With 900 continental islands and coral cays, the Great Barrier Reef region makes an excellent destination for island hopping. Here are some of our favourite islands to inspire your next adventure!
Lady Musgrave Island
Lady Musgrave Island offers unforgettable experiences for visitors, especially between June and October when humpback whales stop in the area to rest on their migration journey from Antarctica to the tropics. Boat tours can take you within metres of these colossal creatures as they emerge from the ocean to observe their human spectators. Once you reach the shores of Lady Musgrave Island, you can swim with turtles, rays and fish, and snorkel the reef to spot starfish, sea cucumbers, corals, giant clams and all manner of colourful fish. Explore the shores and forests of this pristine marine park by foot and you’ll notice that this island is comprised entirely of broken-down coral pieces. Bird lovers will relish the opportunity to spot more than 22 species that frequent this significant seabird-breeding island.
Magnetic Island
Just a quick ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island is a fantastic choice for those who want a pristine nature experience with a side of adventure! Start with a hike from Picnic Street to the saddle between Rocky Bay and Picnic Bay, where the view (not the exercise) will leave you breathless. Continue on to Hawkings Point Lookout for the most incredible sunrises and sunsets. If you want a little more adventure, try snorkelling, a jetski tour, a night-vision wildlife tour, fishing, sailing, kayaking or diving.
Bedarra Island
If the beauty of nature – and of your significant other – are all you need, then dazzling Bedarra Island is for you. The picture of tropical luxury, this kid-free island features palm trees, rainforest and pristine bays, as well as tennis courts, infinity plunge pools, luxury resort living and gourmet food. You can spend the day snorkelling the reef, and return to your accommodation for delicious meals, massages and spa treatments. Order a gourmet hamper from the restaurant and take the free motorised dinghy out onto the water for a floating picnic, or stop at one of the deserted islands.
If you want more of Caravanning Australia’s island recommendations, read the Spring 2021 issue!