There are over 8,000 islands dotted along the Australian coastline. Including Fraser Island, listed in the record books as the world’s largest sand island.
So, when you own or hire a boat in Australia, you’ve got plenty of opportunities for exploring available to you. With a boat, the fun starts long before you arrive at your island destination.
Find out more about the best islands to explore by boat near Queensland and Western Australia.
Plan for Your Trip
Finding the perfect boat is your first priority when planning a trip out to sea.
When choosing the ideal boat, consider a tip from Sports Fishing and Leisure owner Jeff Dubb. He says, “There are five main factors that come into play … the boat’s make, age, condition, maintenance history, and presentation.”
You don’t need to own a boat to make the most of the islands off Australia’s shores either. There are plenty of options for boat hire when visiting these destinations.
The Wonderful Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsundays archipelago consists of 74 lovely tropical islands located in a prime position alongside the Great Barrier Reef.
A boat’s by far the best way to make the most of a trip here, giving you access to secluded beaches, forested walking trails, and boundless ocean activities.
The waters surrounding the Whitsunday Islands are perfect for scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, and swimming.
A Tropical Paradise at Fitzroy Island
Just 15 nautical miles from Cairns, Fitzroy Island offers a wealth of beautiful places to enjoy.
Here, you can relax on beautiful beaches, try out the trampoline in the sea, or go in search of the 63 species of native birds resident in the rainforest. Other activities include snorkelling and kayaking.
Another One for the Books – Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island’s best accessed from Fremantle and you’ll need to pay an entrance fee as well as a jetty rental fee when you arrive.
With a boat at your disposal, you can make the most of Rottnest Island’s wonderful activities.
These include scuba diving and snorkelling among the lovely reefs, searching for wrecks and swimming. You can also explore over 20 beautiful bays along the shoreline.
On-shore walks and bike trails are the order of the day with lots of local fauna and flora to admire. It’s one of the only places on Earth you’ll come across quokkas, which are one of the cutest creatures you’ll ever see.
Orpheus Island
Nestled in one of the most beautiful parts of the Great Barrier Reef, about 802km north of Townsville, Orpheus Island is a picture-perfect island paradise.
Boating trips here offer opportunities to enjoy thousands of reef fish and hundreds of different coral species up close as well as the chance to see turtles, bull rays, and reef sharks.
From Orpheus island, you can extend your explorations further afield to Hinchinbrook Island where waterfalls, secluded beaches, and rainforests beg exploration.
Magical Mackerel Islands
Mackerel Islands are one of the most family-friendly ports of call off the coast of Western Australia. There’s amazing fishing available just offshore and there are moorings, boat fuel, and supplies onsite.
This collection of 10 islands and atolls presents endless opportunities for scuba diving and snorkelling. You might also get a chance to see turtles, whales, and dolphins.
Other island activities include SUP boarding, kayaking, and walking.
There’s also a resort offering overnight accommodation with a pool and restaurant.
Get Out on the Water
Queensland and Western Australia offer convenient access to some of Australia’s most fascinating islands.
A boat gives you the freedom to make the most of these gorgeous destinations.
So, dust off your navigation books, round up the family and start exploring Australia’s beautiful islands.
