Queensland islands you can drive to

You don’t need to travel overseas for a tropical island holiday – Australia has 8222 islands of its own. And these Queensland islands are only a road trip away.

K'gari (Fraser Island), Queensland

Also known as the largest sand island in the world, the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is a must for travellers. Lying off the coast of Hervey Bay and just south of the Great Barrier Reef’s coral cays, the island stretches for 123km and spans 166,000 hectares. Depending on the length of your stay, try the Great Walk, an eight-day adventure that visits many of Fraser’s freshwater lakes or go 4WDing along 75 Mile Beach. Fraser Island is accessible by car, air, bus and caravan.

Moreton Island, Queensland

Located south of Fraser Island, Moreton Island’s beaches are known for swimming, sandboarding and dolphin spotting. You need a 4WD if you plan on driving on the island as it’s nearly entirely made up of sand with no roads. Travellers intending to stay overnight can camp, try nearby accommodation options or stay at the Tangalooma Island Resort. Those after adventure can swim the wrecks of 17 vessels deliberately sunk to create a snorkelling and dive sites for tourists and to form a breakwall for small boats. If you’re only heading to Moreton Island for the day, try a Tangalooma day trip, you'll need to catch the Moreton Island Ferry from Brisbane.

North Stradbroke Island, Queensland

Only 25 minutes by ferry from Cleveland, Stradbroke Island is an ideal road trip from Brisbane. Affectionately known as ‘Straddie’ by locals, it’s the second-largest sand island in the world behind Fraser Island and is loved by surfers, couples, families and foodies alike for its long beaches, lakes, restaurants and National Parks. There’s a plethora of accommodation options from chalets, cottages, resorts, anchorages and camping available. Those keen to get off the beaten path can also hire a 4WD and explore Straddie at their own pace.