If you are thinking of incorporating some well needed relaxation into your visit to Australia, then you should stay a while on one of its many islands.
Did you know that there are in fact over 8000 islands off the coast of Australia? Not all of them are worth visiting of course but there literally is an island to suit even the strangest of tastes.
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 most famous and probably most well known are the Whitsundays. These are totally stunning and well worth the expensive trip. But perhaps very much on the tourist trail. This article will look at two islands which offer the traveller something completely different and are off the usual tourist trail. In fact, it's where the locals go.
Magnetic Island In Queensland
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.
If you fancy some water sports action then there is plenty to choose from on Magnetic Island. Sailing around the secluded bays is a popular choice, as is sea kayaking. It is also an excellent place to learn to dive as it is relatively inexpensive compared to many areas and the marine life is excellent. For those wanting to stay dry, then why not have a go at horse-riding at Horseshoe Bay.
Another good thing about the island is that it is small enough to drive around in just half a day, but still big enough to offer good amenities including shops and reasonably priced accommodation.
It's easy to get around the island too. There's a local bus service or why not hire a bike. You can also hire a car but petrol on the island is a tad pricey. Lots choose to see the island on a moke which is a small car, a bit like a mini.
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 relaxing on the beach is not really your thing and you prefer a bit more adventure, then try Hinchinbrook Island. It is famous for the Thorsborne Track which is 32km of moderately demanding hiking. You'll see some beautiful waterfalls, mangroves and beaches.
The track itself is doable in two days but it's best to take longer than this so you can really take in the scenery. The route goes south to north and whilst you can do the trek in either direction, I'd start in the south and finish in the north. That way you can relax at the Wilderness Lodge after the walk, which has a pool and a welcoming bar.
The walk is very picturesque. Zoe Falls are particularly stunning as is the section between Ramsay Bay and Nina Bay. This part of the walk takes in the coastline and Rainforests.
If that sounds a bit too much like hard work, you can just come here and stay at the lodge. If you do fancy the walk then make sure you book well in advance. They only allow a certain number of visitors onto the island at any one time so you will need to plan ahead to be able to do this walk.
The best time to come is between June to October when there is less rain. Outside of this time is the wet season so expect lots of rain. In particular avoid February and March when it is at its worst and no ferries run.
For more Australian island getaways, you can visit the Real Australia Travel Website (see below) where you will find 15 islands to choose from. It also gives details on where to stay on Magnetic Island. - 16887
Did you know that there are in fact over 8000 islands off the coast of Australia? Not all of them are worth visiting of course but there literally is an island to suit even the strangest of tastes.
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 most famous and probably most well known are the Whitsundays. These are totally stunning and well worth the expensive trip. But perhaps very much on the tourist trail. This article will look at two islands which offer the traveller something completely different and are off the usual tourist trail. In fact, it's where the locals go.
Magnetic Island In Queensland
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.
If you fancy some water sports action then there is plenty to choose from on Magnetic Island. Sailing around the secluded bays is a popular choice, as is sea kayaking. It is also an excellent place to learn to dive as it is relatively inexpensive compared to many areas and the marine life is excellent. For those wanting to stay dry, then why not have a go at horse-riding at Horseshoe Bay.
Another good thing about the island is that it is small enough to drive around in just half a day, but still big enough to offer good amenities including shops and reasonably priced accommodation.
It's easy to get around the island too. There's a local bus service or why not hire a bike. You can also hire a car but petrol on the island is a tad pricey. Lots choose to see the island on a moke which is a small car, a bit like a mini.
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 relaxing on the beach is not really your thing and you prefer a bit more adventure, then try Hinchinbrook Island. It is famous for the Thorsborne Track which is 32km of moderately demanding hiking. You'll see some beautiful waterfalls, mangroves and beaches.
The track itself is doable in two days but it's best to take longer than this so you can really take in the scenery. The route goes south to north and whilst you can do the trek in either direction, I'd start in the south and finish in the north. That way you can relax at the Wilderness Lodge after the walk, which has a pool and a welcoming bar.
The walk is very picturesque. Zoe Falls are particularly stunning as is the section between Ramsay Bay and Nina Bay. This part of the walk takes in the coastline and Rainforests.
If that sounds a bit too much like hard work, you can just come here and stay at the lodge. If you do fancy the walk then make sure you book well in advance. They only allow a certain number of visitors onto the island at any one time so you will need to plan ahead to be able to do this walk.
The best time to come is between June to October when there is less rain. Outside of this time is the wet season so expect lots of rain. In particular avoid February and March when it is at its worst and no ferries run.
For more Australian island getaways, you can visit the Real Australia Travel Website (see below) where you will find 15 islands to choose from. It also gives details on where to stay on Magnetic Island. - 16887
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly 5 years of experience in traveling Australia and has recently had a baby. Her website, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers useful information for planning your visit to Australia as well as what to do and where to go. Click here for more details on Australian Island Getaways
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