8 best islands in Australia for your next getaway

Sunny Australia is home to some of the world’s most beautiful islands, adding to its appeal as a top tourist destination. Each of the islands in Australia offers something unique, from white sand beaches and turquoise waters to rugged natural landscapes and native wildlife encounters.

Many visitors flock to K'gari and The Whitsundays for their tourist-friendly resorts, while others opt for rustic camping adventures on Maria Island or Moreton Island. Use this guide to discover the best things to see and do on Australia’s most popular islands.

1. K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)

Best island for beach and nature lovers

K'gari highlights

At over 76 miles (122 km) long, World Heritage-listed K'gari (previously known as Fraser Island) is the largest sand island on the planet. It’s known for unspoiled natural beauty and stunning scenery, making K'gari one of the most popular islands in Australia among visitors.

Set out on a 4WD adventure along 75 Mile Beach to enjoy unmatched coastal views. Keep an eye out for shipwrecks, wild dingos, and natural rock pools known as the Champagne Pools where you can stop for a refreshing dip. While you can’t go in the water at the beach itself (shark warning!), you can take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake McKenzie or float through dense rainforests in Eli Creek.

Spend a day hiking K'gari's expansive sand dunes or exploring one of the walking trails through the island's forests and eucalyptus trees. End the day with a sunset sailing tour to watch the sunset over the shoreline.

Getting there

Take a short ferry ride from Inskip Point, Hervey Bay, or River Heads, north of Brisbane, Queensland.

2. Magnetic Island

Best island for geology fans and history buffs

Magnetic Island highlights

Magnetic Island is named for its massive volcanic granite boulders scattered across the beach, hiking trails, and surrounding waters. These boulders subtly add to the island's natural beauty, whether you're hiking through its dry rainforests or watching waves crashing against the rocks in hidden bays.

Don’t miss the chance to explore The Magnetic Battery (or Fort War), a World War II Royal Australian Navy battery that once served as a key base for Australian and American troops. Today, it is open to the public and accessible via the scenic Forts Walk hiking trail.

Getting there

Take a 40-minute ferry ride from Townsville, Queensland.

3. Penguin Island

Best island for wildlife lovers

Penguin Island highlights

Part of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, the tiny Penguin Island sits just off Western Australia and is best known for its native wildlife above and below the water.

The island is home to a colony of little penguins, which you can see in the wild on a guided wildlife walk. With the population dwindling, there are many Penguin Island conservation programs in effect to help protect these penguins and maintain the island's natural beauty, so make sure you follow local rules and regulations.

Other than penguins, you can explore the island’s many boardwalks and scenic lookouts, keeping an eye out for rare seabirds and pelican rookeries, or enjoy a snorkel in the island’s shallow waters. You can also book a boat tour around the marine park to spot wild dolphins, whales, and rare Australian sea lions.

Getting there

Take a 15-minute ferry ride from Shoalwater, Western Australia. Penguin island is only open from October to early June each year. It’s closed the rest of the year for penguin nesting season, but you can still take a boat cruise through the marine park. You can't stay on the island overnight, so most people visit on a day trip from Perth.

4. The Whitsunday Islands

Best islands for sailing, diving, and snorkeling

Whitsunday highlights

The Whitsundays consist of 74 tropical islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, off Queensland's coast. They’re often considered the most beautiful islands in Australia, thanks to their soft, white sands and turquoise waters.

Taking a Whitsundays sailing tour is one of the best ways to enjoy the best of the islands. Whitehaven Beach is the crown jewel of the archipelago, while Hamilton Island and Daydream Island are popular hotspots thanks to their luxurious resorts and tropical rainforest trails.

The islands are the perfect gateway to the iconic Great Barrier Reef, a bucket list experience in Australia. Take scuba diving or snorkeling tours to discover popular spots like Heart Reef and Manta Ray Bay.

Getting there

Book a flight to Whitsundays Coast Airport, then drive 30 minutes to Airlie Beach. From Airlie Beach, regular ferries run to the islands, taking just over an hour. If you’re staying on Hamilton Island, you can also book a flight directly into the small Hamilton Island Airport.

5. Kangaroo Island

Best island for nature lovers

Kangaroo Island highlights

Kangaroo Island stands apart from Australia's sand islands with its diverse landscapes, featuring farmland, grasslands, meadows, and dense forests, much like what you'd find in the rest of South Australia. Yet it's also home to massive sand dunes, sprawling beaches, and striking granite boulders. This unique blend makes the island a must-visit for nature lovers.

Visit the Flinders Chase National Park to discover amazing natural rock formations and many epic viewpoints. Plus keep an eye out for native Australian wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas.

Kangaroo Island is also a popular spot for its fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling experiences, which can take you around the coast or to local reefs. Plan to spend at least one day on the water and another discovering the island’s unique terrain.

Getting there

Book a flight to Kingscote Airport on Kangaroo Island. If you’re visiting from Adelaide, you can also drive 1.5 hours to Cape Jervis on the coast, then jump on a short 45 minute ferry to the island.

6. Moreton Island

Best island for hiking and coastal camping

Moreton Island highlights

Just off the coast of Brisbane, Moreton Island is mostly made up of a national park, making it an ideal spot for hiking and camping. There are multiple coastal campgrounds around the island, including the popular North Point and Blue Lagoon campgrounds, allowing you to set up your tent without worrying about the tide or sea turtle nests.

Other than camping, you can hike to Cape Moreton Lighthouse, the island’s highest point, for panoramic ocean views, and go snorkelling in the Tangalooma Wrecks. At "The Wrecks," more than a dozen large ships were intentionally sunk to create a protective barrier for small boats and swimmers. Now, these sunken vessels are popular for snorkeling as they're covered in coral, barnacles, and are a hub for marine life.

Getting there

Take a 90-minute ferry ride from Brisbane, Queensland.

7. Maria Island

Best island for an off-the-beaten-path adventure

Maria Island highlights

Maria Island is a small, rugged island off the coast of Tasmania and an Australian national park, where history and nature are carefully preserved. You won't find any big resorts or luxury hotels on the island. Instead, you can explore stunning painted cliffs, cascading waterfalls, peaceful fishing spots, forest trails, and remnants of the island's history as a convict settlement.

With less of a focus on tourism than other islands in Australia, Maria Island offers a rural experience for those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path. Wildlife encounters are common on hikes, including wombats, kangaroos, and wallabies, and the island’s beaches remain quiet and unspoiled.

Getting there

Take a one-hour ferry ride from Triabunna in Tasmania.

8. Rottnest Island

Best island for cycling enthusiasts

Rottnest highlights

Rottnest Island is perhaps most famous for its adorable native marsupial, the quokka, known as the happiest animal on earth thanks to its smile and friendly personality. But beyond these friendly creatures, there’s plenty more to discover on Rottnest.

With no cars allowed on the island, Rottnest is one of the best islands in Australia for those who love cycling. You can rent a bike at the ferry terminal to explore the island’s many trails by yourself, or join a Rottnest guided cycling tour. The longest route is the 13.8-mile (22-km) Island Ride, which spans the entire coastline, taking you past beaches, lakes, forests, and lighthouses.

If you're in the mood for something more relaxing, kick back at The Basin. This tranquil beach is known for its clear and calm water, giving visitors a remarkable view of the nearby reefs.

Getting there

Take a 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle, Western Australia.

FAQ: Best Islands in Australia

Generated with the help of AI

Which island in Australia is considered the most beautiful?

Australia boasts several stunning islands, each with a unique charm. Kangaroo Island in South Australia is renowned for its wildlife and rugged landscapes. K'gari (Fraser Island) in Queensland offers pristine beaches and rainforests. Tasmania's Bruny Island is famous for its dramatic cliffs and gourmet produce. The Whitsunday Islands in Queensland are known for their crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. Lord Howe Island in New South Wales is a UNESCO World Heritage site with breathtaking scenery. Christmas Island and Lizard Island also offer unique natural beauty, making it hard to choose just one as the prettiest.

What makes Moreton Island unique?

Moreton Island is renowned for being composed almost entirely of sand, with a small section of sandstone and rhyolite at Cape Moreton. It features Mount Tempest, the world's highest coastal sand dune, standing at 285 meters. Visitors can enjoy stunning 360-degree views from its summit.

Is a car necessary for exploring Moreton Island?

A 4WD vehicle is essential for navigating Moreton Island's unsealed, sandy roads. Ensure you obtain a vehicle permit before your visit, which can be arranged through Mulgumpin Camping, managed by the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC).

What is the best island to visit in the Whitsundays?

Choosing the best island in the Whitsundays depends on your holiday preferences. Whitsunday Island is famous for its stunning Whitehaven Beach, while Hamilton Island offers a range of activities and amenities. For a more luxurious stay, consider Hayman Island. Daydream Island is great for families, and Airlie Beach is a popular gateway to explore the region.

What makes the Whitsundays unique?

The Whitsundays, situated along Queensland's central coast, are renowned for their stunning turquoise waters and swirling white sands, making them some of the best places to visit in Australia. This tropical paradise features beautiful secluded beaches and offers world-class luxury accommodations, making it a perfect getaway.

Why is Rottnest Island a popular destination?

Rottnest Island is famous for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique wildlife, including the adorable quokkas. It's a car-free island, making it perfect for cycling and walking. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and exploring the island's rich history through its museums and heritage sites. Its proximity to Perth makes it an accessible and popular getaway for both locals and tourists.