Paradise found: the best Queensland islands for group holidays

Searching for Queensland islands for group holidays? These pockets of paradise should be at the top of your guest list.  

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday or family reunion; jetting off for school holiday get-together or a ‘just because’ escape with best mates: there’s no better feeling than having your toes in the sand, ocean views out front, warm breeze on your skin and your favourite people by your side. Especially if you’ve got a drink in hand, too.

From camping havens and fun-fuelled resorts to renting entire islands or luxurious holiday homes, make this getaway one for the ages.

For an island all to yourself: Pumpkin Island

It might be one of Queensland’s best kept secrets, but it’s here to make your celebration one you’ll tell everyone about. Nestled in the Southern Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Yeppoon, Pumpkin Island is a barefoot adventure where you can kick it back to neutral and recharge. And you can rent the whole thing.

Book out all seven ocean-facing cottages for the ultimate private island experience for you and up to 33 friends or family. Keep it casual and self-cater, or leave the hassle behind and board your boat at Keppel Bay Marina with all food catered by The Waterline Restaurant.  

By day, explore the island and surrounding reef by kayak, paddleboard and snorkel; with a sheltered beach perfect for little ones to play safely. By night, settle into the Sunset Lounge with beers, board games and best mates in the middle of the world’s biggest natural wonder.

Make the most of your trip and book a long weekend: there’s plenty to keep you busy in between sundowners at this carbon-positive island paradise.

For nature-lovers: Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)

If you’re looking for a spot to set up camp that feels remote, but has dining, activities and charming seaside villages on its doorstep, then Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) is the place for your crew.

This down-to-earth island is the perfect weekend escape from Brisbane. If you have all the gear (including 4WDs), set up beach camp at a designed spot along Flinders Beach or Main Beach, otherwise book a few campsites at Minjerribah campgrounds at Adder Rock, Amity Point or Cylinder Beach. Holiday houses and resorts are dotted around the island for those who want a few more bells and whistles too.

Adventure is never far away on Straddie; there’s plenty of hiking trails and tea-tree oil lakes to explore, and fascinating local Indigenous culture to soak up - particularly if you head out with Yura Tours. Wildlife isn’t far away, either. From the kangaroos that bound along Point Lookout at sunset, to spotting turtles and manta rays from North Gorge Walk, the dolphins that visit Amity Point each afternoon, and migrating whales each winter. Let's just say the locals here are a friendly bunch.

If you’re planning a party as part of your weekend, Point Lookout Surf Club has the best views and friendliest bartenders on the island.

Looking for an island camping adventure that’s a little wilder? Try Lady Musgrave Island for a Reef adventure to remember.  

For a Whitsundays getaway with all the bells and whistles: Daydream Island

From weddings to anniversaries and everything in between, the crew at Daydream Island knows how to throw a party. And for a group holiday where you can be hands-off on planning and hands-on the cocktail menu, Daydream is your ticket to escape.

This resort island in the middle of the Whitsundays is a playground for families, and big kids too. So if you’ve got a family reunion, meet in the huge pool (there’s a swim up pool bar and adults-only area).

The kids club here is legendary, and budding marine biologists will want to explore the 200 metre long Living Reef to learn about the marine life that thrives in the Great Barrier Reef. Or, get out and snorkel right off the beach on the fringing reef.

Forget catering and dietary requirements: there’s three restaurants, three bars and a burger joint to feed the group. Plus paddle boards for hire, an outdoor cinema and day tours to iconic Whitehaven Beach. Everything is here to experience, with none of the hard-work of being organiser.

There’s plenty more Whitsundays Islands worthy of a big bash; or you might want to island-hop on a bareboating adventure and see it all.

For a big splash: Bedarra Island 

If you’ve got deep pockets and a love of indulgence and infinity pools overlooking the Coral Sea, the most exclusive island on the Great Barrier Reef is yours to rent. And it’s worth every penny.

You’ll find beautiful Bedarra Island off the coast of Mission Beach, between Cairns and Townsville. This place – or should we say, palace – redefines secluded luxury. There’s just ten villas hidden amongst 45 hectares of tropical rainforest, and a maximum of 20 guests at a time. In other words, whether you rent out the whole island or just a few villas, you won’t be jostling for the best spot on the beach here.

This is an all-inclusive haven, so there’ll be no need to split the bill. Tuck into the delicious, ever-changing menu from the terrace restaurant, sip your way through the open bar, and if you can bare to leave your sundeck, dive into snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing and more. Outer Great Barrier Reef diving and snorkel trips can be arranged too. 

For energy from dawn to dusk: Magnetic Island

Plan a group holiday to Magnetic Island and you’ll be stepping onto the sand within 20 minutes of departing Townsville’s marina. Relaxed or adventure packed; choose to spend your days hiking to rugged lookouts, meeting the local wildlife, diving beneath to explore the reef, or kicking back with a book in hand. Whatever way you holiday here, Maggie doesn’t judge.

This accessible island is perfect for group holidays, with plenty to explore on, underneath and out of the water. It's also got a few great spots for sundowners - including on the top deck of a yacht as the sun dips below the horizon.

In the accommodation stakes; you have everything from resorts to holiday houses, and even backpacker hostels for groups on a budget. Best experienced in a weekend or longer if you have the annual leave, you’ll feel the magnetic pull back here as soon as you leave. Next year’s birthday plans are sorted too!

For an off-the-grid adventure: K'gari

If your group likes to really get away from it all – and has the power of 4WD behind them – the world’s largest sand island is calling. You’ll want a few days to explore all 123km of this paradise known as K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), from its refreshing inland lakes to the natural saltwater spa of Champagne Pools. A place where dingoes outnumber people, you’ll find shipwrecks, the world’s only rainforest that grows in sand, and miles of empty beaches that stretch before you.

There’s great accommodation if you prefer pools and bars over roughing it, but either way, the sunsets alone will turn one group holiday here into an annual tradition.  

For a toast to the tropics: Fitzroy Island

A firm family favourite, just 45 minutes by Fast Cat from Cairns, Fitzroy Island is a tropical haven of rainforest and coral beaches nestled in the Great Barrier Reef.

Home to Fitzroy Island Resort, this 4.5 star accommodation includes ocean suites, resort studios, beach cabins and self-contained apartments to suit any group size. The island might be small, but you’ll find everything you need right here: a beachfront restaurant, a general store, Foxy’s Bar, dive shop, pool with a swim up bar, and an activities hut to rent snorkel and watersports gear.

One of Australia’s best beaches, Nudey, is at your doorstep, as is the state-of-the-art Turtle Rehabilitation Centre which you can visit. Come here for even just a weekend and you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime. 

For the holiday house of dreams: Lizard Island

The spectacular sunsets and vibrant Reef adventures of Lizard Island make an ideal group holiday thanks to the opening of The House - Lizard Island Resort's ultra-luxurious holiday home perched on a private headland of the island. Stunning architectural design sets the scene for a holiday that puts the Great Barrier Reef front and centre - this is one of the most remote island resorts in Queensland, after all. Accommodating up to 8 guests, you'll have a host on hand to curate all your holiday activities, along with a private chef and sommelier. 

Planning a group getaway but bringing the kids too? Check out this guide to the best family-friendly islands in Queensland.