4 Aussie islands you can book exclusively, for less than you think

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Think private islands are only for billionaires? Think again.

There’s nothing better than gathering a group of your best mates and heading off for a summer holiday. But battling it out for campsites, squeezing into tiny hotel rooms or lining up for the hostel bathroom can rain on the parade a little.

What if you could rent an entire private island instead? That’s right, there are several stunning islands around Australia that can be completely booked out by you and your mates. And before you assume it’s too expensive, you might want to take a look at these prices…

Three Hummock Island

Three Hummock Island

Three Hummock Island features a wild, untouched coastline.

One of the most idyllic to book is Three Hummock Island off the north-west coast of Tasmania. Accessed only via boat or plane, this little slice of Tassie paradise can accommodate up to 12 guests across four bedrooms for approximately $180 each a night. You’ll have the 9307-hectare island to yourself, including a fully equipped kitchen (private chef included at an additional cost), indoor fireplace, barbecue and all toiletries/bathroom amenities. Spend your days surrounded by nature and wildlife, going bushwalking, wild swimming, and snorkelling before settling in by the firepit come evening.

Picnic Island

Picnic Island

You and your friends can enjoy the tranquillity of untouched beaches and a peaceful atmosphere.

A little further south you’ll find Picnic Island, just off the coast of Tassie’s picturesque Freycinet Peninsula. The secluded retreat, set in the tranquil waters of Coles Bay, offers stunning views of the granite mountains that form the backdrop of Freycinet National Park. It accommodates up to 10 guests across five bedrooms.

While rates depend on numbers, prices can be cheaper than some hotels (approximately $330 each, per night); and why have a private room when you can have an entire island to yourself? Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and seals who regularly visit.

Fraser Island Retreat

Fraser Island Retreat

This private haven offers the perfect setting for relaxation and creating unforgettable memories together.

Back on the mainland, you’ll find the lakeside Fraser Island Retreat in Victoria’s gorgeous Gippsland Lakes region. If you’re looking for something a little more luxe, this is the one for you. The charming homestead boasts 11 bedrooms that can accommodate up to 34 guests.

You’ll have access to a grand dining hall, refrigeration room, fully equipped kitchen, wine cellar, two tennis courts, a golf course and a pool with a gazebo. Current booking prices sit between $2500 and $3250 per night, meaning the maximum amount of guests would be paying just $74 to $96 each.

Pumpkin Island

Pumpkin Island

Pumpkin Island is a hidden gem in the Southern Great Barrier Reef. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

If the Great Barrier Reef is more up your alley, check out Pumpkin Island, just 14 kilometres off the coast of Yeppoon. With five self-catering cottages, two beach bungalows, shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen and optional catering packages, it comfortably accommodates up to 34 people.

Complete beach access means activities like snorkelling, fishing, paddleboarding and kayaking are available around the clock. And at $4195 a night, it works out to be roughly $124 each a night.

Looking for something different off the Queensland coast? Pelorus Private Island, Orpheus Island, Bedarra Island, Makepeace Island, Wilson Island and Haggerstone Island are also available for private bookings.

Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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Win 1 of 10 luxury holidays worth over $38,000!

What’s better than booking your dream holiday? Winning it, of course!

Enter the 2025 Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards for your chance to win big in our mega prize giveaway!

To celebrate our Readers’ Choice Awards, we have curated 10 incredible travel prizes worth $38,871 to give away, to inspire you to explore Australia.

Please note: you will not be able to choose which prize you win.The winners will be contacted after the competition closes and announced in issue 108 (on sale from 3 November 2025).

Read the general competition terms and conditions, as well as the Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards terms and conditions, before you enter. You only need to enter the giveaway once.

Entries for this competition close at 5 pm AEST on 25 September 2025.

Intrepid Travel | JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa | Pair’d Margaret River | Kingfisher Bay Resort | Prancing Horse | Star RV | Lancemore | The Fullerton Hotel Sydney | Glenayr Farm | Taronga Zoo

Intrepid Travel’s six-day exploration of Tasmania’s Cradle Coast worth $6430

Intrepid-Travel-Tasmania-Cradle-Mountain-leader

Explore the edge of the world on this six-day exploration of Tasmania’s untamed Cradle Coast.

Discover the wild and rugged beauty of Australia’s most southern state on Intrepid Travel’s Best of Tasmania’s Tarkine & Cradle Mountain trip. The ultimate six-day escape for two loops in Tarkine/Takayna rainforest, a Cradle Mountain hike and inspired pit stops along the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail. Spot wombats, stargaze in remote stays, and connect with Indigenous culture in stunning national parks. Includes accommodation, select meals, and unforgettable scenery.

What’s included?

  • Hotel stay (four nights)
  • Cottage stay (one night)
  • Five breakfasts
  • One lunch
  • Two dinners
  • Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail sampling fresh raspberries, cheese, ice cream and brews along the way

A luxury stay at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa worth $5280

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa_ Saltwater Lagoon Ariel View

Enjoy white sandy beaches, a swim-up grotto and waterfalls.

Treat your other half to a long weekend away in an Ocean View Executive Suite at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. Enjoy daily breakfast for two at Citrique restaurant, a signature massage or facial at Spa by JW, and a three-course dinner with wine pairing at the award-winning Citrique. This unforgettable experience also includes complimentary self-parking so you can get out and explore while on the Goldie.

What’s included?

  • Three-night stay in an Ocean View Executive Suite
  • Breakfast daily for two in Citrique Restaurant
  • Signature massage or facial for two at Spa by JW
  • Three-course dinner with wine pairing for two in the award-winning Citrique Restaurant
  • Self-parking

A Pair’d festival getaway in Margaret River worth $5000

Beach club at Pair'd Margaret River

Enjoy diverse programming at Pair’d. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Win a three-night luxury escape for two at Smiths Beach Resort during the annual Pair’d Margaret River Festival. Enjoy return flights to Busselton, admission to select signature events from 21–23 November, and access to the best of the region’s bounty. This prize also includes exclusive Pair’d merch – everything you need for the ultimate festival adventure in the heart of WA’s iconic Margaret River Region.

Pair’d is Western Australia’s top wine and food festival, designed with a ‘wine first’ approach. This festival brings together the best of culinary, music and cultural experiences, all thoughtfully curated by sommeliers to create an unforgettable celebration of the senses.

What’s included?

  • Three-night luxury stay at Smiths Beach Resort, nestled on the pristine coastline of the Margaret River Region
  • Festival ticket pack to select signature events across the weekend of 21–23 November
  • Return flights to Busselton, flying into the heart of the region
  • Exclusive Pair’d merchandise, perfect for your weekend adventure

The ultimate K’gari adventure worth $5000

Lake McKenzie aerial shot on K'gari

Paradise awaits on K’gari.

Pack that floppy hat and factor 50+ sunscreen for five unforgettable days on World Heritage-listed K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). This epic prize includes airport transfers, ferry transport to the island, three nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort and one night at K’gari Beach Resort.

This ultimate island escape includes two days of guided 4WD touring, daily buffet breakfasts, touring lunches, national park fees and tickets to the magical Illumina light and sound show.

What’s included?

  • Return airport transfers to River Heads / Hervey Bay Airport
  • Return passenger ferry transfer
  • Three nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort
  • One night at K’gari Beach Resort
  • Full days of guided 4WD coach touring including lunch, National Park fees and permits
  • Daily buffet breakfast
  • Illumina light show experience

A $5000 supercar escape with Prancing Horse

Red Ferrari driving down road with Palm trees.

Drive an unparalleled collection of supercars on exclusive driving experiences across Australia.

Buckle up for the drive of a lifetime with Prancing Horse luxury driving experiences. Take the wheel of the world’s most coveted supercars – think Ferrari, McLaren or Lamborghini – for a breathtaking spin through one of six spectacular Australian regions. The ultimate road trip for two lucky rev-heads includes curated routes with gourmet dining, luxury hotels and jaw-dropping scenery.

What’s included?

  • Gourmet dining at award-winning restaurants
  • Exceptional hospitality and some of the most exciting driving roads in Australia

A seven-day Star RV motorhome getaway worth over $4300

Star RV Polaris 2 MountCook 1 NZ

This is your chance to live the van life dream. (Image: Clint Trahan)

Ready to hit the road? Win a seven-day adventure in a premium Star RV Polaris 6 motorhome valued at more than $4300. Choose to explore Australia or New Zealand with unlimited kilometres, 24/7 roadside assistance, basic insurance and a fully equipped home on wheels that sleeps six. The swanky motorhome is decked out with a full kitchen, bathroom, air-conditioning and outdoor gear included.

Designed with space, style and adventure in mind, the Polaris 6 has ample room to stretch out. Whether you’re chasing sunsets along the coast or stargazing in the outback, this is road tripping at its best. Perfect for a family holiday, a friend escape or a couple’s adventure – you get to write the story.

What’s included?

  • Unlimited kilometres
  • 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Basic insurance cover
  • Fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and air conditioning
  • Camping chairs and a table for those al fresco moments

A luxury Red Hill Escape worth over $2500

The Ninch Lindenderry

Rest and dream at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill.

If ever there was a place for you to rest and dream, it is Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill. The escape includes a stay in the luxurious Balcony Suite, tucked away amid 13 hectares of gardens and vineyards on the Mornington Peninsula.

Enjoy daily breakfast and a two-course degustation dinner with wine pairing at the acclaimed two-hatted restaurant, The Dining Room. Just minutes from beaches and top wineries, this is the perfect getaway for food, wine and nature lovers.

What’s included?

  • Breakfast
  • Two-course degustation dinner and wine pairing at the award-winning two-hatted restaurant, The Dine Room

A night at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney worth $2200

The Fullerton Staircase

A night in the Heritage Long Suite offers a truly unforgettable stay.

Experience over-the-top indulgence in the Heritage Long Suite, the largest guestroom at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney in the historic former General Post Office building. The suite features original marble fireplaces, a grand living area, the postmaster’s original writing desk from 1874 and a dining space for six.

Two lucky guests will enjoy Fullerton Club Lounge access with breakfast, afternoon tea, evening canapés and handcrafted cocktails. With its heritage charm and modern amenities, the prize amounts to an unforgettable stay for two.

What’s included?

  • Exclusive access to the Fullerton Club Lounge
  • A full-size refrigerator
  • Stocked mini-bar (on request)
  • A dining area for six
  • Ensuite master bathroom
  • Separate guest bathroom
  • King-sized beds

A luxe glamping stay for eight at Glenayr Farm worth $2000

Glenayr Farm hot tub

Glenayr Farm is a fully sustainable, off-grid accommodation. (Image: Salty Luxe)

Grab seven of your nearest and dearest and make a beeline for wine country in Mudgee. At Glenayr Farm, a 129-hectare working sheep and cattle property, you’ll have four luxe bell tents all to yourselves for two blissful nights. Pick up a bottle of wine at a nearby cellar door and uncork it in a hot tub or by the outdoor fire pit come evening.

Fall in love with the unrivalled views of the sunsets and incredible vistas over one of the most beautiful areas in the region. At night, the sky explodes to life as the area is one of the premier stargazing sites in Australia. Disconnect to reconnect and immerse in the peace of nature and country living.

What’s included?

  • Communal area with kitchen
  • Lounge/games room with billiards table, TV and bathrooms
  • Private hot tubs
  • Fire pits

A Wildlife Retreat experience worth $1159

Taronga Zoo Eco Retreat

Unique eco-retreat accommodation with immersive native animal experiences, modern Australian dining, all overlooking iconic Sydney Harbour.

Wake up with koalas and kangaroos at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga with an unforgettable overnight stay for two in an Animal View Room. Overlooking Sydney Harbour and hidden within Taronga Zoo, this luxury eco-retreat includes two-day zoo access, a guided Sanctuary tour, buffet breakfast at Me-Gal restaurant and free onsite parking. It’s a unique blend of nature, comfort and conservation – the perfect wild escape in the heart of Sydney/Warrane.

Every visit to Taronga Zoo directly supports vital wildlife conservation efforts, meaning your unforgettable experience helps contribute to a greater cause.

What’s included?

  • Two-day access to Taronga Zoo Sydney
  • An exclusive guided Sanctuary tour to meet some of Australia’s most beloved native animals up close
  • A delicious buffet breakfast at the Me-Gal restaurant
  • Onsite parking

Subscribe now to increase your chances of winning big. Simply subscribe to view digital versions of past magazines going back seven years, so you can get plenty of travel inspiration while you wait for your first printed magazine to arrive.