Australia's Underrated Islands You Need To Visit

Australia boasts 8,222 islands, and while we bet you’ve heard of Hamilton and Hayman Island, there are literally thousands of lesser-known slices of sand that are just as heavenly. From remote islands scattered across the Great Barrier Reef, to unspoiled islands off the west coast, these are Australia’s best underrated tropical sanctuaries that you just have to see for yourself.

1. Haggerstone Island, Queensland

Resort

A remote island off the coast of far North Queensland is the setting of a luxurious castaway resort, accessible only by a charter flight from Cairns. Surrounded by coral reefs and complete with a shipwreck from 1840, the waters off Haggerstone Island are teeming with turtles and tropical fish, providing an idyllic environment for snorkelling. On the shore, you can comb the white sand for WW2 artifacts or explore the island’s untouched wilderness before retiring to your Robison Crusoe-esque hut. The all-inclusive private resort also provides mouth-watering fresh food, supplied by the ocean and organic orchard.

Haggerstone Island, QLD Australia

Courtesy Haggerstone Island Resort

2. Montague Island, New South Wales

Named “one of wild Australia’s most underrated destinations” by Lonely Planet, Montague Island’s appeal is its diversity. Located 30 minutes off the coast of Narooma, the island features a lighthouse dating back to 1881, Indigenous sacred sites and eco-reserves. The protected nature reserve is home to a colony of approximately 12,000 little penguins as well as crested terns, Shearwaters and Australian fur seals. While humpback whales, dolphins, green turtles and grey nurse sharks are often spotted in surrounding waters. Visitors can stay in the refurbished Montague Island Lighthouse Keepers Quarters and volunteers are always welcome to take in part in Conservation programs on the island.

Montague Island, NSW, Australia

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3. Shaw Island, Queensland

Park

Blistering in the Whitsundays is an island few have heard of, with dazzling turquoise waters and lush greenery. Part of the Lindeman Island’s National Park, Shaw Island and Billbob Bay are pristine examples of Australia’s tropical magnificence. While it’s tempting to kick back on the white shoreline, the hike up to the hilltop is worth the climb as you’re met with panoramic views of the Coral Sea at the top. To cool down, snorkel through the coral gardens teeming with colourful fish.

Shaw Island, QLD, Australia

5. Great Keppel Island, Queensland

Resort

Located north of the Tropic of Capricorn, 15 kilometres off the coast of Yeppoon, Queensland is a blissful slice of sand known as Great Keppel Island. Boasting 17 squeaky clean beaches, the secluded island invites you to wade into the water where you can swim, snorkel and dive with an array of tropical fish. While inland, there are bushwalking tracks to guide you as you explore the fertile landscape, which has an Indigenous heritage. Great Keppel Island Resort has a host of facilities to make your stay on the island unforgettable.

Great Keppel Island, QLD, Australia

Courtesy Great Keppel Island Hideaway

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

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.