Most travellers need some down time as part of their trip so why not incorporate one of Australia's islands into your visit.
Did you know that there are in fact over 8000 islands off the coast of Australia? Not all of them are worth visiting of course but there literally is an island to suit even the strangest of tastes.
There are islands that are great for the classic tropical island getaway, others that are better for walking, those that are great for the food and wine buff and those that are more value for money or better for a family.
Everyone has probably heard of the Whitsundays. They are sublimely gorgeous and are worth a visit but generally come with an expensive price tag. They are also very well known and well and truly on the tourist trail. This article however looks at two islands that are popular with the locals and are not on the usual tourist trail.
Queensland's Magnetic Island
This island is in Queensland 12km off the coast of Townsville. It offers sublime beaches at a much more reasonable price than most of Queensland's other island getaways. This is especially true if you compare it to the cost of a holiday in the Whitsundays.
This is the place for you if you want to lounge on a beach, go swimming, snorkel or even do a bit of walking. Magnetic Island has its own National Park and you can't miss Mount Cook which protrudes from its centre. The bays are a plenty and very pretty with some lovely walks to enjoy. It's also popular with families as there are plenty of activities to keep the kids busy.
Water sports are a popular past-time here at Magnetic. Sea Kayaking and Sailing around the many unspoiled bays are the most popular. Many learn to dive here too as its relatively inexpensive and the marine life is great. Or if you prefer to stay on land then try horse-riding at the aptly named Horseshoe Bay.
Another good thing about the island is that it is small enough to drive around in just half a day, but still big enough to offer good amenities including shops and reasonably priced accommodation.
It's easy to get around the island too. There's a local bus service or why not hire a bike. You can also hire a car but petrol on the island is a tad pricey. Lots choose to see the island on a moke which is a small car, a bit like a mini.
Enjoy exploring the beaches. Horseshoe Bay has the longest beach and is the best place to hire kayaks from. The prettiest bays are probably Florence Bay and Balding Bay. It's easy to spend a day at Balding Bay basking in the sun, swimming and snorkeling. There are also BBQ facilities here too so bring your own food.
Hinchinbrook Island
If relaxing on the beach is not really your thing and you prefer a bit more adventure, then try Hinchinbrook Island. It is famous for the Thorsborne Track which is 32km of moderately demanding hiking. You'll see some beautiful waterfalls, mangroves and beaches.
The trek itself takes about 2 days but that doesn't give you any time to stop off and take in your surroundings. If you don't mind camping, then take your time and enjoy the sites. The trek runs north south and whilst you can do the trek in either direction, it's better to finish in the north. Here you will find the Wilderness Lodge, the only real accommodation on the island. It has a bar and a pool which you will probably be ready for after your trek.
The walk is very picturesque. Zoe Falls are particularly stunning as is the section between Ramsay Bay and Nina Bay. This part of the walk takes in the coastline and Rainforests.
You can just come here for a day trip and stay at the Wildnerness lodge. If you fancy the walk, then make sure you book well in advance. This gets booked up and numbers onto the island are restricted.
You really want to be here in Winter which is between June and October. Outside of these months, it is the wet season so expect to see a lot of rain. Avoid February and March when the rain is at its peak and the ferries stop running from the mainland.
For more Australian island getaways, you can visit the Real Australia Travel Website (see below) where you will find 15 islands to choose from. It also gives details on where to stay on Magnetic Island.
Did you know that there are in fact over 8000 islands off the coast of Australia? Not all of them are worth visiting of course but there literally is an island to suit even the strangest of tastes.
There are islands that are great for the classic tropical island getaway, others that are better for walking, those that are great for the food and wine buff and those that are more value for money or better for a family.
Everyone has probably heard of the Whitsundays. They are sublimely gorgeous and are worth a visit but generally come with an expensive price tag. They are also very well known and well and truly on the tourist trail. This article however looks at two islands that are popular with the locals and are not on the usual tourist trail.
Queensland's Magnetic Island
This island is in Queensland 12km off the coast of Townsville. It offers sublime beaches at a much more reasonable price than most of Queensland's other island getaways. This is especially true if you compare it to the cost of a holiday in the Whitsundays.
This is the place for you if you want to lounge on a beach, go swimming, snorkel or even do a bit of walking. Magnetic Island has its own National Park and you can't miss Mount Cook which protrudes from its centre. The bays are a plenty and very pretty with some lovely walks to enjoy. It's also popular with families as there are plenty of activities to keep the kids busy.
Water sports are a popular past-time here at Magnetic. Sea Kayaking and Sailing around the many unspoiled bays are the most popular. Many learn to dive here too as its relatively inexpensive and the marine life is great. Or if you prefer to stay on land then try horse-riding at the aptly named Horseshoe Bay.
Another good thing about the island is that it is small enough to drive around in just half a day, but still big enough to offer good amenities including shops and reasonably priced accommodation.
It's easy to get around the island too. There's a local bus service or why not hire a bike. You can also hire a car but petrol on the island is a tad pricey. Lots choose to see the island on a moke which is a small car, a bit like a mini.
Enjoy exploring the beaches. Horseshoe Bay has the longest beach and is the best place to hire kayaks from. The prettiest bays are probably Florence Bay and Balding Bay. It's easy to spend a day at Balding Bay basking in the sun, swimming and snorkeling. There are also BBQ facilities here too so bring your own food.
Hinchinbrook Island
If relaxing on the beach is not really your thing and you prefer a bit more adventure, then try Hinchinbrook Island. It is famous for the Thorsborne Track which is 32km of moderately demanding hiking. You'll see some beautiful waterfalls, mangroves and beaches.
The trek itself takes about 2 days but that doesn't give you any time to stop off and take in your surroundings. If you don't mind camping, then take your time and enjoy the sites. The trek runs north south and whilst you can do the trek in either direction, it's better to finish in the north. Here you will find the Wilderness Lodge, the only real accommodation on the island. It has a bar and a pool which you will probably be ready for after your trek.
The walk is very picturesque. Zoe Falls are particularly stunning as is the section between Ramsay Bay and Nina Bay. This part of the walk takes in the coastline and Rainforests.
You can just come here for a day trip and stay at the Wildnerness lodge. If you fancy the walk, then make sure you book well in advance. This gets booked up and numbers onto the island are restricted.
You really want to be here in Winter which is between June and October. Outside of these months, it is the wet season so expect to see a lot of rain. Avoid February and March when the rain is at its peak and the ferries stop running from the mainland.
For more Australian island getaways, you can visit the Real Australia Travel Website (see below) where you will find 15 islands to choose from. It also gives details on where to stay on Magnetic Island.
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly half a decade of experience in travelling Australia and has recently become a Mum. Her site, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers useful information for planning your trip to Australia as well as what to do and where to go. Click here for more information on Australian Island Getaways
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