7 must-visit island getaways close to popular Aussie cities
Sometimes the best adventures are just around the corner. Whether you’re craving a coastal escape, a taste of wine country, or a dose of nature, there are brilliant weekend getaways waiting just beyond Australia’s biggest cities. Pack a bag, hit the road (or hop on a ferry), and discover how easy it is to swap the everyday for something unforgettable.
1. From Perth: Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is a paradise just off the coast of Perth. Think 63 beaches, crystal clear waters, and adorable quokkas begging for a selfie. Hire a SeaLink bike to pedal around on a bike, snorkel at one of the many incredible bay, or just soak up the sun. This is the weekend escape you didn’t know you needed.
Our top picks for Rottnest Island:
- Spot the island’s famous residents and capture the ultimate quokka selfie.
- Swim through colourful marine worlds at The Basin, Parker Point’s snorkel trail, or Little Salmon Bay.
- Take in sweeping views from Wadjemup Lighthouse or joing a guided tour of the WWII Oliver Hill Battery tunnels.
- Relax on Pinky Beach near Bathurst Lighthouse or venture to Parakeet Bay for pristine white sands.
- With car-free roads, spend an afternoon exploring the island on a bike.
How to get to Rottnest Island from Perth:
Catch a SeaLink ferry from Perth or Fremantle. Ferries run frequently throughout the day, so book your bike with your ticket to secure availability.
Book your Ferry For Rottnest Island
2. From Adelaide: Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is your ultimate nature escape - think turquoise waters at Vivonne Bay and fresh oysters that’ll have your tastebuds singing. With stunning landscapes and laid-back vibes, it’s an adventure-packed weekend you’ll be raving about for ages.
Our top picks for Kangaroo Island:
- See kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and seals in their natural habitats with visits to Seal Bay Conservation Park and Flinders Chase National Park.
- Marvel at Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, both breathtaking natural formations on the island’s rugged coastline.
- Relax on Vivonne Bay, often voted one of Australia’s best beaches, or snorkel in the calm waters of Stokes Bay.
- Taste freshly shucked oysters, local honey, and world-class wines at island producers.
- Have some fun sandboarding or tobogganing down the dunes at Little Sahara, or take a scenic walk along Cape du Couedic for stunning ocean views.
How to get to Kangaroo Island from Adelaide:
Drive 1hr 45 mins by car from Adelaide to Cape Jervis. Then, jump on a 45-minute SeaLink ferry to Penneshaw. Book your ferry early (especially in summer) and bring your car to explore the island’s wild corners.
Book your Ferry to Kangaroo Island
3. From Townsville: Magnetic Island
Maggie is your ticket to a tropical heaven with 23 beautiful bays and beaches. Spot koalas in the wild, or kick back with a sunset cocktail at Horseshoe Bay. This island’s laid-back vibes will have you hooked in no time.
Our top picks for Magnetic Island:
- See koalas in their natural habitat along the Forts Walk, a 4km return trail through eucalypt woodland with panoramic views and WWII ruins. Early morning is best for spotting them.
- Cruise the island in a quirky topless car (also known as a "Barbie car"), a popular and fun way to explore. Rentals are available near the ferry terminal in Nelly Bay.
- Relax on Horseshoe Bay, known for its calm waters and vibrant sunset views. Other notable beaches include Alma Bay, Florence Bay, and Radical Bay, each offering unique charm and seclusion.
- Join SeaLink’s Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Day Tour and dive into an underwater paradise of colourful coral gardens and incredible marine life, and discover the Museum of Underwater Art.
- Tour Magnetic Island with a local on Maggie Comprehensive Tour, explore beautiful bays, scenic lookouts, and dive into the island’s WWII history.
How to get to Magnetic Island from Townsville:
From Townsville, it’s a breezy 20-minute SeaLink ferry ride from the Breakwater Terminal (10 minutes from the city centre). Rent a topless car on Magnetic Island to explore its bays and beaches in style.
Purchase your SeaLink Ferry to Magnetic Island
4. From Brisbane: North Stradbroke Island
Straddie’s calling with its golden beaches, epic surf, and whale-watching (June to November). Point Lookout’s views will leave you speechless. Straddie’s calling with its golden beaches, epic surf, and whale-watching (June to November). Point Lookout’s views will leave you speechless. Swap the city buzz for North Gorge Walk, where kangaroos graze and dolphins play below, or spend the day unwinding at Cylinder Beach, one of Queensland’s most loved swimming spots. This is Queensland’s best-kept secret for a weekend escape
Our top picks for North Stradbroke Island:
- Walk the1.2 km North Gorge for breathtaking ocean views, rocky headlands, and opportunities to spot kangaroos and dolphins
- Watch humpback whales migrate past from June to November, with North Gorge Walk and Point Lookout offering some of the best land-based vantage points.
- Swim in the calm waters of Cylinder Beach, where sandy shores and picnic spots make it one of the island’s most loved places to relax.
- Join an Indigenous cultural tour with Matt Burns to learn about Quandamooka traditions, stories, and connection to Country through hands-on workshops and guided experiences.
- Cool off in the tea-tree-stained waters of Brown Lake (Bummiera), a serene freshwater spot surrounded by peaceful bushland.
How to get to North Stradbroke Island from Brisbane:
Drive 40 minutes from Brisbane to Cleveland, then hop on a SeaLink ferry to Dunwich.
- Passenger ferry: around 25 minutes
- Vehicle ferry: 45–50 minutes
Bring your car across or make it easy by using the island’s buses and taxis to explore.
Book your SeaLink Ferry to North Stradbroke Island
5. From Brisbane: K’gari (Fraser Island)
K’gari (Fraser Island), the world’s largest sand island, is an absolute stunner. Swim in Lake McKenzie’s crystal waters, explore the Maheno shipwreck, or 4WD along endless beaches. Stay in comfort at Kingfisher Bay Resort or K’gari Beach Resort, or join a guided adventure with K’gari Explorer Tours.
Our top picks for K’gari:
- Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake McKenzie and stroll on the soft, white silica sand.
- Admire the iconic and photogenic Maheno shipwreck on the eastern shores of K'gari.
- Drive along the iconic golden sands of 75 Mile Beach, K'gari's Sand Highway.
- Float in the calm, refreshing waters of this peaceful creek surrounded by greenery.
- Watch K’gari come alive at night with Illumina, a magical light and sound show at Kingfisher Bay Resort, telling the island’s story with stunning visuals and effects
How to get to K’gari from Brisbane:
Drive 3.5 hours from Brisbane to River Heads (near Hervey Bay) and take a 50 min SeaLink ferry to Kingfisher Bay. Bring a 2WD to access Kingfisher Bay Resort or 4WD to access K'gari Beach Resort.
Plan your stay at K’gari (Fraser Island)
6. From Hobart: Bruny Island
Bruny Island is a gourmet escape, serving up fresh oysters, artisan cheese, and local wines, paired with wild coastlines, The Neck’s sweeping views, and the magic of little penguins at dusk.
Our top picks for Bruny Island:
- Cruise beneath towering sea cliffs and sea stacks, spotting fur seals, seabirds, and dolphins along the way with Pennicott Wilderness Journey
- Taste artisan cheeses, freshly shucked oysters, and hand-crafted chocolates at the island’s famous local producers.
- Climb the 279 steps of The Neck Lookout for sweeping views across the island’s narrow isthmus and beyond.
- Stroll along Adventure Bay’s long curve of sand, a perfect spot for beachcombing, swimming, or simply soaking up the scenery.
- Explore South Bruny National Park, where rugged headlands, wild coastlines, and forested trails showcase the island’s natural beauty.
How to get to Bruny Island from Hobart:
Drive 40 minutes south from Hobart to Kettering. Catch a 20-minute SeaLink ferry to Roberts Point. Ferries run often, and you can bring your car to explore every delicious corner of the island.
Pre-purchse your ferry to Bruny Island
7. From Darwin: Tiwi Islands
Just 80 km north of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands (Bathurst and Melville) are celebrated for rich Aboriginal culture, internationally recognised art, and a deep love of fishing and Aussie Rules football among locals. The Tiwi by Design Day Tour is the ultimate way to experience the Tiwi Islands. Led by local guides, this cultural adventure offers a rare opportunity to connect with Tiwi art, history, and traditions.
Our top picks for Tiwi Island:
The best way to see the Islands is on the Tiwi by Design Day Tour from Darwin. Highlights of this tour include:
- Visit Tiwi Design Art Centre, one of Australia's oldest and most artistically diverse art centres, renowned for its unique style of art including carvings and bright textile designs.
- Participate in a hands-on art workshop led by talented Tiwi artists, creating your own screen-printed souvenir.
- Experience a traditional Tiwi welcome ceremony, including totem dances and a smoking ritual to cleanse and protect.
- Enjoy a guided tours through the community of Wurrumiyanga, exploring local buildings, the historic mission precinct, and the wooden Catholic church featured in the Top End Wedding movie.
- Explore the renowned Tiwi Design art centre, take part in a screen-printing workshop, and enjoy a traditional smoking ceremony.
Please note: visitors cannot access the Tiwi Islands without joining a guided tour.
How to get to the Tiwi Islands from Darwin:
Join the SeaLink day tour, Tiwi by Design, to explore the island with a local tour guide.
Book your Tiwi by Design tour to visit the Tiwi Islands.
Other brilliant destinations close by:
If beaches and boat rides aren’t your style, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered. Explore the vibrant culture and iconic sights of Sydney on a Captain Cook Cruise, embark on a scenic multi-night cruise along the Murray River aboard the Murray Princess, or savour world-class food and wine in Swan Valley on a Swan Valley Tour. You can also experience the tropical paradise of the Whitsundays on the Purely Whitehaven day tour or chase an adrenaline rush with Red Cat Adventures.
Check out more of our travel blogs for these unique experiences and start planning your perfect weekend getaway today.
Frequent Ask Questions-
1. Do I need a car to explore these islands?
For most islands, like Kangaroo Island, North Stradbroke, K’gari, and Bruny Island, bringing a car on the ferry is handy for exploring, bring 4wd for K’gari. Rottnest Island is car-free, so rent a bike instead. Magnetic Island offers hiring a car through SeaLink.
2. Are these getaways family-friendly?
Absolutely! Rottnest Island has calm beaches for kids, and Magnetic Island’s wildlife spotting is a hit with families. Kangaroo Island and Bruny Island offer nature trails and animal encounters. K’gari and Straddie are great for adventurous families.
3. What’s the best time of year to visit these islands?
Most are great year-round, but spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) offer mild weather. For specific experiences, like whale-watching on Straddie, aim for June to November.
4. Do I need special permits or bookings for any of these trips?
K’gari requires a 4WD vehicle permit. Ferries should be booked early, especially in summer.
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