Spectacular Queensland islands you can rent for the ultimate dream escape

Renting your own private island for a few nights sounds like the kind of holiday reserved only for the super-wealthy. But what if we told you it’s not only affordable (sort of) – it’s also totally doable right here in our backyard? If you’ve got the cash – and a personal entourage to share the bill — we’ve got eight Queensland islands you can rent.

Ready to find your dream escape?

Renting out the exclusive use of Orpheus Island’s impossibly idyllic island lodge is well worth maxing out the credit card for. This 14-room luxury island bolt hole is just 30 minutes by helicopter north of Townsville, and is blessed with pristine beaches and fringing reef you won’t want to share. And you won't have to.

Orpheus Island is home to 1,000 hectares of designated national park, and even more natural wonder can be explored offshore. Swim and snorkel with some of Australia’s Great Eight, uncover hidden reefs, then discover secret coves and beaches by kayak, SUP, or motorised dinghy. The resort offers a range of bespoke experiences to add to your adventure, like Great Barrier Reef tours, sailing adventures, scuba diving and fishing charters. 

Every luxury is at your fingertips onshore: indulge your senses at the island’s 5-star spa, feast at the chef-hatted restaurant, and kick back by the pool with cocktails in hand. Renting one of Queensland’s most luxurious islands can be as adventurous, or relaxing, as you choose.

Intrigued? Read more about Orpheus Island here.

Cost: A lavish $34,980 a night, minimum two nights, for you and your 27-strong crew. This includes all meals, and an on-island chef, drinks, and a daily Orpheus Island experience of your choosing.

Camp Island Lodge, The Whitsundays

Want a slice of Whitsundays paradise, all to yourself? That’s the reality on Camp Island.

Camp Island Lodge, located in the northern part of the Whitsunday Islands, offers a truly exclusive getaway. Accommodating up to 8 adult guests, the lodge is available for one booking at a time, ensuring complete privacy to soak in the surroundings of pristine beaches, coral reefs and crystal-clear waters.

Onsite managers are available to curate the experience for guests, from snorkelling trips and sunset cruises to settling crab pots and chipping oysters off rocks for a seafood feast. Keen angler? Fishing charters are available too.

Here’s how to ace your visit to Camp Island Lodge.

Cost: From $2800 per night for up to 8 guests (3-night minimum stay), including transfers from Elliot River, Guthalungra.

Why splash out on one room when you can rent an entire Queensland island for little more than a return international flight? Pumpkin Island is one of the most affordable Queensland islands you can rent, especially if you're bringing 30 of your closest friends and family. 

Located off the coast of Yeppoon among the Keppel Islands, kicking back to neutral is the preferred activity here – particularly if it’s from a hammock looking out at the blissful blue ocean. But there's plenty to do if you prefer to fill your days with adventure.

One of the smallest working islands on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, you can book out all seven eco-friendly cottages for your very own private island shindig. While you won’t have access to an in-house chef or luxury spa facilities, you’ll have all the bells and whistles for DIY alfresco BBQing and the entire place to yourself. Sounds near on perfect, right?

Tempted? Here's how you could spend three nights in paradise.

Cost: $3805 per night for a big band of 34 people, three nights minimum stay. Pumpkin Island is accessible by private boat, helicopter or the island ferry from Yeppoon's Keppel Bay Marina.

Bedarra Island, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Widely known as the most exclusive island on the Great Barrier Reef, renting the entire Bedarra Island Resort is the ultimate privacy statement. Located off the coast of Mission Beach between Cairns and Townsville, this magnificent adults-only retreat looks out over the gentle Coral Sea, featuring (among many glamourous touches) shaded day beds and an infinity pool that take full advantage of those breathtaking ocean views.

If secluded luxury is your kind of island escape, Bedarra Island is worth every penny.

Here's why you need to add this to your bucket list.

Cost: Exclusive use starts from $13,530 a night for ‘everything’. That includes 12 luxury villas, all meals, unlimited Champagne, and unlimited island activities including sea kayaks, stand up paddle boards, snorkelling equipment, fishing gear, motorised guest dinghies, gourmet picnic hampers, tennis and more.

Makepeace Island, Sunshine Coast

A home away from home for Sir Richard Branson, Makepeace Island is the entrepreneur’s heart-shaped sanctuary on the Sunshine Coast's Noosa River – and it can also be yours.

Makepeace Island’s 25 pristine acres come with three luxurious villas (plus a four-bedroom palatial home), each with two bedrooms, celebrity-worthy bathrooms and alfresco entertaining areas. Award-winning Sunshine Coast Chef Zeb Gilbert prepares all meals during your stay, and with a master bartender on hand to shake your cocktails all you need to worry about is getting enough pool time, taking a private yoga class or kicking back in the 15-person hot tub. There's a host of activities included too, from cooking classes to sunset river cruises.

Cost: $19,950 per night for the first 8 guests, with an additional $1,200 per person per night for each guest over 8 pax, up to a maximum of 22 guests. 

Nestled in the Southern Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Gladstone, the tiny coral cay known as Wilson Island is a one-of-a-kind couples retreat. Home to nine luxury glamping tents that accommodate up to 18 guests, bring your favourite people and settle into the sounds and sights of the ocean.

Wilson Island Resort is a slice of luxury that feels down to earth – equal parts indulgent and grounding. It might be because the island is 100% solar and battery powered, and run with countless sustainable touches. But it’s also because you can experience some of the best reef snorkelling in Queensland, straight off the beach. Or get out on the water with kayaks and SUPs. Or enjoy a chef-prepared picnic on a beach, all to yourself. It’s also one of the best places to experience the wonder of turtle nesting and hatching seasons.

Cost: From $11,072 fully inclusive for 18 guests per night (minimum stay 2 nights). Wilson Island Resort is accessible via transfer from Heron Island.

Haggerstone Island, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Haggerstone Island is one of those destinations that leaves a lasting impression. Located so far up the east coast of Australia that the nearest town, Lockhart River, is still a 40-minute flight away, owners Anna and Roy famously say it’s the “best place to shake the world out of people“. And we couldn’t agree more.

As well as all the natural beauty you’d expect from an island in the tropics - balmy climes, sun-soaked beaches and warm sea breezes - Haggerstone Island also comes with a game-changing extra; a skippered 45-foot jet boat at your disposal.

Spend a few days exploring the Great Barrier Reef, cruise the coast off the mainland, and then return back to your private slice of heaven where your very own chef will whip up freshly caught seafood right from your back door.

Holidays like this come once in a lifetime - read more about it here.

Cost: From $7000 a night (minimum four nights) for up to 12 guests.

Pelorus Private Island, Townsville

Pelorus Private Island offers travellers an utterly secluded and indulgent hideaway amongst the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Located off the coast of Townsville and accessible only by helicopter or private yacht, the private tropical island boasts a sprawling luxury home so beautiful you’d expect it was designed for high rollers and A-listers. And while the price tag is hefty, the experience is second to none, with 400 hectares of pristine, virgin habitat and colourful fringing reefs, all yours to explore.

Once you arrive, you won’t have to worry about a thing. Gourmet meals are provided by a private chef, with premium drinks on hand for celebrations and golden hour toasts. Laze by the pool with endless Coral Sea views, or take advantage of your location on an outer reef excursion, jet ski tour or Hinchinbrook Island adventure. 

Cost: Price is available upon request, but expect to pay around $20,000 per night.