Australia isn’t just a land of outback deserts and vibrant cities; it’s also home to some of the world’s most extraordinary islands. Scattered across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, these islands offer a mix of volcanic peaks, coral reefs, convict history, red crab migrations, and palm-fringed lagoons.
If you’re planning your next escape, here are four of the most unique islands around Australia, and everything you need to know before visiting.
Just a two-hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane, Lord Howe Island is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed sanctuary where only 400 visitors are allowed at a time. Think dramatic volcanic mountains, turquoise lagoons, and beaches that feel untouched.
September to June is ideal, with warm weather perfect for hiking and swimming.
Direct flights are available from Sydney or Brisbane
Set in the South Pacific, Norfolk Island combines natural beauty with fascinating history. Rolling green pastures, rugged cliffs, and crystal bays are matched with rich stories of convicts and Bounty mutineers.
Snorkel in crystal-clear Emily Bay
Explore subtropical rainforests and walking trails
Visit local markets and try Norfolk cuisine
Learn about the Pitcairn descendants’ unique culture
The island experiences mild weather year-round, but from October to March, it offers the warmest swimming conditions.
Direct flights depart from Sydney and Brisbane.
Remote and untouched, Christmas Island is famous for the annual red crab migration, when millions of crabs march from rainforest to ocean. It’s also a diver’s paradise, with whale sharks, coral reefs, and rich marine life.
Witness the red crab migration (October–December)
Dive or snorkel reefs and spot whale sharks (November–April)
Explore caves, jungle walks, and waterfalls
Go birdwatching for rare and endemic species
Visit between October and April to see either the crab migration or whale shark season.
Flights are available from Perth (direct or via Cocos Islands).
This atoll of 27 islands in the Indian Ocean offers sugar-white beaches, swaying palms, and one of the world’s most stunning lagoons. Remote and serene, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are perfect for travellers wanting a true escape.
Snorkel and paddle in the turquoise lagoon
Try kitesurfing — the islands are a global hotspot
Take a boat trip to uninhabited islets and sandbars
Experience Cocos Malay culture and cuisine
The dry season (April–October) offers sunny days and steady winds for kitesurfing.
Flights operate from Perth, often via Christmas Island.
Whether you’re after adventure, wildlife, history, or total relaxation, Australia’s islands have something unique to offer:
Lord Howe Island → best for hikers and snorkellers
Norfolk Island → best for history and culture
Christmas Island → best for wildlife and adventure
Cocos Islands → best for lagoon escapes and watersports
From volcanic peaks to palm-fringed atolls, these islands prove that Australia’s beauty doesn’t stop at the mainland.
