5 Vacation Islands Near Sydney
NSW has so much to offer, including dreamy tropical and native bush islands that are an easy hop from Sydney. So let’s take a look at the top 5 most unique islands from lux to a budget for a mini vacation.
- LORD HOWE ISLAND
A tranquil paradise, Lord Howe Island welcomes just 400 visitors at any time.
Lord Howe island has turquoise water, serene lagoons, rich subtropical rainforests, white sandy beaches, towering volcanic peaks, and lush forests. It is encircled by the world’s most southerly coral reef, making it perfect for swimming, snorkelling, diving, kayaking, fishing, surfing, and paddle-boarding.
The unique ecosystem is home to rare flora and fauna, 207 different bird species, over 500 species of fish, and 90 different corals. Lord Howe island also features one of the world’s best day hikes, Mount Gower at 875m. And Admiralty Islands considered one of the best diving spots in Australia.
Accommodation ranges from countless Airbnb options to luxury eco-lodges. resorts and even glamping.
How to get there: QantasLink flies directly to Lord Howe Island daily from Sydney, twice weekly from Brisbane and weekly from Port Macquarie.
2. BROUGHTON ISLAND
Not only does this dreamy island offer plenty of opportunities for scuba diving, fishing, snorkelling, swimming and sandy beaches, it also offers a unique camping experience.
There are just five campsites on Broughton Island. Accessible by private boat only. Tour operators in Port Stephens can drop you off and pick you up. With only five campsites, make sure you book ahead through NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
3. MONTAGUE ISLAND
Fancy having an island to yourself for a night? Montague Island is a National Park where you can spend a night in the restored Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage.
Accessible via tour boat from Narooma, the operator will drop you off and pick you up the next day so you’ll have the island all to yourself for the night. Montague Island is home to hundreds of seals and more than 90 bird species along its shoreline. Tour operators can arrange snorkelling with seals, and visiting the lighthouse and penguin and seal colonies.
4. DANGAR ISLAND
The forested Hawkesbury River island is an ideal weekend escape, there are no private cars permitted, it is only 29 hectares after all, and takes less than five minutes to walk from one side to the other.
The island has plenty of luxurious ‘river access only’ properties to choose from. Home to just one café and a bowling club, spend your days exploring by foot or bicycle, and swimming, fishing and kayaking in the sparkling waters.
A popular tourist destination and easy to get to via the Brooklyn Ferry, whose wharf is right next to the Hawkesbury River train station. Ferry Wharf, Dangar Rd, Brooklyn 2083.
5. SCOTLAND ISLAND
On Sydney’s Northern Beaches is the picturesque Scotland Island on Pittwater. It’s the a perfect mini vacation island. Accessible by the Church Point Ferry, or private boat.
There are plenty of accomodation options. Check out the luxury Scotland Island House or or Airbnb stay in a holiday house and enjoy bushwalking to secluded bays.
