Being busy is part of the way we live. If you want to get away from it all, an adventure into the middle of the ocean is just about as liberating as it gets. There’s peace and quiet on the islands less visited by holidaymakers, so you can unplug and revel in the wide-open spaces and big skies. Australia has about 8,222 islands within its maritime borders, each with its own distinct culture and language. Despite all the human hustle and bustle, natural forces still operate vigorously.
It takes way too long to hop around to them all, so save yourself from information overload by checking out these remarkable, gripping, and downright delightful Australian islands you wouldn’t mind being stranded on, given the chance.
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island, or Rotto, as the locals call it, is the very definition of a hidden gem, so it’s worth adding to any Perth trip. Getting to Western Australia’s favourite holiday island couldn’t be simpler: you can travel at your own pace in a boat or hire a private charter from Jandakot Airport in Perth. Rottnest Island is a true sanctuary marked by crystal-clear blue waters, rocky cliffs, and an abundance of wildlife, such as humpback whales, dolphins, and quokkas, but to enjoy what it has to offer without logistical headaches, book your tour more than one day in advance.
Cell phone coverage can vary throughout the island. You’re bound to use Skype or WhatsApp to see familiar faces and engage in real-time conversations, so plan ahead. Stay connected with Holafly’s eSIM in Australia – it’s one of the best things you can do to maintain Internet access. If you just love to share beautiful moments with family and friends, Rottnest Island offers a great many breathtaking locations where you can create stunning photos. Let’s not forget about the fine dining places like Geordie’s Café or Frankie’s on Rotto that cater to the needs of tired explorers. You’ll inspire a lot of people to give them a try.
The Whitsundays
A cluster of islands – 74, to be more precise, most of which are uninhabited – nestled off the Queensland coast, the Whitsundays offer everything you’d expect from a breathtaking tropical paradise, so if you’re looking for a family vacation or a romantic getaway, you’ve come to the right place. For a different perspective, have a bird’s-eye view of the island and the Great Barrier Reef, get on a seaplane tour. Amazing experience! The views are stunning, the pilot is informative, and the experience is fantastic. Is it the picture of paradise you had in your mind all along?
You won’t be short of things to do in the Whitsundays, so here are a few suggestions:
- Wake up and breathe in the fresh ocean air: The ocean is a heating source for many ailments, including lung diseases. It’s certainly better than inhaling city smog, so brace for the smell. The Whitsundays is one of the few places in the world where you can skip your own catamaran yacht for a sailing adventure.
- Spot underwater sculptures as you snorkel: If you’re an avid snorkeler, you’re in for a treat because unique artworks have been installed at various sites around the Whitsundays. Brian Robinson, Col Henry, and Adriaan Vanderlugt are just some of the names that have contributed to thought-provoking designs.
- Feast on the seafood and rum: From scallop starters to good ol’ fish and chips by the ocean, you can literally taste the Whitsundays. Restaurants all take advantage of fresh local supplies, like tomatoes, mangoes, melons, beans, etc.
Kangaroo Island
With its rugged coastline that accommodates windswept sand beaches, see-through waters, and natural wonders (koalas, kangaroos, sea lions, etc.), Kangaroo Island is drop-dead gorgeous. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or just need peace and relaxation, unlock the best of this stunning island. Head on over to the Seal Bay Conservation Park to discover Australia’s largest breeding colony of sea lions. Binoculars and/or a telephoto lens are recommended for better viewing. The Emu Bay Lavender Farm abounds in delightfully fragrant flowers swaying elegantly, so after snapping a few selfies, get your very own aromatic body washes and lavender-filled pillows.
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Cocos (Keeling) Island is one of the best-kept secrets of the Indian Ocean. A short flight from Perth, it boasts stark white beaches that contrast with the azure waters (and painted skies), has the best diving in the world, and has created a captivating cultural blend influenced by Malay and Australian traditions. Comprising 27 islands, of which only two are inhabited, the coral atoll that Charles Darwin visited in 1836 is arranged in a natural, perfect cycle. There’s very little impact from anthropogenic activities, meaning there’s no reason to fear bleaching, damage, or disease, even if some cancers are present.
Pay a visit to the Big Barge Art Centre, nestled inside a local handmade timber barge’s hull that’s been restored over the past decade, and rejoice in outdoor movie screenings and creative workshops. But there’s one compelling reason to head on over to Cocos (Keeling) Island: Malay cuisine. Characterised by bold flavours, spices, and intriguing ingredients (pandan leaves, coconut, shrimp paste, lemongrass, etc.), Malaysian cuisine is a multicultural melting pot with Chinese influences and Indian specialities. Lastly, you can experience a unique round of golf – you can see the planes take off and land while playing across the nine-hole course.
Tiwi Islands
Last but certainly not least, Tiwi Islands is a short drive away from Darwin in the Northern Territory. It’s also referred to as the Island of Smiles. The people here still practise the traditional lifestyle, so they’ll be more than happy to demonstrate totem dancing and perform a smoking ceremony – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that’ll provide incredible memories. Football is like a religion on the Tiwi Islands, meaning it’s hugely popular and very special, and tourists from all over the world come in March for the football grand final.
