Australian islands
Top 10 islands for an unforgettable holiday in Australia
This route connects two of the most famous cities on the East Coast: Sydney, the metropolis, and Brisbane, Australia’s third largest city. It is one of the “shortest” you can drive in the vast land Down Under and awaits you with various places and activities.
You will encounter dreamy coastal landscapes, fairytale waterfalls, a fascinating rainforest and cute koalas.
You may already realise that the road trip from Sydney to Brisbane (and vice versa) has much to offer and is well worth it!
Beautiful national parks on the trip invite you to linger. Meanwhile, the beaches on the coast are just waiting for you to lie in the sun and enjoy life.
Get inspired by the 4 top highlights on the beautiful Central East Coast route and start your unforgettable trip from Brisbane to Sydney (and vice versa)!
Table of Contents
1. Tasmania - a universal alternative
Tasmania is perhaps the best-known of the Australian islands. At 68,000 square kilometres, it is many times larger than the other candidates on my list. My first tip is, therefore, to be sure to plan several days to explore this exciting island.
In addition to fantastic nature and magnificent animals, Tasmania has an exciting history to experience. For a long time, European settlers used it as a penal colony, and you can still visit many relics from this time on the east coast around Port Arthur.
Several museums and tours provide information about the prisoners’ conditions. Those who prefer to take this history with a little more humour can also participate in a spooky nighttime tour.
Tasmania’s nature also has a lot to offer, as the island is extremely diverse. You can hike through rainforests, along beaches, or climb mountains and plateaus.
Tasmania is home to many typical Australian animals, such as kangaroos and koalas. The small rodent, the ‘Tasmanian devil’, which is endemic here and which you can observe particularly well in the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, is also particularly cute.
Last but not least, the cities and towns in Tasmania are not to be sneezed at. The enchanting capital Hobart, in particular, is definitely worth a visit. Here you can experience the real Tasmanian lifestyle and the highlights of regional cuisine.
2. Fraser Island Nature Zoo
The largest sand island in the world is located off the east coast of Australia and is an ideal starting point for a whale-watching trip between August and October. At this time of year, giant humpback whales pass by Fraser Island, allowing you to see their young frolicking in the water and slapping the waves with their massive tail fins.
But Fraser Island is also a true natural paradise and home to countless interesting animal species. Much of the Australian island is protected by Great Sandy National Park. The fact that it is an island of sand does not mean nothing grows on Fraser Island. On the contrary, the island is overgrown with mangroves and eucalyptus trees, fed by numerous freshwater lakes.
Expansive dunes give way to a fertile heathland inhabited by possums and frogs. Wild horses and cute wallaby kangaroos also graze on the vegetated hills. Walking along the broad coastal strips, you can also spot the wild dingoes for which the island is known.
But be careful: you shouldn’t cuddle too much with these dogs, as they can be sharp. After all, they are wild animals. That’s what makes it so wonderful and exciting. Fraser Island is among the Australian islands and one of the richest in wildlife.
3. Rottnest Island, home of the quokkas
The next Australian island on my list owes its name, Rat’s Nest Island, not to the hardy rodents of the sewer system but rather to a mistake by its explorers who mistook the cute marsupials – quokkas – for rats.
Located about 18 kilometres from Perth, 32 is a watersports paradise. Here, you can use one of over 60 dream beaches as a base for diving and snorkelling amongst the coral reefs. Diving enthusiasts will find a special treat in the beautiful Little Salmon Bay neighbourhood.
Deep in the quiet underwater world of fish and coral lie 13 ancient shipwrecks waiting to be explored by water sports enthusiasts. A big plus: the water here is about 5 degrees warmer than the mainland coasts!
This also means you can tire yourself out splashing around in the ocean, which is as warm as a bath before you have a good time on a sun lounger on a beautiful sandy beach. Anyone travelling by sports or tour boat even has the opportunity to see dolphins and sea lions up close.
But the island itself also has a lot to offer. Personal transport is forbidden here, affecting the island’s calm and natural atmosphere. You can explore the island’s interior on foot or by bike and head to Vlaming’s Lookout, the best lookout on Rottnest Island.
You may encounter friendly quokkas and many rare bird species along the way. Not so good on foot? No problem, a bus will take you from one side of the island to the other.
4. Kangaroo Island - between sea lions, wallabies and platypuses
Kangaroo Island, off the south coast of Australia, is a unique natural experience. The island is much larger than Fitzroy Island and a little more developed. It is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy nature but don’t want to miss out on luxury lodges, culinary delicacies and the benefits of good infrastructure.
The Australian island offers plenty, from impressive rock formations and fragrant eucalyptus forests to stunning golf courses and panoramas. The natural attraction of this island is the many beautiful animals that live here, many of which are only found here.
For example, the cute wallaby derbies are not afraid of people and love to be photographed. As much of the island is protected, many fearful creatures and endangered species, such as koalas and platypuses, can also be at home here. But some animals aren’t fearful at all and aren’t good at hiding. The sea lions in Flinders Chase National Park are numerous, loud and smelly!
Nevertheless, watching them swim, play, and waddle is an unforgettable experience. Significantly, if the animals are raising cubs in Seal Bay, it’s worth taking a tour with an experienced guide who knows how to get close to the cute animals.
5. Magnetic Island - Australia's Golden Treasure
At first glance, Magnetic Island may seem like just another beach-tried island in the middle of the Great Barrier Reefs. Still, the island is a top-rated attraction because its landscape differs from most of its immediate neighbours.
Although the island is rainforested, such a biotope’s climate is drier and harsher than usual. The result: stunning broad rocky landscapes, lush eucalyptus forests and endless shades of blue in the warm ocean!
Well-developed hiking trails allow you to explore the interior of the island. Some tour stages should include the old World War II forts that rise above the landscape and whisper their history to you. The centre of Mount Cook offers fantastic views of the surrounding area.
The island is also home to the Wulgurukaba Aboriginal people, who use stones and shells for traditional clothing, weapons, and jewellery.
If you’re not good on foot or want fun, rent one of the so-called Barbie cars. You can drive These tiny open vehicles from beach to beach, letting the sea breeze blow on your nose.
6. Lord Howe Island is simply a paradise
The last island on my list of the most beautiful islands in Australia is an exclusive tip. In order to protect the beautiful nature, only 400 visitors are allowed on Lord Howe Island at a time. So you should choose one of the multi-day tours and book in advance.
It’s well worth it! The island offers breathtaking scenery and many activities, such as stand-up paddling, golf, and surfing. The climate is particularly mild, so Lord Howe Island can be well tolerated even in Australian summers.
We recommend a hike up the 875-metre-high Mount Gower, which offers stunning views. The alluring, unspoilt nature lends itself to long walks. To keep the scenery as perfect and unspoilt as possible, I have one request: stick to the marked trails and keep the beaches clean! But either way, it’s a matter of honour!
The local authorities emphasise the importance of preserving the unique nature and have also provided much information. For example, you can take part in an eco-tour on a glass-bottomed boat or learn about the island’s history at the interesting Lord Howe Island Museum. It is the perfect place for interested and caring nature lovers in Australia!
7. The Whitsunday Islands - Australia's golden treasure
For water sports enthusiasts, this archipelago of 74 islands is a must-see. Not only does the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, with its colourful corals and many aquatic animals, stretch out in front of you, but the archipelago also provides a particularly calm current, making it an ideal place for swimming, diving or snorkelling. Even for beginners!
The tropical climate invites you to bask in the sun, for example, on the world’s whitest, Whitehaven Beach. Exclusive offers await those of you who also love luxury.
The best way to reach the islands is by ferry or pleasure boat. As a base for island-hopping, I recommend Hamilton Island, one of the largest inhabited islands in the archipelago. There are plenty of tourist offers here, from jet ski tours to turtle diving. There is something for everyone.
Even those who prefer to wander off the beaten track will justify their money here, as most islands are uninhabited and lonely. Hire a boat and explore the vastness of the Whitsunday Islands on your own.
8. Fitzroy Island is a turtle paradise
Surrounded by the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, this tiny island offers adventure in a miniature rainforest. Thanks to the refreshing sea breeze, you can experience the natural feel of an authentic tropical jungle without breaking a sweat. Fitzroy Island is also a superb diving paradise.
So, after an exciting jungle expedition, how about settling down on one of the unspoilt sandy beaches and letting your gaze wander across a turquoise sea intertwined with colourful coral? This Australian island is particularly famous for being home to nature lovers looking for a holiday and being frequented by the beautiful turtles that inhabit the Great Barrier Reef.
From Fitzroy, you can float alongside these majestic animals and accompany them on live reef dives. The island also has a rescue centre for injured or motherless turtles that you can visit and a romantic lighthouse that illuminates the sea at night.
Beach activities are also provided. A considerable trampoline floating on the water awaits you at Khair Beach. Bars overlooking the sea emphasise the paradisiacal flavour of the island. Fortunately, Fitzroy Island is accessible. The boat ride from Cairns takes just 45 minutes.
9. Phillip Island is a penguin station for animal lovers
The best part is at the beginning: on Phillipa Island, you can watch cute, clumsy little penguins parade along the island’s beaches to visit their burrows in the rocky dunes. This natural spectacle attracts millions of visitors every year.
Fortunately, the Australian island is easily accessible by car: It is connected to the mainland by land bridge, and from Melbourne, it only takes about two hours to reach Phillip Island Nature Park. The Koala Conservation Centre on the island is also worth a visit.
Animals should be preserved in their natural habitat, which is a great way to admire the cute hairballs in the Australian bush. You can also just stroll along the beautiful waterfront and let the sun burn your skin.
If you love action and adventure, you shouldn’t miss the annual thrilling motorbike races and international Grand Prix at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit.
10. Abrolhos Islands - Diving in Rack Bay
The next item on my list of Australia’s most beautiful islands is, strictly speaking, not an island at all, but an archipelago of over 120 islands located about 60 kilometres off the mainland off the west coast of Australia. Do you know the stories of the cursed bays and sea passes that became the fate of sailors of the past?
The Abrolos Archipelago outshines them all. Numerous ships have sunk in the shallow waters of this rocky island landscape. Particularly famous is the wreck of the Dutch ship Batavia, which still lies on the seabed and has become a favourite target for racket divers.
But even those who prefer to avoid the many shipwrecks will recoup their money by diving. Here, you can admire coral gardens, turtles and rays; if lucky, you can swim with dolphins. The biodiversity of these islands is immense. Colourful fish, especially crustaceans, live here in large numbers.
Everything here revolves around the dazzling sea creatures. If you are not a diving enthusiast, I recommend one of the many boat tours around the Abrolhos Islands. Here, you can watch sea lions and seabirds, and between June and November, you even have the chance to catch a glimpse of the migrating whale families that pass through here.
Watching their impressive leaps and water fountains is an exceptional experience. Another tip at the end: make sure you return to the mainland in the evening. You can’t spend the night on the islands themselves.
Your journey through some of Australia's most beautiful islands
If you love nature and want to see rare animals, if you’re an avid diver or water sports enthusiast, or if you love challenging hikes, then these 7 Australian islands are for you. And if you’re still looking for cheap Australia deals, you should look at my holiday deals. If you’re lucky enough to get a bargain holiday deal, you’ll be able to get an unforgettable experience for a bit of money.
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