Australia is an amazing country, but New South Wales, in particular, has the power to captivate anyone who treads its grounds. And that is 2,000kms of coastline, with chains of tropical and native bush islands scattered off the coast, five of which offer a unique travel experience.
Wherever you choose to go, be it a picturesque campsite, a luxury resort or an eco-friendly lodge, you will certainly enjoy your stay in this part of the world!
Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour
Cockatoo Island invites you to stay at the waterfront camping in the heart of Sydney. Considered to be one of the most picture-perfect campsites, this waterfront glamping and camping site gives you unrestricted, spectacular views of Sydney.
The largest island in Sydney Harbour, Cockatoo Island is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List with its Australian Convict Sites. It offers an insight into its fascinating history, but there are also plenty of activities to keep you occupied such as events, audio tours, cafes, kayak and boat hire, and swimming in the slipway. Easily accessible by water taxi and ferry, Cockatoo Island offers comfortable accommodation in self-contained heritage houses in the island centre.
Montague Island
On the South coast, right off the coast of Narooma lies Montague Island. This is a national park where you can enjoy a night in the renovated Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage. A tour boat from Narooma will drop you off at the island and pick you up the following day, so the island will be all yours for the night.
Montague Island is the home of NSW’s largest colony of Australian and New Zealand fur seals and more than 90 bird species along its coastline. Tour operators can arrange snorkelling trips with seals, visiting the lighthouse and penguin and seal colonies, or if you’ve always dreamed of going on a fishing trip, even if you have zero experience, fishing charters in Narooma will take you on an unforgettable experience with the passionate locals who will reveal to you all the best, secluded places for sport and fishing.
Dangar Island
Dangar Island is located in the middle of the Hawkesbury River, and it’s only an hour’s train ride from Sydney, easily accessible by ferry. This is an ideal weekend away with plenty of luxurious ‘river access only’ accommodations to choose from. This island only houses one café and a bowling club, so you’ll have the time to explore the area by foot or bicycle, and go fishing, swimming, or kayaking in the crystal-clear waters.
Broughton Island, Port Stephens Area
If you’re looking for an ‘off the beaten track’ camping experience, head over with your tent to one of five campsites on the beautiful Broughton Island, located just off the coast of Port Stephens. It’s accessible only by private boats and with only five campsites, it’s best you book in advance.
The Little Poverty Beach offers a unique experience of camping among an active seabird colony. You can also go fishing, swimming, scuba diving, and snorkelling at the sandy beaches within Esmeralda Cove. 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.
Lord Howe Island
An idyllic paradise spot, Lord Howe Island will only welcome around 400 visitors at any time. The island boasts rugged volcanic peaks, lush forests, serene lagoons, and a unique ecosystem of rare flora and fauna that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. The island is surrounded by the world’s most southerly coral reef and its crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming, diving, snorkelling, fishing, surfing, kayaking and paddle boarding. And, just 15 minutes by boat from Lord Howe there’s a compelling group of volcanic formations, the Admiralty Islands.
The rich history of Sydney Harbour and its islands offers a memorable travel experience where you can learn first-hand a lot about the evolution and growth of Sydney and also enjoy your stay by diving deeper into these islands.
