Discover an island escape across the beaches of Queensland

With easy access to endless rainforests, beautiful beaches and postcard-worthy islands right off the coast from south to north, the opportunity to explore Australian nature in its purest form has never been easier than it is in Queensland. Here’s where to go and what to do if you’re seeking an unforgettable trip to Australia, jam-packed with breathtaking beaches and island getaways.

At the southernmost tip of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island is a must-visit for anyone who loves spending time by the ocean and witnessing marine wildlife. This idyllic island was formed six million years ago from a coral reef growing out of the water, meaning the beach is made almost entirely of coral. It’s mostly famous for its huge populations of giant majestic manta rays and marine life, including multi-coloured parrotfish, reef sharks, green and loggerhead turtles and gliding eagle stingrays. There’s also an incredibly diverse population of seabirds and migratory species, from wedge-tailed shearwaters to striking red-tailed tropicbirds. Lady Elliot Island also serves as a model for sustainable tourism, operating on renewable energy and actively participating in projects aimed at preserving and regenerating coral reefs.

For laid-back island life, North Stradbroke Island is your calling. With easy access from Brisbane, you can combine seeing all the city sights with a slice of beachside bliss. It’s the second-largest sand island in the world and is characterised by incredible landscapes of sandy beaches, freshwater lakes, mottled dunes and thick bushland. Get stuck into all kinds of outdoor activities like swimming, surfing, bushwalking and whale watching at Point Lookout during the migration season. Here you can also don your hiking boots and head along the North Gorge Walk, keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins, turtles and other marine life frolicking in the neighbouring sea. The island has countless pristine beaches, including Cylinder Beach, Frenchman’s Beach, and Main Beach, where you can enjoy swimming, surfing and soaking up the sun.

Moreton Island is another adventurer’s haven just over an hour from buzzy Brisbane. You could easily spend an entire week knee-deep in activities here and still have heaps left to do. The island’s crystal clear freshwater Blue Lagoon is a popular spot for swimming and chilling, bordered by craggy dunes and dense greenery. There’s also the Tangalooma Desert, a dream to explore by 4x4; hop on an organised tour or rent your own four-wheeler. Make sure you take along your camera, the area is defined by striking multicoloured dunes, further enhanced by shadows and light that dance on the hilly sandbanks throughout the day.

If there’s one thing Queensland isn’t short of, it’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, of which the region boasts five, including K’gari, formerly Fraser Island. It’s the world’s largest sand island and one of its most remarkable, consisting of 122km of unique landscapes scattered with tropical rainforest springing out of sand, iridescent freshwater lakes, jacuzzi-like Champagne Pools, shipwrecks and countless ocean lookout points. Many people explore the island by 4x4, traversing shifting dunes and between lush forests, spotting dingoes and swamp wallabies along the way. If you have time, spend a night camping out under the stars; the night sky here is phenomenal, and you can even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way, constellations and meteor showers away from the urban glow.

Hamilton Island, or Hamo as the locals often call it, is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and world-renowned Whitehaven Beach. This tropical paradise is one of the largest of the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays, famous for its white sandy beaches and multicoloured coral reefs, best explored by boat or seaplane. Explore some of the Great Barrier Reef on a snorkelling or diving tour, getting up close to green sea turtles, Nemo-like clownfish and bobbing sea cucumbers. If you prefer something a little more leisurely, there are loads of island bush walks that take you to hidden coves, secret beaches and scenic lookouts. Pack a picnic to enjoy enroute at any of the island’s picturesque picnic spots.

Queensland is the gift that keeps on giving, and less than an hour from Cairns, you’ll find Green Island, a magnificent 6,000-year-old coral cay situated amongst the Great Barrier Reef. It’s a unique place to stay, covered in a carpet of tropical rainforest filled with native flora and fauna and surrounded by perfect white sand beaches. Spend a day here or stay a few nights at the resort for the ultimate luxurious getaway. Make sure you save plenty of time to snorkel or scuba dive here, the waters are teeming with all kinds of marine life and magnificent, brightly coloured coral. For a more laid-back activity, cruise around the coastline by canoe and take in all the incredible views from the water, or follow one of the many nature trails the island has to offer.