Summer special: We have rounded up Australia's most dream-worthy islands

Everyone dreams of an island off an island... And we're pleased to say, in Australia, we're absolutely spoilt for choice. Here's proof. And with summer in full swing, now would be the perfect time to visit one of them.

It's true the Whitsundays is not one island but an archipelago of 74 slices of heaven dotting the Coral Sea. But it's also impossible to pick the best out of them, so we're going to take the liberty of calling out at least two. No one in the region does luxury or caters to families quite like Hamilton Island - from the top-dollar Qualia to the Reef View Hotel with kid-friendly lodgings and rates, there's no dearth of holiday accommodation here. For something smaller with a more isolated vibe, consider Hayman Island, where there's just one resort, InterContinental Hayman Island. Need more? Sailing Whitsundays offers a range of group tours and private charters that drift through the islands. tourismwhitsundays.com.au

Long before social media brought international fame to the cute quokkas of Rotto, the island was drawing WA families from Perth and surrounds with the promise of pristine beaches, quiet coves and untouched flora and fauna you can explore on two wheels. While a flurry of new attractions have opened in recent times - including the beachside Samphire resort with 80 rooms - some of the best aspects of the island remain unchanged and hark back to simpler times. Just make your way to the secluded stretch of Parakeet Bay on the northern tip of the island and feel the old-world Australia all around you. rottnestisland.com

There's no dearth of gorgeous islands off the coast of Tasmania - from wildlife-rich Maria on the east coast to the remote and rugged King in the state's north-west. But when it comes to convenience, no one puts Bruny in the corner. Head to Kettering, south of Hobart, where you can jump on the 20-minute ferry to Bruny. Spend the day visiting historical sites such as the 188-year-old Cape Bruny Lighthouse, fuel up at Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Co or sign up with Bruny Island Cruises for a three-hour wildlife-spotting boat ride. And if you find it hard to leave, just check into Adventure Bay Retreat, with accommodation in a coastal bushland setting. brunyisland.org.au

If you think you need to fly to Hawaii to witness Jurassic Park-worthy scenery, think again. The land of lush forests and mountains that rise like steep walls until they pierce through the clouds, Lord Howe Island is a direct two-hour flight from Sydney. And that convenience is just the tip of the mountain of reasons why everyone should plan a holiday here at least once in their lifetime. Snorkelling, diving, hiking, bird-watching or simply walking barefoot on creamy beaches ... there's no end to the adventures you can experience on Lord Howe. Not to mention world-class accommodation, which ranges from family-friendly Ocean View Apartments to the luxe Capella Lodge with just nine spacious suites. lordhoweisland.info

Comeback stories don't get any better. Devastated by the 2020 bushfires, the tourism industry here has bounced back with unflinching resilience, making the island a hot favourite around the world. After appearing in The New York Times top 10 places to see in 2023, the island has this year been ranked number two on Lonely Planet's must-visit list. Book a room at the Southern Ocean Lodge, which has just reopened after being razed to the ground in the bushfires. Or check into one of the pods, with sweeping sea views, at Wander. Just don't forget to sign up for one of Exceptional Kangaroo Island's tours, which range from bird-watching excursions to food and wine jaunts. tourkangarooisland.com.au

Nature and wildlife, culture and history, hiking and biking trails, and a rollcall of great places to eat and drink ... is there anything Phillip Island - just two hours south of Melbourne - doesn't do? Its world-famous penguin parade draws tourists in big numbers and - at first - it may seem it's hard to get away from the crowds, but look deeper and you'll find there's no shortage of quiet nooks here. Yes, we're looking at you Kitty Miller Bay, with your pristine sands and sweeping coastal views. And not a tourist in sight. visitphillipisland.com.au

Pictures: Tourism Australia; Tourism WA; DNSW; Visit Victoria

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