Queensland is the gateway to tropical adventures, offering access to more than 900 islands across the 7000 kilometre coastline.
From luxury resorts to tranquil, isolated nature parks, visitors can choose their own adventure when exploring Queensland’s subtropical oases. For a list of the best lesser-known islands in the region, keep reading!
Bedarra Island
Bedarra Island in the Great Barrier Reef is a unique luxury resort designed to help guests relax and unwind. The all-inclusive paradise features 12 private villas hidden amongst 45 hectares of tropical rainforest.
The open terrace restaurant and bar is a great place to meet other guests, while those looking for more privacy can arrange a candlelit dinner on a private beach deck, or a chef-prepared gourmet hamper and boat for a picnic on one of the surrounding deserted islands.
If that wasn’t enough, the rainforest setting means there are several walking tracks to explore, each leading to breathtaking lookouts or private beaches. Hire kayaks, SUPs and snorkelling gear from the resort to explore the surrounding bays, beaches and reefs too.
North West Island
Just 75 kilometres from Gladstone, North West Island is part of the Capricorn Cays National Park, offering an abundance of natural attractions and adventure activities. Staying here is recommended for experienced campers and fishers, as the remote location and limited site facilities really immerse you in nature.
Campers are required to bring their own water and fuel stove, however there are toilets across the island. Here, your days will be spent bushwalking, swimming, snorkelling and fishing, undisturbed by the hustle and bustle of big-city living.
North West Island is an unspoilt, untouched paradise, home to an abundance of native flora and fauna. But be prepared, permits are required for both camping and fishing.
North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)
North Stradbroke Island, or ‘Straddie’ to locals, is accessible by ferry from the town of Dunwich. It is the traditional home of the Quandamooka people, and boasts a rich Indigenous history which can be experienced on tour with Sealink. Guide Mathew Burns, who has been sharing his cultural knowledge for 30 years, offers workshops, guided walks, dance, didgeridoo, and boomerang-throwing experiences to help guests learn more about Australia’s traditional owners.
Adventurous spirits will also love exploring the island, which offers four-wheel driving on the beach, surfing competitions, horse rides, bushwalks, sunrise yoga, and so much more. It’s easy to spend a whole week here discovering all the amazing things to see and do.
Coochiemudlo Island
This gorgeous island is a quick seven-minute ferry ride from Brisbane. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted with views of the iconic red cliffs that lend the island its name, from the Aboriginal words ‘kutchi’ and ‘muldo’ meaning ‘red’ and ‘rock’.
The main beach is a great spot for swimming and surfing, while fishing enthusiasts can hire a boat and get out on the water for the chance to reel in an impressive catch. SUPs, aquabikes, kayaks and peal boats are also available for hire.
If you’re looking to stay dry, check out the Isle of Coochie Golf Club, with its 9-hole course, or wander the island markets to discover the work of talented local artists and creators.
Bribie Island
Connected to the Moreton Bay mainland by a convenient bridge, Bribie Island is perfect for a relaxing day trip surrounded by natural beauty. The Bribie Island National Park offers four-wheel drive tracks, hidden camping spots, and fishing opportunities for novices and seasoned professionals.
History buffs should check out heritage-listed Fort Bribie, an old WWII naval defence fortification still showcasing its operation room, guns, and observation posts.
Aside from offering a variety of water-based activities, the island is also home to a relaxed cafe culture, with several popular establishments delivering coffee and unparalleled views over the water. The cinema and butterfly house are popular with families, and those wishing to stay longer can choose between several resorts and caravan parks.
Keswick Island
One of the most southern islands in the Whitsundays, Keswick Island can be accessed from the Mackay Marina. This tropical paradise is covered in a beautiful rainforest home to an abundance of flora and fauna, which can be explored using several bush tracks. Many of the walks offer incredible views over the Whitsundays, and surrounding coral reefs.
In fact, the reefs are within swimming distance of Keswick’s white sandy beaches, and are the perfect spot for a snorkelling adventure. If you’re looking for a more unique experience, there are also three shipwreck sites within half an hour of the island, which can be accessed by boat or kayak. If you’re visiting between July and September, make sure to keep an eye out for migrating humpback whales, who are known to breach the surface of the crystal-clear water on their journey.
Thursday Island
Thursday Island may be the most remote place on this list, but it is well worth the journey. After travelling from Cairns to Horn Island, it’s an easy ferry ride across to Thursday Island with Torres Strait Tours.
Known as ‘Waibene’ to locals, the island is the administrative centre of the Torres Strait, and one of 274 islands that sit between Cape York and Papua New Guinea.
Any trip to Thursday Island should start at Gab Titui Cultural Centre, which displays historic artefacts and contemporary Indigenous artwork from talented locals, and is a great way to learn more about the culture of the island while picking up some beautiful souvenirs.
Green Hill Fort, once used as a military headquarters during WWII, now displays the forts and cannons as a reminder of the past, while also offering one of the best views of the island. The underground tunnels here are home to the Torres Strait Historical Museum, which sheds light on the region’s fascinating history.
There are several tour companies operating on Thursday Island, perfect for visitors who want to learn more about the island’s Indigenous culture while seeing its impressive natural attractions.
St Helena Island
From 1867-1932, St Helena Island functioned as a high-security colonial prison. Today, visitors can learn all about this fascinating past on a day trip, where you will be accompanied by an experienced guide as you explore the ruins of buildings that housed some of Queensland’s most notorious prisoners, all while hearing both funny and dark stories of the past.
Or, for the brave of heart, you can join a night tour to discover the spooky side of this old prison complex, and hear stories of those who never left the island.
St Helena is accessible on the Cat o Nine Tails cruise, a short ferry ride from Moreton Bay.
Haggerstone Island
Haggerstone Island is the definition of luxury, boasting four private beachfront villas, ocean-to-plate dining, and curated adventure activities for every guest. Whether you’re booking out the entire island, or planning a couple’s retreat, this is the ultimate holiday destination.
Chartered helicopter services take guests to visit private waterfalls, or land atop towering sand dunes for a glass of champagne at sunset. Jetskis are always available on the beach, while snorkelling and spearfishing are offered on the reef.
Each private villa boasts an open-plan design, private deck, tropical garden, and views over the ocean. Simply step from your opulent accommodation onto a secluded beach for hours of sunbathing and swimming.
Wilson Island
An adults-only private getaway on the Great Barrier Reef, Wilson Island combines luxury glamping with sustainable practices for the ultimate experience. Guests can choose between nine Reef Safari Tents, which maintain all the perks of luxury living while offering the chance to sleep under the stars.
With no phones or televisions allowed, it’s the ideal place to switch off from the chaos of daily life and reconnect with nature. The island is also passionate about sustainability. This means 100 percent solar and battery energy, biodegradable bathroom amenities, eco and organic linen, 100 percent Australian products, and a complete ban on single-use plastics.
All meals are provided during your stay, with a team of experienced chefs using the best native produce to send your tastebuds soaring. The chefs will also pack a picnic hamper if you’re planning on taking a stroll across the island.
Popular activities include kayaking, snorkelling, bird watching, stargazing and watching turtles as they lay their eggs on the shoreline.
Can’t get enough of these lesser-known islands? Check out six unmissable attractions in outback Queensland here.
