Australia's best private island holidays

By Carly Spek

Thrilling watersports, freshly caught seafood, luxurious bungalows and vibrant wildlife – a private island vacation is the best way to experience all that Australia’s magnificent coastlines have to offer. With options ranging from surprisingly affordable right through to true luxury, there's a perfect private island getaway for everyone here.

SATELLITE ISLAND

A quick boat ride from Bruny Island toward Tasmania’s mainland will land you on picturesque Satellite Island. Experience true seclusion in the beautiful untamed wilderness of Australia’s most southern state with the freedom to explore surrounding regions. See the beauty of the island’s natural elements by embarking on walking trails, birdwatching or kayaking. If you’re willing to brave the cold, take a dip in the refreshingly crisp water and shuck oysters straight from the rocks. The island’s stunning houses seamlessly blend into the lush environment, creating a true nature escape.

Pumpkin Island

At the southern end of the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef awaits a private paradise of lush greenery, sunny weather and diverse marine life. Pumpkin Island is the ideal coastal getaway with eco-friendly accommodation and adventurous activities surrounded by spectacular scenery. Spend long days in the sun kayaking beside sea turtles, snorkelling among the coral or fishing from the shore. Evenings are best spent with friends and family, lounging on the balconies of your private bungalows.

Makepeace Island

Makepeace Island is a luxurious oasis located just minutes by boat from Noosa. Wooden boardwalks are woven throughout the island, connecting elegant and spacious accommodation to the multitude of amenities. A magnificent pool adorns the property alongside a 15-seater spa, tennis court and a suite of kayaks and stand up paddle boards ready for the taking. One of the highlights is the culinary expertise of Executive Chef Zeb Gilbert, who will work with you to curate the perfect menu for your stay.

Haggerstone Island

Haggerstone Island is the perfect base for exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. This exclusive island experience is tailored to your interests – you can glide along on a jet ski, snorkel with vibrant sealife or soar across the coast on a kiteboard. Charter a helicopter to explore the breathtaking region by air, dropping in for a swim in isolated waterfalls or a picturesque riverside picnic. In the evenings, enjoy the relaxation of island life as you sip cocktails from your private balcony or feast on freshly caught seafood and island-grown produce.

Picnic Island

Along the East Coast of Tasmania, nestled inside Coles Bay, lies gorgeous Picnic Island. This quaint escape is a great locale for spotting native animals. Watch dolphins and seals playing close to the shore throughout the day and see parades of penguins returning to their island burrows at nightfall. Fish for squid and flathead from the jetty and collect mussels on the rocks to cook up a fresh island feast. The natural beauty of this special place is unmatched, from the pink tinted Hazards Mountain Range to the calming blue of the surrounding waters.

Camp Island Lodge

Sun, sand and seafood – Camp Island Lodge in the Whitsundays region has all the ingredients for the perfect summer holiday. Snorkel the island’s abundant coral gardens, watch fish dart beneath your stand up paddle board or spot wallabies and echidnas along cruisy walking trails. A short boat ride will take you to Cape Upstart National Park for a day spent exploring untouched sandy beaches. Grab a rod and go fishing on the island jetty, enjoy a drink by the fire pit or cook up a storm with your catch of the day in the well-equipped lodge kitchen.