Australia’s Best Island Escapes

The rich diversity of Australia’s magnificent coastline is enhanced by some 8,000 islands of varying sizes and climates.  From rugged cliff tops to stunning coral reefs, Australia’s islands offer a variety of unique experiences whether you seek adventure, relaxation or a journey into Australia’s renowned food and wine scene.

 

Lord Howe Island

Just a two hour flight from Sydney, Lord Howe Island is a UNESCO World Heritage listed paradise, home to the world’s most southernmost coral reef.  At just 11km long and 2km wide, this tiny island is home to a remarkable array of wildlife and is renowned for its pristine rainforests, beaches and marine environment.  Activities on offer include birdwatching, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving or exploring famous sites such as Lovers’ Bay and Ned’s Beach.  

 Lord Howe Island’s luxury lodge, Capella Lodge, offers luxury boutique accommodation and beach house ambience with unparalleled ocean and mountain views. An intimate collection of nine spacious suites and lofts, Capella Lodge is an all-inclusive escape from it all.

 

Kangaroo Island 

Much of Kangaroo Island remains virtually untouched by human habitation and, as a result, exists as a true wildlife sanctuary where animals and birds reside in harmony with the native bushland.  Kangaroo Island is home to kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and a variety of bird species, including the famous Cape Barren geese.

 

Alongside this wild and untamed wilderness, flourishes an exciting food and wine scene, with numerous artisan producers taking advantage of the rich supply of local ingredients.

 

Southern Ocean Lodge is consistently rated among the best luxury lodges in the world.  With 21 organic suites, a world-class restaurant, spa, a wide range of signature activities as well as breathtaking ocean, beach and wilderness views, it offers everything for the adventurous but discerning traveller.   

 

Lizard Island

Lizard Island is the most northern resort in tropical Queensland and is located directly on the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef, which stretches some 2,000km along the Queensland coastline.  The private island offers total seclusion, accessed only by private charter from Cairns airport.  This sense of exclusivity and blissful solitude is enhanced by luxury accommodation, exceptional service and a host of island activities including snorkeling, diving, sailing and bushwalking. 

 

At the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef lies the Whitsunday Islands, a group of 74 magnificent islands bordered by the reef and the warm waters of the Coral Sea.  

 

 Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited island of the Whitsundays and is the only island to have it’s own commercial airport with regular flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns. 

Multi-awarding winning boutique resort, qualia, perches at Hamilton Island’s northernmost tip and offers unsurpassed luxury and comfort overlooking the calm waters of the reef.  From yoga to spa services to the wide range of activities on offer, the focus at qualia is on relaxation and the premium level of intuitive service ensures every whim is catered for.

 

Hayman Island

Hayman Island is the most northerly of the Whitsunday islands, taking advantage of incredible views of the Great Barrier Reef and neighbouring islands to the south.  Access is via private vessel from Hamilton Island.  Luxury resort, One&Only Hayman Island caters for every age and taste with numerous island activities including golf, watersports, hiking, tennis, squash and basketball. 

 

Tasmania

Tasmania is Australia’s island state, separated from the southern mainland by the Bass Strait.  Famed for the remarkable quality of its produce, Tasmania’s is a must-visit for food and wine enthusiasts as well as intrepid travellers keep to explore the island’s remarkable coastline.

 

Hobart is located in Tasmania’s south on the River Derwent and is easily accessed by air from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.  Hobart boasts a thriving arts scene, and close to the city centre, the famous MONA, Museum of Old and New Art provides visitors with a unique cultural experience.  MONA houses Australia’s largest private art collection, which ranges from ancient Egyptian artifacts to some of the world's most infamous and thought-provoking contemporary art. 

Mona is the only Australian experience that offers the combination of a vineyard and winery (renowned Tasmanian winery, Moorilla Estate), on-site accommodation, world-class fine dining on-site at The Source restaurant, cellar door tastings, micro-brewery tours, and an exciting year-round events program.

 

MONA’s cutting edge on-site accommodation, the stunningly luxurious and hi tech MONA Pavilions, reflects the unique surroundings. Each pavilion is named after an Australian architect or artist and has a kitchen, laundry, wine fridge, wireless touch panels (climate, lighting, info and entertainment), wireless internet access, safe, phone and security camera and features works of art from owner, David Walsh’s, private collection.    

A few hours north of Hobart, award-winning eco-lodge, Bay of Fires Lodge is the luxury base for the second and third nights of the famous Bay of Fires Walk and overlooks the pristine ocean and beaches.  The Bay of Fires Walk is a four day/three night adventure along the coastline, taking in the dramatic landscapes, ecology and wildlife of this incredible region including the famous Mt William National Park and Eddystone Point.

Coastal sanctuary Saffire Freycinet, on Tasmania’s East Coast, is discreetly positioned overlooking the Hazards Mountains, Freycinet Peninsula and the sparkling waters of Great Oyster Bay.  Luxurious suites, an exclusive day spa, restaurant, guest lounge and bar ensure visitors can enjoy every indulgence on-site as they discover ancient landscapes and abundant wildlife. 

A kilometer off Tasmania’s east coast lies Maria Island National Park.  Combining a fascinating convict heritage with rugged scenery and abundant wildlife, Maria Island is the perfect location for a tour of discovery.  The Maria Island Walk is a four day/three night guided walk, designed to let walkers experience the remoteness and tranquility of this wilderness environment while enjoying gourmet food, the best Tasmanian wine and a comfortable bed each night. 

 

Please contact us to bespoke your island holiday in Australia. Email: travel@onlyluxe.com.au