Leslie Massey
Australia is often referred to as an island continent, but it is not considered an island in the traditional sense. However, there are thousands of islands surrounding the Australian mainland. Tasmania, a large island state off the southeast coast of Australia, is home to 334 islands and islets, with a population of 570,000. Other notable islands include K'gari, the world's largest sand island, and Lord Howe Island, a small island 600 kilometres east of the mainland known for its diverse landscapes and unique wildlife. Australia's islands offer a range of attractions, from the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island to the historic sites of Norfolk Island.
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What You'll Learn
Tasmania, the large island state
Tasmania is a large island state off the southeast coast of mainland Australia. It is home to around 570,000 people and covers 64,519 square kilometres, making it the largest island within Australia's maritime borders. The main island, sometimes referred to as the "Tasmanian mainland", includes 94% of the state's land area. There are 334 islands or islets within the state of Tasmania, each offering unique attractions and natural wonders.
The state boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from its famous wilderness and wildlife to its culinary delights. Bruny Island, for example, offers a unique combination of wilderness, wildlife, and gourmet food and wine experiences. Visitors can explore the wild coastline and seal colonies, hike cliff-top trails, and indulge in local cheeses, oysters, and premium wines.
Tasmania's offshore islands are also known for their rich biodiversity, particularly their seabird populations. The state's islands provide important habitats and breeding grounds for various seabird species, as documented in "Tasmania's Offshore Islands: Seabirds and Other Natural Features".
In addition to its natural attractions, Tasmania has a rich cultural and historical heritage. The Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area on Norfolk Island is one of 11 historic sites that form the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property. The state also offers cultural experiences such as the Bounty Folk Museum and the Captain Cook Monument.
Tasmania's main island, with its substantial land area and population, plays a significant role in the state's overall character and identity. While it does not have a defined name, it is commonly referred to as the "Tasmanian mainland", reflecting its centrality to the state.
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Lord Howe Island, a small island in the Tasman Sea
Lord Howe Island is a small island in the Tasman Sea, 600 kilometres (370 miles) east of the Australian mainland. It is an irregularly crescent-shaped volcanic remnant, with two peaks, Mounts Gower and Lidgbird, at its southern end. The island is about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) long and between 0.3 and 2 kilometres (0.19 and 1.24 miles) wide, with an area of 14.55 square kilometres (3,600 acres).
The island is part of the Australian state of New South Wales and is named after Richard Howe, the 1st Earl Howe. It was discovered in 1788 and named for Admiral Lord Howe by Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball of the British Navy. The island was first settled in 1834 and became a supply station for whalers. Today, the island’s main income is derived from tourism, with regularly scheduled flights to and from the mainland.
Lord Howe Island is the highly eroded remains of a 7-million-year-old shield volcano, the product of eruptions that lasted for about 500,000 years. It is one of a chain of islands that occur on the western rim of an undersea shelf, the Lord Howe Rise, which is 3,000 kilometres (1,900 miles) long and 300 kilometres (190 miles) wide. The shelf is part of Zealandia, a microcontinent nearly half the size of Australia that gradually submerged after breaking away from the Gondwanan supercontinent.
The island has a semi-enclosed, sheltered coral reef lagoon with white sand, the most accessible of its 11 beaches. The north and south sections of the island are high ground covered by relatively untouched forest. The south comprises two volcanic mountains, with Mount Gower rising to 875 metres (2,871 feet) as the island's highest point. Most of the island's population lives in the north, where the terrain includes a mix of sand dunes, wetlands, crystal-clear lakes, and dense rainforests.
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K'gari, the world's largest sand island
K'gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, is the world's largest sand island. Located off the coast of southern Queensland, Australia, K'gari stretches over 123 kilometres in length and 22 to 25 kilometres at its widest point. The island is part of the Wide Bay-Burnett region of Queensland and lies approximately 250 kilometres north of Brisbane, the state capital.
K'gari is characterised by its diverse landscapes, ranging from freshwater lakes to sand dunes, wetlands, crystal-clear lakes, and dense rainforests. The island is also known for its coloured sands, which have been stained by decayed vegetation over thousands of years. Some deposits are estimated to be up to eight million years old. The eastern beach's "The Cathedrals" is an excellent example of this process.
The island is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including a small number of mammal species and a diverse range of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The sand dunes on the island are formed by sandblowing, with parabolic dunes moving across the island due to the wind. The dunes are devoid of vegetation and move at a rate of 1 to 2 metres per year, growing to a height of 244 metres. The dune movement creates overlapping dunes and sometimes intersects with waterways and forests.
K'gari has a rich cultural history and is part of the traditional lands of the Butchulla people, who named the island "K'gari", meaning "paradise". In their tradition, K'gari "is a beautiful white spirit" who "provides food, water, and shelter", and in return, the Butchulla people "protect and preserve her". In 1847, European settlers named the island "Fraser Island" after Captain James Fraser, whose ship, the Stirling Castle, was shipwrecked on the island in 1836.
Today, K'gari is a popular tourist destination, attracting up to 500,000 visitors each year. It was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1992 and is recognised for its unique natural landscapes and attractions. The island offers some of the best four-wheel driving adventures in the country, with endless beach runs and cross-country tracks to explore.
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Norfolk Island, with its Mt Pitt lookout
Australia is often referred to as an island continent, with thousands of islands within its maritime borders. One such island is Norfolk Island, a small island state located within the Norfolk Island National Park. It boasts lush greenery, stunning coastlines, and the Mount Pitt lookout point.
The Mount Pitt lookout offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can hike to the lookout, taking in the natural beauty of the island along the way. The terrain can be uneven, so comfortable shoes are recommended for the journey. The lookout provides a peaceful setting to relax and admire the scenery, with 360° views of the entire island. In the foreground, there's a sea of green grass and Norfolk Island pines, while in the distance, the green gives way to the blue of the South Pacific, with Phillip and Nepean islands visible on the horizon.
The Mount Pitt lookout is also known for its stunning sunsets and sunrises, with the changing colours of the sky creating a magical ambiance. Visitors are advised to bring their cameras to capture these unforgettable moments. The lookout is accessible by car or bus, and it is a short walk or hike from the parking area to the lookout point. It is located at 320 metres above sea level, making it the second-highest point on the island, just one metre shorter than neighbouring Mount Bates.
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Kangaroo Island, a nature lover's paradise
The island boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including iconic Australian animals such as koalas, kangaroos, sea lions, seals, and wallabies. At the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, visitors can get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures, feeding kangaroos and even cuddling koalas. The park also offers interactions and keeper talks, providing a deeper understanding of the local wildlife.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, guided tours on the island offer the opportunity to observe sea eagles and ospreys, explore ancient fossil beds, and swim with bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. The Remarkable Rocks, perched atop a granite dome emerging from the ocean, offer a dramatic natural sculpture that is not to be missed. The Lathami Conservation Park is another highlight, where visitors can spot wallabies and learn about their conservation efforts.
The island also provides a unique opportunity to witness the world's largest sand island, K'gari, located just off the coast of southern Queensland. This pristine island boasts diverse landscapes, from freshwater lakes and sand dunes to crystal-clear lakes and dense rainforests. The coloured sands of K'gari, stained by decayed vegetation over millions of years, are a truly remarkable sight.
In addition to its wildlife and natural attractions, Kangaroo Island also offers a hyper-local food and beverage scene. With its bountiful farmlands, the island provides a unique culinary experience for visitors. The Southern Ocean Lodge, known for its private historic cottage, offers a tranquil setting to enjoy the island's natural beauty while sipping on a glass of wine.
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Frequently asked questions
Tasmania is a large island state off the southeast coast of mainland Australia. The main island of Tasmania makes up 94% of the state's land area and is sometimes referred to as the "Tasmanian mainland". There are 334 islands within the state of Tasmania, each with a land area greater than 100 hectares.
Australia has 8,222 islands within its maritime borders, ranging from small rocks barely peeking above the tide to islands over twice the size of the Australian Capital Territory. Some notable islands include:
- K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), the world's largest sand island
- Kangaroo Island, a nature lover's paradise off the coast of South Australia
- Rottnest Island, a sanctuary with 63 beaches and friendly quokkas, a short ferry ride from Perth
- Lord Howe Island, a small island in the Tasman Sea, 600km east of the Australian mainland, known for its world-class hiking and snorkelling
Tasmania's islands offer a unique combination of wilderness, wildlife, and culinary delights. On Bruny Island, you can cruise to seal colonies, explore cliff-top trails, and sample gourmet produce.
Australia's islands offer a range of experiences, from nature and wildlife encounters to culinary delights and outdoor adventures. Here are some highlights:
- Phillip Island, off the coast of Victoria, is famous for its nightly Penguin Parade and the Koala Conservation Centre.
- Lizard Island, nestled in the Great Barrier Reef, offers incredible snorkelling and diving opportunities, such as swimming with grey reef sharks at Cod Hole.
- The Whitsunday Islands, part of the Great Barrier Reef, boast luxurious tropical escapes and sailing adventures.
