These 15 Islands In Australia Will Blow Your Mind

Australia has 8,222 islands - that's a lot! From Fraser Island and the Whitsundays, to the less known, but just as amazing, islands of Great Keppel and Fitzroy - each island paradise in Australia has its own unique beauty. So here it is, our Top 15 Islands in Australia that will blow your mind!

Top 15 Australian Islands

1. Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands are by far the most popular of all the islands to visit along the East Coast of Australia. The Whitsundays are made up of 74 islands located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The largest of the islands - Whitsunday Island - is home to the iconic Whitehaven Beach, a beach where the sand is so pure that you can actually brush your teeth with it!

There are numerous ways to see the stunning Whitsunday Islands from scenic flights, ocean rafting trips to day trips by boat or 2 or 3 night sailing trips on a variety of different types of boat. See our guide to the Whitsundays for a full run down of how to see these stunning islands and the things you can see there.

2. Rottnest Island

Rich with history, Rottnest Island is located on Australia's West Coast just south of Perth. It was once used as a military base during the war. The Quokka, a unique Australian animal, can only be found on this island. Rottnest Island has a fantastic reef, plentiful beaches and is great for swimming. The best way to explore the island is by bike! Inclusive packages can be booked (and are cheap) that include ferry transfers, Perth city transfers, bike & snorkel hire.

I think the best way to get to Rottnest Island is from Fremantle (or Freo as the locals call it), which is a small town close to Perth. Spend a day or two in Freo before getting the ferry to Rottnest Island for a day trip you'll never forget!

3. Magnetic Island

Located just off the coast of Townsville in Queensland, Magnetic Island is fast becoming one of the most popular backpacking destinations on Australia's East Coast! Why? Reef, Koalas, Walking Trails, Beach Front Bars and Australia's very own IslandLife Beach Festival! Ferry transfers are available from Townsville and the Greyhound bus will drop you off and pick you up right at the ferry terminal.

Explore Magnetic Island by open top car, or just head out on foot and find some amazing spots for instagram worthy photos. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for koala's, rock wallabies and much more. We recommend staying right on the beach at our very own Base Magnetic Island - we have amazing double rooms with spectacular views as well as dorm rooms for those on a tighter budget.

Check out our full Magnetic Island guide.

4. Fitzroy Island

Just a short ferry ride from Cairns, Fitzroy Island is off the beaten track and a little less crowded than the neighbouring Green Island. There is a trampoline in the ocean, a nudist beach, beachfront bar, kayaks, snorkels and paddle-boards for hire and some fantastic rainforest walks - oh and of course we can't forget to mention - the Great Barrier Reef.

Well worth a visit if you want to relax and go somewhere a little quieteer than Cairns.

5. Fraser Island

Fraser Island is the LARGEST sand island in the world! The beaches surrounding the island are not great for swimming due to rough waters, but the lakes within the island are what make this paradise unique! Eucalyptus Forest, Dingos, Lookouts and beautiful swimming lakes are all found here. The best way to explore the island is by a Tag Along 4WD Tour that will have you driving along the beach made Highway!

You can visit Fraser Island on a day trip but we highly recommend an overnight trip, or ideally a 3 day, 2 night trip so that you can see as much of the island as possible. Please don't leave food out that the dingos might find or be attracted by.

6. Phillip Island

Located around 1.5 hours south of Melbourne and home to the famous Penguin Parade! Phillip Island is a favourite summer getaway for Melburnians and a popular surf spot. Day tours depart from Base St Kilda and Melbourne CBD.

Most of the trips that go out to visit Phillip Island from Melbourne will take you to some other great places on the way and great spots for photos. Please pay attention to the signage about no flash photography when you see the penguins as you could cause them harm.

See what else you can do in Melbourne

7. Lord Howe Island

This absolute paradise can be found 600km south east of Sydney. A volcanic remnant that boasts tall mountain peaks, coral pools, walking trails and an abundance of wildlife. This island is Australia's 'prestigious' island and the only way to get there is by plane - so it may be a little out of the normal backpacker budget. You will need to catch a flight from Sydney or Brisbane.

8. Kangaroo Island

Like nowhere else on the planet! The Aussie wildlife here is everywhere: Kangaroos (hence the name), seal colonies, Koalas and Wombats. Other things to see apart from wildlife are the sand dunes of Little Sahara, rocky cliff formations, caves and Flinders Chase National Park. How to get there? We recommend going on a 2 or 3 day tour from Adelaide.

9. Cockatoo Island

Ok it may not be a 'paradise' but if you are interested in learning a little bit about Australia's convict history, a day trip from Sydney is worth your while! The island has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site and was once a convict penal settlement. Today, it's a popular place to venture for a picnic, a history lesson and a great place for a BBQ. Ferry transfers are available from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour, Sydney.

See what else you can do in Sydney.

10. Great Keppel Island

Keen to explore beyond the backpacker trail? Great Keppel Island has 17 white sandy beaches and its clear waters make a great base to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Packages can be booked that include transfers from the Greyhound Bus, Ferry Transfers and accommodation at Emu Beach Backpackers. A great little stop over between Fraser Island and The Whitsundays.

You can book Emu Beach Backpackers by purchasing a multi-night Bed Hopper Pass.

11. Lady Musgrave Island

The second most southern island on the Great Barrier Reef and a popular spot for Aussie locals. Enjoy the walking trails, fantastic snorkelling and glass bottom boat tours. Boat trips depart from the Town of 1770 - where the surf coast meets the reef. Another great spot to chill between Fraser Island and the Whitsundays.

12. Moreton Island

Moreton Island is located south of Fraser Island and takes on a similar shape. Unlike Fraser the beaches here are fantastic for swimming, sandboarding and dolphin spotting! Day ferry tours can be organised from Base Brisbane. If you need to get out of Brisbane city after a hard week of work Moreton Island is the perfect place to relax.

See what else you can do in Brisbane.

13. Green Island

Home to Cassius - the world's largest crocodile. Green Island sits upon the Great Barrier Reef and truly is absolute paradise! A fantastic place to experience a glass bottom boat tour, sip on a cocktail, snorkel or lounge by the pool. Ferry transfers depart from Cairns Marina.

14. Bruny Island

Sitting south of Hobart in Tasmania, Bruny Island is way beyond the usual tourist trail but well worth the visit. The best bit? It is as far south as you can go on land before hitting Antarctica! Spot the fairy penguins and seal colonies, go on rainforest walks, fantastic beach walks and see towering cliffs.

15. Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island is a luxury getaway for Australians far and wide and is a part of the Whitsunday group. However, they have in recent years designed a number of day packages suitable for the backpacker budget. Think infinity pools, cocktails, golf buggies and a day of absolute luxury! Day packages including lunch and transfers from Base Airlie Beach are available for as little as $130.

You could also attempt to spot celebrities as this is where they all seem to hang out when they visit Australia!

Feeling like a cheeky trip to Australia may be on the cards? Check out our Backpacking Guide to the East Coast of Australia.