Explore Queensland’s award-winning islands

Taking out second place for Wotif’s Best Islands of 2022 is none other than picturesque Hamilton Island. Arguably the most famous of the 74 islands that reside within The Whitsunday, Hamilton Island is a tropical haven found alongside the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Arrive in paradise via boat, plane or chopper and spend your leisurely days exploring the island and the abundance of neighbouring marine life. 

Hamilton Island is a crowd favourite not only for its stunning white shores, access to the Great Barrier Reef and feature in rom com Ticket to Paradise, but for its range of accommodation. Choose from luxury ocean-front villas, self-contained family cabins or all-inclusive resorts. Or if you’re after the ultimate island getaway, sail your days away between The Whitsundays.

K’gari (Fraser Island)

Coming in at number 3 is the utterly unique, UNESCO World Heritage-listed K’gari (Fraser Island). This is the only place in the world where rainforest grows on sand, creating a remarkable contrast. At 123km long, K’gari is the largest sand island in the world and one of the best places to let your adventurous heart run wild. Pull up a swag and sleep under the stars or check into a resort or eco-retreat to live the island life 

Rugged and untamed, K’gari is best explored by foot with a range of hikes that lead to a refreshing dip in watering holes or by 4WD along the scenic beach highways. Spot dingos on land, shipwrecks just off the coast or whales as they nurture their calves in the protective water from August to October. 

Magnetic Island

Just a short ferry from Townsville will take you to Wotif’s fifth best island, Magnetic Island. Prepare to be greeted by 23 golden beaches and an abundance of unspoilt natural beauty. Hire a car (including the Instagrammable Mini) on the island and feel the wind in your hair as you cruise from beach to bay stopping for a dip at any of the alluring beaches you pass by. 

Wildlife lovers will feel right at home here with over two-thirds of the island classed as national park. Don your hiking boots and explore the 25km of bush walks throughout the island while keeping your eyes peeled for koalas as Magnetic Island is home to Northern Australia’s largest wild koala population. 

Heron Island

Home to the largest island-based research station in the southern hemisphere and one of nature’s greatest annual shows, Heron Island is an island like no other. Found off the coast of Gladstone in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, this small coral clay is ranked number nine by Wotif and is the perfect place for an environmentally friendly getaway filled with turtle spotting opportunities. 

Turtles can be found year-round in the waters off Heron Island but to experience a natural marvel, visit between December – February so you can witness turtle hatchlings taking their first flips to the ocean. Take a dip in the protected turquoise waters or dive further under the surface to learn more about this marine haven. Visitors can book a tour to go behind the scenes of the crucial research that helps protect the Great Barrier Reef. 

Mulgumpin (Moreton Island)

With 5 out of 10 of the best islands found in Queensland, you can’t forget the adventure haven known as Mulgumpin (Moreton Island). Let the adventure begin with a ferry from Brisbane that will have you on the shores of Mulgumpin in no time. Adrenaline junkies will have the choice of sand tobogganing down the world’s tallest stabilised sand dune, Mt Tempest, quad biking around the island, diving the mysterious shipwrecks and vibrant reef off ‘The Wrecks’ or going on a 4WD exploration. Mulgumpin is also one of a handful of places in the world where you can hand-feed wild dolphins for a truly unforgettable experience.

Still daydreaming about your next island vacay? Uncover Queensland’s secret island getaways or plan your next quintessential Queensland island camping trip.