The country of Australia is composed of numerous small islands that have since been popular hot spots for travelers. Housing the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system, and one of the seven wonders of the world, it is rich in marine resources that take the term “island paradise” to a whole new level. It offers a diverse range of island resorts that are equipped with all kinds of facilities, from luxury to affordable facilities. Whether you’re planning to have a romantic getaway with your partner or embark on fun things to do over the summer holidays in Australia, you’ll certainly find a suitable hideaway for your kind of getaway. You can choose to dwell at an all-inclusive resort in Australia for a hassle-free stay. But if you know you’re inclined to more opulent vacations, check out the list below for the best island resorts in Australia.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and island location. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on December 22, 2024.
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1. Peppers Blue on Blue in Nelly Bay (from USD 203)
Overlooking the coral sea and private marina, Peppers Blue on Blue is a tropical destination in that offers some of the finest accommodations on Magnetic Island. Choose from contemporary hotel rooms, three-bedroom apartments, or four-bedroom penthouses that all have sunny balconies where you can take in beautiful views of the surroundings.
This luxury island resort in Australia boasts palm-fringed beaches. You can indulge in a swim in the lagoon pool, go for a stroll in tropical gardens, and unwind on comfortable lounge chairs during your stay. Moreover, you can enjoy some tropical-style dining with seafood fresh from the ocean, as well as fine wine and cocktails.
Peppers Blue on Blue This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 123 Sooning Street
230.11 km (143.0 mi) from Ocean Rafting
2. Lizard Island Resort in Queensland (from USD 967)
For a trouble-free island getaway, book a stay at the deluxe property of Lizard Island Resort in Queensland. This all-inclusive resort has your on-site food and beverage incorporated into the room price, so all you have to think of is how to have fun under the sun. It boasts a private beach, an outdoor pool with umbrellas, as well as activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and boat tours.
You can have a guilt-free munching spree at the in-house restaurant as you can always hit the gym afterward to burn some calories. Additionally, there’s a spa center for relaxing treatments. As for its rooms, you can choose from the 40 accommodations with standard items including premium bedding, air-conditioning, and a stocked minibar.
Lizard Island Resort
Address: Pmb 40
712.05 km (442.5 mi) from Ocean Rafting
3. Green Island Resort in Cairns (from USD 389)
Take a well-deserved time off at the rainforest setting of Green Island Resort. This eco-resort is accessible via a 45-minute boat ride from the city of Cairns and offers 46 luxurious suites. You’ll get to revel in dense forest or pool views depending on the room. But whichever you choose, you’ll surely enjoy staple amenities such as air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, and plush beds.
The resort enhances any stay by providing two outdoor swimming pools, a poolside bar, complimentary return boat transfers, and a variety of activities in the Great Barrier Reef. When it’s time to indulge your palate, just head over to the acclaimed Emeralds Restaurant serving tropical cuisine both in an alfresco and air-conditioned dining setup.
Green Island Resort
Address: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns
485.02 km (301.4 mi) from Ocean Rafting
4. Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island (from USD 430)
Along the coast of Fraser Island, the largest sand Island in the world, is the massive Kingfisher Bay Resort. Operating for more than 20 years, you will get to enjoy a tidal wave of activities, such as swimming, hiking, and canoeing. You can even avail of Fraser packages that allow you to watch magnificent whales of the island. In terms of accommodation, you can choose from standard villas, resort rooms, and holiday houses. You can also explore local cuisine inspired by the island’s traditional owners, the Butchulla people, by dining at the resort’s restaurants and bars.
Kingfisher Bay Resort
Address: North White Cliffs
721.52 km (448.4 mi) from Ocean Rafting
5. Ramada Resort by Wyndham Phillip Island in Cowes (from USD 224)
Tourists from all over the world gather at the famous Phillip Island to witness its adorable Penguin Parade. The island is a sanctuary for some of Australia’s unique wildlife, and at the center of it all lies a beautiful countryside resort. Ramada Resort by Wyndham Phillip Island perfectly blends fun with comfort in a scenic natural location. It is complete with swimming pools, bars, and guest rooms that will make for a refreshing holiday with friends or family. It’s also a great place where you can ride the tides, as it is close to famous surfing beaches on the island.
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Phillip Island
Address: 2128 Phillip Island Road
2052.08 km (1275.2 mi) from Ocean Rafting
6. InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, an IHG Hotel (from USD 482)
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort is an iconic destination in the northern part of the Whitsunday Islands. The hotel’s rooms and suites are guaranteed to give you island luxury at its finest. The resort is an idyllic setting for fun and relaxation. On the island, you can enjoy nature-bound walking trails, immersive wildlife tours, fish feeding, cultural weaving classes, and sports/fitness activities.
This resort on the beach in Australia easily allows you to feel the thrill of water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing. If that isn’t enough, you can soar through the air with the resort’s helicopter tours and private seaplane charters.
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, an IHG Hotel
Address: Hayman Island
29.29 km (18.2 mi) from Ocean Rafting
7. Daydream Island Resort (from USD 243)
Have you been daydreaming about an Australian island resort with great ocean views and a garden? Daydream Island Resort is the perfect spot to turn those dreams into reality. Refurbished between 2018 and 2019, it is a stylish and tranquil resort that boasts spacious and modern accommodations. The highlight of this island resort, however, is the living reef in the hotel’s central building. This famed living reef is a coral lagoon that is home to over 100 species of local marine life.
Daydream Island Resort
Address: Daydream Island, Whitsunday Passage via Airlie Beach
10.54 km (6.6 mi) from Ocean Rafting
8. Fitzroy Island Resort (from USD 150)
Surrounded by a vast rainforest, Fitzroy Island Resort is a family-owned resort in the Cairns region. It is a unique resort that enables guests to trek through the forest’s terrains and swim in the pristine beach. It has a number of premium accommodations to choose from: penthouses, suites, resort studios, beach cabins, and bungalows. You will get to enjoy access to excellent facilities, such as Zephyr Restaurant, a pool, a swim-up pool bar, a tour desk, air hockey, and a kids’ playroom.
Fitzroy Island Resort This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: Fitzroy Island
468.42 km (291.1 mi) from Ocean Rafting
9. Heron Island (from USD 257)
Heron Island is a natural sanctuary found on the south coast of the Great Barrier Reef. One of the best beach resorts in Australia, it offers guests a genuine eco-experience with 20 dive sites for a snorkeling adventure into the spectacular coral reef system. It provides rooms, suites, and beach houses that have easy access to the tranquil beach with crystal-clear waters.
As a National Marine Park situated in a marine protected zone, the island is a nesting location for green turtles and loggerhead turtles, which are two highly threatened species.
Heron Island This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: Great Barrier Reef
483.55 km (300.5 mi) from Ocean Rafting
10. Kangaroo Island Seafront in Penneshaw (from USD 133)
Along the coastlines of unspoiled white beaches, Kangaroo Island Resort is a four-star resort hotel that offers superb facilities and exciting activities. Guests can choose from three types of accommodations: hotel rooms, garden villas, and eco luxury glamping tents. The resort is a vacation spot where you can stay active by experiencing adventures such as deep-sea fishing cruises and 4WD drive wilderness tours. Since over a third of the island is protected in nature reserves, Kangaroo Island is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, which makes it Australia’s premier wildlife destination.
Kangaroo Island Seafront
Address: 49 North Tce, Penneshaw
2014.65 km (1251.9 mi) from Ocean Rafting
11. Beach Club on Hamilton Island (from USD 558)
Situated in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island’s Beach Club gives guest the ultimate beachfront boutique experience. Beach Club is a luxury hotel and resort that is perfect for romantic escapades (children under 18 are not catered to at the resort). It has 57 contemporary styled rooms, each with a private balcony or a courtyard and views of the stunning coral sea. Outside is an infinity pool where you can take a dip. You can also enjoy a la carte menus at Beach Club Restaurant. Explore intricate gardens of the Great Barrier Reef, as the resort offers scuba diving excursions, underwater PADI dives, and snorkeling.
Beach Club
Address: Resort Drive
26.93 km (16.8 mi) from Ocean Rafting
12. Orpheus Island Lodge (from USD 1110)
The stunning Orpheus Island Lodge resort in Australia is the ultimate hideaway for tourists who are looking to soak up the sun and unwind in privacy. Accommodating only 28 people, it is a secluded resort in a large national park that values its commitment to sustainability and island preservation. It provides luxurious boutique accommodations that have easy access to the unspoiled beachfront.
The property also offers an all-inclusive package, with three gourmet meals daily, use of water sports equipment, use of snorkeling and fishing gear, and a wide selection of Australian drinks.
Orpheus Island Lodge
Address: Orpheus Island
294.41 km (183.0 mi) from Ocean Rafting
Your island paradise awaits
With its breathtaking scenery and premium amenities, Australia’s resorts offer the ultimate island experience. Island resorts are perfect for nature lovers who want to relax in a sun-kissed paradise with crystal clear waters. Amp up your beach getaway by booking a room at any of these best island resorts in Australia.
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