Looking for some relaxation and down time as part of your trip? Why not incorporate one of Australia's many islands into your stay down under.
Australia has in fact over 8000 islands and whilst you wouldn't want to visit every single one, there is something to please everyone.
There are islands that are great for the classic tropical island getaway, others that are better for walking, those that are great for the food and wine buff and those that are more value for money or better for a family.
The Whitsundays are probably the most famous of the Australian Island Getaways. They are however well and truly on the tourist trail and are very expensive. Still worth the visit though! This article will instead focus on two islands that are very popular with the locals and are not as well trodden by the tourist.
Queensland's Magnetic Island
This island is 12km from Townsville which is in Queensland. There is a lot to be said for taking this island getaway as it offers pristine beaches for a fraction of the cost of most of Queensland's islands, particularly when compared against the Whitsundays.
This is the perfect place for lounging on the beach, swimming, snorkeling and perhaps a little bit of walking. It has its own National Park with Mount Cook protruding from its centre so there are plenty of pretty bays and small walks to enjoy. It would also be a good option if you have kids as there are plenty of activities that they can enjoy.
There's lots of water sports on offer too including sea kayaking and sailing around its many secluded bays. It's also an excellent place to learn to dive as the coral and marine life are stunning. Plus the water is nice and warm! If water isn't your thing then try horse-riding at 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.
Getting around the island is easy. There's a small bus service, you can hire bikes as well as cars. The petrol on the island is a bit pricey though. You can also hire "mokes" These are like small minis and are a great way to get around the island.
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.
You can hike the track in just two days but it's much better to take your time and stop off along the way providing you don't mind camping. The track runs from north to south but its better to finish in the north. It means at the end of the trek you can check in to the only accommodation on the island - Wilderness Lodge. It has a pool and a bar which you will need when you have finished the walk!
The best bits of the walk are probably the stretch between Ramsay Bay and Nina Bay as it follows the coastline and takes in beautiful rainforests. Zoe Falls are also worthy of mention and are particularly stunning.
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.
Winter is the best time to visit this island, i.e Between June and October. Outside of this time, it is the wet season. It rains a lot, especially in February and March. So much so, they close down the ferry from the mainland over these two months.
The Real Australia Travel website (see below) features another 13 island getaways for you to choose from. It also gives accommodation ideas for Magnetic Island.
Australia has in fact over 8000 islands and whilst you wouldn't want to visit every single one, there is something to please everyone.
There are islands that are great for the classic tropical island getaway, others that are better for walking, those that are great for the food and wine buff and those that are more value for money or better for a family.
The Whitsundays are probably the most famous of the Australian Island Getaways. They are however well and truly on the tourist trail and are very expensive. Still worth the visit though! This article will instead focus on two islands that are very popular with the locals and are not as well trodden by the tourist.
Queensland's Magnetic Island
This island is 12km from Townsville which is in Queensland. There is a lot to be said for taking this island getaway as it offers pristine beaches for a fraction of the cost of most of Queensland's islands, particularly when compared against the Whitsundays.
This is the perfect place for lounging on the beach, swimming, snorkeling and perhaps a little bit of walking. It has its own National Park with Mount Cook protruding from its centre so there are plenty of pretty bays and small walks to enjoy. It would also be a good option if you have kids as there are plenty of activities that they can enjoy.
There's lots of water sports on offer too including sea kayaking and sailing around its many secluded bays. It's also an excellent place to learn to dive as the coral and marine life are stunning. Plus the water is nice and warm! If water isn't your thing then try horse-riding at 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.
Getting around the island is easy. There's a small bus service, you can hire bikes as well as cars. The petrol on the island is a bit pricey though. You can also hire "mokes" These are like small minis and are a great way to get around the island.
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.
You can hike the track in just two days but it's much better to take your time and stop off along the way providing you don't mind camping. The track runs from north to south but its better to finish in the north. It means at the end of the trek you can check in to the only accommodation on the island - Wilderness Lodge. It has a pool and a bar which you will need when you have finished the walk!
The best bits of the walk are probably the stretch between Ramsay Bay and Nina Bay as it follows the coastline and takes in beautiful rainforests. Zoe Falls are also worthy of mention and are particularly stunning.
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.
Winter is the best time to visit this island, i.e Between June and October. Outside of this time, it is the wet season. It rains a lot, especially in February and March. So much so, they close down the ferry from the mainland over these two months.
The Real Australia Travel website (see below) features another 13 island getaways for you to choose from. It also gives accommodation ideas for Magnetic Island.
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly 5 years of experience in travelling Australia and has recently had a baby. Her site, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers practical information for planning your visit to Australia as well as where to go and what to do. Click here for more details on Australian Island Getaways
0 comments:
Post a Comment