These are the best islands in Australia, for all types of holiday
Australia is home to over 8000 different islands.
From the iconic holiday spots such as the Whitsundays, Rottnest and Bruny, to the hidden ocean gems like Picnic, Dirk Hartog and Heron, it feels like there are endless options for a perfect island getaway.
Emma Shaw's new book Ultimate Island Escapes: Australia from Hardie Grant Explore has pulled together a list of the best islands around the country. The book will hit shelves in August, but 9Travel has gotten a sneak peek.
Read through to discover the best of the best, no matter what you're looking for.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest travel news and deals via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
Best for adventure: Dirk Hartog Island, WA
Found just off Western Australia's Coral Coast, this island is a unique desert island experience within the UNESCO-heritage-listed Shark Bay.
Wild and covered in bushland, it's beloved by people who come to fish and camp with 4WDs.
You can bring a car and explore the island on your own, or stay at the Eco Resort and join tailored tours that are included in your stay.
Best all-inclusive luxury: Lizard Island, Queensland
For a luxury island trip, Lizard Island is hard to beat. Only about 10 square kilometres in size, it's a tiny oasis on the Great Barrier Reef.
Upon arrival at the resort you'll be greeted with champagne and a cheese plate, and it all gets better from there.
Everything is taken care of, so you just have to sit back and soak it up.
Best for families: Rottnest Island
Rottnest isn't a hidden gem by any stretch, but there's a reason it's a tried and true favourite.
Whether you visit as a day trip from Perth or spend a couple of nights enjoying the island, you'll be greeted with pristine beaches, untouched landscapes and, of course, plenty of smiling quokkas.
The best way to explore the island is by renting a bike so you can visit far-flung beaches away from crowds.
Best for couples: Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Indian Ocean Territories
Australia's most remote island paradise, the Cocos Islands are off the coast of WA and the ultimate spot for a romantic getaway.
It's the dictionary definition of island getaway, with thousands of coconut trees, white beaches, abundant marine life and excellent snorkelling options.
Don't expect lavish resorts and high-end dining. Everything here is low-key but beautiful, with accommodation ranging from cottages and historic homes for rent to budget motel-style lodging.
Flights leave weekly to the islands from Perth.
Easiest to get to: Magnetic Island, Queensland
Magnetic Island offers the stunning beauty and relaxation of a tropical holiday, without having to put in too much effort to get there.
Just 8km off the coast of Townsville, it's got palm-fringed beaches, friendly small town areas, and heaps of hiking and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Best island for beach camping: K'gari, Queensland
The largest sand island in the world, K'gari is just off Queensland's Fraser Coast.
While there are plenty of resorts on the island, you can't beat pitching a tent on the beach and falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing.
You'll need a beach permit to do so, but it's worth it to wake up to the sunrise.
Best for embracing winter: Flinders Island, Tasmania
Islands don't always have to be tropical. Flinders Island in Tassie could just be the state's best-kept secret.
A wild place with rugged granite mountains looming over calm, picturesque bays, it's also home to a surprisingly good food scene.
With only 1000 residents, it's a perfect place to slow down, sit back and recharge in nature.
Best for whale watching: North Stradbroke Island, Queensland
North Straddie, as the locals call it, is one of the best land-based whale-watching spots in the entire world.
Just a short ferry ride from Brisbane, it can even be done on a day trip.
Head to Point Lookout on the island's eastern corner to watch the humpback whale migration from May to September.
Best for a private island experience: Picnic Island, Tasmania
Fancy a whole island to yourself?
Picnic Island, surrounded by the stunning Freycinet National Park, is privately owned and can accommodate up to 10.
You'll likely spot dolphins and seals playing in the water, and members of the island's penguin colony as they return to their beach burrows at sundown.
