7 great island holidays where you won’t need a passport

Incredible places like Lord Howe Island are worth staying local for.

Want to travel to beautiful places without jet lag or passport hassles? Bookmark one of Australia’s many beautiful islands for your next getaway.

By Carolyn Tate

Who doesn’t love an island holiday? As an island nation, Australia also offers a rich array of island holiday destinations to explore, dotted all around our coastline. And that means there’s an island to suit every holiday experience. 

Want to get away from it all? Here are our favourite seven island destinations to explore:

1. Wine and wildlife on Kangaroo Island, South Australia

If untouched landscapes, unbelievable wildlife and wholesome local produce are your idea of a good time, Kangaroo Island could be the holiday for you.

Just 13 km off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island offers a stripped back and relaxed experience. As well as peace and quiet, it offers a range of artisanal seasonal food offerings, a distillery, a brewery and 12 vineyards. And if that’s not enough, you’ll be sharing the space with sea lions, echidnas, and of course countless kangaroos.

Great for: foodies and nature lovers

More info: tour Kangaroo Island

2. Dunes and dingoes on K’gari, Queensland

Step back in time on World Heritage-listed K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) and take in nature at its finest. We’re talking clear freshwater lakes, endless sand dunes, and ancient rainforests.

Known for being the world’s largest sand island, this paradise has to be seen to be believed.

Choose from luxury eco accommodation, or go entirely off-grid and enjoy a true nature experience. Note: if you want to get around on the island, a 4-wheel drive is essential.

Great for: ancient rainforest and white sandy beaches

More info: visit Fraser Coast

3. Ritzy or rustic at Whitsunday Islands, Queensland

We couldn’t pick just one Whitsunday island, so we thought we’d present some of our favourites and let you decide how you’d like to experience the tropical Great Barrier Reef.

Hamilton Island has been called "the Hugh Jackman" of islands: easy going and a real people pleaser – it’s accessible, beautiful and easy to love. 

If you prefer something more rustic and undeveloped, try Whitsunday Island, where camping and the simple life are the order of the day.

And if you’re a lover of five-star luxury, you can’t go past Hayman Island resorts. No matter which island you choose, you’ll be treated to crystal clear waters, a laid back lifestyle, and plenty of sunshine.

Great for: snorkelling and water sports, lazing by the pool

More info: Tourism Whitsundays

4. Scenery and stories on Bruny Island, Tasmania

As with everything in Tassie, the best way to experience Bruny Island is to take your time to stop and breathe the wild air.

Explore remote ancient walking paths and rugged coastline, discover Jurassic capes, secret coves, wild nature and rare birds, and soak up the island’s rich history.

Plus, visit countless artisan producers along the way; their passion for their craft is as addictive as the food.

Great for: walking, eating, and bird watching

More info: Bruny Island

5. Birds and beauty on Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island is so picture perfect, you’ll have to pinch yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming. From the semi-sheltered reef lagoon to the volcanic mountain ranges, the whole place feels almost unreal.

Go on some of the best day hikes you can experience anywhere, snorkel the world's southernmost coral reef, hand-feed the fish at Ned’s Beach and wander along white sandy beaches.

Lord Howe is also one of Australia’s premier birdwatching locations, welcoming only 400 visitors at any one time.

Great for: walking, bird watching, fishing, snorkelling, staring incredulously at the scenery with your mouth agape

More info: Lord Howe Island

6. Culture and cheer on Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory

If you’re a fan of smiling until your cheeks hurt, the Tiwi Islands – known as the "Island of Smiles" – are for you. This NT holiday destination offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local Tiwi culture, take in the coastal landscapes and incredible sunsets, and join local cultural and wildlife tours.

The Tiwi people are known for their art, fabrics and textiles… and love of AFL football. And you can experience all of this with just a short trip across the water from Darwin. You’ll need a permit to visit, but if you go with a tour operator then they will organise it for you.

Good for: a unique cultural experience

More info: Northern Territory Tourism

7. Solitude and sandy beaches on Cocos Keeling Islands, Western Australia

The Cocos Keeling Islands are one of Australia’s best kept secrets. Commercial flights only began going here in the 1990s, and they’re yet to become well known as a holiday destination.

But let’s just say it’s not known as "Australia’s Maldives" for nothing.

Here, you’ll find white sandy beaches and shady coconut palms in a tropical location set among one of the world’s largest marine parks. Add in the unique Cocos Malay culture and friendly locals and you’ve got the makings of a destination worth shouting about.

Our tip is to get in and experience the Cocos Keeling Islands before the crowds find them.

Good for: tropical solitude and getting off the beaten track

More info: Cocos Keeling Islands