With over 8000 islands, we were spoilt for choice when it came to picking from all the Australian paradises out there. This list is just a smattering of a few of our favourite oases in the blue. Do you agree with our choices? Any obvious absences? Let us know your thoughts and feelings!
Long Island, Whitsundays, Queensland
9km might not sound that long but the fact it is only 400m at its widest part makes this island appear a little skinny. The closest of all the Whitsunday Islands to the mainland, Long Island is incredibly accessible and boasts 2500 acres of rainforest. If trees aren’t your thing then grab your flippers and snorkel and head out to the nearby reef.
[Photo Courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland; Crocodile Club Resort, Long Island]
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Rent a car in Adelaide and travel 2 hours south to Jervis Bay to board the car ferry to the island. Named after our favourite jumping marsupials, the island offers more than just a chance to get a close-up view of these fellas. The Remarkable Rocks (genuinely remarkable), Little Sahara (don’t forget your sandboard) and Admirals Arch (home to fur seals) are all worth seeing.
[Photo Courtesy of South Australian Tourism Commission/Andrew McIntosh; Weirs Cove, Kangaroo Island]
Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Indian Ocean
Actually a group of coral islands and two atolls and found 2750km of Perth in the Indian Ocean! Only 2 of its 27 islands are inhabited and only by about 600 people. Unsurprisingly it is the water around these islands that are their biggest draw and snorkelling, diving and kitesurfing are all popular activities.
[Photo Courtesy of Cocos (Keeling) Islands Group]
Rottnest Island, Western Australia
Thought to be inhabited by rats it ended up being called ‘rats nest’ in Dutch. It is in actual fact the home of the quokka, a very cute and inquisitive creature which is certainly worth Googling. Less than 20km from Perth, it is easy to get to by ferry from here or Fremantle. Yet again, water activities are popular with kayaking and sailing also available.
Best way to get around is bike with rental options on the island.
[Photo Copyright of Tourism Western Australia; Bathurst Lighthouse, Rottnest Island]
Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
Lord Howe Island is part of NSW, but you’ll have to fly northeast from Sydney for almost 2 hours to find it nestled in the Tasman Sea. It’s worth it for the peace alone as only 400 visitors are allowed on the island at any one time and people usually prefer to cycle or simply walk around.
The 875m tall Mt Gower can be hiked in one day and the views from the top are incredible. Or why not hand feed the fish at Ned’s Beach?
[Photo Courtesy of Destination New South Wales/Don Fuchs; Blinky Beach, Lord Howe Island]
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