Most travellers need some down time as part of their trip so why not incorporate one of Australia's islands into your visit.
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.
There are islands that are great for the classic tropical island getaway, others that are better for walking, those that are great for the food and wine buff and those that are more value for money or better for a family.
The Whitsundays are probably the most famous of the Australian Island Getaways. They are however well and truly on the tourist trail and are very expensive. Still worth the visit though! This article will instead focus on two islands that are very popular with the locals and are not as well trodden by the tourist.
Magnetic Island, Queensland
This island is 12km from Townsville which is in Queensland. There is a lot to be said for taking this island getaway as it offers pristine beaches for a fraction of the cost of most of Queensland's islands, particularly when compared against the Whitsundays.
This is the perfect place for lounging on the beach, swimming, snorkeling and perhaps a little bit of walking. It has its own National Park with Mount Cook protruding from its centre so there are plenty of pretty bays and small walks to enjoy. It would also be a good option if you have kids as there are plenty of activities that they can enjoy.
Water sports are a popular past-time here at Magnetic. Sea Kayaking and Sailing around the many unspoiled bays are the most popular. Many learn to dive here too as its relatively inexpensive and the marine life is great. Or if you prefer to stay on land then try horse-riding at the aptly named 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.
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.
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
This island is for those of you needing more adventure. The island is most famous for its moderately hard hiking track called the Thorsborne Track. It is 32km in length and takes in waterfalls, beaches and mangroves.
The trek itself takes about 2 days but that doesn't give you any time to stop off and take in your surroundings. If you don't mind camping, then take your time and enjoy the sites. The trek runs north south and whilst you can do the trek in either direction, it's better to finish in the north. Here you will find the Wilderness Lodge, the only real accommodation on the island. It has a bar and a pool which you will probably be ready for after your trek.
The walk is very picturesque. Zoe Falls are particularly stunning as is the section between Ramsay Bay and Nina Bay. This part of the walk takes in the coastline and 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.
There are islands that are great for the classic tropical island getaway, others that are better for walking, those that are great for the food and wine buff and those that are more value for money or better for a family.
The Whitsundays are probably the most famous of the Australian Island Getaways. They are however well and truly on the tourist trail and are very expensive. Still worth the visit though! This article will instead focus on two islands that are very popular with the locals and are not as well trodden by the tourist.
Magnetic Island, Queensland
This island is 12km from Townsville which is in Queensland. There is a lot to be said for taking this island getaway as it offers pristine beaches for a fraction of the cost of most of Queensland's islands, particularly when compared against the Whitsundays.
This is the perfect place for lounging on the beach, swimming, snorkeling and perhaps a little bit of walking. It has its own National Park with Mount Cook protruding from its centre so there are plenty of pretty bays and small walks to enjoy. It would also be a good option if you have kids as there are plenty of activities that they can enjoy.
Water sports are a popular past-time here at Magnetic. Sea Kayaking and Sailing around the many unspoiled bays are the most popular. Many learn to dive here too as its relatively inexpensive and the marine life is great. Or if you prefer to stay on land then try horse-riding at the aptly named 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.
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.
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
This island is for those of you needing more adventure. The island is most famous for its moderately hard hiking track called the Thorsborne Track. It is 32km in length and takes in waterfalls, beaches and mangroves.
The trek itself takes about 2 days but that doesn't give you any time to stop off and take in your surroundings. If you don't mind camping, then take your time and enjoy the sites. The trek runs north south and whilst you can do the trek in either direction, it's better to finish in the north. Here you will find the Wilderness Lodge, the only real accommodation on the island. It has a bar and a pool which you will probably be ready for after your trek.
The walk is very picturesque. Zoe Falls are particularly stunning as is the section between Ramsay Bay and Nina Bay. This part of the walk takes in the coastline and 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 half a decade of experience in travelling Australia and has recently had a baby. Her site, 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 information on Australian Island Getaways
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