Did you know that Australia is home to over 8000 islands? Whether you’re looking to visit a more remote island, are keen for a tropical island paradise, or are simply just after an Australian island holiday, we have curated a list of some of the most beautiful islands to visit in Australia.

Fitzroy Island (Koba), QLD

Fitzroy Island, known to Indigenous Australians as Koba, is an island located to the east of Cairns in Queensland’s North. It offers sunny skies, turquoise water, and beautifully warm weather. The island is part of the Great Barrier Reef and is home to a large population of sea turtles! Take a ferry to Fitzroy Island for a day trip or a longer stay and enjoy all the island has to offer.

Things to do: There are many things to do across the hilly region of Fitzroy Island. From walks and hikes that give amazing views of the coral coast, to snorkelling and scuba diving, as well as paddle boarding and kayaking. There is an assortment of beaches and bays to visit, glass bottom boat tours, and more.

Best time of year to visit: April-November.

Can you stay on the island: Yes.

Can you visit the island without staying: Yes.

K’gari (Fraser Island), QLD

North of the Sunshine Coast is the world’s largest sand island. K’gari (GUR-rie), formerly Fraser Island, is a beautiful, tropical slice of paradise that provides brilliant weather all year round. The island offers tours and adventure with day trips to the island as well as overnight stays and camping options. 

Things to do:  There are a multitude of things to do across the heritage-listed K’gari. For natural wonders, the awe-inspiring Lake McKenzie features beautiful freshwater and pristine white silica sand, while the Cathedrals provide red, brown, orange, and yellow coloured sand cliffs that have been naturally sculpted by the elements. Platypus Bay is ideal for whale watching during the winter season, too. These sites, along with four-wheel driving, camping, rainforest walks, fishing, sand-sledding, jet-skiing and more make up a fun-filled adventure island.

Best time of year to visit: September-April, but winter is perfect for whale watching!

Can you stay on the island: Yes.

Can you visit the island without staying: Yes.

Moreton Island (Mulgumpin), QLD

Moreton Island, also known as Mulgumpin, is the third largest sand island in the world and is only 40 kilometres from Brisbane. For a local delight that doesn’t take long to get to by ferry, Moreton Island is a pristine, untouched wonder to explore. It is home to Queensland’s oldest lighthouse and is a perfect place for dolphin and whale watching during the right season!

Things to do: Across the beautiful Moreton Island, there are many things to explore. Most notable is snorkelling amongst the 15 unique shipwrecks along the coastline! Visiting the champagne pools is a must for both swimming and relaxing or if you are more interested in freshwater, see what the Blue Lagoon has to offer. For hiking enthusiasts, Mount Tempest is 285 metres above sea level and offers hikers a full 360-degree view of the island. With an array of beaches and bays surrounding the island, there is a lot to love about Moreton Island.

Best time of year to visit: December-March and June-September

Can you stay on the island: Yes.

Can you visit the island without staying: Yes.

Lord Howe Island, NSW

Lord Howe Island is a World Heritage-listed natural island that welcomes only up to 400 visitors at any one time, keeping it peaceful and preserved at all times. Only a two-hour flight from Sydney Airport, a holiday at Lord Howe Island is sure to showcase the best of natural beauty and tranquillity. 

Things to do: There is much to explore at Lord Howe Island! Spectacular hikes and day walks offer something for all levels of difficulty and can have you finding hidden beaches and lookouts all across the island. There are snorkelling and diving options, allowing you to explore coral and marine life, or paddle boarding and kayaking activities to keep you occupied. You can also explore the native flora and fauna of the island, with over 200 indigenous plants which are found nowhere else in the world!

Best time of year to visit: September-May

Can you stay on the island: Yes.

Can you visit the island without staying: No.

Kangaroo Island (Karta Pintingga), SA

More than a third of Kangaroo Island is National Park or Conservation, so there is plenty to explore across this beautiful island. You have a great opportunity to meet the local fauna with koalas, long-nosed fur seals, Australian sea lions, tammar wallabies, and kangaroos all going about their lives. Only a short distance from Adelaide by ferry, the island is a popular and beautiful place to visit.

Things to do: At Kangaroo Island, you are not limited as to the things you can do and explore. If you want to see the wildlife up close and personal, visit the national park, take a walk or tour down to seal bay, or simply visit the wildlife sanctuary. There are a number of walks and hikes you can take along the island to keep you active and even more beaches and bays to explore. The art galleries, museums, and even shopping opportunities will keep you entertained and fulfilled, too!

Best time of year to visit: December-February are most popular, but it’s great in all seasons!

Can you stay on the island: Yes.

Can you visit the island without staying: Yes.

Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), WA

Rottnest Island or Wadjemup offers the unique opportunity to explore an island with a deep history, brilliant coastal scenes, and wildlife you cannot find anywhere else. Only a short journey west of Perth by ferry, Rottnest Island provides a rich space for exploration and adventure, from the museums to the beaches, and the inland sites.

Things to do: With such a rich culture history and story, visiting the museums are a must at Rottnest! You can explore shipwrecks by snorkelling or scuba diving, and enjoy long hikes that take you to beautiful pink salt lakes. Not to mention quokka spotting, endless tours, cycling trails, and even a hop-on-hop-off bus service that circles the island!

Best time of year to visit: September-November and March-May

Can you stay on the island: Yes.

Can you visit the island without staying: Yes.

You are sure to have fun deciding which Australian island you want to explore, but there is one simple thing you can tick off your to-do list ahead of time: book your Sydney airport parking early with Park on King for secure parking at affordable prices. Knowing that your car will be kept safe in a facility with 24-hour security will set your mind at ease and let you relax on your holiday and in the lead-up. Park on King’s on-demand courtesy bus can take you to and from the airport for ultimate convenience. Book now to secure the best pricing for Airport parking in Sydney.