Australia is home to 8,222 islands, yet according to our Wot’s Your Journey Report, the vast majority of Aussies take their island and beach holidays overseas. Can you believe it? With so many diverse landscapes and such incredible beauty just off our mainland, you don’t need a passport for an incredible island getaway. Here are ten of our favourites.
1. Bremer Island, NT
This remote island off the northeastern coast of the Northern Territory is where to go if you want to disconnect and get back to basics. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, Bremer is famous for its natural beaches, rich culture and incredible fishing, all just a 15-minute flight from Gove Airport.
Insider tip: May to October is the best time to visit Bremer Island and four days is usually enough time to tick off all the biggest must-sees and must-dos.
Where to stay: Banubanu Beach Retreat is an eco-escape built in partnership with the Yolgnu people. It’s the only tourist facility on the island, with a maximum occupancy of 16 people, so make sure you book ahead.
2. Bruny Island, TAS
This humble, low-key island off the southeastern coast of Tasmania is a nature lovers retreat, with an abundance of wildlife, some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs and Australia’s ‘Breathing Rock’. No trip to Bruny Island is complete without sampling the island’s local produce, which includes berries, oysters and artisan cheese.
Insider tip: Bruny Island is the perfect cosy getaway during the winter months and many Aussies are catching on, with year-on-on-year interest on Wotif up nearly 40% for this July*.
Where to stay: South Bruny Island is the best area to stay – it’s where you’ll find most tourist attractions, including the Cape Bruny Lighthouse. Alonnah and Adventure Bay are two of the main towns, with a number of boutique apartments and cottages, including Mandala Bruny Island and 43 Degrees Bruny Island.
3. Kangaroo Island, SA
Surrounded by shimmering oceans, white sands and untamed bushland, Kangaroo Island is one of Australia’s most beautiful places. Over a third of the island’s landmass is reserved for wildlife conservation areas and national parks, and it’s home to more than 1,500 different animals, which means you’re bound to see a kangaroo bouncing through the lush wilderness. In fact, Kingscote – Kangaroo Island’s largest town – was voted the top town to spot a kangaroo by Wotif travellers.
Where to stay: Stay at Villas on the Bay in the main town of Kingscote. Lindsays of Kangaroo Island in Penneshaw is another great option, just a few kilometres from the SeaLink Ferry Terminal.
4. Long Island, QLD
Long Island – one of Queensland’s famous Whitsunday Islands – will have you thinking you’re much further away from home than you really are. Just nine kilometres in length and only 400m wide at its widest point, this stunning little slice of heaven manages to pack in 13 kilometres of walking tracks, along with pristine beaches, coconut palms and lush green island views. From bushwalking to snorkelling, there is so much to see and do.
Where to stay: Palm Bay Resort is a gorgeous option, with Balinese-style accommodation on the water’s edge, along with a full-service spa, tennis court and swimming pool.
5. Lord Howe Island, NSW
With only 400 visitors allowed on the island at any one time, the World Heritage-listed paradise of Lord Howe Island is perfect for when you need some serious peace and quiet. On the western side of the island, you’ll find a sheltered lagoon that’s home to the world’s most southerly coral reef, while the eastern side is heaven for surfers. Go for a bush walk, snorkel, cycle around the island, or just sit back on the beach and take in the gorgeous views.
Where to stay: Arajilla Retreat is one of the main luxury resorts on the island, located on the northern end under a canopy of Kentia Palms and Banyan Trees. Alternatively, Milky Way Holiday Villas is a good-value self-contained option.
6. Magnetic Island, QLD
Affectionately known as Maggie, Magnetic Island has earned a reputation as the sunniest place in the Sunshine State, with less annual rainfall than the Tropical North or the Whitsunday Islands. The name comes from Captain Cook, who believed the iron in the island’s hills tinkered with his compass when he sailed past in 1770. Magnetic Island National Park covers just over half of the island and a hike will take you through rainforest, bushland and mangroves before headland lookouts with sweeping ocean views.
Where to stay: Both Peppers Blue on Blue and Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island are great, comfy options, with incredible views over Nelly Bay.
7. Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island is a tropical delight amid the waves of the Southwest Pacific Ocean. It’s about parallel to Brisbane, so it enjoys comfortable temperatures of 18-25 degrees Celsius all year round. It’s a great pick if you’re travelling with kids, and Emily Bay – a turquoise lagoon with clear, warm water – is perfect for splashing around and picnics in the sand.
Where to stay: The Tin Sheds are smack in the centre of Burnt Pine – Norfolk Island’s largest town, with a great range of eateries and shops. For something a little more private, head to Shearwater Scenic Villas. It’s a secluded getaway spread across 16 acres of land, overlooking the ocean.
8. Orpheus Island, QLD
Orpheus Island is what holiday dreams are made of. Surrounded by coral reefs and national parks, Orpheus Island is one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most romantic islands. While we won’t judge you if all you do is laze around in hammocks and go swimming, there’s also scuba diving, snorkelling, sunset cruises, and an on-site spa to keep you busy.
Where to stay: Orpheus Island Lodge is the island’s only resort. With no more than 28 guests at any time, you’ll feel as if you’ve got the entire island to yourself.
9. Phillip Island, VIC
Phillip Island is one of Victoria’s most popular islands and for good reason. Famous for its little penguins and motorcycle Grand Prix racing, it attracts a diverse mix of travellers. Chill out in the sleepy coastal towns of Cowes and San Remo. If you’re brave, hang ten with Phillip Island’s renowned surf.
Where to stay: Phillip Island has a number of great, affordable accommodation options. Two great picks are the Ramada Resort Phillip Island near the wildlife park and Phillip Island Apartments closer to town.
10. Rottnest Island, WA
The Aussie island that’s becoming world famous thanks to its celebrity quokkas is also a picturesque escape that’s just a 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle. Perfect for all types of travellers, including families, Rotto is home to some of Australia’s best swimming spots, including more than 63 secluded beaches and 20 bays.
Insider tip: A major expansion of Rottnest’s main resort, Hotel Rottnest, has just been approved, so there will soon be an extra 80 rooms and four more pools to choose from.
Where to stay: Hotel Rottnest is smack in the centre of the island action, with two room types to choose from – the Courtside Room and the larger Bayside Room, which comes with a private courtyard.
Sources:
*According to Wotif.com accommodation searches from 16 April 2017 to 16 April 2018 for travel dates from 4 July – 18 July 2018 compared to accommodation searches from 7 April 2016 to 7 April 2017 for travel dates 25 June to 9 July 2017.
**Based on the average daily rate for 3 – 5 star-rated and self-rated accommodation demand on Wotif.com between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017 for travel from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017 for the described destinations. Prices shown are in Australian dollars, booked on the Australian site, and are not necessarily the rates displayed on the site. Rates are subject to accommodation and date selections made.
About Wotif’s Wot’s Your Journey Report: The Leading Edge were engaged by Wotif to conduct research into understanding Australian travellers. The study was conducted across August to September 2017 and consisted of two components; 1. Online Community of 40 Australian travellers, 2. Online Survey completed by a nationally representative sample of 1,036 Australians travellers (who had all travelled and stayed in paid accommodation in the last two years on leisure holidays). The survey was conducted online among members of a permission-based panel, between 23 – 29 August 2017. After interviewing, data was weighted to the latest population estimates sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Data was weighted to National Representative proportions to reflect the age, gender, and residential location of Australian travellers.