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Australia has some of the most beautiful islands in the world, and visiting them is an experience you’ll never forget. In addition to stunning beaches, these islands are known for their wide range of eco-tourism attractions and activities, which vary depending on the island’s geographical location and vegetation. For example, the Whitsunday Islands are perfect for marine activities such as snorkeling, diving, and kayaking while Kangaroo Island offers unique opportunities to see kangaroos in their natural habitat. Other Australian islands like Fraser Island and Lord Howe Island offer secluded beaches that are simply breathtaking.

1 Flinders Island, Tasmania

Located off Tasmania’s south coast, Flinders Island is Australia’s largest island, and it’s home to diverse landscapes, including a swamp where saltwater crocodiles live. There’s so much wildlife that it was once home to an Aboriginal settlement of 200 people, who called themselves Kaiadilt. Today Flinders Island is managed by Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania as an Australian National Park.

2 Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Kangaroo Island is an island off of Australia’s south coast that doesn’t get nearly enough love as its better-known neighbors. The largest island off of South Australia, Kangaroo Island is home to more than 100,000 kangaroos, so there’s plenty of room for everyone! Explore beautifully forested hiking trails at Kelly Hill Cottage and admire sunsets from Western River Cove.

3 Fraser Island, Queensland

Fraser Island is one of Australia’s most celebrated spots. Roughly four hours’ drive from Brisbane, it is one of three World Heritage-listed sites in Queensland and renowned for its pristine beaches and rainforests. Fraser Island’s beaches are made up of white silica sand, which is caused by a high concentration of silica and marine fossils. During certain times of year, you can spot humpback whales on your trip here – or even swim with dolphins!

4 Bruny Island, Tasmania

Unlike its larger neighbor, Tasmania is a more affordable and an easier-to-access island. The diverse population of Bruny Island includes artists and farmers who have made their homes in Bruny Island for decades. It’s often referred to as Australia’s version of Martha’s Vineyard because it has so many quaint villages and unspoiled landscapes. This is a great place for history buffs, nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts and anyone looking for a getaway that’s easy on their wallet.

5 Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsundays, an archipelago off Australia’s coast, are considered one of the country’s most beautiful destinations. The island paradise consists of 74 islands that are home to tropical rainforests, sandy beaches and various wildlife—including wallabies and green sea turtles. Visitors can dive with sharks or snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful fish.

6 Hinchinbrook Island

This island off of Queensland’s coast is part of a national park and considered one of Australia’s least-developed islands. In fact, there are no roads and only a few buildings on Hinchinbrook Island; visitors will find an abundance of pristine beaches and natural attractions, as well as excellent hiking trails. This North Queensland location is perfect for those who want to get away from it all.

7 Whalesong Sanctuary – Exmouth WA

One of Australia’s best island getaways and one of Exmouth’s most popular attractions, Whalesong is a marine sanctuary that allows guests an intimate look at both whales and dolphins as they frolic in their natural habitat. This private sanctuary has very limited capacity, so it’s worth calling ahead for availability.

8 Lord Howe Island

For sheer exhilaration, there’s nothing like getting up close and personal with an active volcano. That’s exactly what you can do by visiting Lord Howe Island off of New South Wales, Australia. The island is home to Mount Gower, a rumbling volcanic cone that has been spewing lava since its last eruption in 2005. Visitors are welcome to hike up Mount Gower—just be sure not to stray too far from designated paths or get too close!

9 Magnetic Island, Queensland

The incredibly picturesque Magnetic Island is often dubbed one of Queensland’s best-kept secrets and for good reason. Home to some of Australia’s most beautiful rainforest, beaches and wildlife, Magnetic Island is simply breathtaking. Hire a car or grab a bike when you arrive as you can easily explore Magnetic Island on your own terms.

10 Norfolk Island

With its gorgeous scenery and secluded beauty, it’s no wonder that Norfolk Island is a top tourist destination in Australia. This island paradise is situated 1,565 miles northeast of Sydney and is part of Norfolk Island National Park. What makes Norfolk Island so special are its natural wonders including sweeping valleys, towering cliffs, white sand beaches and swaying palm trees. Tourists can travel by ferry or plane to enjoy fishing, snorkeling, boating and hiking adventures on the island.