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Australia’s Best Island Holidays: Top Island Escapes

WORDS: Diana Smith PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

Are you looking for a perfect island vacation with your family and friends? We’ve got you covered! Getting your tan on and sipping on a cocktail are only some of the wonders you may experience on these lovely Australian islands. From locations more suited to those who love to lounge on a beach to getaways for real foodies, this list will hopefully help you plan your next trip to Australia.

Kangaroo Island

South Australia’s Kangaroo Island, just 8 miles from the shore, provides all you need for an unforgettable holiday experience. Everything from exciting wildlife to wonderful nature and gourmet restaurants may be found in the area. Visit Flinders Chase National Park on the island’s western coast to see the Remarkable Rocks, a group of enormous rocks coated with orange lichen. Seal Bay Conservation Park is a must-see if you want to get up-close and personal with critically endangered Australian sea lions. There’s a good chance you’ll see Australia’s elusive platypus on the two-hour Platypus Waterholes Walk. Once you get tired from all the exploring, you may sample the island’s gastronomic offerings and sip some beverages at their many gorgeous restaurants.

Norfolk Island

Located in the South Pacific, Norfolk Island’s beauty is nearly as spectacular as its long history. Surrounded by towering cliffs, quiet lagoons, soaring tree ferns, and pines, it was once a prison colony. The island is also the home of a unique hybrid language called Norf’k, which is spoken by the descendants of Bounty mutineers once living in the area. Apart from it being a treat for all the history and linguistics buffs among you, it’s also great for those who just want to unwind on a gorgeous island. Its laid-back ambiance, numerous national parks and reserves, and farm-fresh food make it an excellent weekend destination. If you’re scared of boats and ferries, you’ll love that you can reach the island by a direct flight from both Sydney and Brisbane.

Magnetic Island

Located at the Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island has so much to offer to its many tourists, such as an authentic Australian experience. If you’re planning to visit Magnetic Island, you should prepare to enjoy the holiday of a lifetime. Koala sightings are something this island is famous for, so don’t forget to pack your best camera to capture the moment. Explore the Magnetic Island on foot or in an open-top vehicle and uncover a plethora of photo-worthy locations. Full of wonderful sandy beaches, the island is a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Scuba, snorkel, or take a sightseeing trip of the Great Barrier Reef if you’re itching to explore more of the area.

King’s Island, Tasmania

The name of this island may sound familiar to you if you’re a cheese connoisseur! The luscious triple cream brie from King Island Dairy is one of Australia’s most famous cheeses and it’s made right on this island. If you’re someone who likes to go on foodie trips, this island should definitely find its much-deserved place on your holiday bucket list. It’s located in the middle of the Bass Strait, midway between Victoria and Tasmania. Here, you can try the tastiest fish and beef you’ll probably ever have along with an abundance of fresh veggies and fruit sourced from the local farmers. Of course, food is not the only thing this island has to offer. After you’ve stuffed your face with gourmet cuisine, you can enjoy the sights of an ancient calcified forest or ride a horse on its scenic shores.

Christmas Island

Christmas Island is positioned farther out at sea than most of Australia’s islands and is closer to Java and Sumatra than Australia’s mainland. When the island was first christened on Christmas Day in 1615, there were just a handful of people living there. Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Australian people all live on the island now, making it a cultural melting pot. Apart from its rich cultural background, what makes this island the one to visit are its stunning national parks. More than 60 percent of Christmas Island is preserved as national parks, ensuring the survival of many of the island’s native flora and wildlife. The Christmas Island red crab is the island’s most well-known indigenous species. You’ve probably heard of one of the most spectacular events occurring on this island – a vast migration of red crabs heading to the ocean.

If you’re banging your head not knowing where to spend your next holiday, just take a peek at this list. Australia’s islands are extremely diverse, guaranteeing that everyone will find a destination perfectly suited for them.