Australians are being reminded that some of the world’s most celebrated island beaches are found right here at home, following the release of a WA Today Traveller feature highlighting Australia’s top island shorelines.
The article, “Better than overseas: Australia’s 15 greatest island beaches”, showcases the extraordinary quality and diversity of Australia’s island beaches, from powder-white sands and turquoise waters to wild, untamed coastlines the list highlights destinations that rival international beach icons without the need for long-haul travel.
Phil Boyle, Executive General Manager, Customer, Sales and Marketing at SeaLink Marine & Tourism, said Australians are increasingly recognising the value of travelling closer to home.
“There is a growing recognition and appreciation for just how extraordinary Australia’s island and coastal destinations are with many beaches being recognised as world-class right here in our own backyard.
”Our team at SeaLink are blessed to play a key role in connecting travellers to these remarkable places all around Australia,” Mr Boyle said.
SeaLink helps connect guests to some of these stunning locations, including:
- Kangaroo Island (South Australia) The ferry crossing from Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Kangaroo Island is celebrated for its dramatic, largely untouched coastline. Vivonne Bay is regularly ranked among Australia’s best beaches for its powder-white sand and clear, gently shelving waters, while Stokes Bay’s hidden rock passage opens onto a sheltered, family-friendly cove recognised internationally.
- Bruny Island (Tasmania) Reached via a short ferry ride from Kettering, just south of Hobart, Bruny Island offers sweeping beaches, clean southern waters and expansive coastal views. Adventure Bay is the island’s standout, valued for its long arc of sand, generally sheltered conditions and dramatic scenery, while quieter beaches elsewhere provide surf-friendly breaks and a strong sense of remoteness.
- Rottnest Island (Western Australia) A 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle and around 90 minutes from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty, Rottnest Island is home to more than 60 beaches and bays known for their clarity and calm swimming conditions. The Basin, one of Australia’s most photographed beaches, is widely recognised for its turquoise waters and sheltered reef and regularly features in national and international rankings.
- Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays (Queensland) Accessible via Airlie Beach, the Whitsundays region continues to set the benchmark for tropical beach destinations. Whitehaven Beach, famous for its pure white silica sand and swirling shoreline of Hill Inlet, is consistently ranked among the world’s best, while fringing reefs and secluded island coves deliver postcard-perfect coastal experiences.
- K’gari, Fraser Island (Queensland) Accessible by ferry from Hervey Bay, K’gari (Fraser Island) is the world’s largest sand island and home to some of Australia’s most iconic beaches. Seventy-Five Mile Beach is famed for its vast, wild ocean frontage, while Lake McKenzie’s white silica sands and crystal-clear freshwater are among the island’s most photographed natural features, underpinning its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Other island beach destinations not to be missed
Beyond those featured in the WA Today Traveller list, SeaLink also connects travellers to other standout island beaches across Australia, such as:
• North Stradbroke Island (Queensland)
Reached via Brisbane’s bayside ferry terminal at Cleveland, North Stradbroke Island offers a mix of long ocean beaches and calm bays. Cylinder Beach is popular for its reliable surf while remaining family-friendly, while Main Beach is known for its expansive shoreline and seasonal whale sightings.
• Magnetic Island (Queensland)
Only 20 minutes by ferry from Townsville, Magnetic Island combines relaxed bays, fringing reefs and sandy beaches ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Horseshoe Bay and Alma Bay are favourites for their calm waters, coral reefs and laid-back tropical atmosphere.
Together, these destinations and others featured in the WA Today Traveller article showcase the breadth and quality of Australia’s island beaches. From iconic white-sand shores to wild, untamed coastlines, SeaLink can show you that some of the world’s best coastal experiences are found right here, just a short journey across the water.
For more information and to plan your next island escape, visit www.sealink.com.au. island, with visitors staying between 3–10 days and supporting accommodation, restaurants, retail outlets, and tourist attractions.
Marathon Tours & Travel is also working to create additional activations across the island in the days leading up to and following the event. These include a post-race party, a redeveloped race precinct to involve local businesses and sporting clubs, locally produced merchandise, and initiatives aimed at giving back to the Flinders Chase National Park, where the event is hosted.
SeaLink is proud to support this incredible marathon and showcase the natural beauty of Kangaroo Island.
For more information about the Kangaroo Island Marathon and to register or book a tour package, visit www.kangarooislandmarathon.com. For details on SeaLink’s ferry services and travel packages to Kangaroo Island, visit www.sealink.com.au
