Looking for some relaxation and down time as part of your trip? Why not incorporate one of Australia's many islands into your stay down under.
Australia has in fact over 8000 islands and whilst you wouldn't want to visit every single one, there is something to please everyone.
Whether you need a classic tropical island getaway or fancy a wonderful walking trail, or need value for money or something that the kids will love, you will find it on one of Australia's Island Getaways.
The Whitsundays are probably the most famous of the Australian Island Getaways. They are however well and truly on the tourist trail and are very expensive. Still worth the visit though! This article will instead focus on two islands that are very popular with the locals and are not as well trodden by the tourist.
Magnetic Island, Queensland
This island is in Queensland 12km off the coast of Townsville. It offers sublime beaches at a much more reasonable price than most of Queensland's other island getaways. This is especially true if you compare it to the cost of a holiday in the Whitsundays.
If your idea of an island getaway is lounging by the beach, snorkeling, swimming and perhaps some light walking, then this could well be the island for you. The island has its own National Park so there are plenty of lovely walks and of course great bays. It's often a popular choice for families as there are plenty of things to keep the kids occupied.
There's lots of water sports on offer too including sea kayaking and sailing around its many secluded bays. It's also an excellent place to learn to dive as the coral and marine life are stunning. Plus the water is nice and warm! If water isn't your thing then try horse-riding at horseshoe bay.
You can drive around Magnetic Island in half a day but it is still big enough to have enough shops and amenities. There is a good range of accommodation and it's of a good standard.
It's easy to get around the island too. There's a local bus service or why not hire a bike. You can also hire a car but petrol on the island is a tad pricey. Lots choose to see the island on a moke which is a small car, a bit like a mini.
The beaches here are worth exploring. Florence Bay is very pretty and Horseshoe Bay has the longest beach. It is also a good place from which to hire kayaks. Spend a day at Balding Bay. It has a lovely beach and is a great place to snorkel. There are BBQ facilities here too so bring your own food.
Hinchinbrook Island
If you like your holiday to be a bit more adventurous and less about lazing around in the sun, then perhaps Hinchinbrook Island is the one for you. The big attraction here is the 32km Thorsborne Trail. This is a moderately demanding hiking track which takes in beaches, mangroves and waterfalls.
The trek itself takes about 2 days but that doesn't give you any time to stop off and take in your surroundings. If you don't mind camping, then take your time and enjoy the sites. The trek runs north south and whilst you can do the trek in either direction, it's better to finish in the north. Here you will find the Wilderness Lodge, the only real accommodation on the island. It has a bar and a pool which you will probably be ready for after your trek.
The walk is very picturesque. Zoe Falls are particularly stunning as is the section between Ramsay Bay and Nina Bay. This part of the walk takes in the coastline and Rainforests.
If that sounds a bit too much like hard work, you can just come here and stay at the lodge. If you do fancy the walk then make sure you book well in advance. They only allow a certain number of visitors onto the island at any one time so you will need to plan ahead to be able to do this walk.
You really want to be here in Winter which is between June and October. Outside of these months, it is the wet season so expect to see a lot of rain. Avoid February and March when the rain is at its peak and the ferries stop running from the mainland.
If you need more ideas for Australian island getaways, visit the Real Australia Travel website (below) where you will find 15 islands to choose from. It also gives tips on where to stay on Magnetic Island.
Australia has in fact over 8000 islands and whilst you wouldn't want to visit every single one, there is something to please everyone.
Whether you need a classic tropical island getaway or fancy a wonderful walking trail, or need value for money or something that the kids will love, you will find it on one of Australia's Island Getaways.
The Whitsundays are probably the most famous of the Australian Island Getaways. They are however well and truly on the tourist trail and are very expensive. Still worth the visit though! This article will instead focus on two islands that are very popular with the locals and are not as well trodden by the tourist.
Magnetic Island, Queensland
This island is in Queensland 12km off the coast of Townsville. It offers sublime beaches at a much more reasonable price than most of Queensland's other island getaways. This is especially true if you compare it to the cost of a holiday in the Whitsundays.
If your idea of an island getaway is lounging by the beach, snorkeling, swimming and perhaps some light walking, then this could well be the island for you. The island has its own National Park so there are plenty of lovely walks and of course great bays. It's often a popular choice for families as there are plenty of things to keep the kids occupied.
There's lots of water sports on offer too including sea kayaking and sailing around its many secluded bays. It's also an excellent place to learn to dive as the coral and marine life are stunning. Plus the water is nice and warm! If water isn't your thing then try horse-riding at horseshoe bay.
You can drive around Magnetic Island in half a day but it is still big enough to have enough shops and amenities. There is a good range of accommodation and it's of a good standard.
It's easy to get around the island too. There's a local bus service or why not hire a bike. You can also hire a car but petrol on the island is a tad pricey. Lots choose to see the island on a moke which is a small car, a bit like a mini.
The beaches here are worth exploring. Florence Bay is very pretty and Horseshoe Bay has the longest beach. It is also a good place from which to hire kayaks. Spend a day at Balding Bay. It has a lovely beach and is a great place to snorkel. There are BBQ facilities here too so bring your own food.
Hinchinbrook Island
If you like your holiday to be a bit more adventurous and less about lazing around in the sun, then perhaps Hinchinbrook Island is the one for you. The big attraction here is the 32km Thorsborne Trail. This is a moderately demanding hiking track which takes in beaches, mangroves and waterfalls.
The trek itself takes about 2 days but that doesn't give you any time to stop off and take in your surroundings. If you don't mind camping, then take your time and enjoy the sites. The trek runs north south and whilst you can do the trek in either direction, it's better to finish in the north. Here you will find the Wilderness Lodge, the only real accommodation on the island. It has a bar and a pool which you will probably be ready for after your trek.
The walk is very picturesque. Zoe Falls are particularly stunning as is the section between Ramsay Bay and Nina Bay. This part of the walk takes in the coastline and Rainforests.
If that sounds a bit too much like hard work, you can just come here and stay at the lodge. If you do fancy the walk then make sure you book well in advance. They only allow a certain number of visitors onto the island at any one time so you will need to plan ahead to be able to do this walk.
You really want to be here in Winter which is between June and October. Outside of these months, it is the wet season so expect to see a lot of rain. Avoid February and March when the rain is at its peak and the ferries stop running from the mainland.
If you need more ideas for Australian island getaways, visit the Real Australia Travel website (below) where you will find 15 islands to choose from. It also gives tips on where to stay on Magnetic Island.
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly 5 years of experience in traveling Australia and has recently become a Mum. Her site, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers useful information for planning your trip to Australia as well as where to go and what to do. Click here for more information on Australian Island Getaways
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