10 Gorgeous Islands in Queensland, Australia
Island hopping is the one thing you should definitely do during a Queensland holiday. From north to south, the Queensland coast is home to some of the country’s most picture perfect isles. Here are the 10 most gorgeous islands you need to visit.
Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is a suburb of Townsville, located eight kilometres (five miles) off its coastline. On land, half of the island is protected by Magnetic Island National Park. At sea, parts of the ocean surrounding the island are also protected as part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Things to do on Magnetic Island include exploring its 23 bays, bush walking through pine and eucalyptus trees, following the snorkel trails, horse riding from bush to beach and spotting koalas in the wild.
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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Moreton Island
Moreton Island is a 75-minute ferry ride from Brisbane. It’s known for being home to the Tangalooma Wrecks, which were created in 1963 when 15 vessels were deliberately sunk to create a breakwall. Today, the Tangalooma Wrecks are a snorkelling hotspot. Moreton Island is also the world’s third largest sand island, so sand dune tobogganing is a popular activity. Finally, don’t miss seeing the wild bottlenose dolphins being fed every night at sunset at Tangalooma Island Resort.
Lizard Island
Lizard Island is home to one of the most exclusive resorts in Australia. Accessible via a private flight from Cairns, there are only 40 rooms and villas on Lizard Island. Paired with 24 private beaches, it’s safe to say you’ll feel like you have the island to yourself at times. One of the most popular things to do on Lizard Island is diving and snorkelling on the inner and outer Great Barrier Reef. Swim with potato cods at the world famous Cod Hole, which is one of Australia’s best dive sites.
Hayman Island
Hayman Island is a private island resort located in the Whitsundays. Things to do on the island include bush walking, relaxing on private beaches, enjoying a signature Ocean Dreaming Massage, and snorkelling and diving on the Great Barrier Reef. In 2018, Hayman Island is being extensively renovated, to come back bigger and more luxurious than ever.
Fraser Island
The World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island. It’s home to eucalyptus trees, mangrove forests, swamps, sand dunes and rainforests. Fraser Island has nearly 500,000 visitors annually. It’s where you will find a 120-kilometre (75-mile) beach highway, the Maheno shipwreck and 100 freshwater lakes including Lake McKenzie and Lake Wabby. Spotting a dingo in the wild is also another reason people are attracted to Fraser Island.
Whitsunday Island
There are 74 Whitsunday Islands and the biggest is Whitsunday Island. Although it’s uninhabited, you must visit Whitsunday Island to explore the award-winning Whitehaven Beach. Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, it’s renowned for its 98% pure white silica sand and turquoise waters. Head to Hill Inlet at the beach’s northern end to see the tide shifts. The best lookout on Whitsunday Island is at Tongue Point as well.
Fitzroy Island
Located a 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns, Fitzroy Island is a Great Barrier Reef island that’s home to one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. The award-winning Nudey Beach isn’t actually a naturalist beach, despite its name. What it is, however, is a beach with calm azure waters and fringing reef. There are two main walking trails on Fitzroy Island, which lead to breathtaking views. If a day trip isn’t enough, spend the night at Fitzroy Island Resort.
North Stradbroke Island
Colloquially known as Straddie or North Straddie, North Stradbroke Island is found 30 kilometres (19 miles) southeast of Brisbane. The Jumpinpin Channel separates it from South Stradbroke Island. There are five main beaches on North Straddie, including Main Beach, which is good for surfing; the protected Cylinder Beach; and Flinders Beach for swimming and beach camping. It also has scenic headlands and over 100 freshwater lakes. All ferries and water taxis to North Straddie depart from Cleveland, a southern Brisbane suburb.
Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited Whitsunday Island, and the only Great Barrier Reef island with a commercial airport. It’s also basically car free, with the exception of tradespeople and public transport vehicles. Visitors get around the island in rented golf buggies. The many luxury resorts and beaches of picturesque Hamilton Island host nearly 500 wedding ceremonies annually. Cruise Whitsundays operates day trips from Hamilton Island to the Great Barrier Reef too.
Pumpkin Island
In 2012, Pumpkin Island was listed as the world’s sixth most expensive island. Owned by Wayne Rumble, Pumpkin Island is located in sheltered Keppel Bay and surrounded by the Keppel group of islands in the southern Great Barrier Reef. Pumpkin Island Eco Resort is Australia’s first and only carbon positive inhabited island. It offsets 150% of its annual carbon emissions. If you have the urge to live like a celebrity for a weekend, there’s the option to rent the entire island as well.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
