12 dreamy island holidays in Australia you need to visit

Because nothing beats an island holiday.

As the land girt by sea, it’s no surprise that Australia is home to over 8000 islands, most of them boasting luxe lodgings, cute cafes and an abundance of Aussie wildlife. But with so many islands to choose from, picking where to start your next adventure can feel like an almost impossible task.

Don’t worry though, we’ve hit the ground running to do the research for you. From WA’s quokka-filled Rottnest Island and Magnetic Island in Queensland to Tassie‘s generous sprinkling of rugged islets and SA getaways like Kangaroo Island, these are the ones worthy of your bucket list.

1. Picnic Island, Tasmania

Picnic Island sits in Tasmania’s magnificent Coles Bay.

Accessible only by boat, Picnic Island sits in Coles Bay within Tassie’s ruggedly beautiful Freycinet National Park. Owner Clem Newton-Brown originally used the island for rugged camping trips with his family, but it now boasts two weathered, copper-clad structures.

The buildings are connected by a boardwalk: one contains five bedrooms, sleeping up to 10 people, while the other features a kitchen, dining and living space complete with suspended fireplace and views over the bay. Dolphins can be spotted passing by, and a walk around the island after dark reveals scores of fairy penguins returning to their burrows. Guests can also enjoy fishing, swimming and foraging for mussels at low tide.

2. Kangaroo Island, SA

Take a short break (and make a big difference) on Kangaroo Island in South Australia. In summer, Hamilton Dune is the place to be. A duo of private-hire lodges overlooking picturesque Emu Bay, guests can choose between architecturally designed Dune House and the larger Hamilton House. Or book into the recently refurbished Southern Ocean Lodge for a taste of true luxury.

While on the island, visitors can take guided tours, spot native wildlife and sample hyperlocal produce at Emu Bay Lavender Farm . Dreaming of a dive with dolphins? Look no further than Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures , where you can expect to swim with anywhere between 20 to 50 wild dolphins at a time. For lovers of gin, Kangaroo Island Distillery is also a must.

3. K’gari, Qld

a man walking along the west coast of K'gari — Escape to the west coast of K’gari. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/ Kyle Hunter)

Some 500,000 visitors arrive on Queensland’s K’gari each year and Wayne, an easygoing larrikin who doubles as driver and guide at K’gari Explorer Tours , estimates 499,000 of them stop at Lake McKenzie. And as easy as it would be to spend the whole day there, this island offers so much more. Think wild swimming, whale watching, 4WD tours, shipwreck snorkelling, guided walks and more.

When it comes to settling in for the night, many visitors opt the luxurious Kingfisher Bay Resort . The stunning eco-driven accommodation is the perfect place to stay and play thanks to its day spa, guided activities and variety of restaurants. While here, be sure to take a Bush Tucker Talk & Taste tour to learn about the island’s native ingredients. K’Gari Beach Resort on the island’s east coast is also a great budget-friendly option.

4. King Island, Tas

Unwind at Kittawa Lodge on King Island — Enjoy sweeping views across the Bass Strait from every room at Kittawa Lodge.

King Island lies off the beautiful and craggy coastline of Tasmania’s north-west. Home to some of the cleanest air in the world, its no wonder the owners of Kittawa Lodge decided to set up shop. Dreamt up to be a place where busy people can unwind and breathe deeply, its two luxury cabins sit snug against the property’s rugged wilds.

With sweeping views across the Bass Strait from every room, both lodges are designed to maximise guests’ connection to the outdoors. Inside, luxurious linens, a handmade concrete bath and original paintings by local artists deepen its sense of place. No Tassie experience would be complete without lashings of local produce either, and King Island certainly delivers.

5. Rottnest Island, WA

an aerial view of the Rottnest Island — Rottnest Island is a water lover’s paradise. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Jump on a ferry from Perth to explore this pristine playground – just be sure to tread lightly. Rottnest Island has long been WA’s holiday destination of choice thanks to its timeless, slow-paced charm. It is also recognised as one of the country’s best-managed ecotourism environments. The island and all its plants and critters are protected by law, including the incredibly friendly quokka – just be sure to follow the guidelines that keep them safe.

With a no-car policy, Rottnest is an ideal place to explore by bike. There are 45 kilometres of walking trails, too, which take in the island’s many beautiful beaches. Alternatively, take a Segway tour to hard-to-reach corners of the island. Stay overnight at Samphire Rottnest to soak up the serenity after the daytime crowds have gone home.

6. Flinders Island, Tas

Exterior of Crayshack Flinders Island — The ocean beckons for guests at the Crayshack on Flinders Island. (Image: Liam Neal)

Flinders Island is the largest in the Furneaux Group, a collection of islands sitting pretty in the Bass Strait. Renowned for its pristine and wild waters harbouring some of Australia’s best seafood, it’s long been a chef’s secret pantry. The island’s resident farmers, growers and producers are passionate about its local ingredients; be sure to get a taste down at The Flinders Wharf .

Providing another reason to visit – and stay awhile, The Flinders Wharf also manages three chic and cosy farm stays on the Quoin Farm . Dwarf Cottage is a gorgeous studio space perfect for couples; family-friendly Crayshack sits right on Killiecrankie Beach; and the three-bedroom Wombat Lodge boasts a tub overlooking the mountains. Take your pick!

7. Abrolhos Islands, WA

The Abrolhos Islands in WA from above — The Abrolhos Islands are an adventurer’s dream. (Image: Chris Gordon)

Sitting 70 kilometres off Western Australia lies an island smaller than a footy oval. Basile Island is just one stop on Eco Abrolhos’ five-day exploratory cruise of the Abrolhos Islands, and its 32-person catamaran is the only tourism vessel permitted to stop there. Few people even know this remote archipelago of 122 islands exists, making it the perfect getaway for thrill-seekers after a bit of peace and quiet.

Snorkel over coral gardens in glass-blue water. Dive at the historic Batavia shipwreck. Go crayfishing and lobster-catching. Learn about the local pearl farm industry. And after all that, head back to the mainland to visit the Museum of Geraldton , where you can learn more about the magical place you just explored.

8. Tiwi Islands, NT

an aerial view of a beach on the Tiwi Islands — The Tiwi Islands is a far-flung northern sanctuary where art flourishes. (Image: Tourism NT)

Travel across the water from Darwin in a tiny prop plane to soak in the ancient and abundant culture of the Tiwi Islands. Home to plentiful tropical rainforests, clay-like cliffs and white-sand beaches, its landscapes will leave an indeliable mark on your heart. This top-notch topography is matched in magnificence by the island’s many Indigenous artists, who you can meet on guided art tours.

The Tiwi’s strong cultural pulse can be felt across its two main islands, Bathurst and Melville, where you can experience First Nations language, culture, dance, song and storytelling. Nine smaller, uninhabited islands make up the rest of this rich community in the Timor Sea.

9. Lord Howe Island, NSW

While technically classified as part of NSW, the World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island has an identity all of its own. The remnant of a volcano that was active more than two million years ago, this tiny paradise in the Tasman Sea needs to be on your bucket list.

Lord Howe is characterised by its knockout beaches, all-year-round good weather and abundance of subtropical forests, all surveyed by the impressive Mt Gower – rated one of Australia’s best day walks. Don’t miss the I-never-want-to-leave luxury of Capella Lodge , home to one of Australia’s best infinity pools.

10. Christmas Island

a drone shot of a boat sailing across Christmas Island — Christmas Island is a secluded gem in the Indian Ocean. (Image: Christmas Island Tourism Association)

Located in the Indian Ocean 2600 kilometres north-west of Perth, Christmas Island is unlike anywhere you’ve ever visited before. It’s a true secluded paradise where tropical jungle meets turquoise water, offering way more than the headlines would lead you to believe.

Come for the huge red-crab migration made famous by Sir David Attenborough, one of the largest animal migrations on the planet. Stay for (or rather, at) luxury eco retreat Swell Lodge , where all funds go to the island’s incredible conservation efforts. Fill your days with secret swimming spots, snorkelling, hiking, fishing and a melting pot of unique cultural experiences.

11. Cocos Keeling Islands

a boat tour on Cocos Keeling — Boat tours explore outer islands and reefs. (Image: Cocos Keeling Tourism/Rachel Claire)

Like Christmas Island, the Cocos Keeling Islands is another external Australian territory, minding its own business in the vast Indian Ocean. About halfway between Perth and Sri Lanka, this tranquil and unspoilt atoll is home to a rich culture and heritage that dates back centuries.

A visit to this little slice of paradise is a must for those craving a tropical escape. With 27 coral islands, visitors are encouraged to spend their days boat-hopping from one beach to the next. Only two of the tiny landmasses – West Island and Home Island – are inhabited and there are no shopping centres, restaurant chains or crowded beaches, making it the perfect place to recharge.

12. Norfolk Island

Aerial beach shot on Norfolk Island — The locals in Norfolk are extremely welcoming. (Image: Norfolk Island Tourism)

Resting quietly between New Zealand and New Caledonia, Norfolk Island is – geographically speaking – a very isolated place. But this sublime speck in the South Pacific Ocean is home to a vibrant and thriving community that welcomes its visitors with open arms.

Its subtropical landscape of rolling plains and pine forests dance in time with sparkling bays and world-class dive sites. In particular, Emily Bay is known among locals as an aquatic mecca, with seals and turtles spotted frequently. Harnessing the abundance of homegrown produce, from fresh fish to honey and cheese, Norfolk also boasts an immaculate paddock-to-plate philosophy – stop by Bailey’s to sample the goods.

Video credit: Visit Victoria/Tourism Australia

The Grampians just might be the ultimate antidote for the metropolis, writes one returning Aussie ready to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect to the Great outdoors.

There are no kangaroos back in Chicago: they’re all here in the Grampians/Gariwerd . In the heart of the Grampians National Park’s main gateway town, Halls Gap, pods of eastern greys are eating grass beside my parked rental car beneath the stars. Next morning, when I see the backyard of my rented villa on the edge of town for the first time, there are kangaroos feeding beside a slow-moving creek, lined with river red gums.

Five hundred metres up the road, 50 or so of them are eating by the side of the road in a paddock. I pull over to watch and spot three emus. Yellow-tailed black cockatoos fly overhead towards the tall green mountains just beyond town.

‘Kee-ow, keee-oww’… their calls fuse with the maniacal cackle of a kookaburra (or 10). Gawd, how I’ve missed the sound of them. Far above, a wedge-tailed eagle watches, and there you go: the ‘great birds of Australia’ trifecta, all half a kay from the town limits.

Exchanging city chaos for country calm

kangaroos near Halls Gap, Grampians National Park — The park is renowned for its significant diversity of native fauna species. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robert Blackburn)

I’ve come to the Grampians to disconnect, but the bush offers a connection of its own. This isn’t just any bush, mind you. The Grampians National Park is iconic for many reasons, mostly for its striking sandstone mountains – five ridges run north to south, with abrupt, orange slopes which tumble right into Halls Gap – and for the fact there’s 20,000 years of traditional rock art. Across these mountains there are more than 200 recorded sites to see, created by the Djab Wurrung, Jardwadjali and Gunditjmara peoples. It’s just like our outback… but three hours from Melbourne.

I’ve come here for a chance at renewal after the chaos of my life in America’s third-largest city, Chicago, where I live for now, at the whim of a relative’s cancer journey. Flying into Melbourne’s airport, it only takes an hour’s drive to feel far away from any concept of suburbia. When I arrive in Halls Gap two hours later, the restaurant I’m eating at clears out entirely by 7:45pm; Chicago already feels a lifetime ago.

The trails and treasures of the Grampians

sunrise at Grampians National Park /Gariwerd — Grampians National Park /Gariwerd covers almost 2000 square kilometres. (Image: Ben Savage)

Though the national park covers almost 2000 square kilometres, its best-known landmarks are remarkably easy to access. From my carpark here, among the cockatoos and kangaroos on the fringe of Halls Gap, it only takes 60 seconds’ driving time before I’m winding my way up a steep road through rainforest, deep into the mountains.

Then it’s five minutes more to a carpark that serves as a trailhead for a hike to one of the park’s best vantage points, The Pinnacles . I walk for an hour or so, reacquainting myself with the smells and the sounds of the Aussie bush, before I reach it: a sheer cliff’s edge lookout 500 metres up above Halls Gap.

walking through a cave, Hollow Mountain — Overlooking the vast Grampians landscape from Hollow Mountain. (Image: Robert Blackburn)

There are hikes and there are lookouts and waterfalls all across this part of the park near town. Some are a short stroll from a carpark; others involve long, arduous hikes through forest. The longest is the Grampians Peaks Trail , Victoria’s newest and longest iconic walk, which runs 160 kilometres – the entire length of Grampians National Park.

Local activities operator Absolute Outdoors shows me glimpses of the trail. The company’s owner, Adrian Manikas, says it’s the best walk he’s done in Australia. He says he’s worked in national parks across the world, but this was the one he wanted to bring his children up in.

“There’s something about the Grampians,” he says, as he leads me up a path to where there’s wooden platforms for tents, beside a hut looking straight out across western Victoria from a kilometre up in the sky (these are part of the guided hiking options for the trail). “There are things out here that you won’t see anywhere else in Australia.” Last summer, 80 per cent of the park was damaged by bushfire, but Manikas shows me its regrowth, and tells me of the manic effort put in by volunteers from town – with firefighters from all over Australia – to help save Halls Gap.

wildflowers in Grampians National Park — Spot wildflowers. (Image: Visit Victoria)

We drive back down to Halls Gap at dusk to abseil down a mountain under the stars, a few minutes’ walk off the main road into town. We have headlamps, but a full moon is enough to light my way down. It takes blind faith to walk backwards down a mountain into a black void, though the upside is I can’t see the extent of my descent.

Grampians National Park at sunset. (Image: Wine Australian)

The stargazing is ruined by the moon, of course, but you should see how its glow lights up the orange of the sandstone, like in a theme park. When I’m done, I stand on a rocky plateau drinking hot chocolate and listening to the Aussie animals who prefer nighttime. I can see the streets of Halls Gap off in the distance on this Friday night. The restaurants may stay open until 8pm tonight.

What else is on offer in The Grampians?

a boat travelling along the Wimmera River inDimboola — Travelling along the Wimmera River in Dimboola. (Image: Chris McConville)

You’ll find all sorts of adventures out here – from rock climbing to canoeing to hiking – but there’s more to the Grampians than a couple of thousand square kilometres of trees and mountains. Halls Gap may be known to most people, but what of Pomonal, and Dimboola, and Horsham? Here in the shadow of those big sandstone mountains there are towns and communities most of us don’t know to visit.

And who knew that the Grampians is home to Victoria’s most underrated wine region ? My disconnection this morning comes not in a forest, but in the tasting rooms and winery restaurants of the district. Like Pomonal Estate, barely 10 minutes’ drive east of Halls Gap, where UK-born chef Dean Sibthorp prepares a locally caught barramundi with lentil, pumpkin and finger lime in a restaurant beside the vines at the base of the Grampians. Husband-and-wife team Pep and Adam Atchison tell me stories as they pour their prize wines (shiraz is the hero in these parts).

dining at Pomonal Estate — Dine in a restaurant beside vines at Pomonal Estate. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Three minutes’ drive back down the road, long-time mates Hadyn Black and Darcy Naunton run an eclectic cellar door out of a corrugated iron shed, near downtown Pomonal. The Christmas before last, half the houses in Pomonal burnt down in a bushfire, but these locals are a resilient lot.

The fires also didn’t stop the construction of the first art centre in Australia dedicated to environmental art in a nature-based precinct a little further down the road (that’s Wama – the National Centre for Environmental Arts), which opened in July. And some of the world’s oldest and rarest grape vines have survived 160 years at Best’s Wines, outside the heritage town of Great Western. There’s plantings here from the year 1868, and there’s wines stored in century-old barrels within 150-year-old tunnels beneath the tasting room. On the other side of town, Seppelt Wines’ roots go back to 1865. They’re both only a 30-minute drive from Halls Gap.

Salingers of Great Western — Great Western is a charming heritage town. (Image: Griffin Simm)

There’s more to explore yet; I drive through tiny historic towns that barely make the map. Still part of the Grampians, they’re as pretty as the mountains behind them: full of late 19th-century/early 20th-century post offices, government offices and bank buildings, converted now to all manner of bric-a-brac stores and cafes.

The Imaginarium is one, in quirky Dimboola, where I sleep in the manager’s residence of an old National Australia Bank after a gourmet dinner at the local golf club, run by noted chef and teacher, Cat Clarke – a pioneer of modern Indigenous Australian cooking. Just south, I spend an entire afternoon at a winery, Norton Estate Wines, set on rolling calico-coloured hills that make me think of Tuscany, chit-chatting with owners Chris and Sam Spence.

Being here takes me back two decades, when I lived here for a time. It had all seemed as foreign as if I’d driven to another planet back then (from Sydney/Warrane), but there seemed something inherently and immediately good about this place, like I’d lived here before.

And it’s the Australian small-town familiarity of the Grampians that offers me connection back to my own country. Even in the better-known Halls Gap, Liz from Kerrie’s Creations knows I like my lattes with soy milk and one sugar. And while I never do get the name of the lady at the local Ampol station, I sure know a lot about her life.

Kookaburras on a tree — Kookaburras are one of some 230 bird species. (Image: Darren Donlen)

You can be a local here in a day; how good is that? In Chicago, I don’t even know who my neighbour is. Though each day at dusk – when the kangaroos gather outside my villa, and the kookaburras and the black cockatoos shout out loud before settling in to sleep – I prefer the quieter connection I get out there in the bush, beneath these orange mountains.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Sleep beside the wildlife on the edge of Halls Gap at Serenity .

Playing there

abseiling down Hollow Mountain — Hollow Mountain is a popular abseiling site.

Go abseiling under the stars or join a guided hike with Absolute Outdoors . Visit Wama , Australia’s first environmental art centre. Check out Dimboola’s eccentric Imaginarium .

Eating there

steak, naan bread and beer at Paper Scissors Rock in Halls Gap — Paper Scissors Rock in Halls Gap serves a great steak on naan bread.

Eat world-class cuisine at Pomonal Estate . Dine and stay at much-revered icon Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld. The ‘steak on naan’ at Halls Gap brewhouse Paper Scissors Rock , can’t be beat.

Dunkeld Arboretum in Grampians National Park — The serene Dunkeld Arboretum.

For Halls Gap’s best breakfasts head to Livefast Cafe . Sip local wines at Great Western’s historic wineries, Best’s Wines , Seppelt Wines and Norton Estate Wines .

two glasses of beer at Paper Scissors Rock in Halls Gap — Sink a cold one at Paper Scissors Rock.