10 island escapes you can get to without a passport
When it comes to tropical island escapes, Australia’s many hidden gems located just off-shore are often overlooked. There are some 8,222 islands floating around the coast of Australia, yet according to research conducted by Wotif, most Australian island holidays are taken overseas. With this in mind, we thought it was time you gave your island hit list a refresher—dip your toes into these tropical island waters and relish in the fact that no passport (or trip through immigration) is required.
1. Bremer Island
When you think of the Northern Territory, you don’t necessarily think ‘tropical island escape’. Enter stereotype-breaking Bremer Island, a remote costal retreat off the north coast of NT. The island is known for its natural beaches, rich culture and incredible fishing.
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2. Kangaroo Island
Famous for the white sand that lines its beaches and shimmering blue water, Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia is perhaps one of Australia’s most beautiful places to visit. If you count yourself lucky, you might just see a kangaroo hop by on its namesake island.
3. Lorde Howe Island
As the only heritage listed island on this list, you just know a visit to Lord Howe Island is going to be particularly special. Super exclusive, the island only allows 400 people to visit at any given time. The island has a sheltered lagoon on the western side, and surfers will enjoy the breaks that are spread along the eastern side of the island.
Magnetic Island
Known by locals as ‘Maggie’, many people say Magnetic Island is the sunniest place on the Sunshine Coast. With almost 50 per cent of the island dedicated to Magnetic Island National Park, much of the rainforest-meets-tropics landscape remains relatively untouched.
5. Norfolk Island
Floating some 1,500 kilometres off the coast of Brisbane, Norfolk Island is the quintessential Australian escape, with no passport required. Sitting so far north, with waters protected by reefs, the land and water temperature remains relatively temperate all year round.
6. Orpheus Island
Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Orpheus Island is about as picturesque as it gets. The only way to the island is via private helicopter transfer from Townsville or Cairns, so you’re guaranteed to feel isolated in tranquillity.
7. Phillip Island
Famous for its fairy penguins and Grand Prix racing (it is just off the coast of Melbourne, after all), Phillip Island is an easy day or weekend trip for Aussies. The best part? You can leave the passport and an airfare at home; the Island is just a short drive over the bridge from mainland town San Remo.
8. Rottnest Island
Home to one of Australia’s best beaches, but perhaps more famous for its resident Quokkas (search #quokkaselfie, you won’t regret it), Rottnest Island is an easy 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle.
9. Long Island
Not to be confused with the stretch of land off the coast of Manhattan, or a certain cocktail that is guaranteed to make or break a night out, Long Island is part of the Whitsundays in Queensland. Despite what its name might suggest, the island is actually only nine kilometres in length, yet it manages to pack in pristine beaches lined with coconut palms, a national park and several reefs that are perfect for snorkelling.
Image credit: Instagram.com/luschoz
Heron Island
Heron Island is a World Heritage Listed Marine National Park, so if you enjoy natural beauty, this island escape will be your paradise. The island is located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, so snorkelling and diving are absolute must-do activities.
Image credit: Instagram.com/heronisland
(All other images: supplied.)