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Islands in Australia

Q: What is the largest island in Australia?

The largest island in Australia is the state of Tasmania, located to the south of the mainland.

TeamAckoMar 6, 2024

Australia is home to over 8,000 remarkable islands, that's 8,000 places that you can have unforgettable adventures at! Each island comes with its own unique charm and thousands of attractions. Among these islands, you'll find both well-known tourist destinations as well as hidden gems that make for the perfect backdrop when you're planning a peaceful getaway. Whoever you are, whatever your vibe is, Australia has an island for you!

The best island to visit in Australia depends on your interests. Whether you're looking for pristine beaches, rich marine life, wildlife encounters, adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, islands in Australia offer an abundance of experiences to suit your preferences.

Contents

Best Islands To Visit In Australia
Frequently Asked Questions

Best Islands To Visit In Australia

Ready to go Down Under, where it's winter when the world is enjoying summer? The land of kangaroos, barbecues, and deserts welcomes you. Here is our curated list of the best islands to visit in Australia on your next holiday!

Explore More: Travel Insurance for Australia

Hamilton Island, Queensland

Located in the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island is a perfect destination if you are looking for a luxurious island getaway in Australia. It's at the heart of Whitsundays in Queensland, and is definitely your bougie retreat.

Hamilton Island is an island that caters to people who love to enjoy the finer experiences in life like you. Indulge in some ice-cold refreshing cocktails and infinity pools that go on for what seem like miles while you soak up the Aussie sun in the Great Barrier Reef. You can take your pick from a dizzying range of activities such as snorkeling, sailing, scuba diving, jet-skiing and relaxation by the famous Whitehaven Beach.

If you are into watersports, then go to the annual Hamilton Island Race Week. You can charter a private boat for sailing, or go for an island hopping day trip. Keep in mind this is a UNESCO world heritage site and you are expected to be a well behaved tourist.

Things To Do

🤿Snorkeling - Average cost $100-$200
⛵Sailing -Average cost $100-$300
🐠Scuba diving- Average cost $150-$300
🚤Jet-skiing- Average cost $100-$150
🏝️ Island hopping
🏖️Relaxing

How to Travel From Australia's Mainland

1 hour 25 minutes flight from Cairns
2 hours 30 minute flight from Sydney

Places to Stay 🏰

Qualia Resort- $1,000 to $1,500 or more per night.
Palm Bungalows-$350 to $700 per night.

Best Time to Visit

Winter, April to June

Tasmania

Tasmania is Australia's southern gem and an island state in Australia. Yes, yes, this is the home of the legendary Tasmanian Devil. Unlike popular legend, Tas isn't a devil but a canine that's actually shy of strangers - thanks a lot Looney Tunes! This island state attracts travelers with its rugged wilderness, vibrant national parks and diverse ecosystems. Don't miss exploring places like Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Freycinet National Park, and the historic town of Port Arthur.

This island in Australia offers scenic hiking and bushwalking trails for the adventure seeker. Be sure to take plenty of water, wear sturdy boots made for hiking, and take energy-boosting snacks to replenish your energy. The island's coastal wonders, like Wineglass Bay, and vibrant arts scenes in Hobart and Launceston offer diverse attractions. With its temperate climate, delectable cuisine, and friendly locals, Tasmania is a compact paradise, perfect for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and a truly Australian experience.

For history buffs, Tasmania gives you a bonus kick, because the town of Port Arthur used to be a convict settlement! If you need to take a peek into the past, well preserved ruins will be your window to that. Add to this the wildlife encounters, art scenes and unique birds like the roadrunner are going to delight your inner Steve Irwin.

You should totally take a trip to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), and Freycinet National Park when you're in Tasmania. You can expect to pay around $50 per person to visit these must-see hotspots.

Things To Do

🥾Hiking - Average cost $20-$40 per person.
🌳Bushwalking - Average cost $24-$45 per person.
🐾Wildlife tours - Average cost $20-$40 per person.
🍷🧀Food and wine tasting - Average cost $20-$50 per person.

How to Travel From Australia's Mainland

1 hour and 15 minutes direct flight from Melbourne

Places to Stay 🏰

Launceston-$80-$1500 per night

Freycinet Peninsula- $150-$300 per night

Best Time to Visit

December to February

Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

Lord Howe Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is like a dreamy, remote, nature lover's paradise in the middle of the Tasman Sea. If you're into snorkeling and diving, you're in for a treat because there are some seriously jaw-dropping coral reefs, and don't even get us started on the legendary Ball's Pyramid!

Lord Howe Island doesn't just offer you only underwater fun - the island is a natural wonderland with emerald green forests and landscapes that practically beg you to go hiking, or birdwatching. If you're looking for a less touristy island in Australia to relax and unwind, then this place is a peaceful paradise.

The peaceful untouched nature that exists here is truly something out of a dream, along with the opportunity to spot rare birds and sounds of nature make this a perfect spot to rewind.

Pro Dive Lord Howe Island, and Lord Howe Island Dive are some companies that can help you do these activities at the island and it usually costs from $80 to $150.

Things To Do

🤿Snorkeling - Average cost $100-$200
🌊Diving- Average cost $80-$150
🦜Bird watching- Average cost $50 to $100
🎣Fishing- Average cost $250 to $500
🚣 Kayaking and Paddleboarding- Average cost $30 to $50

How to Travel From Australia's Mainland

2-hour flight from Sydney

Places to Stay 🏰

Pinetrees Lodge- $700 to $1,200 per night.
Beachcomber Lodge- $300 to $500 per night.

Best Time to Visit

September to May

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

As the name suggests, this island is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. You can hang out with kangaroos, koalas, sea lions, and more in their natural habitats, no wonder it is known as Australia's Galapagos.

The island also offers beautiful beaches and pristine landscapes. But that's not all – the island's got these out-of-this-world beaches, rugged coastlines, and forests. Oh, and if you're into food and wine, Kangaroo Island is a foodie's dream come true. It's got all this amazing local grub and vino that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance. It is a great spot to be away from the crowd and chill at one of the best islands to visit in Australia.

Seal Bay Conservation Park and KI Wilderness Tours are some companies that can help you in your adventures.

Things To Do

🦘Wildlife encounters- Average cost $500 to $1,000 per person.
🏊Sea adventures-Average cost $200 to $500 per person.
🍷🧀Food and wine-Average cost $10 to $20 per person.

How to Travel From Australia's Mainland

45 ferry ride from Adelaide
30-minute flight from Adelaide

Places to Stay 🏰

Southern Ocean Lodge- $1,500 to $2,500 per night.
Aurora Ozone Hotel-150 to $300 per night.

Best Time to Visit

December to February

Fraser Island, Queensland

Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's like experiencing nature like no other. It is a must-visit island in Australia. Its colossal sand dunes, dense rainforests, and crystal-clear freshwater lakes create a landscape unlike any other.

You can't miss exploring places like Lake McKenzie, where the water is so pure it's practically unreal. If you are up for some adventure, then there are 4x4 trails and sand driving to get your heart racing. It's like stepping into a surreal world where nature takes center stage, making it a must-visit destination for any nature lover or adventure seeker.

So if you love off roading, beaches, sun and sand then the island is calling for your presence!

Fraser Island 4x4 Hire and Fraser Explorer Tours are some companies that can guide you through your adventure.

Things To Do

🚙4x4 adventures- Average cost $500 to $1,000 per person
🏕️Camping- Average cost $10 to $74 per person
🚢Maheno Shipwreck Average cost $50 to $100 per person
🚣‍♀️Lake McKenzie- Average cost $50 to $100 per person

How to Travel From Australia's Mainland

Take the ferry from either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay and then use a 4WD to travel within the island.

Places to Stay 🏰

Kingfisher Bay Resort- $200 to $400 +per night
Eurong Beach Resort-$150 to $350 per night

Best Time to Visit

August to October

Magnetic Island, Queensland

Magnetic Island, just off the coast of Queensland, is like a tropical dream waiting to be explored. It is known for its hiking trails, wildlife, and secluded bays. It's a great island in Australia for relaxation and exploration.

Don’t miss chilled-out beaches like Horseshoe Bay and Radical Bay for soaking up the sun or hitting the coral reefs for some epic snorkeling and diving action. Head to the national park which has hiking trails that lead to mind-blowing views, and you might even run into some wild koalas along the way. This island's all about relaxing vibes, water sports, and meeting some cool wildlife – a total must for nature lovers and anyone craving some chill time.

Aquascene Charters and Magnetic Island Horse Riding Adventures are some companies that excel in providing services that can make the thrill seeking adventurer in you happy.

Things To Do

🚤Jet-ski tours- Average cost $20 to $30
🚣 Kayaking and Paddleboarding- Average cost $30 to $50,
🚢Sunset Cruises- Average cost $50 to $100.
🐎Horse Riding -Average cost $100 to $150

How to Travel From Australia's Mainland

25-minute ferry from Townsville

Places to Stay 🏰

Peppers Blue on Blue Resort-$200 to $300 per night.
Cape York Camping Punsand Bay- $20 to $30 per night for a basic campsite.

Best Time to Visit

May to November

Christmas Island

Christmas Island is a special place in the Indian Ocean with incredible biodiversity. It’s famous for its annual red crab migration. Witness the fantastic site where millions of red crabs go for a big walk together every year.

The island also has beautiful rainforests with unique birds, and if you like swimming and diving, there are colorful coral reefs and lots of different kinds of fish. If you're into exploring caves and seeing stunning waterfalls, Christmas Island has that too. Plus, the people there are from different cultures, making it a friendly and diverse place.

Things To Do

🦜Bird watching- Average cost $50 to $100
🌊Diving- Average cost $80-$150

How to Travel From Australia's Mainland

4-hour direct flight from Perth

Places to Stay 🏰

VQ3 Lodge-$150 to $250 per night.

The Sunset-$200 to $350 per night.

Best Time to Visit

April to November

Conclusion

Australia has some stunning islands filled with treasure chests of amazing things to do. You've got the mind-blowing islands in the Great Barrier Reef with its colorful corals and white sand. The wild beauty of Tasmania can only be experienced. Lord Howe and Fraser Island are UNESCO world heritage sites and offer experiences like no other island in Australia. If you love water and nature then visit some of the incredible islands of Australia.

And while you plan for an adventure of a lifetime, make sure to register for travel insurance online from ACKO. Travel insurance will make sure you have a worry-free vacation; no need to stress about lost baggage, medical emergencies, missed flights and other unexpected events. Have a g’day mate!

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the frequently asked questions on Islands in Australia

Name some of the best islands to visit in Australia?

Australia has several famous islands, including Fraser Island, Kangaroo Island, Hamilton Island, and Christmas Island.

What is the largest island in Australia?

The largest island in Australia is the state of Tasmania, located to the south of the mainland.

What are some popular activities to do on Australian islands?

Popular activities on Australian islands are swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the natural beauty.

How can I get to the Great Barrier Reef islands in Australia?

The Great Barrier Reef islands are accessible by boat or by flying to nearby airports. Some of the well-known islands in this area include Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, and Lizard Island.

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