Gold Coast Islands: A Tropical Paradise

is there an island near gold coast australia

The Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, is known for its beaches, navigable tidal waterways, and surfing spots. It is home to several islands, including South Stradbroke Island, Chevron Island, Fraser Island, and Lizard Island. These islands offer a range of experiences, from nature and wildlife to adventure activities and relaxing vacations. South Stradbroke Island, also known as South Straddie, is particularly popular for its surfing spots and natural scenery. Chevron Island, located in the Nerang River, offers a charming village atmosphere with a variety of dining and shopping options. Fraser Island, part of the Great Sandy National Park, boasts unique beauty and fauna, including dune lakes and towering sand dunes. Lizard Island, located off the coast of Queensland, is a tropical paradise known for its pristine beaches and Great Barrier Reef adventures. These islands provide diverse options for travellers seeking relaxation, outdoor exploration, or thrilling activities near the Gold Coast.

Characteristics Values
Popular islands near Gold Coast, Australia South Stradbroke Island, Chevron Island, Fraser Island, Lizard Island, Russell Island, Southern Moreton Bay Islands, Ephraim Island, Lady Elliot Island
South Stradbroke Island's location 200 metres across The Seaway from The Spit, at the northern end of the Gold Coast
South Stradbroke Island's size 1800-hectare
South Stradbroke Island's population 41
South Stradbroke Island's wildlife Golden Wallabies, Agile Wallabies, Sand Wallabies
South Stradbroke Island's activities Surfing, beach fishing, camping, bushwalking
Gold Coast's inland beaches Southport, Budds Beach, Marine Stadium, Currumbin Alley, Tallebudgera Estuary, Jabiru Island, Paradise Point, Harley Park Labrador, Santa Barbara, Boykambil, Evandale Lake

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South Stradbroke Island

The island is known for its diverse scenery, including sand dunes, livistona rainforest, freshwater marshlands, and melaleuca wetlands. It is home to a variety of wildlife, such as the golden wallaby, agile wallaby, and sandy wallaby. The surrounding waters are visited by dugongs, turtles, and humpback whales between June and October. Bandicoots, echidnas, and owls are also part of the island's ecosystem.

Travel to South Stradbroke Island is exclusively by boat, with various options available. Visitors can book a ferry from Mariner's Cove at Main Beach, hire a boat or water taxi, or even paddle across The Seaway like the locals, if they're feeling adventurous. The island is a hidden gem, offering a tranquil escape with stunning natural surroundings.

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Lizard Island

The island is surrounded by turquoise waters and 24 secluded white-sand beaches, offering an unparalleled connection to the Great Barrier Reef. Lizard Island provides access to some of the world's best dive sites, including the famous Cod Hole. The diving here is considered to be some of the best in the world, with the opportunity to explore the vibrant coral gardens, giant clams, and diverse marine life of the Great Barrier Reef.

The resort on Lizard Island offers a range of luxurious accommodations, including beachfront suites and elevated ocean-view villas. Each space is designed to complement the natural beauty of the island and provide guests with privacy, serenity, and breathtaking views. The rooms are equipped with modern amenities, such as Bose sound systems, CD players, and iPod connectivity. Some villas even feature private plunge pools.

Guests at Lizard Island can indulge in a wide range of activities and experiences. They can discover secluded beaches by foot or explore the surrounding waters through snorkelling, diving, or glass-bottom boat tours. The resort also offers sunset cruises, game fishing, tennis courts, walking trails, and a relaxing day spa with a range of treatments. Dining on the island is a highlight, with tailored dining experiences, five-course tasting menus, and daily changing menus featuring fresh catches of the day.

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Fraser Island

The island has a rich history, with archaeological evidence showing that Aboriginal Australians occupied K'gari at least 5,000 years ago. The first recorded Briton to sight K'gari was James Cook, who passed along the coast of the island in May 1770. Matthew Flinders sailed past the island in 1799 and again in 1802, landing at Sandy Cape. In 1847, Lieutenant Robert Dayman became the first European to sail between K'gari and the mainland.

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Russell Island

The island has a number of heritage-listed sites, including the Russell Island State School, which opened in 1916. The school building was relocated from Pine Ridge (near Southport) and originally measured 21 by 14 feet (6.4 by 4.3 metres). In its first year, the school had 17 students from eight families. The school continues to use the original building, which has since been extended and repaired.

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Chevron Island

The Gold Coast is a major film production hub in Queensland, accounting for 75% of the state's film industry since the 1990s. It has served as the filming location for popular movies such as "Muriel's Wedding," "Scooby-Doo," "Superman Returns," and "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales." The region also offers a range of recreational activities, including surfing, fishing, cycling, boating, and golf.

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Frequently asked questions

Some islands near the Gold Coast in Australia include South Stradbroke Island, Fraser Island, Lizard Island, Russell Island, Southern Moreton Bay Islands, Chevron Island, Lady Elliot Island, Ephraim Island, and Jabiru Island.

South Stradbroke Island is known for its surfing, fishing, and bushwalking. It is also one of the few places on Australia's east coast where you can watch both the sunrise and sunset.

Fraser Island is known for its natural beauty, including rainforests that grow on sand dunes, freshwater dune lakes, and enormous dunes. It is a great place for snorkelling and scuba diving.

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