If you are thinking of incorporating some well needed relaxation into your visit to Australia, then you should stay a while on one of its many islands.
Australia is blessed with thousands of km of beautiful coastline and over 8000 islands. Not every island is worth a visit but there are certainly enough to cater for all tastes, no matter how strange they might be.
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.
Magnetic Island, Queensland
This island is in Queensland 12km off the coast of Townsville. It offers sublime beaches at a much more reasonable price than most of Queensland's other island getaways. This is especially true if you compare it 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.
If you fancy some water sports action then there is plenty to choose from on Magnetic Island. Sailing around the secluded bays is a popular choice, as is sea kayaking. It is also an excellent place to learn to dive as it is relatively inexpensive compared to many areas and the marine life is excellent. For those wanting to stay dry, then why not have a go at horse-riding at Horseshoe Bay.
Another good thing about the island is that it is small enough to drive around in just half a day, but still big enough to offer good amenities including shops and reasonably priced accommodation.
It's easy to get around the island too. There's a local bus service or why not hire a bike. You can also hire a car but petrol on the island is a tad pricey. Lots choose to see the island on a moke which is a small car, a bit like a mini.
There's lots of beaches to choose from here but the nicest are probably Florence Bay and Balding Bay. Spend a day at Balding Bay sun bathing and snorkeling. Bring your own food and use the barbie facilities here. Horseshoe bay offers the longest of the island's beaches and is a good place to rent kayaks.
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 entire walk is stunning but the highlights are probably Zoe Falls and the stretch between Ramsay Bay and Nina Bay which follows the coastline and takes you through rainforests.
If you'd rather not do the walk then you can just come and stay at the Wilderness Lodge. If however the walk sounds like fun, make sure you book well in advance. Numbers onto the island are restricted so the walk gets booked up very quickly.
Winter is the best time to visit this island, i.e Between June and October. Outside of this time, it is the wet season. It rains a lot, especially in February and March. So much so, they close down the ferry from the mainland over these two months.
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.
Australia is blessed with thousands of km of beautiful coastline and over 8000 islands. Not every island is worth a visit but there are certainly enough to cater for all tastes, no matter how strange they might be.
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.
Magnetic Island, Queensland
This island is in Queensland 12km off the coast of Townsville. It offers sublime beaches at a much more reasonable price than most of Queensland's other island getaways. This is especially true if you compare it 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.
If you fancy some water sports action then there is plenty to choose from on Magnetic Island. Sailing around the secluded bays is a popular choice, as is sea kayaking. It is also an excellent place to learn to dive as it is relatively inexpensive compared to many areas and the marine life is excellent. For those wanting to stay dry, then why not have a go at horse-riding at Horseshoe Bay.
Another good thing about the island is that it is small enough to drive around in just half a day, but still big enough to offer good amenities including shops and reasonably priced accommodation.
It's easy to get around the island too. There's a local bus service or why not hire a bike. You can also hire a car but petrol on the island is a tad pricey. Lots choose to see the island on a moke which is a small car, a bit like a mini.
There's lots of beaches to choose from here but the nicest are probably Florence Bay and Balding Bay. Spend a day at Balding Bay sun bathing and snorkeling. Bring your own food and use the barbie facilities here. Horseshoe bay offers the longest of the island's beaches and is a good place to rent kayaks.
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 entire walk is stunning but the highlights are probably Zoe Falls and the stretch between Ramsay Bay and Nina Bay which follows the coastline and takes you through rainforests.
If you'd rather not do the walk then you can just come and stay at the Wilderness Lodge. If however the walk sounds like fun, make sure you book well in advance. Numbers onto the island are restricted so the walk gets booked up very quickly.
Winter is the best time to visit this island, i.e Between June and October. Outside of this time, it is the wet season. It rains a lot, especially in February and March. So much so, they close down the ferry from the mainland over these two months.
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 5 years of experience in traveling Australia and has recently become a Mum. Her website, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers practical information for planning your trip to Australia as well as what to do and where to go. Click here for more details on Australian Island Getaways
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