Island vacations are some of the most enticing packages available out there for tourists to enjoy. However, vacationing in a remote, less explored area is much different than holidaying at a five-star resort. Taking a trip to a remote island brings a lot of unexpected opportunities, particularly for those who are wild at heart and enjoy adventures while travelling the world.
Thankfully for those adventurous tourists, Australia has plenty of remote islands for them to visit and explore. There’s a little bit of everything, from exotic nature-watching, to outdoor activities, to volunteering for the environment and even soul searching opportunities. Explore the less known Australian islands for a perfect vacation.
Bare Sand Island, Northern Territory
Bare Sand might not be an appealing name, and the fact is that the crocodiles and unexploded bombs left behind by the RAAF aren’t very compelling arguments in favor of this location either. However, it is paradise for those who enjoy nature, as you can watch flatback turtles wash ashore and nesting, as well as the hatchlings that seem to burst from the sand. The cruise that goes from Darwin to the Timor Sea provides an ideal opportunity for watching nature at its best here.
Dirk Hartog Island, Western Australia
This island got its name from a Dutchman who, 400 years ago, left his mark there in spite of not staying long. Nowadays there’s a lot to do on the island, which you can cruise or fly into from Denham. Turtle watching is once again one of the main attractions, but tourists can also visit a fossilized reef, enjoy the Shark Bay World Heritage area, have a look around Cape Inscription or even enjoy the company of dugongs while in the water.
Haggerstone Island, Queensland
There is also resort life in remote islands, and this Great Barrier Reef Island is proof of that. Haggerstone is so remote and exclusive that tourists such as celebrities need to charter a flight from Cairns or Weipa in order to reach it. The resort itself is tiny and simplistic, but it offers peace and fresh food that can be found nowhere else. Activities are aplenty, but more of the relaxing kind. They include skin diving, snorkeling, bird watching and beachcombing. It is one of the Australian islands where you can enjoy the wilderness at its best.
Woody Island, Western Australia
Woody Island, which got its name because of the abundance of trees to be found there, provides tourists with the unique opportunity of spending time inside a nature reserve. Tourists can reach the natural paradise by boat from Esperance, and they can spend the day or night at the Woody Island Ecostays’ safari huts, which are the only accommodation available. Local activities include walking to the Twiggy’s landing, which was named after a heroic dog, as well as the customary fishing, snorkeling and bird watching.
Montague Island, New South Wales
Located in the south coast of New South Wales, near Narooma, the Montague Island Nature Reserve is a paradise for winter creatures and their biggest fans. 6000 pairs of penguins inhabit the reserve, as do other incredible species like the Australian fur seals, shearwaters and silver gulls. On specific times of the year, dolphins, humpback whales and green turtles are also a permanent feature in the surrounding waters, which is only one more reason why Montague Island, one of the remotest Australian islands, is worth visiting. The real attractions are, however, to spend the night in the renovated lighthouse keeper’s room or sign on for a weekend of volunteering for the preservation of wild life, which is sure to be unforgettable.
Houtman Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia
Rich in history from the 17th century, Abrolhos is an archipelago of 122 small, remote islands, 80 kilometers off the coast from the town of Geraldton. Aside from the fishermen who flock the islands and spend the long nights in shacks during the rock lobster season, the islands are nowadays deserted, for the most part. Possible activities include stopping by East Wallabi Island to have a swim in the Turtle Bay, taking a day trip to fly over the remains of a 17th century fort or embarking on a multiple day cruise to explore all 122 islands, even if from afar.