By Sarah Megginson
Australia Travel Expert, about.com
Tropical Island Getaways in Queensland
After days, weeks or months of the daily grind, there’s not much better than sitting back on a white sandy beach on your very own island getaway. A private tropical island holiday may seem like a luxury most of us can only dream of, but these Queensland destinations will give you and your travelling cohorts a taste of the luxury life, without the premium price-tag.
5. Daydream Island
Australia Travel Expert, about.com
Tropical Island Getaways in Queensland
After days, weeks or months of the daily grind, there’s not much better than sitting back on a white sandy beach on your very own island getaway. A private tropical island holiday may seem like a luxury most of us can only dream of, but these Queensland destinations will give you and your travelling cohorts a taste of the luxury life, without the premium price-tag.
5. Daydream Island
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The name says it all – Daydream Island is the perfect balance between staying active and simply relaxing all day and night. There are plenty of things to keep little ones occupied with jungle gyms, pools, giant chess, mini golf and an open-air cinema. While the kids are distracted, the adults can take a stroll through the rainforest before retiring to the Lagoon bar, or simply hide away and relax at the Daydream Rejuvenation Spa.
With plenty of secluded hideouts and pristine near-private beaches, Daydream Island is also a perfect location for couples looking to add a little romance to their holiday. Stroll down the beachside boardwalk hand in hand, find a private spot at Lovers Cove or simply sit back and enjoy the sunshine at the Splashes Pool Bar.
Stay at the Daydream Island Resort and Spa; specials are often listed on the website, making the location even more affordable.
Perfect for: Families, young couples looking for a romantic getaway.
4. Magnetic Island
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Find yourself drawn to Magnetic Island – or Maggie Island, as it’s known to the locals – with plenty of sandy strips to relax on, or plenty to keep you going for the action-oriented traveller. A short 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville in northern Queensland, Maggie Island feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere, but it’s not actually all that isolated.
The island itself boasts 23 immaculate bays and beaches plus a number of walking tracks, and offers water sports, jet skiing, snorkelling and great fishing.
For the party-goers, Magnetic Island is home to the only monthly Full Moon Party in Australia, where you can dance the night away to local and international DJs, spinning their tunes right on the beach.
With plenty of accommodation available on Magnetic Island, there’s something to suit every budget. Stay at the Peppers Blue on Blue from $220 per night for a little luxury, or the Base Magnetic Island Hostel – hosts of the Full Moon party – from $30 per night for a dorm, up to $62.50 for a luxury room with an ensuite.
Perfect for: Backpackers, groups and young couples.
3. Fraser Island
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Known mostly for its population of dingoes, Fraser Island has a lot more to offer than simply spotting this four-legged native animal. There are plenty of water sports, outdoor activities, guided and self-guided hikes and tours, fishing holes and, of course, beaches.
Fraser Island is great for kids, with programs like the Junior Eco Rangers, which was listed in the Top 100 things to do with your kids this summer from the Australian Traveller Magazine.
For the weary traveller who’s looking for a little ‘me time’, book into the Kingfisher Natural Therapies salon for a massage, a facial and a big dose of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Stay at the Kingfisher Bay Resort from $240 per night twin share, or at the Cathedrals on Fraser from $29 per night for a shared dorm.
Perfect for: Families, young couples, groups and backpackers.
2. Heron Island
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On the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island is a nature-lover’s dream. There’s plenty to do, from simply relaxing on the beach to snorkelling on the outer reef, meaning there’s always some activity on offer to suit everyone’s tastes and energy levels.
In summer, watch tiny turtle babies make their way to the sea from their nests, or go bird watching on one of the complimentary guided walks.
In the summer holidays, sign your kids up for the Junior Rangers program – an interactive and educational experience that offers nature-based activities from reef walks and bird watching to beach combing.
Stay at the Heron Island Resort from $320 per night, including breakfast at the Shearwater Restaurant. Be sure to check the website for special offers.
Perfect for: Families and nature-lovers
1. Hamilton Island
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Surrounded by tropical waters and sunshine, with plenty to do or your choice not to do anything at all, it’s easy to see why Hamilton Island is one of Australia’s most popular holiday locations.
Relax by the pool with a cocktail or two; take a hike out to the beautiful and pristine Whitehaven Beach; go sailing with the Hamilton Island Yacht Club or play a round at the Hamilton Island Golf Course, the only Australian course to be situated on its own island.
Take the kids for a round of mini-golf or a game of bowling, or drop them off at the Clownfish Club while you treat yourself to a day at the spa to help you really relax. Or just explore the island from the back of one of the many golf buggies for hire.
Stay in a self-sufficient apartment from $300 a night, many of which come with complimentary buggy hire.
Perfect for: Couples looking for a romantic getaway, families, golf-lovers and sailing enthusiasts.
