Mackerel Islands
The Mackerel Islands are a collection of 10 tiny islands off the coast of northwestern Australia with a penchant for marine life and the underwater world. They are accessible via a 45-minute crossing from Onslow. Surrounded by coral reefs, this beautiful place is a diver’s paradise with incredible marine life. This place is so remote that it is mostly pristine except for those working on the first traverse. Whales, dolphins, groupers, stingrays, wobbegongs, turtles, and more are your chance to see nature at its best. Not a diver? At this point you can also go snorkeling with incredible views.
Lizard Island
Lizard Islands is a secluded paradise on the Northern Great Barrier Reef. While it is not totally secret, it is limited to only a few people at any one time. There are no crowds here because this picture-perfect stretch of white sand and turquoise waters is directly on your doorstep. The reef is right there, so you can spend most of your time in the water. The best parts are all right there too: swimming or snorkeling, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding, floating around in a motorized dinghy or just lying back in the sand.
Satellite Island
Before it was turned into a rural, unique getaway spot, Satellite Islands was reserved as a private family retreat. This private island showcases some of Tasmania’s best scenery, surrounded by sparkling waters and stunning cliffs. Accessible only by private boat from Bruny Island, it’s fair to say that not many people have set foot on Satellite Island. There are only a few carefully designed homes here. Here you can get the full island treatment. That means no Wi-Fi and a low-key lifestyle. This small island off the southeast coast of Tasmania requires zooming in quite a bit to locate it on the map first. Once you arrive, it’s a true insight into the rural way of life. Learn how to shell an oyster, make a fire, dive in for clams, and more.
Bruny Island
Bruny, off the coast of Hobart, Tasmania, is an off-the-beaten-path destination for many visitors to Australia. With its menacing cliffs and dramatic scenery, Bruny Island is a photographer’s paradise. Especially if you are interested in animals, you can see a variety of rare creatures such as fur seals, fairy penguins, albatrosses and wedge-tailed eagles. Spend your time wandering into deep sea caves and watching dolphins and whales swim around while enjoying some of Australia’s most highly rated cheeses alongside delicious wines and freshly shucked oysters.
Norfolk Island
Norfolk is technically part of Australia, but it takes a little more coordination to find this spot in the Pacific Ocean between New Zealand and New Caledonia. It features everything most loved about the South Pacific—rainbow coral reefs, beautiful beaches hidden around each corner, and breathtaking scenery in every direction. Wander through fields full of ferns taller than any other tree on Earth and admire the vibrant rare birds flying high above. Many guests say that Norfolk Island is a little like a trip back in time due to its bucolic setting, and with pristine nature and delicious seafood, it’s easy to see why.
Bare Sand Island
Bare Sand is a small and uninhabited island located at the end of a chain of islands around 30 miles away from Darwin. Turtles nest on this uninhabited island, which makes it a habitat for many other species as well. While you likely wouldn’t stay overnight on Bare Sand Island due to its lack of infrastructure, it is a beautiful day trip for those who have an interest in animals and the natural world. Arrive here just before sunset or sunrise and wander around looking for turtle tracks. This is an important nesting ground for these creatures, and you may even get to watch the mothers giving birth. The highlight of this magical spot is watching the sunset from the beach on Bare Sand Island. The waters around the island are full of creatures that are slightly faster and more aggressive, such as saltwater crocodiles and box jellyfish.
Long Island
Long Island is a 5.6-mile-long island off the mainland of Queensland, Australia. It is 400 meters wide at its widest point and covers 12.4 miles of land. In 2014, the island, was cut off from visitors and made private. It is known as one of the prettiest islands in the area. With secret beaches, dense bushland, and white sand dotted with pink shells. If you like walking in the bush, you’ll love exploring Long Island’s 12 miles of land. If you want to enjoy endless blue waters, there are plenty of parasailing, water skiing and boat trips. You can also see dolphins, tropical fishes and turtles.
All these Islands mentioned are the least visited, I am planning to visit some of them, and also Everest base camp trek and Everest climb are on my bucket list. Thanks to f95zonetimes for giving me an opportunity to publish the article.
