Whether you're planning a tropical holiday to relax and unwind, an adventurous getaway filled with activities or a family-friendly escape in paradise, Australia has a wide range of islands to explore.  We list 10 breathtaking islands located close to the major cities in Australia - each with its own unique, unparalleled beauty.

1)  Rottnest Island

The best way to explore the white-sand beaches and secluded coves is by bike! Rottnest Island has a fantastic reef, plentiful beaches and is great for swimming.

Fun fact:  Rottnest Island is the only place in the world where you can find our friendly native Quokkas.

Image source: Viator

2)  Cocos Keeling Island

Nestled between Sri Lanka & Western Australia in the Indian Ocean, is a small island called Cocos Keeling Island.  It forms part of Australia’s external territories and consists of two atolls made up of 27 coral islands.  Only two of the islands are inhabited, the rest are waiting to be explored!

Fun fact:  The name Cocos comes from the abundance of coconut trees found on the island.

Image source: @jaxon_roberts

3)  Fitzroy Island

One of the most unspoiled islands in the Great Barrier Reef.  The island is filled with adventurous activities such as walking and hiking trails, snorkelling, swimming, sea kayaking, ocean trampolining, or just relaxing - plenty to keep everyone in the family busy.

Fun fact:  Fitzroy Island was used as a mission school in 1892 and as a coast watch station during World War Two.Image source: Australian Traveller

4)  The Whitsunday Islands

An archipelago of 74 tropical islands, the Whitsundays are mostly uninhabited national parks. Ideal for sailing the pristine waters of the Great Barrier Reef or for swimming with sea turtles and relaxing on some of the most secluded beaches around the world.

Fun fact:  Whitehaven Beach is composed of 98% silica. It has a soft, velvet-like feel and does not retain heat - perfect to walk barefoot!

5)  Bruny Island

Just a one hour drive to Kettering from Hobart and a 40-minute ferry ride, this island has some of Tasmania's most beautiful wildlife and natural environments.  An elevated boardwalk on The Neck - a narrow strip of land which connects the two sides of the island - provides stunning 360 panoramic views.

Fun fact:  Bruny Island is home to Australia's most southern vineyard: Bruny Island Premium Wines.

6)  Kangaroo Island

Thriving with wildlife, Kangaroo Island has plenty of sea lions, dolphins and of course, kangaroos - hence the name! It is a South Australian icon with some breathtaking scenery and a celebrated food and wine industry.

Fun fact:  The island is the only place in the world where you can take a stroll along the beach surrounded by a colony of sea lions.

Image source: MissTourist

7)  Phillip Island

A 90 minute drive away from Melbourne, this popular destination has pristine white beaches, rugged coastlines, little penguins and sleepy koalas. 

Fun fact:  60% of the island is farmland devoted to grazing of sheep and cattle.

Image source: Hike & Seek 

8)  Lord Howe Island

This World Heritage-listed paradise is a two hour flight from Sydney and is home to a variety of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.  The island boasts some of the most pristine, untouched beaches and natural attractions along with an abundance of native wildlife.

Fun fact:  Whilst there are plenty of birds and insects, there is only one native mammal remaining on the island: the large forest bat.

Image source: Australian Geographic 

9)  Norfolk Island

Located roughly halfway between Australia and New Zealand, the island was originally settled by descendants of mutineers, their dialect is a mix of Tahitian and 18th century English which is still spoken to this day. 

Fun fact:  The Norfolk Island phonebook is listed by nickname rather than by family name. 

Image source: Australian Traveller

10)  Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands are just a 30-minute flight away from Darwin and consist of Bathurst and Melville as the two main islands.  There's a thriving arts & craft scene across the region including batik, silk-screened clothing and original wood carvings.

Fun fact:  Also known as the "The Island of Smiles" for its residents joy of living.

Image source: NothernTerritory.com