The Best Australian Islands for a Secluded Escape

Australia is known for its vast landscapes, vibrant cities, and iconic landmarks like the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru. Yet beyond the mainland lies another world—thousands of islands scattered across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Some are well-known holiday destinations, but many remain untouched, offering serene beaches, lush rainforests, and wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else. If you’re dreaming of a secluded escape, far from tourist crowds and busy resorts, Australia’s hidden islands are your answer. These islands combine natural beauty with peace, giving travelers a chance to reconnect with nature while still enjoying comfortable stays.

Why it’s special
Lord Howe Island is often described as a natural wonderland. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to dramatic mountains, crystal lagoons, and coral reefs teeming with marine life. Only 400 visitors are allowed at a time, ensuring its exclusivity.

How to get there
Direct flights operate from Sydney and Brisbane, taking around 2 hours. There are no ferries due to the island’s remoteness.

Where to stay & food
Boutique lodges and guesthouses dominate, with nightly rates starting at around AUD 400–600. Dining is mostly set-menu or resort-style, costing AUD 30–70 per meal. Fresh seafood, especially kingfish, is a highlight.

Estimated costs

• Flights: AUD 700–1,000 return
• Accommodation (5 nights): AUD 2,000–3,000
• Food & activities: AUD 800–1,200
• Total for 5 nights: ~AUD 4,000–5,000 per couple

Cautions

• Limited medical facilities—carry personal prescriptions.
• Book early due to the visitor cap.

Why it’s special
Just 45 minutes by ferry from mainland South Australia, Kangaroo Island is a wildlife sanctuary. Expect to see kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and sea lions in the wild. The rugged coastline, Remarkable Rocks, and Flinders Chase National Park are must-sees.

How to get there

• Ferry from Cape Jervis: AUD 110 return per passenger, AUD 220 return with a car.
• Flights from Adelaide: around 30 minutes, costing AUD 250–400 return.

Where to stay & food
Farmstays, eco-lodges, and B&Bs start at AUD 180 per night. Luxury options like Southern Ocean Lodge (AUD 1,000+ per night) cater to high-end travelers. Local honey, artisanal cheese, and seafood are specialties. Meals cost around AUD 20–50 per person.

Estimated costs

• Ferry + car: AUD 350–400
• Accommodation (5 nights): AUD 900–1,500 mid-range
• Food & activities: AUD 500–700
• Total for 5 nights: ~AUD 2,000–2,600 per couple

Cautions

• Wildlife often crosses roads—drive carefully.
• Book accommodations in advance during summer.

Why it’s special
Seventy-four islands make up the Whitsundays, with most uninhabited. Whitehaven Beach, known for its pure silica sand, is considered one of the world’s most beautiful. Perfect for sailing, snorkeling, and reef exploration.

How to get there

• Fly into Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach (Proserpine Airport).
• From there, ferries and boats connect to other islands.

Where to stay & food
Hamilton Island offers resorts (AUD 300–600 per night). Private island retreats like Hayman Island start at AUD 800 per night. Self-catering apartments are available for budget travelers. Meals average AUD 25–60 per person.

Estimated costs

• Flights: AUD 400–700 return
• Accommodation (5 nights): AUD 1,500–3,000 mid-range
• Food & tours: AUD 600–1,000
• Total for 5 nights: ~AUD 3,000–4,500 per couple

Cautions

• Jellyfish season (November–May) requires stinger suits when swimming.
• Weather can be unpredictable during cyclone season.

Why it’s special
A short ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island is famous for its friendly quokkas. The island also boasts 63 beaches, coral reefs, and a car-free environment—explored best by bicycle.

How to get there
Ferries from Perth, Fremantle, or Hillarys: AUD 70–110 return.

Where to stay & food
Choices include budget hostels (AUD 50 per night), mid-range hotels (AUD 200–400 per night), and luxury eco-tents at Discovery Rottnest Island (AUD 300–500 per night). Meals cost AUD 15–40.

Estimated costs

• Ferry: AUD 150 per couple
• Accommodation (3 nights): AUD 600–1,200
• Food & bike hire: AUD 300–400
• Total for 3 nights: ~AUD 1,100–1,700 per couple

Cautions

• Popular with locals on weekends—visit midweek for seclusion.
• Limited shade on beaches—carry sunscreen and water.

Why it’s special
Located in the South Pacific, Norfolk Island is both historically rich and naturally stunning. Once a penal colony, it now charms visitors with pine forests, cliffs, and crystal bays.

How to get there
Flights operate from Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland, costing around AUD 600–900 return.

Where to stay & food
Self-contained cottages and B&Bs dominate, starting at AUD 150–250 per night. Meals range from AUD 20–50. Local specialties include fresh fish, bananas, and home-grown vegetables.

Estimated costs

• Flights: AUD 1,200–1,800 per couple return
• Accommodation (5 nights): AUD 1,000–1,300
• Food & car hire: AUD 500–800
• Total for 5 nights: ~AUD 2,700–3,900 per couple

Cautions

• Internet is limited—great for digital detox.
• Bring cash as card facilities can be unreliable.

Why it’s special
Accessible yet remote, Bruny Island offers wilderness, gourmet food, and stunning coastal walks. The Neck Lookout provides breathtaking panoramic views.

How to get there
From Hobart, a 30-minute drive to Kettering, then a 20-minute ferry ride (AUD 46 return with car).

Where to stay & food
Cottages and lodges cost AUD 150–300 per night. Farm-to-table meals, fresh oysters, and artisan cheeses make dining a highlight. Meals cost AUD 20–50.

Estimated costs

• Ferry + car: AUD 46
• Accommodation (3 nights): AUD 450–900
• Food & tours: AUD 300–500
• Total for 3 nights: ~AUD 800–1,400 per couple

Cautions

• Limited fuel stations—fill up before arriving.
• Wildlife like wallabies roam freely—drive cautiously.

Final Thoughts

Australia’s islands offer more than beaches—they provide isolation, peace, and a chance to reconnect with nature. Whether you’re snorkeling over coral reefs in the Whitsundays, photographing quokkas on Rottnest, or walking coastal trails on Bruny Island, each destination delivers a unique blend of beauty and tranquility. Costs vary widely, but all these islands share one thing: a rare chance to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in unspoiled landscapes.