Five Australian Islands That are Great for Kids

Up for a mini-vacay at an idyllic island location but don’t want to leave Aussie shores? To experience a slice of island life for yourself, these kid-friendly destinations will certainly deliver you and your family a fun-filled experience with memories that will last a lifetime. 

Five Australian Islands That are Great for Kids

1. Hamilton Island

Hamilton island
Hamilton Island is a winner when it comes to family-friendly islands.
 

The most popular of the stunning Whitsunday islands, it’s not hard to see why Hamilton Island is such a well-loved family holiday destination. With picturesque stretches of azure water, white sandy beaches and a host of different activities to keep kids of all ages amused, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more vibrant location to take the whole family. Plus, with the Great Barrier Reef right on the doorstep, a day trip to see the sights of Australia’s underwater kingdom is a must-do. 

Kids will love travelling by buggy around the island, partaking in some watersports, visiting the wildlife park and feasting at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants. What more could you ask for?

2. Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island
Say hello to the abundant wildlife at Kangaroo Island.


Got kids who love seeing animals, birds and sea life in their natural habitat, and exploring the dense forest and wetlands? Kangaroo Island in the hugely underrated state of South Australia is the place to go!

Rugged oceanscapes, soaring sand dunes and rocky cliffs combine to create an epic destination that offers fun for the whole family. A guided tour of Seal Bay is a must-do while on the island, as it’s home to a wild colony of sea lions. Older kids will love sandboarding at Little Sahara sand dunes, while younger ones will enjoy pottering about in the water at Stokes or Emu Bay, and soaking up the magic of Vivonne Bay’s natural beauty. The Remarkable Rocks Walk is another non-negotiable sight to drink in whilst on Kangaroo Island.

3. Daydream Island

Daydream Island
We highly recommend Daydream Island for all water-loving kiddies.


Another of the Whitsunday Islands, Daydream is a picture-perfect paradise for families. With its world-famous living reef lagoon that’s home to more than 140 species of marine fish and 82 species of coral, it brings the Great Barrier Reef straight to your front door.

For families looking for a little more adventure, there’s no shortage of water activities on offer. Snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skis, wakeboarding, kneeboarding and banana boat rides are all available on Daydream Island—great for adrenaline junkies who aren’t content with just swimming in the big blue!

The Daydream Island Resort & Spa is rumoured to be one of the best out there for families, with an unrivalled kids club that’s bursting with activities for little ones of all ages.

4. Fraser Island

Fraser Island
Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world.
 

Unique ecosystems, world-famous whale watching and plenty of kid-friendly activities make the World Heritage site of Fraser Island a fantastic one to behold.

Lake McKenzie is majestic with its crystal-clear waters and sandy shores; perfect for frolicking about in the sun. Whale-watching is a popular endeavour from June to November, alongside a host of other mammals and birdlife, while purebred dingoes in their natural habitat are also a sight to see. Kids will also love checking out the Maheno Shipwreck; another unique spot for kids to visit. It’s been there since 1935 when it crashed ashore during a cyclone.

5. Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island
It's strictly no cars allowed on Rottnest Island!
 

Less than a half-hour ferry ride from Fremantle or a little longer from Perth City, Rottnest Island in Western Australia is close to the mainland but feels like a different world. There are no cars allowed on Rottnest other than service vehicles and a few little buses, so most people use it as an opportunity to cycle around the island (fret not—adult trikes, kiddie trailers and seats are available for hire if your child isn’t quite confident on two wheels yet!) and explore the choice of 63 secluded beaches and 20 bays. 

The beaches are very kid-friendly, with calm and shallow waters, while the abundance of snorkelling options makes for an easy activity for older children. Kids will also love trying to spot the native Quokka, a small marsupial that is rumoured to be the happiest animal in the world. And spoiler; they’re absolutely adorable

Other Family Holiday Ideas

Where to Escape to During the School Holidays
Australia's Most Beautiful Campsites
Incredible Experiences you can Only Have in Australia

 

Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!

 

Reviews