Queensland’s Exclusive Island Escapes

The tropical islands off Queensland’s coast are akin to paradise. Step onto the palm fringed beaches, bathe in the crystal clear waters and truly revive at these exclusive island escapes:

Hamilton Island

The only island in the Whitsundays with an airport, Hamilton Island is an easy to access destination for serious relaxation. Stay at the luxurious Qualia, relax by the pool, snorkel and dive at the nearby reef or cruise to the pristine white sands of Whitehaven beach, located 30 minutes away by yacht.

Haggerstone Island

This remote island in the Great Barrier Reef, 600km north of Cairns accommodates a maximum of 12 guests. Switch off completely enjoy daily expeditions including spearfishing, exploring sand dunes, snorkelling and waterfall hopping via helicopter.

Makepeace Island

One of Queensland’s most conveniently located islands, Makepeace Island is just a 15-minute boat ride from Noosa Marina in the middle of the Noosa River. Owned by Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Australia Co-Founder Brett Godfrey, Makepeace accommodates just 20 guests. Combining the luxury of an island resort with the comfort of a (billionaire) friend’s home, it is complete with a lagoon pool, spa, tennis court and an outdoor cinema.

Orpheus Island

Accessible by helicopter only, and with a maximum capacity of just 28 guests, this is the ultimate in secluded luxury. Located 80km north of Townsville, Orpheus Island’s dive sites are home to over 1,100 species of fish, 340 varieties of hard corals and some of the region’s largest collections of soft corals, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling sans other tourists.

Lizard Island

Seek refuge at one of Lizard Island’s 40 suits and villas. Escape at one the island’s 24 private beaches, dive into deep reef waters and swim with colourful fish 240km off the coast of Cairns. The lifestyle here is geared towards relaxing with guided nature walks, spa treatments and a daily gourmet menu all designed to help you revive.

Bedarra Island

Bedarra’s ten guest villas are nestled in thick rainforest, 10km from Mission Beach. Take a self-guided walk through the island’s 45 hectares of rainforest, explore beaches, kayak fringing reefs, and take a day trip to snorkel the outer Great Barrier Reef.

Hayman Island (closed until 2019 due to cyclone)

Choose a suite, villas or penthouse to suit your style and be amongst the lucky few to truly indulge at this all-inclusive resort. Take your pick of the island’s restaurants and bars, have hit of tennis, go sailing or scuba diving, snorkel the coral sea or practice your putting.

Image Credits: Tourism & Events Queensland