Island Hopping: The Australian Way

Australia, a big island in of itself, has over 8000 islands within the borders.  These islands offer visitors a wide variety of natural beauty, wildlife, beach experiences and more, for the budget conscious to the luxury traveler. 

Check out Australia's top island destinations, from Kangaroo Island and Tasmania on the southern coast to Fraser, Hamilton and Lizard Island off the eastern shores. 

Kangaroo Island is located off the southern coast, a short distance from Adelaide.  Kangaroo Island is Australia's equivalent to the Galapagos Islands, show-casing a variety of animals including koala's, sea lions, wallabies, echnidas, penguins, a variety of birds and  of course kangaroos.  The island is approximately 100 miles wide, has over 300 miles of beautiful coastline,  gorgeous bays and  stunning natural formations like the Little Sahara and Remarkable Rocks. 

Phillip Island, a short 90 minute drive from Melbourne, is well known for its "Penguin Parade".  Each night at sunset, hundreds of little fairy penguins come back to their burrows on the beaches after having been at sea all day.  The penguins are protected, so the only way to observe these lovely creatures is with a park pass that offers  variety of viewing options.   Phillip Island offers spectacular coastal views and animal parks.  Phillip Island is also home to the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Tasmania is Australia largest island and is considered the best island in all of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.  In fact, it is has been rated as one of the top 10 islands in the world.  Tasmania is quite diverse, and visitors are treated to beautiful natural wilderness (1/3 of it is "untouched"), history, heritage and culinary delights.  And of it course it is home to the endangered Tasmanian Devil. 

Tasmania is about the same size as Ireland.  Hobart, the capital, is the second oldest city in Australia and the largest in Tasmania, home to over 200,000 residents. 

Just off the coast of Brisbane lies Moreton Island.  The area is also known as Tangalooma, and is a wonderful resort island for families. The biggest attraction on this island are the wild dolphins that come in at sunset every night.  The Tangalooma Bay Resort is the only place where one can hand feed the dolphins.

Fraser Island, located approximately 120 miles north of Brisbane, is the largest sand island in the world and a world heritage site.  It is a wonderful family destination, with its white sandy beaches and over 100 freshwater lakes to explore.  4-wheel drive on 75 Mile Beach, walk through ancient rain forests, take a hike to the crystal clear Lake McKenzie or learn all about the Aboriginal history of the island.  Fraser Island is also home to the Dingo, supposedly the last of the pure breed in eastern Australia.

Hervey Bay, on the west side of the island, claims to be the whale watching capital of the world.  The best time to observe whales is between July and October. 

The Whitsundays is a group of 74 island wonders located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.  Here one can find everything from secluded beaches to luxurious resorts.  Only a few of the islands have resorts on them.  Hayman and Hamilton Islands are the two most popular destinations.  Hayman is pure luxury.  It is a private island resort and can only be accessed via a private yacht transfer from Hamilton Island.  A wide variety of accommodations can be found on Hamilton, ranging from resort hotels to apartments and secluded bungalows. 

Lizard Island is a national park located about 150 miles north of Cairns and was named by Captain Cook for all the goannas that can be found all over the island.  The area is very secluded and can be reached only by private aircraft from Cairns.  It offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Great Barrier Reef to a fortunate few.  Lizard Island is an ultra luxury resort, with only 40 suites. 

Is a trip to Australia in your future?  Click here to download a list of 50+ activities to experience in Australia to help get your planning started.   Or give me a call!  I'd be happy to help you with an ideal itinerary.