​ Australasian specialist, Austravel is highlighting a selection of Australian islands that should be considered in trips down under.

Tasmania

Tasmania's well preserved natural wilderness and colonial legacy continues to attract visitors to the island.

Located just south of Melbourne, Tasmania has more to offer than just natural beauty, with its capital, Hobart, known for its thriving communities.

The river-side capital is best seen from Mount Wellington.

The best way to discover Tasmania is on a self-drive, allowing travellers to visit and discover the island at leisure.

A cruise is also a way to explore the coastline and see the island from a different perspective.

The islands off Australia's East Coast

There is the chance to discover the native wildlife above and below sea level whilst relaxing on some of the world's best beaches on Australia's East Coast islands

Fraser Island

Fraser Island, located just off the east coast of Australia Fraser Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site and is the only place where a rainforest has grown on sand dunes 200m above sea level.

Hamilton Island

Surrounded by coral reefs, Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited island and situated in the Whitsundays on the east coast.

Also known for its relaxed and carefree attitude, Hamilton Islands has a population of just 1,000.

Many travel to the island to see its neighbour, the Great Barrier Reef, making it an ideal stopover for keen divers and those with a strong interest in marine wildlife.

Remote Australian islands

Lord Howe Island

For travellers looking to explore the more remote islands of Australia, it's ashort flight from Sydney to Lord Howe Island situated in the middle of the Tasman Sea.

It's 11km long and 3km wide and only 400 visitors are allowed on it at any one time.

Lizard Island

Lizard Island is located in the northern part of the Great Barrier Reef and is 150 miles north of Cairns.

This five star beach resort is the only property on the 1013 hectare island that is also recognised as a National Park.

Useful links

www.austravel.com

www.lordhoweisland.info

www.fraserisland.net

www.lizardisland.com.au