Which underrated islands in Australia can I visit?
Underrated islands in Australia include the Tiwi Islands of the Northern Territory, Montague Island in New South Wales, French Island in Victoria and Lady Elliot Island in Queensland.
Detailed answer: Australia is blessed with some of the best island break locations the world can offer. You can lap up the luxury on Hamilton and Hayman in the Whitsundays. You can four wheel drive along the beach on Fraser Island. Maybe you’d prefer watching the penguins at Philip Island in Victoria or taking a day trip from Perth to see quokkas on Rottnest Island? Either way, there’s plenty of choice.
But away from the big names, Australia has plenty of other fascinating islands to visit. So, next time you try an island resort break or wildlife-watching excursion, why not give one of these a pop?
The Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory
Lying to the north of Darwin in the Arafura Sea are the Tiwi Islands. Here, Bathurst and Melville Island are excellent places to experience Aboriginal culture. The Tiwi people have been relatively isolated from the mainland until recently. They still maintain several unique customs, such as carved burial poles. It’s possible to check out the high quality local arts and crafts on these underrated islands. It’s also possible to participate in traditional hunting and food gathering – but only on a guided tour. AAT Kings is amongst the companies offering Tiwi Islands cultural tours.
If at all possible, get there for the local version of the AFL Grand Final in March. The entire island population seems to go mad for it.
King Island, Tasmania
In the brutal waters of the Bass Strait, it’s no real surprise that King Island can boast four lighthouses. The tallest, at Cape Wickham, is the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere. But aside from the sea buffeting the rocks, King Island is beautifully calm. There are great beaches and lagoons for swimming in, whilst it’s a fabulous spot for foodies. The fresh seafood is as good here as it is almost anywhere in the world, while the small island also has a big dairy industry. And that means lots and lots of lovely cheese to gorge on. King Island Tourism collates several King Island travel packages.
Montague Island, New South Wales
Off the coast of Narooma, Montague Island is run by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and has a number of innovative eco-ventures. There are daily tours that go out from Narooma. The evening one allows you to watch the penguins come inland to their nests at dusk. But the real highlight is being able to stay overnight in the lighthouse cottages. Volunteers are able to help out with the conservation projects – including painting nesting boxes and replanting native plants.
French Island, Victoria
Right next to the far better known (and far busier) Philip Island, French Island is one of the most tranquil places in the country. Two-thirds of it is national park, and it’s green in mentality as well as colour. Most of the residents seem to buy into the organic, sustainable lifestyle and there’s nothing to spoil an idyllic bushwalk through major koala colonies. The French Island ferry leaves from Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula.
Lady Elliot Island, Queensland
Justifiably, the Whitsundays tend to get the most attention when it comes to staying on the Great Barrier Reef, with those further north not far behind. However, the very bottom end of the reef is well worth visiting too. Lady Elliot Island takes about 20 minutes to walk around, but it’s perfect if you’re looking for a low key island break. For divers, there’s no need for a boat trip out – there’s plenty to see straight off the beach. You can do a day tour to Lady Elliot Island from the Gold Coast.
The Houtman-Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia
Off the coast of Western Australian town Geraldton, this rarely visited archipelago consists of over 100 specks of coral. These underrated islands are protected, so there’s no accommodation to be had on the island – although, ironically, it is home to a hut that is the oldest European inhabitation in Australia. It is possible to visit by plane or boat for a day trip, however, and the Houtman-Abrolhos Islands are something of a wildlife wonderland. Expect to see plenty of birds, Australian sea lions and tiny tammar wallabies (they’re much smaller than kangaroos).
There’s also plenty of life under the water, and there are few better snorkelling spots in Australia.
Christmas Island, Indian Ocean Territories
One of the most far-flung parts of Australia, Christmas Island is isolated in the Indian Ocean. Almost two-thirds of the island is National Park, and it is dominated by a mountain.
Activities include whale shark diving, but the most spectacular time of year to visit is November and December, when millions of red crabs emerge from the forest to breed on the coast. They cover absolutely everything on their visually stunning migration.