Paradise on your doorstep
Posted 19 February, 2021
Samuel Smith
Hollywood movies, TV shows and travel blogs would have you believe there’s nothing more glamorous than jetting off to far-flung lands.
Places like the Caribbean, Thailand and the Maldives have been dream holiday destinations for generations. After checking in to your luxury digs, mojitos will flow, room service will cater to your every need and many an Instagram selfie will be taken.
But after the trip’s over and reality resurfaces, you’re likely to be left with some hefty credit card bills, jetlag and – if you’ve spent most of your days tucked away in a resort – very little in the way of cultural connection.
That’s why we’ve rounded up 6 must-visit Aussie islands offering incredible scenery, fascinating cultural experiences and an abundance of wildlife – without the exorbitant price tag.
Feel worlds away while holidaying right here in Australia.
Once you’ve discovered each of our island picks, vote in our poll to tell us which one is your favourite!
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Step aboard the SeaLink ferry to Kangaroo Island and feel your worries wash away. Known affectionately as Australia’s zoo without the fences,
Kangaroo Island is one of the best places in the country to get up-close and personal with dolphins, sea lions, whales and a huge array of birdlife.
From the aptly named Remarkable Rocks standing tall over the wild Southern Ocean, to the rippling sand dunes of Little Sahara, Kangaroo Island’s landscape is breathtaking.
Hire a car and spend your days cruising from lush bushland trails and wildlife parks to gorgeous wineries (Dudley Wines is the ideal place to taste some of the island’s excellent produce) and charming towns.
Rottnest Island, Western Australia
Rottnest Island, just offshore from Perth, is renowned for its conservation, with major efforts going into preserving and protecting its diverse flora and fauna.
The island is home to the quokka – a small (and adorable) marsupial, famous for appearing in visitors’ Instagram selfies.
Spend a few days getting back to nature on Rottnest, immersing yourself in marine life, breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches and Aboriginal culture.
Must-visit spots include The Basin – a family-friendly beach with aquamarine shallows and bone-white sand, Little Salmon Bay – the island’s snorkelling hotspot, historic Bathurst Lighthouse and Cathedral Rocks on the island’s wild West End.
