Most travellers need some down time as part of their trip so why not incorporate one of Australia's islands into your visit.
Australia is blessed with thousands of km of beautiful coastline and over 8000 islands. Not every island is worth a visit but there are certainly enough to cater for all tastes, no matter how strange they might be.
There are islands that offer fantastic walking trails, others that give the classic tropical island getaway, as well as those that offer value for money or are suitable for families.
The most famous and probably most well known are the Whitsundays. These are totally stunning and well worth the expensive trip. But perhaps very much on the tourist trail. This article will look at two islands which offer the traveller something completely different and are off the usual tourist trail. In fact, it's where the locals go.
Magnetic Island In Queensland
Magnetic Island is just 12km from Townsville which is in Queensland. It's a favourite island with the locals because it is one of the most reasonably priced islands in Queensland, particularly when compared to the cost of a holiday in the Whitsundays.
If your idea of an island getaway is lounging by the beach, snorkeling, swimming and perhaps some light walking, then this could well be the island for you. The island has its own National Park so there are plenty of lovely walks and of course great bays. It's often a popular choice for families as there are plenty of things to keep the kids occupied.
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.
The island itself is small enough to drive round in half a day but large enough for their to be a few different settlements, bays, shops and amenities. The accommodation is reasonable and of good standard too.
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.
The beaches here are worth exploring. Florence Bay is very pretty and Horseshoe Bay has the longest beach. It is also a good place from which to hire kayaks. Spend a day at Balding Bay. It has a lovely beach and is a great place to snorkel. There are BBQ facilities here too so bring your own food.
Hinchinbrook Island
If you like your holiday to be a bit more adventurous and less about lazing around in the sun, then perhaps Hinchinbrook Island is the one for you. The big attraction here is the 32km Thorsborne Trail. This is a moderately demanding hiking track which takes in beaches, mangroves and waterfalls.
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.
If you'd rather not do the walk then you can just come and stay at the Wilderness Lodge. If however the walk sounds like fun, make sure you book well in advance. Numbers onto the island are restricted so the walk gets booked up very quickly.
The best time to come is between June to October when there is less rain. Outside of this time is the wet season so expect lots of rain. In particular avoid February and March when it is at its worst and no ferries run.
If you need more ideas for Australian island getaways, visit the Real Australia Travel website (below) where you will find 15 islands to choose from. It also gives tips on where to stay on Magnetic Island.
Australia is blessed with thousands of km of beautiful coastline and over 8000 islands. Not every island is worth a visit but there are certainly enough to cater for all tastes, no matter how strange they might be.
There are islands that offer fantastic walking trails, others that give the classic tropical island getaway, as well as those that offer value for money or are suitable for families.
The most famous and probably most well known are the Whitsundays. These are totally stunning and well worth the expensive trip. But perhaps very much on the tourist trail. This article will look at two islands which offer the traveller something completely different and are off the usual tourist trail. In fact, it's where the locals go.
Magnetic Island In Queensland
Magnetic Island is just 12km from Townsville which is in Queensland. It's a favourite island with the locals because it is one of the most reasonably priced islands in Queensland, particularly when compared to the cost of a holiday in the Whitsundays.
If your idea of an island getaway is lounging by the beach, snorkeling, swimming and perhaps some light walking, then this could well be the island for you. The island has its own National Park so there are plenty of lovely walks and of course great bays. It's often a popular choice for families as there are plenty of things to keep the kids occupied.
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.
The island itself is small enough to drive round in half a day but large enough for their to be a few different settlements, bays, shops and amenities. The accommodation is reasonable and of good standard too.
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.
The beaches here are worth exploring. Florence Bay is very pretty and Horseshoe Bay has the longest beach. It is also a good place from which to hire kayaks. Spend a day at Balding Bay. It has a lovely beach and is a great place to snorkel. There are BBQ facilities here too so bring your own food.
Hinchinbrook Island
If you like your holiday to be a bit more adventurous and less about lazing around in the sun, then perhaps Hinchinbrook Island is the one for you. The big attraction here is the 32km Thorsborne Trail. This is a moderately demanding hiking track which takes in beaches, mangroves and waterfalls.
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.
If you'd rather not do the walk then you can just come and stay at the Wilderness Lodge. If however the walk sounds like fun, make sure you book well in advance. Numbers onto the island are restricted so the walk gets booked up very quickly.
The best time to come is between June to October when there is less rain. Outside of this time is the wet season so expect lots of rain. In particular avoid February and March when it is at its worst and no ferries run.
If you need more ideas for Australian island getaways, visit the Real Australia Travel website (below) where you will find 15 islands to choose from. It also gives tips on where to stay on Magnetic Island.
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly 5 years of experience in travelling Australia and has recently become a Mum. Her site, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers useful information for planning your visit to Australia as well as where to go and what to do. Click here for more information on Australian Island Getaways
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