10 Islands You Must Visit

Fitzroy Island is an unspoilt tropical paradise of rainforest and beaches within the calm sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Fitzroy Island is a National Park, discover spectacular walking trails, abundant marine life and local wildlife.

Located 45 minutes from Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, you can jump on the ferry from Cairns and be on the coral cay in no time at all.

Picture yourself hiking, snorkelling, diving, paddleboarding, or simply lying on the beach soaking up the Queensland sunshine.

Fitzroy Island is ideal for families, a visit with friends or a romantic getaway and Fitzoy Island Resort caters for all.

Image: Fitzroy Island, Queensland by Tourism and Events Queensland

Kangaroo Island is a nature lover's paradise, with prolific native wildlife, dramatic coastal sightseeing and bountiful farmlands.

Located 13km off the coast of South Australia, the ferry is a comfortable 45 minutes from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island, or a short 30 minute flight from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island Airport.

It is one of the best places in Australia to see wild animals like koalas, kangaroos, sea lions and seals. Throw in jaw-dropping geology and a hyper-local food and beverage scene, and Kangaroo Island is a destination that will leave you inspired.

Our pick on where to stay is the Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge. Designed to blend with its surroundings, it sits in bushland overlooking American River Bay and is close to the Penneshaw Penguin Centre, providing a truly idyllic getaway.

Image: Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia by @jay.bevs Jayden Beville

Home to the happiest animals on earth, quokkas, Rottnest Island is a holiday haven of pristine beaches, aquamarine bays, bike tracks and walking trails.

The best part? The car-free, conservation-minded Class A reserve is only a 30 minute ferry ride from Fremantle in Perth, and an unforgettable adventure for every visitor.

You can get around on the island on foot, with a hired bicycle or e-bike, use the shuttle, or board the hop on-hop off bus, which loops around the 11 kilometre long island.

Rottnest’s beaches are like a slice of paradise, with blindingly white sand, water so clear you can see down to your toes, and majestic coves formed by naturally sculpted rocks. In all, there are 63 secluded, sandy havens, linked by paved riding and walking trails and if you're lucky enough you could see seals floating or dolphins bobbing. But the main attraction, of course, is the highly photogenic quokka, a friendly marsupial that appears to smile.

Glamp your holidays in style at Discovery Rottnest Island. With one of the best locations on the island plus restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, and bar - you'll never return to camping again once you've glamped!

Image: Quokkas, Rottnest Island, Western Australia

With 333 islands, white sand beaches and year-round tropical warmth, it is hard not to feel happy in this Pacific Island nation.

On Fiji, you can trek through lush rainforest, over rolling sand dunes, past thundering waterfalls, and along remote beaches. With an extinct volcanic peak at the centre of every island, spectacular views await those who are willing to walk for it. Or for those that need a break from it all, Fiji's uninhabited shorelands are perfect for lounging on pristine stretches of white sand, home to some of the best beaches in the world.

Fiji was dubbed the “soft coral capital of the world” by oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. With visibility of 35 meters or more, and dramatic underwater topography that ranges from tranquil coral gardens to challenging tunnels, walls, and pinnacles, Fiji offers a plethora of options for divers and snorkelers of all skill levels.

Frequent direct flights take-off from major cities on the east-coast of Australia into Nadi, Fiji with a flight duration of 2.5 - 5 hours depending on your departure city.

The luxurious DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Fiji on Sonaisali Island is our pick of where to stay, located only 25 minutes drive and a 3 minute boat ride from the main island of Viti-Levu. Your family will be talking about this holiday for years to come!

Image: White sand beaches of Fiji by Tourism Fiji

The 15 islands of the Cook Islands are located in the South Pacific, in the same time zone as Hawai'i. An unspoiled paradise, complete with white sand beaches, blue lagoons, and lush green mountains.

In the Cook Islands, there are no branded resorts, no buildings taller than a coconut tree, no crowds, and no traffic lights - yet the islands offer modern conveniences, and undiscovered luxury for every type of traveller.

Underwater, on the water or deep into lush tropical landscape, the freedom and ease of exploring a little paradise is what sets the Cook Islands apart in the South Pacific. Lagoon cruises, fishing, diving, guided mountain hikes, storytelling cycling tours, buggies, quadbikes or 4WD trips inland – it has it all! Fast or slow? Laidback, culturally enriching or full throttle adrenaline? The only limit is how you choose to define your perfect holiday.

An easy 9 hour flight from the east-coast of Australian - you'll be beachside sipping fresh coconuts in no time.

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium is perfectly located and will make you instantly feel at home!

Image: The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium, Arorangi, Cook Islands

Known as the Land of the Gods, Bali appeals through its sheer natural beauty of looming volcanoes and lush terraced rice fields that exude peace and serenity. It is also famous for being a surfers’ paradise! It enchants with its dramatic dances and colourful ceremonies, its arts, and crafts, to its luxurious beach resorts and exciting nightlife. And everywhere, you will find intricately carved temples.

Surfers love the waves at Nusa Lembongan near Nusa Penida. These islands are a 45 minutes boat trip from Nusa Dua or from Sanur.

The best dive spots can be located at Menjangan island, with its reef flat, anchor wreck, eel garden and caves to explore. Located in the western part of Bali, you can enjoy the rare sight of deer swimming near the beach. Pemutaran is also famous for its diving activities renowned for reef conservation.

Try exploring or trekking the West Bali National Park, where you may get up close and personal with Bali’s rich flora and fauna, such as Jalak Bali or the Bali Starling.

A 3 hour and 45 minute flight from Perth or 5 hours from Melbourne, there is no excuse not to jump on a plane and get your slide of paradise in Bali.

Offering a spa centre and sauna, The Anvaya Beach Resorts Bali is situated in the Kartika Plaza district in Kuta, 500 m from Waterbom Bali. The hotel has an outdoor pool and a private beach area, so you'll be forced to relax in this pretty part of the world.

Image: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Bali, Indonesia

Samui is the third largest Island in Thailand and the largest in an archipelago of more than 80 islands. While Samui is small enough to be circumnavigated in just a couple of hours by motorbike or car, the island features such a variety of beaches and activities that it would be impossible to experience everything in a single visit.

There is no shortage of things to do with cooking courses, yoga instruction, Muay Thai training, scuba diving, and even golf. While there are a few quieter beaches that are ideal for relaxation, particularly those that feature some of the finest 5-star resorts in the world, and some that exude old-world charm, such as Bo Phut with converted, old Chinese shophouses - Koh Samui has developed into its own style of island paradise, retaining much of its natural beauty while offering nearly every imaginable activity or service for the ultimate beach holiday.

To get to Koh Samui, fly 9-10 hours from Australia to Bangkok - you then have two options train or plane. From Bangkok you can take the overnight train to Surat Thani Town, then a ferry from Donsak Pier to Koh Samui and get to one of the piers on the island: Nathon Pier, Lipa Noi Pier, Maenam Pier and Bangrak Pier. Or you can also fly into Koh Samui via Bangkok, although there are other flights available via Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Our pick is the Bo Phut Resort and Spa, a beautiful, contemporary resort located on the Samui island's tranquil northern tip - because what is a magically Thailand trip without experiencing their world-renowned massages!

Image: Bo Phut Resort and Spa, Bo Put, Koh Samui, Thailand

Maui, known also as “The Valley Isle,” is the second largest Hawaiian island. The island beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred ʻĪao Valley, views of migrating humpback whales (during winter months), farm-to-table cuisine and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakalā. It’s not surprising Maui has been voted "Best Island in the U.S." by Condé Nast Traveler readers for more than 20 years.

Maui, with its scenic drives, beautiful beaches, and water sports, is a top destination for tourists in Hawaii. In just one place, you can snorkel with sea turtles, learn to surf, visit a national park, watch the sunrise above the clouds, go wine tasting, attend a luau, rappel down a waterfall, and relax on the beach.

Flights depart regularly from Sydney with 9 hours flying time into Honolulu, and then a short 45 min flight into Maui.

Kaanapali Beach Club is a favourite with lagoon style pool and golf course just down the road, the whole family is sure to have a ball!

Image: Kaanapali Beach Club, Kaanapali, Hawaii, United States

Tenerife Island, is within the Canary Islands in Spain, located in the Atlantic Ocean opposite the north-western coast of Africa. It is the largest of the Canary Islands.

Tenerife is known for having the best beaches in the archipelago. From party beaches to secluded ones, and a few with black volcanic sands, the beaches in Tenerife are worth the hype.

Most beaches here have giant cliff formations surrounded by gorgeous flora that gives visitors a bohemian feel. If you love spending time outdoors, Tenerife is the perfect holiday destination for you. Here you can enjoy a wide range of watersports, lounge on the beach, visit the parks and gardens or even climb a volcano!

To get there you have to venture on the long-haul flight into Europe, but it will be worth your while! Direct flights depart Madrid and are less than 3 hours toTenerife.

The Meliá Jardines del Teide is a wonder to stay at with 12,000m² of tropical gardens! It is adult-only though so the kids will need to sit this one out.

Image: Meliá Jardines del Teide, Costa Adeje, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

With its fantastically favourable climate boasting a mind-blowing 300 days of sunshine, there's never a bad time to visit Malta. Its remarkably mild winters and piercing blue skies make it ideal for long rambles in the lush and verdant countryside, numerous other athletic activities, and mesmerising dives.

Whether you’re a history buff, a night owl, an adrenaline junkie, or simply a rambler wishing to be bowled over by natural splendour, the list of things to do in Malta is endless.

The capital of Malta, Valletta, tops the charts with its mighty fortress built by the formidable order of the Knights Hospitaller, but it’s also bursting with moody art and honey-hued bulwarks. Then comes atmospheric Mdina, the ancient capital, and historic Victoria over on Gozo. From ancient citadels and cathedrals to world-class cuisine and wines, Malta is something special.

Estimate a 24 hour flight via Dubai into Malta, or longer routes around 33 hours via Singapore and Istanbul into Luqa, Malta.

InterContinental Hotels - Malta, an IHG Hotel, located in the prime area of St. George’s Bay in St. Julian's, just seven kilometres from Valletta.

Image: Ocean-front view of Malta

With so many breath-taking islands to choose from, decide on one for the summer that's just around the corner and add another 2 or 3 to your bucket list for the coming years. An island escape like these will be one of the best memories you ever make!