6 Stunning Island Experiences in Queensland for the Most Tropical Fun

With over 900 isles off its coast, Queensland is the perfect setting for a tropical getaway where you can just unplug and disconnect. If you’re planning to go on a Queensland holiday, island hopping is one of your best bets when you’re looking to break free from the city hustle. No need to file in those annual leaves—these islands are perfect even if you only have a weekend to spare! 

What are you waiting for? Here are six serene islands in Queensland you can jet off to for the holidays:

Planning to visit other areas in Queensland, including Cairns? Find out what else this tropical getaway has to offer!

Beach bums and surfers will find North Straddie the perfect island in Queensland for fun sun-soaking time. Located 30 kilometres southeast of Brisbane, North Stradbroke Island is home to five main beaches, surf-quality waters, and picture-perfect headlands.

Experience for yourself all the hype for North Straddie on this sunset day tour that takes you all over the island. Visit the island’s pristine lakes and springs and learn its rich Aboriginal history before heading over to Cylinder Beach, where stunning views of the Coral Sea and the iconic Straddie sunset await your group!

Fuel up your adventurous spirit with fun-filled hours of snorkelling, swimming, and sandboarding at Moreton Island. This Queensland island packs plenty of thrills from swimming under the spectacular Tangalooma Wrecks to tobogganing down the dunes of the world’s third largest sand island. 

Eager to visit this one? Explore Moreton Island and two more islands in Queensland on this eight-hour tour around Moreton Bay! This tour departs from Brisbane and lets you have underwater fun, adorable animal encounters, and historic strolls in one day!

Looking for an eco-friendly trip where you can spot pristine corals and majestic manta rays? Lady Elliot Island fits that bill! Located in the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, the island is a highly-protected green zone home to lush coral cays and more than 1,200 marine species, including sea turtles and humpback whales. 

Make your dream Queensland island holiday come true on this Great Barrier Reef and Lady Elliot Island tour. Experience the vacation trifecta, starting with a breathtaking flight from Gold Coast to the island followed by swimming and snorkelling adventures. On the island, you’re free to enjoy all the water activities available. Make sure you don’t miss out on the guided snorkelling tour—colourful fish and friendly mantas await you!

If its beautiful beaches and gorgeous headlands are not tempting enough, let Magnetic Island’s variety of watersports and outdoor activities pull you closer. Magnetic Island is another island in Queensland that is located on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, so you have access to snorkel trails along kaleidoscopic coral cays and awe-inspiring wreck sites. On land, you can go bushwalking alongside adorable koalas through eucalypt forests or look for hidden waterfalls within its national park.

Watch the entirety of Magnetic Island unfold beneath your eyes on a helicopter! Hop on from Townsville’s waterfront precinct and enjoy 45 minutes of this Queensland island’s stunning scenery as well as the heritage-listed Cape Cleveland Lighthouse. Don’t forget to pack your camera!

When we speak of islands in Queensland, talking about the Whitsundays is a no-brainer. With 74 sandy isles to pick from, you’re spoilt for choice. If you have to choose one island to visit, we suggest you head over to Whitsunday Island, the biggest isle in the Whitsundays! Here, you can explore Whitehaven Beach, which is often dubbed the world’s most beautiful beach!

Don’t just take our word for it. See Whitsunday Island’s beauty for yourself on this snorkel and sailing day tour! Depart from Airlie Beach aboard a comfy vessel and head to various snorkel locations and sandbars, where you can spend hours enjoying fun activities such as paddle boarding and banana boat riding!

Looking for some inspo for your Whitsundays itinerary? Check out our ultimate guide below:

Booking a Queensland holiday trip for the whole fam? Hamilton Island has tons of family-friendly activities and accommodations within its vicinity! As part of the Whitsunday islands in Queensland, Hamilton Island also has its fair share of pristine coastlines and captivating ocean views. You can even hire one of its iconic golf buggies to explore the island! 

Enjoy a fun family day around Hamilton Island on this full-day nature escape. You and your kids can start your day with a full breakfast with koalas at Wild Life Hamilton Island. Once you’ve charged up for your day, your family can explore the island from three nature walk routes. Make sure to bring your trusty shoes on this trip!