Looking for some relaxation and down time as part of your trip? Why not incorporate one of Australia's many islands into your stay down under.
Did you know that there are in fact over 8000 islands off the coast of Australia? Not all of them are worth visiting of course but there literally is an island to suit even the strangest of tastes.
Whether you need a classic tropical island getaway or fancy a wonderful walking trail, or need value for money or something that the kids will love, you will find it on one of Australia's Island Getaways.
The most famous and probably most well known are the Whitsundays. These are totally stunning and well worth the expensive trip. But perhaps very much on the tourist trail. This article will look at two islands which offer the traveller something completely different and are off the usual tourist trail. In fact, it's where the locals go.
Queensland's Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is just 12km from Townsville which is in Queensland. It's a favourite island with the locals because it is one of the most reasonably priced islands in Queensland, particularly when compared to the cost of a holiday in the Whitsundays.
This is the place for you if you want to lounge on a beach, go swimming, snorkel or even do a bit of walking. Magnetic Island has its own National Park and you can't miss Mount Cook which protrudes from its centre. The bays are a plenty and very pretty with some lovely walks to enjoy. It's also popular with families as there are plenty of activities to keep the kids busy.
There's lots of water sports on offer too including sea kayaking and sailing around its many secluded bays. It's also an excellent place to learn to dive as the coral and marine life are stunning. Plus the water is nice and warm! If water isn't your thing then try horse-riding at horseshoe bay.
The island itself is small enough to drive round in half a day but large enough for their to be a few different settlements, bays, shops and amenities. The accommodation is reasonable and of good standard too.
Getting around the island is easy. There's a small bus service, you can hire bikes as well as cars. The petrol on the island is a bit pricey though. You can also hire "mokes" These are like small minis and are a great way to get around the island.
Enjoy exploring the beaches. Horseshoe Bay has the longest beach and is the best place to hire kayaks from. The prettiest bays are probably Florence Bay and Balding Bay. It's easy to spend a day at Balding Bay basking in the sun, swimming and snorkeling. There are also BBQ facilities here too so bring your own food.
Hinchinbrook Island
If relaxing on the beach is not really your thing and you prefer a bit more adventure, then try Hinchinbrook Island. It is famous for the Thorsborne Track which is 32km of moderately demanding hiking. You'll see some beautiful waterfalls, mangroves and beaches.
You can hike the track in just two days but it's much better to take your time and stop off along the way providing you don't mind camping. The track runs from north to south but its better to finish in the north. It means at the end of the trek you can check in to the only accommodation on the island - Wilderness Lodge. It has a pool and a bar which you will need when you have finished the walk!
The best bits of the walk are probably the stretch between Ramsay Bay and Nina Bay as it follows the coastline and takes in beautiful rainforests. Zoe Falls are also worthy of mention and are particularly stunning.
You can just come here for a day trip and stay at the Wildnerness lodge. If you fancy the walk, then make sure you book well in advance. This gets booked up and numbers onto the island are restricted.
The best time to come is between June to October when there is less rain. Outside of this time is the wet season so expect lots of rain. In particular avoid February and March when it is at its worst and no ferries run.
For more Australian island getaways, you can visit the Real Australia Travel Website (see below) where you will find 15 islands to choose from. It also gives details on where to stay on Magnetic Island.
Did you know that there are in fact over 8000 islands off the coast of Australia? Not all of them are worth visiting of course but there literally is an island to suit even the strangest of tastes.
Whether you need a classic tropical island getaway or fancy a wonderful walking trail, or need value for money or something that the kids will love, you will find it on one of Australia's Island Getaways.
The most famous and probably most well known are the Whitsundays. These are totally stunning and well worth the expensive trip. But perhaps very much on the tourist trail. This article will look at two islands which offer the traveller something completely different and are off the usual tourist trail. In fact, it's where the locals go.
Queensland's Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is just 12km from Townsville which is in Queensland. It's a favourite island with the locals because it is one of the most reasonably priced islands in Queensland, particularly when compared to the cost of a holiday in the Whitsundays.
This is the place for you if you want to lounge on a beach, go swimming, snorkel or even do a bit of walking. Magnetic Island has its own National Park and you can't miss Mount Cook which protrudes from its centre. The bays are a plenty and very pretty with some lovely walks to enjoy. It's also popular with families as there are plenty of activities to keep the kids busy.
There's lots of water sports on offer too including sea kayaking and sailing around its many secluded bays. It's also an excellent place to learn to dive as the coral and marine life are stunning. Plus the water is nice and warm! If water isn't your thing then try horse-riding at horseshoe bay.
The island itself is small enough to drive round in half a day but large enough for their to be a few different settlements, bays, shops and amenities. The accommodation is reasonable and of good standard too.
Getting around the island is easy. There's a small bus service, you can hire bikes as well as cars. The petrol on the island is a bit pricey though. You can also hire "mokes" These are like small minis and are a great way to get around the island.
Enjoy exploring the beaches. Horseshoe Bay has the longest beach and is the best place to hire kayaks from. The prettiest bays are probably Florence Bay and Balding Bay. It's easy to spend a day at Balding Bay basking in the sun, swimming and snorkeling. There are also BBQ facilities here too so bring your own food.
Hinchinbrook Island
If relaxing on the beach is not really your thing and you prefer a bit more adventure, then try Hinchinbrook Island. It is famous for the Thorsborne Track which is 32km of moderately demanding hiking. You'll see some beautiful waterfalls, mangroves and beaches.
You can hike the track in just two days but it's much better to take your time and stop off along the way providing you don't mind camping. The track runs from north to south but its better to finish in the north. It means at the end of the trek you can check in to the only accommodation on the island - Wilderness Lodge. It has a pool and a bar which you will need when you have finished the walk!
The best bits of the walk are probably the stretch between Ramsay Bay and Nina Bay as it follows the coastline and takes in beautiful rainforests. Zoe Falls are also worthy of mention and are particularly stunning.
You can just come here for a day trip and stay at the Wildnerness lodge. If you fancy the walk, then make sure you book well in advance. This gets booked up and numbers onto the island are restricted.
The best time to come is between June to October when there is less rain. Outside of this time is the wet season so expect lots of rain. In particular avoid February and March when it is at its worst and no ferries run.
For more Australian island getaways, you can visit the Real Australia Travel Website (see below) where you will find 15 islands to choose from. It also gives details on where to stay on Magnetic Island.
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly half a decade of experience in exploring Australia and has recently become a Mum. Her website, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers useful information for planning your visit to Australia as well as where to go and what to do. Click here for more details on Australian Island Getaways
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