The most beautiful and remote offshore destinations to explore in the Sunshine State

 

 

Do you want to visit some of the best Best Islands in Queensland? Well, allow me to provide you with some inspiration of which ones to go to!

In this post, I have outlined 18 Queensland islands you should make a point of visiting. Below is how it is structured.

1. Introduction
2 Best Islands in Queensland
2.1 K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)
2.2 Fitzroy Island
2.3 Moreton Island
2.4 Hayman Island
2.5 North Stradbroke Island
2.6 Magnetic Island
2.7 Bribie Island
2.8 Lady Musgrave Island
2.9 Green Island
2.10 Daydream Island
2.11 Dunk Island
2.12 Pumpkin Island
2.13 Lady Elliot Island
2.14 Hinchinbrook Island
2.15 Heron Island
2.16 Hamilton Island
2.17 Wilson Island
2.18 Great Keppel Island
3 FAQs

Hopefully, this post, will inspire you to pay a visit to any one or more of these fabulous destinations.

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you interact with them).

Read Time: 12 Minutes

 

Introduction

Did you know? There are over 900 islands in Queensland.

Sprinkled offshore from a stretch of coastline that runs from Coolangatta, on the border with New South Wales on the Gold Coast, up to the tip of Cape York and across to Gangalidda, (not too far from the dividing state line with the Northern Territory), they represent quite the opportunity for the island hopper.

Not all of them are inhabited, or even reachable to most ordinary people. But the ones that are offer magical holiday destinations for those who want to experience Queensland, and Australia, far from the maddening crowds on the mainland.

Offering everything from romantic getaways and relaxing tropical breaks to family-friendly holiday destinations and rustic adventures in seemingly unchartered territory, the Sunshine State has a different island experience to suit every travel preference.

But which are the best to go to?

In this post, I’ve outlined 18 of the best islands in Queensland you can visit. If you head to any of them, you’ll be in for the time of your life.

 

Best Islands in Queensland

Fancy visiting some of the Best Islands in Queensland?

From the largest sand island in the world and those with luxury five star resorts to and stunning nationals parks and remote places you’ve probably never heard of, here is where you should go!

 

K’gari (formerly Fraser Island)

Formerly known as Fraser Island, K’gari is probably the most famous of all islands in Queensland. Meaning ‘paradise’ in the language of the Butchulla people, the traditional owners of the land, its new official name is an apt description of this World Heritage Site.

Stretching for 123 km in length and 22 km in width, K’gari is well-known for being the world’s largest sand island. It is located about 300 km to the north of Brisbane and about 15km from the mainland at Hervey Bay.

What makes K’gari such a fantastic place to visit is its spectacular mix of white sandy beaches that extend for miles, tropical rainforests and freshwater lakes. It is also home to native wildlife such as goannas and dingoes.

Several tours to K’gari can be booked, most of which leave from Hervey Bay. Some last up to three days and allow you to explore the region by boat or its pristine sand in a 4WD.

For those who want to stay overnight there are several camping options available, as well as a few cabins and resort-style accommodation.

 

 

Fitzroy Island

If you find yourself in Cairns or other parts of Tropical North Queensland, you should take the opportunity to pop on over to Fitzroy Island.

Reached via a 45-minute ferry ride, this island is a national park that attracts plenty of daytrippers. A small part of it features the glitzy Fitzroy Island Resort, complete with two restaurants, that make it one of the best islands in Queensland for a romantic getaway.

As it is almost entirely surrounded by coral reef, Fitzroy is a terrific spot for surfing. The best place to do this is at Nudey Beach, which is only one km from the main resort, where you’ll see plenty of fascinating marine life.

If you love to go hiking, you’ll also enjoy traversing Fitzroy’s steep mountain. Additionally, it has a brace of walking trails that will guide along bushwalks full of exotic flora that will lead you out to spectacular lookouts.

If you are interested in coming to this island in Queensland, check out these tours to Fitzroy Island from Cairns.

 

 

Moreton Island

If you are the kind of soul who loves nothing more than a bit of adventure, then Moreton Island is the place for you.

To get there, you’ll have to take a 75 minute ferry ride from the Holt Street Wharf in Brisbane, but once you arrive, you’ll find yourself on the world’s third biggest land island.

Referred to as ‘the place of sandhills’ or ‘Mulgumpin/Moorgumpin’ by the local Ngugi people, this place is a paradise for those who enjoy 4WD. You can bring your own vehicle or book an organised tour, which will enable you to see several incredible beaches, the oldest lighthouse in the state and the iconic Tangalooma Wrecks.

When it comes to water based activities, snorkelling and surfing are major attractions here. You can also bathe in a shimmering blue lagoon and even hand-feeding wild dolphins.

Overall, 95% of the island comprises the Moreton National Park. Within the other 5% is the magnificent, Tangalooma Island Resort offers an upscale experience that makes Moreton, one of the best islands in Queensland to enjoy a luxury getaway.

 

 

Hayman Island

Covering a landmass of only 294 hectares, Hayman Island is a private island which resides at the Whitsunday archipelago’s northernmost point – in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. It is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty, which is defined by verdant cliffs that contrast beautifully with the sparkling waters of the Coral Sea and long stretches of brilliant white sand.

Hayman is home to the luxury InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, which was constructed by Ansett Transport Industries back in the 1950s. It is open to the general public and is undoubtedly one of the best island resorts in Queensland for relaxing, being pampered, and enjoying the beauty of nature.

The accommodation here is first rate, with an elevated level of top-of-the-range amenities that are sure to impress even the most discerning of visitors.

During their time here, guests can enjoy blissful spa treatments, leisurely swims in the pool or Coral Sea, fabulous snorkelling adventures and delicious gourmet food that rivals anything you can find on the mainland. Here are some tours you can do there.

 

 

North Stradbroke Island

Queenslanders love a good nickname for places and ‘Straddie’ perfectly encapsulates the down-to-earth nature of North Stradbroke Island. As its located just a 45-minute car ferry ride from Toondah Harbour in Cleveland, it is one of the easiest islands in Queensland to visit from Brisbane.

North Straddie, as it is also called, or Minjerribah, to mention its indigenous name, has a real sense of community that will instantly seduced you. This is best experienced at its cafes and markets, where you can people watch and mingle with locals. It is also known for the manta rays that congregate at Manta Bommie, which is regarded as one of the best dive sites in Australia. You’ll also likely encounter reef sharks and turtles while you are there.

Talking of marine animals, if you happen to time your visit to the cooler months of the year, you are likely to see scores of humpback whales embarking on their annual migration to the warmer waters of Tropical North Queensland from several different lookout points on the island.

Other must do experiences include traversing the historic Goompi Trail with a local Indigenous guide, where you will be introduced to traditional bush tucker, medicines and hunting methods, and swimming in the Brown Lake. A stunning spot that offer therapeutic treatments for your skin as you swim in it.

Check out some of the tours you can do from Brisbane.

 

 

Magnetic Island

Island holidays in Queensland don’t come much better than at Magnetic Island. Located just 8 km off the mainland at Townsville, this 52 km² island in Cleveland Bay is so close and easily accessible, it is now virtually viewed as a city suburb.

The island can be reached from the Townsville Breakwater via a 20-minute ferry to Nelly Bay Harbour. It is known for accommodating 23 different palm-lined beaches, stunning coral reefs, incredible views of the Coral Sea and imposing granite boulders, which makes it a mecca for nature and watersports lovers.

Throw in a wonderful jetty, which makes for great fishing and some excellent eating and accommodation options, and you have one of the best islands in Queensland for a relaxing, family-friendly getaway.

Consider booking any of these tours if you are interested in going there.

 

 

Bribie Island

As Bribie Island is the only island in the state which is connected by bridge to the mainland it is one of the easiest islands in Queensland to get to. For this reason, it is a very popular, family-friendly relaxation spot for locals from Brisbane who want to swim, surf and escape the pressures of city life.

Bribie is home to over 16,000 permanent residents and has a lovely, laid-back community feel. It is known for its beautiful beaches, national parks and proximity to the Pumicestone Passage.

Two of the best ways to explore the island is on a 4WD or helicopter tour. Alternatively, kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding and hiking are also popular. You can check out the best Bribie Island tours here.

For those who want to stay a while there are camping options available, as well as accommodation at the historic Sandstone Point Hotel.

 

 

Lady Musgrave Island

It’s not an over-exaggeration to say that Lady Musgrave Island is not just one of the best islands in Queensland but also one of the most awe-inspiring places on the planet.

Sometimes referred to as one of the largest swimming pools in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, the island measures just over 19 hectares in size. Though what it may lack in landmass, it more than makes up for with the 3000 spectacular acres of living reefs that surround it.

Perfect for snorkelling, scuba diving, whale watching and spotting the rest of the ‘Great 8’, it is positively teeming with the vibrant colours of the coral and marine life that live within it. If you don’t fancy getting wet you can take a glass bottom tour, or explore the native flora and fauna within the island’s topography, or simply just soak up the serenity on the sand.

Lady Musgrave Island can easily be reached from Bundaberg (52 km away) or the town of 1770 (58 km away). For those wanting a peaceful, off-grid adventure that showcases the beauty of nature, there is no better place to go.

Here are some of the best tours you can book to the island.

 

 

Green Island

No prizes for guessing how Green island got its name!

Reached via a 45 minute fast catamaran ride from Cairns, this spectacular 6000 year old sand cay is engulfed in verdant rainforest, the beauty of which is accentuated by the shimmering waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park that surround it.

Given its proximity to the city, it is one of the best islands to visit in Queensland near Cairns. Families love it here due to the gorgeous white beach that runs around its perimeter, which is perfect for sunbathing.

The coral gardens surrounding the islands make a great destination for diving or snorkelling, while there are several nature trails running through Green Island, which take you to areas that accommodate colourful bird species and stunning lookouts.

Here are some excellent day trip excursions and tours from Cairns to consider.

 

 

Daydream Island

You’ll never guess Daydream Island is just 30 minutes from Airlie Beach, such is the feeling of seclusion and serenity you will get when you are there.

Ranking up there with Hayman and Hamilton as one of the best Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, the whole of Daydream Island is actually a resort which you can either visit as a daytrip from the mainland or stay at for a few days or more.

One of seven islands within the Molle Group, whose brooding silhouettes hover in the distance, the resort is defined by its gently swaying palms and arresting lagoon which dazzles with interchanging shades of turquoise and azure.

You’ll want to stay poolside for much of the day, but if you can tear yourself away you’ll be able to explore the resort’s living reef which teems with hundreds of species of marine creatures. Alternatively you can explore the island’s lush rainforest, play tennis or enjoy meals and drinks onsite at the resorts fabulous bars and restaurants.

At sunset, head to Lovers Cove, which is the best spot on the island to see the explosion of colours that fill the sky.

These are the best tours and excursions to book to get you there.

 

 

Dunk Island

Dunk Island is a beautiful island situated on the Cassowary Coast, just 4 km from the mainland at Mission Beach in Tropical North Queensland. It is referred to as Coonanglebah in the local, indigenous, Dyirbal and Warrgamay languages.

The island comprises mostly national park, featuring a heady mix of gorgeous beaches, pristine rainforest and diverse wildlife that will sait your wonderlust. At least temporarily.

While it is a popular destination for day trips and excursions, there are nine campsites at Dunk, which puts it up there as one of the best islands in Queensland for camping. Facilities here include toilets, drinking water and barbecues and you can easily get to it from Mission Beach via a mix of boat and bus transfers.

During your time on the island, make sure you hike on the trails up to the summit of Mt Kootaloo. There you’ll get goosebumps inducing views of the island and the mainland coastline.

 

 

Pumpkin Island

There are a few islands in Queensland that claim to be one of Australia’s best kept secrets. But in the case of Pumpkin Island, they might just be right.

Tucked away in the Keppel Group of islands, within the Southern Great Barrier Reef, this little piece of paradise is only 14 km from the mainland at Yeppoon.

It is privately owned, and offers five cottages and two bungalows on the island, all of which are powered by renewable energy resources and fully self-catering. So, you’ll have to bring all your own food with you.

Overall, the whole island is geared up to relaxation and there are brilliant stretches of beach you can sunbathe on, coral reefs to explore and kayaks to venture out on the water in.

If you are looking to get away from it all, there is no better place in the Sunshine State. You can even book the whole island out at once if you want to. To enjoy it all for yourself.

 

 

Lady Elliot Island

Covering a landmass of about 45 hectares, Lady Elliot Island is notable for being the Great Barrier Reef’s southernmost coral cay. It resides about 85 km from the coast of Bundaberg and forms part of both the Bunker and Capricorn Group of islands.

Nestled within a massively protected ‘Green Zone’, the coral cay accommodates over 1,200 species of marine life, most notably, turtles, manta rays and sea cucumbers. This makes Lady Elliot one of the best islands in Queensland to enjoy snorkelling.

When not in the water, the island has pristine stretches of beach that are perfect for spending the laziest of days and several hiking paths to explore. It is also home to the impressive Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, which runs on its own power and is one of the best eco-tourist Queensland island resorts you can stay at.

 

 

Hinchinbrook Island

If your idea of the perfect island exploration involves going somewhere with no accommodation whatsoever and hardly any people, then you’ll love Hinchinbrook Island.

Located in between the charming seaside towns of Cardwell and Lucinda on the Cassowary Coast in Tropical North Queensland, Hinchinbrook is one of the biggest island national parks by landmass in Australia covering 399 km2. Despite this, it only averages 19 visitors a day throughout the year, partly because the camping facilities are very rustic here, so there is a good chance you’ll have it to yourself.

For this reason, Hinchinbrook is one of the best islands in Queensland to visit if you want to experience the raw, untouched beauty of nature. Hiking is the best way to do this, and there are several trails that will take you to numerous mountain peaks, waterfalls, rainforests, creeks and brilliant beaches, that point to the diversity of the islands topography.

To see the island from a different perspective, consider this 90-Minute scenic helicopter flight.

 

 

Heron Island

Although Heron Island is so called because of the birds that reside on the island, it is arguably better known for accommodating some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling spots in Australia. Overall, there are more than 20 sites you can explore within 24 hectares of coral reef, most of which are within 15 minutes of its sand.

Located within the Southern Great Barrier Reef, about 72 km from the mainland at Gladstone, this evergreen coral cay is designated as a World Heritage-Listed Marine National Park.

It is also one of the best islands in Queensland to see turtles nest and hatch – though you’ll have to come here between November and March to see them.

 

 

Hamilton Island

For many tourists, Hamilton Island is top of the list of the best islands in Queensland they want to go to. Affectionately called ‘Hamo’ by locals and those who visit it regularly, it is the largest of all 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays.

The island is notable for its luxury resorts and for being car-free. It is also densely covered in bushland perfect for hiking, while its coastline is fringed with beautiful beaches, like Catseye Beach and Hideaway Bay that you’ll want to spend some quality time at. Surrounding them are vibrant coral reefs ideal, for snorkelling and scuba diving, that showcase a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life.

Hamilton Island is also a superb base for touring the Great Barrier Reef, which can be done via scenic flights that depart from its airstrip. Here are some of the best excursions and tours you can do during your time on the island.

 

 

Wilson Island

The chances are you haven’t heard of Wilson Island. But if you go there, it’s a place you won’t forget in a hurry.

Situated close to the The Tropic of Capricorn, about 15 km from Heron Island and 72 km from Gladstone, it is one of an octad of vegetated coral cays strewn around the Capricornia Cays National Park.

At just 5.24 acres in size, Wilson Island is one of the smaller coral cay islands in Queensland Great Barrier Reef. The immaculate white beaches, sparkling waters and verdant forest that define its landscape give it somewhat of a secluded, castaway feel, that makes you half expect to bump into Tom Hanks!

Its worth noting that accommodation on the island is adults-only, though it has an excellent restaurant and bar and all rooms come with a fabulous balcony that enables you to drink in the superb views of the Coral Sea.

 

 

Great Keppel Island

Last, but by no means least, is Great Keppel Island. Home to no less than 17 exquisite beaches, this is one of the best islands in Queensland for those who want to spend some quality time on the sand.

Sitting just 11 km off the coast of Yeppoon on the Capricorn Coast, it is the biggest of the 18 islands that make up the Keppel range. While it is a popular day trip destination from the mainland, those wanting to experience an island getaway in the Southern Great Barrier Reef can stay in one of several different accommodation options.

Regardless of whether you stay for a few hours or a few days, you’ll be able to enjoy snorkelling directly off the beach, hike across the island’s various walking trails and plenty of good fishing.

Great Keppel is also one of the best islands in Queensland to take in the sunset, which you can do from various lookout points throughout its landscape – or its main restaurant.

Here are some of the most popular tours you can book for the island.

 

 

FAQs

How many islands in Queensland are there?

According to Queensland.com there are around 900 islands in Queensland. However, not all of them are inhabited or can be visited.

 

What are some of the best islands in Queensland to visit?

The best islands in Queensland to visit are a matter of personal opinion. However, some of the most popular include K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), which is the largest sand island in the world, Moreton Island, Hamilton Island, Lady Musgrove Island, Fitzroy Island and Great Keppel Island.

 

What are the 5 star islands in Queensland?

The 5 star islands in Queensland you can visit are Hamilton Island Magnetic Island, Long Island and Hayman Island.