for a round trip. Click here to book your tickets.
3. The Whitsundays: At the heart of the Great Barrier Reef
The Whitsundays 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!
It’s also known worldwide for the “heart reef” (the ocean’s heart), which has been photographed by thousands of lucky travellers.
The Whitsundays is not to be missed if you love the ocean. These islands also belong to the world’s largest living ecosystem.
Activities and highlights
- Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef
- Cruising around the islands on a sailboat or a catamaran
- Scenic flight over the “heart reef”
Access and transport
It is easy to access the Whitsundays by boat, plane or helicopter.
In Airlie Beach, many operators offer tour packages for you to enjoy a unique day trip or multi-day adventure in paradise.
How much does it cost to visit?
The Whitsundays is an exceptional place but because of its isolated location at the end of the world, getting there won’t be cheap!
As an example, a “fly and cruise” two-day package includes a full day on Whitehaven Beach (snorkelling and meals included) and a one-hour flight over the Great Barrier Reef for the cost of around AU$500 per person. But those memories would be priceless, right?
4. Magnetic Island: A wilderness paradise
Located once again on the East Coast, about four hours’ south of Cairns, Magnetic Island is mostly known for its beaches, bays and wildlife.
Magnetic Island is an oasis clearly different from other Australian islands, thanks to its much wilder landscapes, hidden coves and koalas perched in the trees.
It’s a place where you will find all of Australia’s best assets in one place: beaches, koalas, wallabies, walking tracks, and ocean life. A one-of-a-kind island, Magnetic Island clearly deserves a spot in our top five!
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 get around. There is also a bus line which takes you around the island.
How much does it cost to visit?
A round-trip ticket costs around AU$42 per person, and a one-day bus pass costs around AU$7.20. You can also hire a scooter or 4×4 for the day, but these options will be more expensive than the bus, and you need to book these in advance!
You can book your ferry here. For more information, download the Magnetic Island guide.
5. Rottnest Island: The happiest animals in the world
Let’s leave the east coast behind and head to Western 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. The quokka is a vulnerable 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 and is sure to charm you.
Activities and highlights
- Henrietta Rocks
- Porpoise Bay
- Parker Point
- Little Salmon Bay
- Salmon Bay
- Wadjemup Lightouse
- Snorkelling
- Observing quokkas (obviously, these are wild animals. Although they’re cute, you mustn’t disturb them, touch them or feed them!)
Access and transport
To get there, you can simply take the ferry from Fremantle port or 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 warned, it’s hilly!). If you don’t want to cycle, there is a bus line you can use to easily visit the island’s highlights.
Although small, it is not possible to see the entire island by foot in one day.
Download the Rottnest Island map to plan your adventure.
How much does it cost to visit?
It costs around AU$85 per person for a return ferry trip to Rottnest Island. If you wish to hire a bike for the day, it will cost you around AU$36 per adult.
To book your ferry crossing, click here.
What is your favourite island? Tell us in the comments down below!
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