Australia is one of the most recommended locations for people who want to go on a vacation. The country has several beautiful natural attractions, thanks to its geographic identity placing over eight thousand islands over the coral reef-rich waters between the Pacific and Southern Oceans. As a result, the continent is filled with pristine beaches, tranquil rainforests and various species of plant and animal life.
Regardless of which activity or tourist attraction you might be looking for, the diverse islands of Australia should have them for you. Planning to visit Australia for the first time? Then fret not, as we are here to provide you with some of the most spectacular island destinations found in the continent:
1. Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island is one of the most famous island destinations in Australia. While most people visit island tourist spots for their beaches and relaxation, travellers go to Fitzroy Island for quite the opposite. Fitzroy Island, while also having its fair share of wonderful beachfront, is more sought-after due to its reputation as the adventure spot of Australia.
Fitzroy Island’s geographic make-up is mostly mountainous, which explains the physical adventures travellers yearn for on the island. There are dozens of different trails and tracks found across Fitzroy, with the range of difficulty ranging from basic to almost suicidal. Basic trails are perfect for people looking to take a leisurely, perhaps even romantic stroll while following the path to a beach or an open park in the forest. More challenging trails, like the famous Summit Track, go for three to four hours while making energetic backpackers sweat their way through the heart of the rainforest, over the ponds and clearings, and up the cliffs and boulders until they get to the mountaintop. The breathtaking views at the top should be enough reward, though.
2. Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is mostly popular for the unique collection of animal life found on it. Among the local animal, attractions are the quokka, which is also arguably the island’s top draw. The quokka refers to an endangered marsupial species native to Rottnest and not found anywhere else in the world. These animals grew popular after photographs of them smiling next to tourists caught the internet by storm. Since becoming a worldwide celebrity, the quokka has almost single-handedly doubled the island’s tourism rates.
There’s more to Rottnest than the selfie creatures, too. If you visit at the right season, you will be able to see rare Humpback whales up close as they enjoy the shores of the island during migration. The rivers of the island also serve as home to exotic Australian crocodiles, and it would be much safer to observe them from afar. Green turtles can also be found in the sands near the island’s beaches, busily living their ancient lives while enjoying the warmth of the sun.
If an incredible time on the island is what you’re looking for, booking a Rottnest Island package promises an extraordinary holiday as this will take you to the best sightseeing spots on the island.
3. Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe Island, much like Rottnest Island, is another wildlife destination located in the Tasman Sea, a few kilometres east of Port Macquarie. Lord Howe is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site, thanks to its rich culture of avian and marine organisms. Dozens of rare birds and fish can only be found in Lord Howe Island, which explains why hundreds of bird watchers and enthusiasts regularly visit the island on certain seasons to catch a glimpse of different breeds. In addition to being a bird nirvana, the island is also popularly visited due to its anti-crowding policy, which states that there can only be up to 400 tourists on the island at any point in time. This policy is great for people seeking a little privacy, as it allows them to enjoy the island’s beaches and forest walks without worrying too much about other people or large crowds.
As with most of Australia’s famous islands, Lord Howe is also full of beaches sporting crystal-clear waters and pearly white sands. Tourists can take their pick from the island’s resorts and engage in fun activities like fishing, diving, kayaking, and snorkeling, among others.
4. Lady Musgrave Island
The beautiful coral island of Lady Musgrave is another often-visited island along the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland. Despite an area of no more than 14 hectares, the small island regularly attracts and houses thousands of tourists on a daily basis. Lady Musgrave Island does not offer much in terms of activity or variation in its attractions, but the fact that the island has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a national park as well more than speaks out about the quality of the local scenes.
The island is a good location if you are into diving or snorkeling, as Lady Musgrave keeps its own 3,000-acre reef collection along with a protected lagoon, perfect for underwater adventuring. There are also various swimming and fishing spots on the island if you would rather enjoy the reefs from a distance. While there are a few inns offering accommodation, most tourists prefer camping out on the beaches to enjoy an open view of the stars in the night sky as they lay on their backs.