10 Islands Off The Coast of Australia Will Blow Your Mind!

There are 8,222 islands off the coast of Australia, but given how much there is to do on the continent, many tourists may not be aware of this. The stunning islands of Australia each have their own distinct wildlife, flora, fauna, climates, and landscapes, making them all completely unique. Our top picks are listed below.

Phillip Island, Victoria

What’s its location?

Phillip Island, located 90mi (140km) to the southeast of Melbourne, is situated off the coast of the state of Victoria.

What can you do there?

Many visitors are attracted to Phillip Island to see the Penguin Parade, a nightly occurrence at Summerland Beach when hundreds of Little penguins come hesitantly ashore at sunset.
Take a cruise to Seal Rocks, where you can observe the largest colony of fur seals in Australia, or see koalas in their natural habitat at the Koala Conservation Center. Between May and October, you can take a boat trip to spot migrating whales or head to one of the world-class surfing spots.

Experience an adrenaline rush by taking a spin on a 2,493ft (760m) miniature version of the Phillip Island Motorcycle Grand Prix Circuit in a go-kart, or opt for a Hot Lap lightning ride around the actual track with a professional race car driver.

Discover the art of catching rainbow trout at Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm, and admire the stunning scenery from The Nobbies headland. Lose yourself in the world of optical illusions and puzzles at A Maze ‘N’ Things, or observe the process of chocolate production at Phillip Island Chocolate Factory.

Arriving there.

It is possible to make the two-hour journey from Melbourne to Phillip Island either by car or taking the V/Line bus that departs from Southern Cross Station and terminates in Cowes. Additionally, there is a passenger ferry that sails from Stony Point to Cowes on the Mornington Peninsula.

Norfolk Island

What’s its location?

Norfolk Island is situated in the Southern Pacific, which is about 1,466km (911mi) from Australia’s eastern shore. It takes a 2.5 hour plane ride from Australia or a 90 minutes flight from New Zealand to get there.

What can you do there?

In 1799, Island of Norfolk was colonized by the British as a segment of the penal settlement in Australia, and its population was subsequently composed of the descendants of the Bounty mutineers. The inhabitants of the island have created a unique culture and are known for their congeniality and friendliness. Visitors to the island will find a variety of activities to take part in, from trekking and running to birdwatching, surfing, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Be sure to visit the Bounty Folk Museum, the Captain Cook Monument, Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (which is one of 11 historic sites that are part of the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property), the farmers’ markets with their plentiful fresh produce, Emily Bay lagoon, and Anson Bay. Additionally, make sure to go to Mt Pitt lookout for a panoramic view of the island.

Arriving there.

Flights from Sydney to the island can be taken on Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays, while those departing from Brisbane can be taken on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

Fraser Island, Queensland

What’s its location?

Fraser Island, which is listed as a World Heritage site, is situated off the coast of Queensland near Hervey Bay, north of the Sunshine Coast in Australia’s eastern region.

What can you do there?

Measuring more than 120 km (75mi) in length, Fraser Island – the biggest sand island on the planet – is a popular destination for backpackers and four-wheel drivers looking to explore its extensive stretches of unspoiled beaches.

Seventy-Five-Mile Beach is a highway with a speed limit of 49 mph (80 km/hr) while the roads further inland have a maximum of 21 mph (35 km/hr). Driving conditions on this beach road are dependent on the tide and weather, but all regular road rules still apply. As an added bonus, it is also renowned as one of the world’s best beach fishing spots.

Fraser Island has rainforest that runs down to the beach, and beautiful freshwater lakes including Lake McKenzie with its powder-white sands, and vivid green Lake Wabbyroll, surrounded by the sand dunes.
Take a dip in the Champagne Pools, as the water from the ocean crashes against the rocks, and look out for the abundance of wildlife, including 47 species of mammals, more than 354 species of birds and 79 species of reptiles.
Accommodation on Fraser Island ranges from luxury to budget, and is a great camping spot with several campgrounds where you can cook your own meals, set up tents and camp out under the stars.

Arriving there.

Visiting Fraser Island requires a 4×4 due to the sandy terrain, but if you don’t want to drive, you can join a bus tour from either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay. Alternatively, you can sign up for a self-drive experience, where you will meet other backpackers in your hostel and be taught how to operate a 4×4 before stocking up on food and boarding the ferry to the island. If you’d prefer to go with friends and handle the drive yourselves, you can rent a 4×4 and take the ferry from Hervey Bay.

For those who are not on a pre-arranged tour, a special access permit is necessary to drive on Fraser Island. However, another option is to fly to Hervey Bay from any of the major cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and then take the ferry to the island.

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

What’s its location?

Kangaroo Island is situated about 69 miles (112 kilometers) to the south-west of Adelaide, South Australia and one can reach there via a 45-minute ferry from Cape Jervis.

What can you do there?

Kangaroo Island is the third largest in the country, spanning over 316mi (509km) of coastline and measuring 96mi (155km) in length. Despite its name, there is a lot more to the island than just kangaroos – in fact, more than one third of the area is a nature reserve, populated with a variety of native wildlife, such as sea lions, koalas and birds. Unique to the island are 15 species of bird and 52 species of plants. At Seal Bay one can observe wild sea lions up close, lazing on the beach, and at Hanson Bay koalas can be spotted as they feed on eucalyptus foliage.

Vivonne Bay, declared as Australia’s Best Beach, is one of the most spectacular beaches on Kangaroo Island, with miles of sandy coastline. For the more adventurous travellers, a day of sandboarding down the dunes of Little Sahara and a quad bike ride at dusk, offering the opportunity to observe kangaroos and other wildlife, provides an unforgettable experience. The extraordinary Remarkable Rocks, formed by the rain, wind, and churning waters over 500 million years, are part of the Flinders Chase National Park. If a longer trip is preferred, the five-day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is an option, or a stay with Wallaby Bob, who will take you on a night fishing trip at Baudin Beach, can be arranged.

This isle is abounding with a dynamic food and wine culture, producing wines, beers, spirits as well as cheese, ice-cream, honey and other culinary specialties.

Arriving there.

If you’re going to Adelaide, you have the option of taking a tour that sets off from there or a QantasLink flight that leaves from the city (which runs three times a week, and five times in the summer). If, however, you’d like to make the journey a road trip, you can drive to Cape Jervis (approximately two hours from Adelaide) and get the SeaLink passenger/car ferry that takes you to Penneshaw.

Moreton Island, Queensland

What’s its location?

Moreton Island lies 25km (15mi) away from Brisbane’s shoreline, and is the third biggest sand island in the world.

What can you do there?

Moreton Island, renowned for its sandy beaches and towering sand dunes, allures tourists with its numerous lakes, lagoons, and three historical locations. People can also observe whales and dolphins, go scuba diving or snorkeling, wander through Moreton Island National Park, take part in a 4×4 excursion, or enjoy the excitement of sand tobogganing.

Arriving there.

A journey of 90 minutes by ferry from Brisbane will take you to Moreton Island.

The Whitsunday Islands, Queensland

What’s its location?

The Whitsundays are 74 islands located 695mi (1,120km) north of Brisbane, close to Airlie Beach in central Queensland.

What can you do there?

Each of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays boast their own unique and breathtaking beauty, with lush rainforests, hiking trails and white sand beaches to discover. This makes them a popular destination for sailors.

The islands boast bays, pristine sandy beaches, and crystal clear turquoise waters that are ideal for snorkeling, sailing, swimming, and various other water sports. The majority of them are uninhabited, yet some have lodging and camping grounds.

Arriving there.

Reaching the Whitsunday Islands is possible via plane, with direct routes from Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to either Hamilton Island Airport or Whitsunday Coast Airport in Proserpine. There are many companies that offer yacht rentals for day trips or overnight stays, with or without a crew.

Rottnest Island, Western Australia

What’s its location?

The people of Perth affectionately refer to Rottnest Island, which lies off the coast of Perth in Western Australia, as “Rotto”.

What can you do there?

The Dutch explorers named Rottnest Island “rat’s nest” due to their belief that the local quokkas looked like giant rats. However, these animals are actually marsupials which are similar in size to kangaroos, and can be seen all around the island.

Head to the island for a weekend away and enjoy activities such as hiking, surfing, and fishing. Cars are not allowed, so people usually explore by bike, on foot, or with the island bus. You can rent a bike to take a ride along the cycle paths or take a sightseeing flight to get a bird’s eye view of the reefs, beaches, and salt lakes. Take some time to visit one of the 63 wonderful beaches of Rotto and explore the marine life and shipwrecks by diving or snorkeling in the island’s coral reefs.

Arriving there.

Ferries are available from Hillary’s Boat Harbor, located 45 minutes north of Perth, from Barrack Street Jetty in the city centre (90 minutes away), and from Fremantle (Victoria Quay and Rous Head) to the south (25 minutes away).

You may be able to get to Rottnest Island in 12 minutes by taking a flight with Rottnest Air Taxi out of Jandakot Airport. If you’re fortunate, you could find someone in Perth with a boat to transport you over.

Rottnest Island features a Government-mandated entry fee ranging from AU $20 for a day-long visit and AU $26 for an overnight stay. This fee can be incorporated into the cost of transport to the island, but it is recommended to double-check in order to avert any unanticipated expenses on the day.

Magnetic Island, Queensland

What’s its location?

Magnetic Island lies 4.9mi (8km) away from the coast of Queensland, Australia, and can be accessed by ferry from Townsville.

What can you do there?

Reached via a 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville across Cleveland Bay, Magnetic Island is home to more than 2,000 permanent residents. More than two-thirds of the island is a national park and has spectacular natural landscapes and seascapes including boulder-strewn headlands, hoop pines, sandy beaches, and fringing coral reefs. Composed mostly of granite, it was once part of the mainland before the sea level rose about 7,500 years ago.

Rent a Topless Car or a Classic Moke and to explore Mt Cook, the highest point on the island, named for Captain Cook who discovered the island and believed it affected his compass, or head to one of the island’s fantastic fishing spots.

Do the Forts Walk from Bungalow Bay Koala Village to spot one of the islands’ more than 800 wild koalas. You can also climb concrete structures from the Second World War for panoramic views of the island.

Relax at Horseshoe Bay’s beach and enjoy the sunset from the jetty in Picnic Bay. Magnetic Island is a great spot to snorkel, dive, and participate in various water activities.

Arriving there.

Consider taking the ferry or car/passenger ferry from Townsville to Magnetic Island. It is highly recommended to book ferry tickets over the internet.

Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

What’s its location?

Situated 600km (372mi) from Sydney in the state of New South Wales, Lord Howe is a mere stone’s throw away.

What can you do there?

Nestled on the World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island is a tranquil paradise, with not more than 400 visitors allowed at any moment. Here, locals are the only ones who can possess property, while the number of cars is limited to one per household. On offer are some of the world’s most remarkable day hikes, snorkeling in the coral reef, feeding the fish at Ned’s Beach, as well as the unique bird life. One can explore the island on foot or by bike, stopping at the numerous barbecues for lunch, snorkeling in the lagoon, or joining a scuba diving trip to 60+ dive sites – including Ball’s Pyramid and Erscotts Hole. For the more courageous souls, the pinnacle of Mount Gower awaits.

Approximately two-thirds of the island has been set aside as a park, with a multitude of paths for walking or hiking.

Arriving there.

Fly to Lord Howe Island from either Sydney or Brisbane (airfare is not inexpensive).

Bribie Island, Queensland

What’s its location?

Situated within a short drive of approximately one hour from Brisbane.

What can you do there?

A bridge from Sandstone Point links Bribie Island to the mainland. The island has a cozy seaside village atmosphere, as only the south part has been developed, while the rest of it is a national park.

Head to Buckley’s Hole located at the southern end of the island – a conservation area and sanctuary for birds, with over 350 different avian varieties.

Bribie Island offers a variety of activities, from surfing its gorgeous beaches to taking a stroll on its bicentennial nature trails, camping, shopping at its markets, off-roading, boating, looking out for dolphins, participating in watersports, and even skydiving!

Arriving there.

Cross the bridge spanning the Pumicestone Passage waterway. There are transportation connections with TransLink buses and Q rail from the city of Brisbane.

Topic: 10 Islands Off The Coast of Australia Will Blow Your Mind!

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By: Travel Pixy