Top 15 Beautiful Islands in Australia to Visit in 2023

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The islands of Australia draw visitors from all over the world to discover their distinctive geology, flora and fauna. Experiences like the powder-soft sands of Whitehaven Beach and the penguin parade of Phillip Island are unforgettable experiences.

Lists of Top 15 Beautiful Islands in Australia

1. Phillip Island (close to Melbourne)
2. Flinders Island (close to Hobart)
3. Bruny Island (close to Hobart)
4. Hamilton Island (part of Whitsundays)
5. Daydream Island (part of Whitsundays)
6. Hayman Island (part of Whitsundays)
7. Cockatoo Island (close to Sydney)
8. Lord Howe Island: (close to Sydney)
9. K’gari (Fraser Island; close to Brisbane)
10. North Stradbroke Island (close to Brisbane)
11. Kangaroo Island (close to Adelaide)
12. Cocos (Keeling) Islands (close to Perth)
13. Rottnest Island (close to Perth)
14. Magnetic Island
15. Lizard Island

1. Phillip Island (close to Melbourne)

It offers visitors the chance to see magnificent Australian wildlife amid spectacular views. The Penguin Parade, the Churchill Island Heritage Farm, the Koala Conservation Centre and the Nobbys Centre are just a few attractions

2. Flinders Island (close to Hobart)

This island has sandy beaches, rambling hillsides, and thick bushland. Take a walk through Strzelecki National Park to see its granite mountains and marsupials like Bennett’s wallabies, Tasmanian pademelons and potoroos.

3. Bruny Island (close to Hobart)

It is made of two Australian islands joined by The Neck, a narrow isthmus. It’s a popular weekend destination for beachgoers and foodies. Bruny Island also has a rugged, largely undeveloped terrain that’s both dramatic and breathtaking. It is the home of fairy penguins, rainforests, seal colonies and beautiful beaches.

4. Hamilton Island (part of Whitsundays)

The idyllic location of Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays makes it an ideal base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach. You can spend your day relaxing by the infinity pools, at spas, you can go golfing or sip cocktails. You can also get really close to iconic Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos and crocodiles at Hamilton Island Wildlife.

5. Daydream Island (part of Whitsundays)

This is an excellent location to see the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. A wide variety of unusual species can be found here. This area is home to clownfish, rays, cod and starfish to name a few.

6. Hayman Island (part of Whitsundays)

Hayman Island is a secluded paradise. You can stay at luxurious beach properties that offer large swimming pools, suites or villas, seaplane adventures and trips to the famous Whitehaven Beach or Heart Reef.

7. Cockatoo Island (close to Sydney)

UNESCO has identified Cockatoo Island as a World Heritage Site. The island has a colourful history as a prison and shipbuilding yard. You can opt for the Cockatoo Island Ghostyard trip or the Haunted History tour to hear a few ghost stories.

8. Lord Howe Island: (close to Sydney)

Lord Howe Island, shaped like a crescent moon, is a remote tropical island situated between Australia and New Zealand. It’s an excellent spot for swimming, snorkelling and diving. The island is home to numerous birds, so don’t forget to grab your binoculars if you’re a passionate bird-watcher.

9. K’gari (Fraser Island; close to Brisbane)

The world’s largest sand island is Fraser Island in Australia. It is the only place on Earth where tall rainforests thrive on dunes as high as 200 metres (656 feet). It also has half of the planet’s perched lakes, which are formed over time as dune depressions fill with rainwater.

10. North Stradbroke Island (close to Brisbane)

North Stradbroke Island combines wild kangaroos, white-sand beaches and humpback whales to create an ideal adventure. To spot whales, you can climb up to Point Lookout with a pair of binoculars.

11. Kangaroo Island (close to Adelaide)

More than a third of this island is covered in national parks. These are home to thousands of wallabies, koalas and kangaroos. You can meet sea creatures such as penguins, fur seals and sea lions. This island in Australia is a complete adventure package with Little Sahara sand dunes, rocky cliff formations, caves and Flinders Chase National Park.

12. Cocos (Keeling) Islands (close to Perth)

Australia’s unspoiled paradise offers incredible snorkelling, world-class diving, excellent fishing and kite surfing in the Indian Ocean. Canoe to this uninhabited island and relax on empty beaches. Cossies Beach on Direction Island is a must-see for anyone visiting Cocos Island.

13. Rottnest Island (close to Perth)

Rottnest Island is located on Australia’s west coast, just south of Perth. It has a rich history. You may come across the unique Australian Quokka, an animal that can only be found on this island. Rottnest Island has a spectacular reef, and numerous beaches and is ideal for swimming.

14. Magnetic Island

National parks cover more than half of the island, providing a secure place for animals ranging from wallabies to wild koalas. The coral reef ‘Maggie’ is a popular snorkelling location. When visiting, you should see Florence and Radical Bays, Arthur Bay Lookout, The Forts Walk, Rocky Bay, Hawking’s Point Lookout and Wallabies at Arcadia.

15. Lizard Island

Lizard Island is located in the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Don’t pass up on the chance to snorkel at some of the reef’s most spectacular dive sites, such as Cod Hole, where you can swim along with grey reef sharks and schools of tropical fish.

With their unique beauty, the islands in Australia are nothing short of a paradise. From experiencing coastal activities to exploring rainforests, there is something for everyone. You must check out the places to visit in Australia and embark on the most memorable vacation of your life.

FAQs

Q: Which are the top three Islands in Australia that one must not miss?

A: Rottnest Island, Lord Howe Island and Whitsundays are some of the most popular islands and must not be missed.

Q: How many islands does Australia have?

A: Australia has approximately 8,222 islands of varying sizes within its maritime boundaries.

Q: Is there any special clothing or equipment required on the islands?

A: It is advisable to carry your wetsuit, bathing towel and sunscreen. You can also pack some snorkeling equipment like goggles, reef shoes, etc. In case you don’t have these, you can hire them at the islands’ shacks.

Q: When is the best time to visit the Australian islands?

A: The picturesque tropical scenery and gorgeous weather allow you to visit all year round. However, experts suggest that September is the best time with favorable weather conditions and warm ocean temperatures.