4 Aussie islands you can book exclusively, for less than you think

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Think private islands are only for billionaires? Think again.

There’s nothing better than gathering a group of your best mates and heading off for a summer holiday. But battling it out for campsites, squeezing into tiny hotel rooms or lining up for the hostel bathroom can rain on the parade a little.

What if you could rent an entire private island instead? That’s right, there are several stunning islands around Australia that can be completely booked out by you and your mates. And before you assume it’s too expensive, you might want to take a look at these prices…

Three Hummock Island

Three Hummock Island
Three Hummock Island features a wild, untouched coastline.

One of the most idyllic to book is Three Hummock Island off the north-west coast of Tasmania. Accessed only via boat or plane, this little slice of Tassie paradise can accommodate up to 12 guests across four bedrooms for approximately $180 each a night. You’ll have the 9307-hectare island to yourself, including a fully equipped kitchen (private chef included at an additional cost), indoor fireplace, barbecue and all toiletries/bathroom amenities. Spend your days surrounded by nature and wildlife, going bushwalking, wild swimming, and snorkelling before settling in by the firepit come evening.

Picnic Island

Picnic Island
You and your friends can enjoy the tranquillity of untouched beaches and a peaceful atmosphere.

A little further south you’ll find Picnic Island , just off the coast of Tassie’s picturesque Freycinet Peninsula. The secluded retreat, set in the tranquil waters of Coles Bay, offers stunning views of the granite mountains that form the backdrop of Freycinet National Park. It accommodates up to 10 guests across five bedrooms.

While rates depend on numbers, prices can be cheaper than some hotels (approximately $330 each, per night); and why have a private room when you can have an entire island to yourself? Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and seals who regularly visit.

Fraser Island Retreat

Fraser Island Retreat
This private haven offers the perfect setting for relaxation and creating unforgettable memories together.

Back on the mainland, you’ll find the lakeside Fraser Island Retreat in Victoria’s gorgeous Gippsland Lakes region. If you’re looking for something a little more luxe, this is the one for you. The charming homestead boasts 11 bedrooms that can accommodate up to 34 guests.

You’ll have access to a grand dining hall, refrigeration room, fully equipped kitchen, wine cellar, two tennis courts, a golf course and a pool with a gazebo. Current booking prices sit between $2500 and $3250 per night, meaning the maximum amount of guests would be paying just $74 to $96 each.

Pumpkin Island

Pumpkin Island
Pumpkin Island is a hidden gem in the Southern Great Barrier Reef. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

If the Great Barrier Reef is more up your alley, check out Pumpkin Island , just 14 kilometres off the coast of Yeppoon. With five self-catering cottages, two beach bungalows, shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen and optional catering packages, it comfortably accommodates up to 34 people.

Complete beach access means activities like snorkelling, fishing, paddleboarding and kayaking are available around the clock. And at $4195 a night, it works out to be roughly $124 each a night.

Looking for something different off the Queensland coast? Pelorus Private Island , Orpheus Island , Bedarra Island , Makepeace Island , Wilson Island and Haggerstone Island are also available for private bookings.

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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Europe’s FlixBus hits Aussie roads with $10 city-to-city fares

Cheaper, greener and smarter travel is coming to the East Coast.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a smarter, easier and more sustainable way to travel Australia without the chaos of airports or the exhaustion of long days behind the wheel, your prayers may have been answered. European travel company FlixBus has landed in Australia, shaking up the long-distance bus scene by offering a more affordable and greener travel option to get you from A to B, just in time for the end-of-year holidays.

FlixBus driving on the road in Australia
FlixBus is making its Aussie debut.

Known for its lime-green buses, FlixBus operates over 400,000 routes to more than 8,000 destinations in over 40 countries. German travel company FlixBus is taking to Australian roads. New bus services will connect Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney, with 12 daily Canberra–Sydney services and several Melbourne–Canberra–Sydney connections, including stops at Albury, Sydney Airport (domestic and international), and Central Station.

“We are proud to officially mark our entry into Australia, our 45th market, a significant milestone in our mission to shape the future of long-distance bus travel,” said André Schwämmlein, CEO and Founder of Flix. “This launch reflects how our scalable tech platform and partnership model enable sustainable growth across continents and reinforces our commitment to a long-term, sustainable presence in every market we enter.”

FlixBus Australia
FlixBus is renowned for offering budget-friendly transportation.

The milestone marks the 45th country in which FlixBus operates, establishing its presence on five continents and strengthening its commitment to delivering budget-friendly, sustainable and easy travel options across the globe.

Onboard features will include free wi-fi, power outlets, toilets and comfortable seats with extra legroom. Long-distance bus travel is considered more environmentally sustainable than flying or driving alone, and the company is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 globally. FlixBus stands out for its frequent and affordable rides that skip fewer unnecessary detours and an easy-to-use app and booking platform. 

FlixBus Australia app
The FlixBus app is easy to use.

Operations will begin on 20 November with tickets on sale now. To inspire you to jump onboard, FlixBus are offering tickets for as little as $9.99 until the end of November. FlixBus plans to expand its Australian network over time. 

Whether you’re travelling home for the holidays, keen to explore the east coast of Australia or need a more affordable long-distance work commute, FlixBus is set to transform the way we travel.