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Paradise Found: Islands Off Queensland You Won’t Believe Exist
Queensland is known for its endless stretches of gorgeous coastline, tropical climate and lush bushland that reaches from one end of the coast to the other. But what about the magic that lies in wait, just off the coastline?
We got to wondering just how many islands there are to explore… and we honestly were shocked to discover that there are just under 2000 islands speckled around the coast of Queensland!
The islands vary from luxurious private escapes like Lizard Island and Hayman, but there are also wild and untouched spoils that remain undisturbed.
If you’re feeling like an island escape might be just the thing that cures you, we’ve discovered the best islands off Queensland’s coastline to explore.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
K’gari might seem like an obvious choice, but it’s popular for all the right reasons. It’s also the world’s largest sand island, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site, so it really helps to put Queensland on the map!
For travellers seeking natural beauty, you’ll find it in abundance here. There are beautiful freshwater dune lakes, thickets of tall rainforest and beautiful beaches. It’s actually the only known place in the world where rainforest grows on sand dunes, making it an absolute bucket list destination.
When you’re not exploring the natural beauty, there’s plenty to keep oneself occupied with. You can go four-wheel driving, camp on the beach, swim in the ocean, lakes or even the famous Champagne pools. You can hike, explore shipwrecks, and even watch dingoes and whales from afar.
Heron Island
This natural coral cay surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef is a little piece of paradise, just off the coast of Queensland’s shores. If you’ve dreamed of spending a weekend snorkelling the reef, Heron Island is the perfect place to do it.
The Reef here is home to “The Great 8”, natural wonders of the Reef that are a true bucket list treasure to witness: clownfish, manta rays, giant clams, Maori wrasse, potato cod, sharks, turtles and whales.
If swimming isn’t your thing, there are other ways to explore the thousands of different fish species and hundreds of hard coral species that inhabit this blissful place. You can walk with a naturalist guide at low tide, or hop aboard the semi-submersible I-Spy vessel to get closer to nature.
When it comes to accommodation, you can book in at the Heron Island Resort, a low-tech eco escape that lets you unplug and unwind. Choose between the 112 rooms, suites or beach houses, and don’t forget to book your boat transfer in advance!
Hamilton Island
Calling the Whitsundays home, Hamilton Island has long been a dream holiday destination for many Australians. The perfect holiday destination for loved-up couples, best gal pals, or families, there’s so much to keep you entertained on the Island, we’ll wager you’ll never want to leave!
Sailing enthusiasts will love to visit during Race Week, where spectators and yachties gather to celebrate Australia’s largest offshore keelboat regatta during August. If you’d rather be amongst the action, there are plenty of water sports vendors that await you. Snorkel, dive, jet ski or catamaran – just pick your pace and leave the rest to Hammo.
All of this adventure is bound to leave you with an appetite, and the Island has this covered, too. Whether it’s sunset drinks and charcuterie at One Tree Hill, or tasty Asian-fusion eats at Coca Chu, quality eats are easy to find.
Looking for an ultra-memorable, luxurious fine dining experience? qualia Resort’s Pebble Beach degustation pairs exceptional local produce with an expertly curated wine list.
Lady Elliott Island
Found at the Southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliott Island is a stunning coral cay, teeming with native wildlife and incredible aquatic creatures.
The most remote of the Great Barrier Reef islands and located 46 nautical miles north-east of Bundaberg, this private island can only be accessed by Seair Pacific small planes, which are arranged through the Lady Elliott Island Eco Resort.
The Eco Resort here is family-operated, led by Peter Gash since 2005. Throughout his tenure, the team have exerted every effort to introduce sustainable initiatives to the resort, with a goal to be 100% renewable.
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Hayman Island
The ultimate honeymoon destination, this luxurious private island lies in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, at the northernmost point of the Whitsundays.
Hayman Island packages up everything you could possibly want from an island escape in one gorgeous package – stunning azure water, grassy cliffs, sparkling white beaches, luxurious accommodation and exceptional food.
Spend your days exploring private beaches, enjoying R&R in a spa treatment, or meeting friendly sea life in an underwater adventure. A stay here is best suited to anyone seeking a quieter, relaxed and more luxurious escape.
Hayman Island, Whitsundays, Whitsunday Area
Lizard Island
Dive into Lizard Island’s rugged beauty, with over half of the island covered in grasslands. Rising 359m above sea level and surrounded by sparkling blue water and reef, this oasis off the coast of Queensland is a dream escape.
A stay at the luxe Lizard Island Resort feels private and exclusive, with only forty rooms and villas available to choose from. Your stay includes complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards, dinghies, kayaks and snorkelling gear, making exploring the natural beauty a breeze.
Lizard Island, Lizard Island National Park, off the coast of Cooktown
Orpheus Island
Part of the Palm Group of Islands, tucked within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, lies a sun-drenched island surrounded by pristine water. Orpheus Island is just twelve kilometres long, and has a varied terrain of hills, rocky headlands and sandy beaches.
The accommodation here is similarly divine. Limited to just 28 rooms, the Orpheus Island Lodge is part of the Luxury Lodges of Australia collection. An all-inclusive stay, the Lodge invites you to wear your swimwear and stay in it – the epitome of laid-back luxury.
With meals prepared from ultra-fresh, hyper-local produce (most of which is sourced from the island’s veggie patch and local fisherman) and a bevy of activities to keep you busy, this is one of the most phenomenal ways to experience island life.
Orpheus Island, Palm Group of Islands
Now that you’ve set your sights on your island escape, why not keep exploring some of Queensland’s most beautiful holiday destinations? Explore the dupe destinations that make you feel as if you need to pack a passport to access, or step into the world’s oldest rainforest.
