The 12 most beautiful islands in Australia

If you haven't heard of the Cocos Keeling Islands, you're not alone. Located 2,750 km northwest of Perth (a five-hour flight), this untouched piece of paradise is one of Australia’s most isolated destinations, welcoming only 144 visitors at any given time. The Cocos are the only coral atoll in the country, made up of 27 islands that sparkle like emerald jewels in the vast Indian Ocean. Think glass-blue water, sugary white sand, swaying palm trees and some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world. Of the 27 islands, only two are inhabited – West Island and Home Island – with about 600 residents, including 450 Cocos Malay. Stay at least a week to take it all in. 

Just a zippy 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle (or 90 minutes from the Perth CBD), Rottnest Island is one of those incredibly rare places on Earth that looks even better IRL than it does in glossy travel magazines. Also known by its local Aboriginal name, Wadjemup, and ‘Rotto’ by locals, it’s an essential addition to any WA itinerary. Out-of-towners may know Rottnest for its friendly population of quokkas, but the island is also home to the most incredible azure blue waters you’ll come across, and nowadays, it has a selection of top-notch eateries and luxe accommodations, as well as camping grounds, cafés and low-key restaurants for the budget-conscious. 

Named as the world's second-best 'must visit' region for 2024 by Lonely Planet, South Australia's Kangaroo Island is pretty special. Before you ask, yes, there are kangaroos on the island – along with koalas, dolphins, sea lions and penguins. Kangaroo Island is also home to a beach that took out Tourism Australia's prize for best beach in the nation in 2023, and a seriously delicious local food and wine scene. Trust us, this third-largest island in Australia is a fail-safe place for good times. 

Spanning 123 kilometres in length, the World Heritage-listed K’gari isn’t just the largest sand island on Earth, but sparkles with the fourth most crystal-clear waters in Oceania. You would have to run three marathons to get from one end to the other of the infamous 'Sand Highway', aka 75 Mile Beach, leaving room for lots of dips in the sparkling waters and a long sunbake on the soft white sands. K'gari is also known for its ancient sand dunes, crystalline lakes, tropical rainforests, humpback whales, and for being home to the world’s purest colony of dingoes. 

If you're craving the freshest air in the world, succulent oysters, savvy B and eating handmade cheese in the bush – you're going to need to put Bruny on your island list. Located just under two hours from Hobart's CBD, Bruny is the crispest jewel in the Apple Isle's crown. Dance on wild and secluded beaches, go on staggeringly beautiful bushwalks, eat and drink some of the best local food and wine you'll get in your life, and generally immerse yourself in a place that'll make you forget emails exist. You'll probably see a dolphin too – and a whale if you're lucky. 

Just 55 kilometres off the Queensland coast, the Whitsundays comprise 74 tropical islands, most popularly Hamilton Island, Hayman Island and Daydream Island. There’s no wrong way to explore the islands – whether you’re relaxing on the silica-white sands of Whitehaven Beach (ranked fifth best in the world), wandering through the national parks (fun fact: the Whitsundays is 70 per cent national park), or snorkelling with thousands of brightly coloured fish in the Great Barrier Reef.
  

Rugged, tropical and seriously beautiful, Lord Howe is an island that we all want to try hop to at least once in our lives. Located off the coast of NSW, this easily-accessible paradise only allows 400 people in at a time. With no mobile reception here, you’ll have space to breathe as you visit incredible natural attractions and mingle with the hundreds of animal species that call this island home. Whether it's exploring secret beaches, swimming with rainbow fish or eating incredible food, this is paradise – in the truest sense of the word.

Dubbed the 'Galapagos of the Indian Ocean', this tiny, reef-fringed Australian Territory is stranded in the heart of the Indian Ocean, reachable via a 3.5-hour flight from Perth. The island’s remote location, lush rainforests and balmy ocean temperatures provide the perfect habitat for red crabs, which live almost exclusively here. Their annual migration is one of the most incredible natural spectacles on Earth, kicking off after the first rainfall of the wet season, typically between October and November. 

A beautiful 2.5-hour boat ride away from Darwin in the Northern Territory, the Tiwi Islands are also known as the 'Island of Smiles'. You need a special permit to visit the Tiwis (although you can do this easily with a guided tour from Darwin), as this is privately owned Aboriginal Land. Made up of two main islands, the Tiwis are alive with a vibrant, rainbow tapestry of art, biodiversity and ancient culture that you'll feel lucky to get a look in at. Go for a day – or stay for a few. This place is pretty special. 

The Great Barrier Reef in Queensland is host to a multitude of perfect islands – however, Lizard Island is arguably one of its best. Fringed by gorgeous, secluded beaches and lapped by the warm, turquoise waters of the Coral Sea, Lizard Island is your traditional, island paradise, with a twist of resort thrown into the mix. Sadly, this one's for the bougier of us. Only accessible via private charter from Cairns Airport, you'll have to fork out a bit for transport there – but if you've got the cash, it's worth it. Whether you camp, or sleep in luxury at Lizard Island Resort, this isolated wonderland is next to some of the best diving spots on the Reef, and therefore, the world. 

Less than an hour's ferry ride away, North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) is easily one of the best coastal day trips from Brisbane. You can hop on the passenger ferry or take a car over on the barge for the ultimate weekend getaway. Whale-watching season (June-November) is the ideal time to go, but the island is stunning year-round. And it’s the closest place to Brisbane where you can see kangaroos on the beach.