Paradise on your doorstep

6 stunning islands, just a hop, skip and jump away from home.

By Samuel Smith
Published: Friday, February 19, 2021

Hollywood movies, TV shows and travel blogs would have you believe there’s nothing more glamorous than jetting off to far-flung lands.

Places like the Caribbean, Thailand and the Maldives have been dream holiday destinations for generations. After checking in to your luxury digs, mojitos will flow, room service will cater to your every need and many an Instagram selfie will be taken.

But after the trip’s over and reality resurfaces, you’re likely to be left with some hefty credit card bills, jetlag and – if you’ve spent most of your days tucked away in a resort – very little in the way of cultural connection.

That’s why we’ve rounded up 6 must-visit Aussie islands offering incredible scenery, fascinating cultural experiences and an abundance of wildlife – without the exorbitant price tag.

Feel worlds away while holidaying right here in Australia.

Once you’ve discovered each of our island picks, vote in our poll to tell us which one is your favourite!

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Step aboard the SeaLink ferry to Kangaroo Island and feel your worries wash away. Known affectionately as Australia’s zoo without the fences, Kangaroo Island is one of the best places in the country to get up-close and personal with dolphins, sea lions, whales and a huge array of birdlife.

From the aptly named Remarkable Rocks standing tall over the wild Southern Ocean, to the rippling sand dunes of Little Sahara, Kangaroo Island’s landscape is breathtaking.

Hire a car and spend your days cruising from lush bushland trails and wildlife parks to gorgeous wineries (Dudley Wines is the ideal place to taste some of the island’s excellent produce) and charming towns.

 

Seal Bay. Image: SATC
Seal Bay Conservation Park. Image: SATC: Ben Goode

Rottnest Island, Western Australia

Rottnest Island, just offshore from Perth, is renowned for its conservation, with major efforts going into preserving and protecting its diverse flora and fauna.

The island is home to the quokka – a small (and adorable) marsupial, famous for appearing in visitors’ Instagram selfies.

Spend a few days getting back to nature on Rottnest, immersing yourself in marine life, breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches and Aboriginal culture.

Must-visit spots include The Basin – a family-friendly beach with aquamarine shallows and bone-white sand, Little Salmon Bay – the island’s snorkelling hotspot, historic Bathurst Lighthouse and Cathedral Rocks on the island’s wild West End.

Quokkas – the furry residents of Rottnest Island, Western Australia.
Quokkas – the furry residents of Rottnest Island. Image: Getty

Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory

Australia’s Indigenous cultures are as rich as they are diverse, and nowhere is this more evident than on the Tiwi Islands, off the coast of the Northern Territory.

Comprised of Bathurst and Melville Islands (along with 9 smaller, uninhabited islands), the Tiwi Islands are just a 2.5-hour ferry ride from Darwin. From silk-screen cloth to woven bangles and painted shells, the Tiwi Islands are known for their thriving, unique arts scene as well as exceptional fishing, island-over.

Experience the islands’ Indigenous culture on an Aboriginal Cultural Day Tour where you’ll meet locals, learn about the vital role of arts, food, fishing and Dreamtime stories in everyday life, and pick up some bush tucker tips while you’re at it.

Aboriginal artist in the Tiwi Islands. Image: Tourism NT, James Fisher
A local artist on the Tiwi Islands. Image: Tourism NT: James Fisher

Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

Perched in the Tasman Sea, east of Port Macquarie, Lord Howe Island is a tiny slice of untouched paradise. The island is UNESCO World Heritage-listed and has a population of just 300.

The waters surrounding Lord Howe Island are a unique mix of warm tropical and cool temperate ocean currents, home to more than 450 fish species and 90 species of coral.

Unsurprisingly, snorkelling is one of the most popular pastimes here, and the Lord Howe Island Marine Park is known as one of the best diving spots in the world.

The island itself is absolutely stunning, with plenty of walking trails criss-crossing dense subtropical forests and sandy bays. The soaring views from Mount Gower have to be seen to be believed.

Lord Howe Island.
Lord Howe Island. Image: Getty

Hamilton Island, Queensland

Smack bang in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island offers visitors the ultimate Queensland escape. Enter a world where snow-white sand, endless expanses of gin-blue water and kaleidoscopic coral are the norm. The open ocean is your oyster.

Hamilton Island is the ultimate base for those wanting to explore the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef and famed Whitehaven Beach. After a day of aquatic exploration, grab a cocktail at one of the island’s many bars, treat yourself to a spot of sailing or take a swing at Hamilton Island Golf Club – an 18-hole championship course on its own island.

Looking for somewhere to stay? You’ll be spoilt for choice with plenty of plush beach-front accommodation to pick from.

Hamilton Island. Image: Getty
Hamilton Island. Image: Getty

Bruny Island, Tasmania

Just a short ferry trip from Hobart, Bruny Island is the epitome of rugged Tasmanian wilderness. Nature-lovers can spend their days bushwalking, strolling along the coast, swimming at secluded beaches or setting out to sea in kayaks or sailboats.

Fur seals, little penguins, wallabies and seabirds all call the island home, making it a wildlife-watcher’s dream, while foodies will be in heaven with a range of hand-made epicurean delights on offer all around the island.

Think single-malt whisky, cheese, oysters, honey, cider, chocolate and, of course, wine. Are you drooling yet?

Bruny Island. Image: Getty
Bruny Island. Image: Getty