Fraser Island
From the classic tropical islands with beaches and tropical rainforests, to the unexpected and almost untouched getaways, there is something to suit every taste in Australia.
Australia is one of the most diverse holiday destinations in the world – with something to suit any taste. When you think of Australia you probably think of one huge island, full of amazing soft sand beaches, clear waters and cities buzzing with life. Well it might be one big island, but it’s surrounded by even more islands. In fact, it’s surrounded by thousands of islands. So, whether you’re a local to Australia or preparing for a big trip down under, we reckon we know a few of the best islands to fit into your trip and add to your bucket list.
Fitzroy Island
Queensland is truly spoiled for choice when it comes to natural wonders. And if you’re lucky enough to be situated in the tropical north town of Cairns, you’ve got it really good. The Daintree Rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef and the Atherton Tablelands are all within a stone’s throw. But one of our favourite places close to Cairns is Fitzroy Island.
Home to Australia’s Best Beach in 2018, Fitzroy Island is only 45 minutes via ferry from Cairns, and it is the home of luscious tropical scenery you cannot experience anywhere else.
While it is close enough to the mainland for a day trip, Fitzroy Island really is worth the time. Devote a few days to your visit because there is a lot to do on the island.
If you are a water lover, spend some time hitting the water. Potential activities include sea-kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, snorkelling or even head out on a glass bottomed boat adventure. You can see the rich marine life from any angle here and you can spend hours doing so.
If you are a nature lover and want to see what the land has to offer, take a hike through one of the many self-guided walking tracks. You can adventure into the Rainforest through the Secret Garden track, or if you’re up for something a little more challenging, take on the Summit Lighthouse walk.
Relaxation might be more your cup of day, and Fitzroy Island can certainly help you out there. Like we mentioned earlier, Fitzroy Island is home to the beach crowned Australia’s best in 2018 – Nudie Beach. With soft sands and the perfect Queensland sun, spending some time watching the day pass you by at the beach can be the perfect way to unwind. And if you get a little too warm in the sun, cool off with a dip in tropical waters at your feet.
With a huge range of activities that won’t cost a cent, Fitzroy Island can cater to any budget, and is friendly for all ages, from families to backpackers, everyone will love their time on this stunning island.
Fraser Island
We meant it when we said Queensland is full of natural wonders – we’re staying up there for another beautiful bucket list worthy island – Fraser Island. Located a little close to the southern end of Queensland, Fraser Island is just off the coast of Noosa and Rainbow Beach, above the Sunshine Coast.
When you close your eyes and picture a tropical island, Fraser Island is probably as close as you will get to that vision. This island is where the rainforest and the beach truly meet. In fact, Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island, and the only place in the world where you will find rainforest trees growing on sand dunes.
Fraser Island is such an untouched gem that there aren’t even any roads – rather, there is a beach highway. You’ve probably seen pictures of 4-wheel-drives cruising along the beach right near the water. It’s an unmissable experience.
Fraser Island is also home to over 200 freshwater lakes, so when you are exploring the gigantic sand dunes and need to cool off, there are plenty of places you can take a dip.
While Fraser Island is perfect for all ages, it really speaks to the adventurers among us – with activities from fishing to surfing, 4-wheel driving to hiking, there is so much to see and do on Fraser Island.
Bruny Island
Making our way down south, all the way to the bottom of Australia, we find ourselves in Tasmania. Probably a little unexpected for an island getaway, and a little different to the tropical offerings we talked about earlier – we’ve got Bruny Island.
Bruny Island is about 35-40 minutes from Kettering by ferry, with Kettering about a 40-minute drive from Hobart. Great for a day trip from Hobart, Bruny Island is even better for an extended stay. There is simply too much to see, do and most importantly eat.
Around 50km in length, Bruny Island is made up of South Bruny Island and North Bruny Island and is connected by a stretch of land called “the neck”. The neck is only about 100 metres wide and offers phenomenal vistas in every direction. Take a trip to the neck and watch the waves crash on one side, with the serene bay on the other. All this can be seen from viewing platforms, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of some of the local wildlife, like penguins, when they return to their little sand dunes at dusk!!
If nature is what you’re after, South Bruny Island is where you can immerse yourself in the national park. Home to endangered animals and plants, the South Bruny National Park can entertain you for hours or days. If you make your way all the way down South Bruny Island, you will reach the Cape Bruny Lighthouse, where you will see incredibly diverse coastal landscapes and scenery.
Make sure you pack your appetite when you head to Bruny Island. The local produce on offer is to die for and is partly why you need to spend a few days here. There are a lot of meals to fit in. From locally made cheeses, fresh oysters, and so many different types of chocolate, you will never run out of flavours to try. Plus, there are wineries and distilleries galore, so you will be able to wash down all this delicious fare with an equally delicious local drop.
Bruny Island is the perfect escape for couples or groups of friends who are looking to indulge their senses entirely.
From the classic tropical islands with beaches and tropical rainforests, to the unexpected and almost untouched getaways, there is something to suit every taste in Australia.
Sophie Armstrong is passionate about solo travelling, always hunting for a new adventure and experience. She prides herself on finding the best local hotspots and untouched secrets anywhere she goes.
