The Queensland Islands are one of the most popular tourist destination areas in Australia, home to over 2,000 islands that are known for their gorgeous natural landscapes and white sand beaches. The islands stretch along Australia's northeastern coastline between the Sunshine Coast and Cape York, bordered by portions of the nation's famed Great Barrier Reef. Visitors can enjoy chances for ecotourism at several lovely national and local parks, which protect rainforest habitats and populations of native animal life. Luxury resorts on several islands have been named among the best in the world, noted for their sustainability and five-star amenities. CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed.
1.Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island is a lovely continental island just off the coast of Djujbirri, located just 15 miles southeast of the city of Cairns, Queensland. The island, which is accessible via a 45-minute ferry route from Cairns, is surrounded by a barrier reef system that forms portions of gorgeous Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Most of the island's lands are protected within beautiful Fitzroy Island National Park, which is populated by lush rainforest habitats. Preserved historic lighthouses can be toured throughout the year along Lighthouse Road. Stunning Nudey Beach has been named as Australia's top beach by Tourism Australia writer Brad Farmer, offering excellent conditions for stand-up paddleboarding and glass-bottom sea kayaking.
2.Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is a lovely five-mile island located just offshore of the city of Townsville, located within beautiful Cleveland Bay. The island, which serves as a suburban area for Townsville, is accessible from the mainland via the Townsville Breaker to Nelly Bay Harbour ferry route. A gorgeous 10-square-mile National Park is located on the island, home to beautiful walking trails and preserved World War II-era fort structures. It earns its name from the supposed "magnetic" effect it has had on ships traveling throughout the region, which has led to shipwrecks such as the wreck of the SS City of Adelaide, which can be seen off the island's shores at Cockle Bay. Angling opportunities abound, including chances to catch blue and black marlin, sailfish, mackerel, and coral trout.
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3.Moreton Island
Moreton Island is a protected sand island located just off the shoreline of southeastern Queensland, known for its gorgeous beachfront structures and unique natural wonders like Mount Tempest. The island, which is located within the boundaries of the City of Brisbane, is home to the communities of Bulwer, Cowan Cowan, Kooringal, and Moreton Island. Most of the island is contained within beautiful Moreton Island National Park, which is designated as a World Conservation Union Category II park. Recreational opportunities abound, including chances for sand tobogganing, snorkeling, diving, and wildlife watching. Along the island's west coast, the Tangalooma Wrecks site preserves a group of sunken shipwrecks.
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4.Lizard Island
Lizard Island is a lovely island on Queensland's Great Barrier Reef, located within gorgeous Lizard Island National Park within the town of Lizard in Cook Shire. The island, which is located within the Lizard Island Group near Palfrey Island, is home to the famed Lizard Island Research Station, which is operated by the Australian Museum and provides educational support for coral reef research. Luxury resort Lizard Island Resort, overseen by Delaware North, is home to 40 villas and a plethora of private watersports opportunities on the Great Barrier Reef waterfront. 24 powder-white beaches are open to the public, along with famed water areas like beautiful Blue Lagoon and popular dive site Cod Hole.
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5.Hayman Island
Hayman Island is the northernmost island within the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands, located just off the coast of Central Queensland. The private island is open to the public throughout the year, best known as the home of the luxury Royal Hayman Hotel resort of aviation pioneer Reg Ansett, which was opened in 1950. Today, it is a popular tourist destination within the Queensland region, attracting guests via private luxury motor yacht or charter helicopter. Five-star amenities are offered throughout the gorgeous resort, which showcases 244 guest rooms and suites, including penthouse and villa accommodations. The hotel's grounds have been transformed into a gorgeous botanical garden, which showcases over 327 native and exotic plant species.
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6.Fraser Island
Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island, stretching 74.5 miles off Australia's Eastern Queensland coastline. The island is a popular destination for camping and ecotourism throughout the year, located on sands that have been accumulating atop volcanic bedrock for three-quarters of a million years. Since 1992, the island has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can enjoy excellent opportunities for swimming and watersports at sites like Lake McKenzie and Lake Wabby or explore gorgeous natural wonders, including the Indian Head panoramic viewpoint rock outcropping and the colored-sand-ribbon cliffs of the Cathedrals. Native rainforests line the island's interior, home to saltwater crocodiles and a variety of native mammal species.
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7.North Stradbroke Island
North Stradbroke Island, colloquially known as North Straddie, is a picturesque island that sits within Moreton Bay, located just 19 miles southeast of Brisbane's gorgeous city center. The island was connected to nearby Stradbroke Island until 1896, when a major storm separated its land mass and formed the Jumpinpin Channel. It is the second-largest sand island in the world today, measuring over 106 square miles in size. Visitors can enjoy excellent opportunities for swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, and paddling at Cylinder Beach, known for its photogenic white sands. Brown and Blue Lakes are home to cultural sites connected to the region's indigenous Quandamooka people, while the North Gorge showcases stunning coastal views and chances to see migrating humpback whales on the ocean shoreline.
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8.Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is a beautiful island within the Whitsunday Islands chain, located just off the shore of Queensland near the Great Barrier Reef. The car-free island is a popular year-round tourist destination, best known as the home of the annual Hamilton Island Race Week yachting festival, which attracts more than 250 yachters each year for a week of high-profile races. In 2015, the island received Australian Traveller's "Most Desirable Island Escape" Award. Several excursion companies offer excursions to nearby Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and chances to see migrating humpback whales along the island's shores each summer. The island is a popular destination location for weddings, hosting the second-most weddings of any site within the country each year.
9.Pumpkin Island
Pumpkin Island is a privately-owned island within Keppel Bay, located 8.5 miles off the coastline of Yeppoon within the southern portion of the Great Barrier Reef. The island, which has been named as the world's sixth most-expensive island, is owned and operated as a tourist destination by Sojourn Properties. It is home to a gorgeous hotel that has been named as Australia's most sustainable hotel by the World Boutique Hotel Awards, offering amazing opportunities for ecotourism throughout the year. Visitors can stay in self-catering cottages and bungalows and enjoy chances for snorkeling, kayaking, oyster harvesting, and swimming throughout the year.
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9 Best Queensland Islands, Australia
- Fitzroy Island, Photo: Martin Valigursky/stock.adobe.com
- Magnetic Island, Photo: karegg/stock.adobe.com
- Moreton Island, Photo: Darren/stock.adobe.com
- Lizard Island, Photo: Uwe/stock.adobe.com
- Hayman Island, Photo: InterContinental Hayman Island Resort (Whitsundays)
- Fraser Island, Photo: stev0509/stock.adobe.com
- North Stradbroke Island, Photo: Camila/stock.adobe.com
- Hamilton Island, Photo: Darren/stock.adobe.com
- Pumpkin Island, Photo: redchanka/stock.adobe.com
- Cover Photo: Andrew Atkinson/stock.adobe.com
More Ideas: Daintree EcoLodge & Spa in Queensland
Daintree EcoLodge & Spa is the ultimate in pure escape for guests looking to experience complete tranquility and relaxation. It is located in Queensland, Australia beneath the rainforest canopy on the Southern banks of the Daintree River.
Guests will love the fresh, pure rainforest air and secluded location as a destination to remember. Being amongst the Earth’s oldest rainforest means guests will not only experience a rainforest but a piece of ancient history. There are several lodging options at the lodge as well as a high end spa and dining options to explore. This truly is a nature-lover’s paradise.
The banyans located on the property offer varying views of the rainforest with a minimalist luxury every guest will appreciate. Full breakfast is included daily with each stay for each guest. There are several lodge types to choose from depending upon tastes and preferences.
Canopy Banyan’s sleep two guests or three with a rollaway. There is a king size bed or two single beds in each, with a bar fridge, a luxurious modern bathroom and a balcony complete with a daybed for added relaxation. Every Canopy Banyan boasts a micro-screened balcony to enjoy uninterrupted, breathtaking views over the property’s creek and the surrounding rainforest. Guests can follow the creek to a swimming hole and stunning waterfall.
The Rainforest Banyan’s will accommodate two guests with the possibility of a third if a rollaway bed is requested. These banyan’s are located deeper in the rainforest and feature a king bed or two singles. The balcony is micro-screened and boasts a deep soaker bath to relax in the fresh air and soothing sounds of the rainforest.
The Lagoon Banyan’s provide guests with views over the lagoon which is filled with pretty water lilies, as well as the Julaymba Restaurant and Bar’s deck along the lagoon. These banyan’s offer more space and larger balconies, with table and chairs for viewing the surrounding wildlife. Guests can spot turtles, water snakes and various other water wildlife below their balconies.
Julaymba Restaurant & Bar is the on-site dining establishment for guests to indulge their taste buds. The restaurant is set in the rainforest as well, giving a very unique atmosphere for any dining experience. The chef enjoys creating art with each dish, appealing to each of the senses. The menu is made up of contemporary Australian cuisine, with special attention to layered textures and flavors for an extremely flavorful meal. Guests can also enjoy a cocktail on the deck during happy hour from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and even catch the stunning sun set. This is where guests will enjoy their complimentary breakfasts as well.
Julaymba Restaurant & Bar is also the on-site bar or lounge area for guests to sit back and sip a fine wine or tasty mixed drink. There is a lounge area in the main lobby space which has a television for guests to enjoy, since there are none in the banyans. Happy hour in the restaurant is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and guests can enjoy drinks at discounted prices while enjoying the rainforest setting. There is also a mini-bar in each banyan with reasonable pricing on items for guests’ consumption in-room.
Daintree Wellness Day Spa focuses on the entire wellness of mind, body and spirit when offering treatment services. The aboriginal people of the rainforest have called this place “Wawu-karrba” which means healing of the spirit. Guests will experience a day spa visit like no other spa in the world. They want guests to leave feeling a lasting sense of rejuvenation and balance restoration. Every product used at the Daintree Wellness Day Spa is natural and is derived from the local flora, earth and even sea minerals.
The treatments use ancient ancestral wisdom, medicines and spirituality to create unique spa experiences for each guest. Guests can enjoy customized massages both within the spa and alongside a tranquil waterfall for added relaxation and ambience. Facials, pedicures and manicures are also on the menu of treatment options which leave guests with smooth skin and a sense of peace. Full body treatments allow guests to escape and reconnect with nature and themselves. Other services include meditation, reiki, art therapy, crystal therapy and so much more. This day spa is truly unlike any other worldwide. Reservations are required for treatments in order to ensure availability.
The Daintree Ecolodge & Spa is a magical destination to host an intimate, memorable wedding. Couples can enjoy pampering in the spa pre-wedding, the extra attentive staff and a customized delicious menu for their big day. Guests attending the wedding will be stunned by the sheer beauty of the rainforest setting and cozy ambience created at the lodge. The staff at Daintree Ecolodge are only too happy to help couples put together the perfect itinerary for their big day. The deck at the Julaymba Restaurant & Bar is the ideal venue to host an outdoor meal and small reception while overlooking the water below. Wedding ceremonies can also be held by the waterfall, creating an unforgettable setting of peace, tranquility and beauty.
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Located a short drive away, about 25 minutes, is the Mossman Golf Club. It is an 18 hole course set just off the road to the Daintree Rainforest. It is an affordable round of golf in a very beautiful, scenic setting and offers golf for all skill levels. There is both a restaurant and licensed lounge/bar on-site for golfers to enjoy a bite to eat and a drink either before or after their round of golf. If guests left their clubs at home, it is no worry because there are rental services at the course. They are open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and it is recommended to book a tee time ahead of time.
The Daintree Ecolodge & Spa is dedicated to sustainability and being as eco-friendly as possible. In fact, they have pledged that for every guest staying at the lodge, they will plant a tree with the organization Rainforest Rescue. Their dedication to the environment is unmatched by most hotels and lodges worldwide.
The banyans have been optimized to use the heat and light of the sun to reduce the need to use precious energy such as electric or gas heat and electric lighting sources. There is even on-site electricity generating technology.
The toiletries that are left for guest use are sustainably harvested locally and even packaged in recycled, biodegradable packaging. There is also a towel re-use program in place to reduce the amount of laundry created and water wasted to do that laundry.
The lodge has an on-site water supply and rain catchment system in place to use as much rainwater as possible as opposed to using the precious water source of the Earth. As far as waste is concerned, there is a Biocycle waste treatment facility at the lodge as well.
The staff are all encouraged to participate in as many programs and initiatives locally which strive to help the environment, reduce the carbon footprint of humankind and any attempt at biodiversity protection.
The Daintree Ecolodge & Spa has pre-packaged options available for guests looking to enhance their experience and stay. The Nature Package includes three nights accommodation in one of the luxury banyans along with breakfast each morning and a wildlife cruise on the Daintree River either at sunset or sundown. This is a two hour cruise. Also, guests experience a one and a half hour guided walking tour of the surrounding rainforest to experience it up close and personal. The Nurture Package is just what one needs for the mind, body and soul.
It includes three nights in a luxurious banyan with breakfast and a bottle of Australian bubbles upon check in. Guests will receive two one hour treatments at the Daintree Wellness Spa and a three course dinner served privately by the lagoon at the Julaymba Restaurant. An added touch is the picnic hamper, packaged up and ready to take along to the waterfall, beach or wherever your heart desires.
The Culture Package allows guests to experience the rich local culture with three nights stay in a luxury banyan with breakfast each day. It also includes a one and half hour “walk through time” guided nature walk. An exciting part of this package is the half day ATV tour which may include learning about local aboriginal people, visiting local cultural sites, trying their hand at bush whacking or spear throwing, visiting waterfalls and so much more.
Another closeby attraction, which is a must-visit when in the area, is the Great Barrier Reef. It is a natural wonder and offers guests an opportunity to explore different species of coral, wildlife and plant life, including animals which could be as old as 120 years old.
Back to: Birthday Vacation Ideas, Things to Do in Australia
3189 Mossman Daintree Rd, Daintree QLD 4873, Australia, Phone: +6-17-40-98-61-00
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