Are you sick of holidaying among the crowds? Perhaps you’re worried about the current health concerns surrounding travel and Covid-19. We have the perfect solution – hire your own private island. Hiring an Island can be more affordable than you’d imagine, especially when travelling with a group.
Australia is full of may stunning secluded islands. Some host high-end luxury resorts while others offer the chance to get back to nature in picturesque, tranquil, peaceful environments. We can also arrange private charter flights to these islands as an alternative to commercial flights.
Here’s our list of Australian Islands you can rent for your next memorable occasion. Starting at the most northern point of Australia:
Haggerstone Island, Queensland
You’ll enjoy 42 hectares of privacy surrounded by the pristine, peaceful waters and forest of Great Barrier Reef marine park. Featuring five hand-crafted private escapes blending perfectly into the rustic forest all with uninterrupted views. Haggerstone Island caters for couples or families and groups.
Location: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in far north Queensland, off the Cape York Peninsula in Temple Bay.
Access: Chartered airline only, seaplane or boat
Activities: With miles of white sandy beaches and 2 clear water lagoons right on your doorstep, there is plenty to keep you entertained. From snorkelling the coral garden lagoons, to fishing, diving, kiteboarding, helicopter adventures, waterfall tours, exploring the near-by shipwreck and spotting Green Turtles in the nearby waters, you won’t be disappointed by your stay on Haggerstone Island.
Dining: This is an all-inclusive resort, and all meals are cooked to perfection with local produce.
Rates: Rates vary depending in the season, from $6,800 per night for up to 10 guests, or $7,200 for 12 guests with a 3 to 4 night minimum. (The boat is more comfortable with 10 guests). Rates are inclusive of all meals, daily trips on the 45ft jet boat, full equipment use for snorkelling, kite surfing, spear fishing. Alcohol and transfer costs are additional.
Lizard Island, Queensland
Framed by the corals of the Great Barrier Reef and fringed with idyllic beaches and mangroves, this private island is truly a spectacular holiday destination. With only 40 rooms and villas, Lizard Island can accommodate up to 90 guests.
Location: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Far North Queensland, just north of Cooktown off the Cape York Peninsula.
Access: One-hour flight via chartered airline from Cairns.
Activities: The island offers plenty of activities to keep thrill seekers entertained, from snorkelling, diving, paddle boarding, glass bottom sea kayaking, hiking, tennis, yoga, fishing, spa treatments or visits to the research centre. Guests can also arrange private charters or plan an intimate picnic on one of the many private beaches. For those looking to relax, Lizard Island has multiple stretches of white sand and palm-fringed beaches upon which to stretch out and sunbathe.
Dining: Lizard Island is also renowned for its exquisite dining. Salt Water Restaurant with its 180-degree ocean views boasts a fantastic menu inspired by the freshest local produce. For something different, enjoy a romantic sunset in your own beachside private pavilion with a 7-course degustation menu.
Price: $120,818 per night, sleeping up to 40 guests in a variety of luxurious room types. Lizard Island includes all meals and selected beverages as well as a selection of resort activities. (Three night minimum may apply at various times)
Bedarra Island, Queensland
The height of luxury, this all-inclusive resort features eleven private villas, all nestled in the rainforest and enjoying spectacular ocean views. Each villa has either plunge pools, outdoor private rainforest bathrooms, expansive decks or is located at the water’s edge.
Location: Bedarra Island is located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in North Queensland. It is part of the Family Group of Islands, and is 10km offshore from the coastal town of Mission Beach, halfway between Cairns and Townsville.
Access: One-hour scenic helicopter flight from Cairns or 15-minute scenic helicopter flight from Mission beach or via a 30-minute launch transfer from Mission Beach.
Activities: The island is focused on relaxation but included in your package are sea kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, motorised dinghies, snorkelling gear, fishing equipment, tennis, a gymnasium and multiple rainforest walks. They also offer massages and spa treatments as well as outer Barrier Reef tours and deep-sea fishing charters, or scenic helicopter flights.
Dining: There is an open terrace restaurant on the water where most of your meals are served, and a legendary open bar. Guests can indulge in candle-lit dinners on a private beach or arrange a gourmet hamper in your dinghy and head to a deserted beach for a romantic picnic.
Price: To hire Bedarra Island exclusively, there is a 5-night minimum stay. With 12 villa’s, the island is best suited to 12 couples. The cost is $23,000 per night including all gourmet meals, snacks, and an extensive range of alcoholic beverages including Champagne and Cocktails, launch transfers between Mission Beach and Bedarra. The cost also includes fully stocked in-villa mini bars, unlimited island activities including kayaks, stand up paddle boards, snorkelling equipment, tennis, motorised guest dinghies, gourmet picnic hampers and self-guided rainforest walks. Due to forward booking, advance booking is required.
Orpheus Island Lodge, Queensland
Orpheus Island is an unspoiled tropical paradise surrounded by more than 1,000 hectares of national park and pristine fringing reef stretching across an expansive turquoise coastline. With only 14 retreats, suites and villas, Orpheus Island offers seclusion and privacy.
Location: Located in the Great Barrier Reef just north of Townsville in Queensland, 35km off the coast from the regional town of Ingham.
Access: The only access to Orpheus is via a 30-min picturesque helicopter flight from Townsville.
Activities: There are a myriad of things to keep you entertained from sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkelling, fishing, dinghy tours to private islands, private charters to the Barrier Reef for fishing and snorkelling or scenic helicopter flights to view the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef from above.
Dining: With a hatted restaurant, the resort is an all-inclusive resort offering three gourmet meals prepared daily. Dining is paramount on Orpheus Island, upon arrival guests meet with the Executive Chef to discuss their taste preferences and dietary requirements.
Price: Sleeping 28 people in 14 retreats, Orpheus Island tariff is all-inclusive of meals, beverages and resort activities at $25,350 per night with a two-night minimum.
Elysian Retreat, Whitsundays (Queensland)
The first solar powered resort in the Whitsundays, Elysian Retreat is located on Long Island in a private cove with a rocky beach, surrounded by rainforest and all the magnificence of the Great Barrier Reef. Elysian Retreat is an all-inclusive resort with yoga classes and a magnesium resort pool, it is the perfect place to relax, unwind and detoxify the body.
Location: Elysian Retreat is located on the southern end of Long Island in the Whitsunday Passage, Queensland. Whilst there is another resort on the island, thick rainforest prevents access. Elysian is very secluded because of its location with no day visitors and no access to the retreat apart from in-house guests.
Access: There are a number of ways to access Elysian Retreat.
Via Hamilton Island – Direct helicopter transfer or boat transfer to the island (tide dependent)
Via Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) – Direct helicopter flight to the Island or a 45 min road transfer to Shute Harbour and a boat transfer to the island.
Via Airlie Beach / Shute Harbour – Boat transfer (tide dependent)
Activities: With close proximity to some of Australia’s iconic landmarks including Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef, guests can enjoy sailing charters or helicopter flights or try their hand at diving or snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. Guests can also partake in paddle boarding, kayaking, yoga at the resort or jet ski tours & mountain biking throughout the surrounding islands.
Dining: Meals are prepared with fresh local produce from surrounding areas and even from the resort’s own vegetable garden. Upon arrival guests meet with island hosts to discuss their taste preferences and dietary requirements.
Price: The resort can accommodate up to 20 guests in 10 Villas. Exclusive use of the resort is $6,500 for 2 guests and $300 per additional adult. Inclusions; three gourmet meals daily, non-alcoholic beverages, pre-dinner canapes, unlimited use of all water sports equipment: stand up paddleboards & glass bottom kayaks, snorkelling gear, daily yoga classes and the magnesium resort pool.
Wilson Island, Queensland
The ultimate island castaway experience, Wilson Island is the perfect place to relax, recharge and unwind. A tiny island set in a secluded coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef offering peace and tranquillity with its pristine waters teeming with marine life. Featuring 9 permanent Reef Safari Tents offering privacy and seclusion.
Location: Wilson Island located in Queensland on a natural coral cay in the Southern Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It lies 80km northeast of Gladstone in the warm waters of the Coral Sea.
Access: Wilson Island is accessed via a 25-minute boat ride from Heron Island. To get to Heron Island guests take a 30-minute scenic flight in either a helicopter or seaplane from Gladstone Airport to Heron Island. Or take a 2-hour boat launch from Gladstone Marina (keep in mind this is not the ideal transfer to those prone to seasickness as the swell can be quite large at times.)
Activities: A bucket list experience on Wilson Island is watching turtles laying their eggs or their baby hatchlings emerging from their nests (in season), a truly memorable moment. Other activities include snorkelling, paddle boarding, kayaking, bird watching and a range of organized activities with other guests on request.
Dining: When staying on Wilson Island, all meals, drinks and snacks are included for the entirety of your stay. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything else in between is available including premium Australian beverages at any time, day or night.
Price: Wilson Island boasts 9 Reef Safari Eco-Tents and can accommodate up to 18 guests. $9360 per night with a three-night minimum. Includes all meals and standard beverages, snorkel equipment, return transfers between Heron and Wilson Island. Over Christmas and New Year an $125 per person surcharge applies.
Heron Island, Queensland
World famous for its spectacular coral reef and a sanctuary for an extraordinary variety of marine life, Heron Island is known for its Green Turtle & Loggerhead Turtle experiences. Watch the hatchlings emerge down the beach or the giant turtles lay their eggs (October to March). Heron Island caters to all levels of marine enthusiasts with 20 dive sites easily accessible by boat within minutes of the jetty. A nature lover’s dream, Heron is also home to migrating whales and is a breeding sanctuary for an abundance of bird life.
Location: Heron Island is located 72km off the coast of Gladstone in Queensland.
Access: To get to Heron Island guests take a 30-minute scenic flight in either a helicopter or seaplane from Gladstone Airport to Heron Island. Or take a 2-hour boat launch from Gladstone Marina (keep in mind this is not the ideal transfer to those prone to seasickness as the swell can be quite large at times.)
Activities: The island boasts the Aqua Soul Spa for a little pampering but the majority of activities on Heron Island involve animal encounters, from the unforgettable Turtle laying and hatching to whale watching, bird watching, fishing, snorkelling or diving at one of the many reefs right on your doorstep, you can even hire a kayak and check out the many varieties of rays frequenting the nearby sandy cays.
Guests will enjoy the Sunset cruise with some wine and cheese or the semi-submersible submarine ‘I-Spy’ tour. Home to the University of Queensland Research Station, the island hosts a number of guided walks and education tours with marine biologists and specialists to educate you as well as a Junior Ranger program for kids 7 to 12.
Dining: Heron Island offers a lounge, bar and restaurant for a relaxed dining experience with captivating views and selection of local entertainment, pool tables and a giant chess board.
Price: From $124, 311 for a 3-night stay including breakfast. With 112 rooms and 2 adults in each room. The island holds approximately 300 people, additional children or bedding in rooms would be additional, as is lunch and dinner.
Makepeace Island, Queensland
Richard Branson’s private island, Makepeace Island combines modern contemporary living with traditional tropical island design. The resort can accommodate up to 20 in 3 oversized luxury villas, 4 spacious rooms in the Island House and a unique Boathouse. Each room and villa have been designed for privacy, comfort and relaxation. An all-inclusive resort with mouth watering cuisine prepared by your own private chef.
Location: Makepeace Island is nestled amidst the beautiful Australian wilderness on the Noosa River in Queensland.
Access: Via the Sunshine Coast Airport, transfers included in the all-inclusive tariff including boat transfers during your stay around the Noosa River.
Activities: Within the resort there is a large pool, spa, tennis court, gym, paddle boards, kayaks and walking trails. Upon request, culinary classes and menu tastings can be arranged as well as gourmet picnics at a secluded oasis on the North Shore. Being close to Noosa there are a whole host of activities guests can enjoy just off the island, including; 4WD trips to Fraser Island, Nature walks in the surrounding national parks, the iconic Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo, boutique shopping, day spas, golf and more!
Dinning: The executive chef will create culinary delights in collaboration with you and menus will be designed specifically for you and your guests.
Price: From $13, 200 per night midweek to $18,000 per night weekends & school holidays. Makepeace Island sleeps up to 20 guests in 3 luxury Master Villas and the Island House 4 spacious bedrooms with private ensuites. With full-service staff including your own chef, skipper and host and use of island facilities including kayaks and paddleboards.
Satellite Island, Tasmania
Satellite Island is a unique destination with sheer cliffs and pristine waters teeming with shellfish, oysters and other marine delights. Never before open to the public, Satellite Island is rugged and unspoiled. With fantastic 360°-degree views of this spectacular wilderness, native bush, sheer cliffs and pebbly beaches, Satellite Island provides the perfect private hideaway.
Location: Satellite Island is located in Tasmania, south of Hobart.
Access: 20-minute helicopter scenic flight from Hobart. Alternatively, drive 30 mins from Hobart to Kettering then board the car ferry to stunning Bruny Island. Where you can pick up some local and deliciously fresh supplies for your stay – then meet the island caretaker at Alonnah jetty for the 5-minute crossing to Satellite Island. One last transfer option for the keen sailors, is to cruise or sail from Hobart straight to Satellite Island down the beautiful D’Entrecasteaux Channel.
Activities: Satellite Island is a relaxing escape where time stands still beside a crackling fire pit on your own private jetty. Fill your days with stunning hikes, multiple kayaking adventures, plentiful fishing or shuck your own oyster right off the rock shelf! There are multiple beaches to explore and of course bird watching for the nature lovers, with 2 resident white breasted sea eagles on the island. With more adventures and a winery on the neighbouring Bruny Island.
Dinning: Self-catering facilities are available for you to cook up a storm with the abundance of local produce, alternatively a private chef can be arranged.
Price: The island is available to hire exclusively. Comprising a 3-bedroom Summer House, a 2-bedroom Boat House and a queen-sized Tepee, sleeping 8 to 10 in total. Rates begin at $2050 a night for 2 guests with a 2-night minimum stay. Extra guests are $300pp per night. Rates include gourmet breakfast provisions, pantry with gourmet essentials, an endless supply of wild oysters, kitchen garden, orchard, fishing equipment, kayaks, snorkels, stand up paddle boards, yoga mats, flippers, board games, linen etc and all boat transport to and from the island. Surcharges apply over holiday periods and long weekends.
Watch our Private Island video to see just how spectacular your next holiday could be on one of Australia’s private islands.
<br>Why not combine a charter flight to enhance your private island holiday experience. Get in touch with our team for private jet hire pricing to specific islands.
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private jet point-to-point airfares to popular Australian destinations.
Image credit: Haggerstone Island, Tourism Australia, Lizard Island, Bedarra Island, Orpheus Island, James Vodicka Photography, Wilson Archer Photography, Elysian Resort, Heron Island, Jordan Robis, Alex Kydd, James Vodicka, Wilson Island, Mark Fitz, Jordan Robins, Makepeace Island, Satellite Island.