Top 12 Island Day Trips in Australia

1.From Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry and Bike Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 805 reviews · 9 hours · from $87Our pick

Take the fast Rottnest Express ferry from Fremantle, collect a hire bike on arrival, and spend the day exploring Rottnest Island independently. Ride to beaches, bays, museums, and quokka spots, with time to swim, snorkel, picnic, and return on the same-day ferry.

“Fantastic place to visit. Although the ferry was completely full, once on the island the crowds thinned. It probably helped going clockwise and leaving the settlement/quokkas till last.”

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2.Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk Day Tour with Lunch and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 617 reviews · from $211Top rated

Spend about eight hours exploring Maria Island by boat and on foot. Crews such as Michael, Ruby, Milly, and Tamsyn lead wildlife viewing, geology commentary, lunch, and a two-hour Darlington walk. Expect a small group, open-water conditions, and chances to see wombats, seals, dolphins, and albatross.

“Staffs were very friendly and organised which made the trip very enjoyable. We will definitely come back and join the tour again.”

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3.Full-Day Bruny Island Cruises Day Tour from Hobart

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 494 reviews · from $197

Leave Hobart at 7:45 am for Bruny Island with a local guide, ferry crossing, sightseeing at The Neck and Adventure Bay, lunch, and a 3-hour wilderness cruise. Expect sea cliffs, caves, fur seals, dolphins and cold, windy conditions. Guides may include Liam, Taylor, Josh or Ruby.

“Shamed my seafaring ancestors by getting sea sick. Not the fault of the tour who were really great in supporting me. Got to see dolphins and albatrosses, the sea cliffs and caves were amazing. A bit disappointed that we didn’t get to see morRead more”

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4.Tasman Island Cruises and Port Arthur Historic Site Day Tour from Hobart

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 477 reviews · from $236

Leave Hobart at 7:30am for a guided bus trip to the Tasman Peninsula, a three-hour Pennicott wilderness cruise, lunch, and three hours at Port Arthur. Expect open-air boat seating, sea cliffs, caves, seals and possible dolphins or whales. Guides may include Paul, Murray, Phil, Alan, or Daniel.

“The Tasman island cruise is worth it for sure! It gets cold on the way back, dress warm. If you're prone to seasickness, skip, but it depends on the sea conditions. We saw whales, seals, birds, and bottlenose dolphins but the highlight is just the dolomite rocks. Unbelievable”

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5.From Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry & Bus Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 394 reviews · 1 day · from $112

Take a 25-minute ferry from Fremantle to Rottnest Island, then circle the island on a 90-minute guided bus tour. Guides such as Ella, Eli, Jess, and Richard bring local stories to the ride. You’ll have free time afterward for quokkas, beaches, lunch, or a swim.

“So glad we selected the bus compared to the pushbike, it was 39 degrees and so hot. Worth every dollar as the ferry was on time, quick and the bus made the 22km round trip of the island an airconditioned dream. Luv the Quokka's!”

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6.Green Island Full-Day Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 262 reviews · 6 hours · from $77

Board a catamaran at Cairns’ Marlin Wharf and spend six hours on Green Island. Snorkel with supplied gear, walk the rainforest boardwalk, and choose a glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine tour. Lunch is available with selected options, but hotel transfers and scuba activities are not included.

“Amazing experience, everyone was very special and attentive with us, I highly recommend booking with this perfect team!”

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7.Town of 1770: Lady Musgrave Island Snorkelling Day Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 243 reviews · 9 hours · from $198

From Seventeen Seventy, join 1770 Reef for a 9-hour Lady Musgrave Island trip aboard a power catamaran. Snorkel the protected lagoon, spot turtles and reef fish, join a guided island walk, and see coral from a glass-bottom boat. Crew member Bec is known for keeping the day lively.

“Best day ever. Would definitely recommend doing this activity. The crew were absolutely awesome.”

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8.Moreton Island: Tangalooma Day Trip & Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 121 reviews · 1 day · from $109

Travel by ferry from Brisbane to Tangalooma Island Resort, then join a 3-hour whale-watching cruise with an Eco Ranger, commentary, light lunch, and guaranteed whale sightings. You also get resort access, a complimentary transfer drink, and a dolphin presentation.

“The trip is very informative and staff are very helpful. Lunch is a bit too light, just salad and a small ham & cheese muffin. We managed to see 7 to 8 whales! We were lucky to have fantastic weather.”

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9.From Perth: Rottnest Island Ferry & Bus Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 76 reviews · 1 day · from $135

Travel from Perth to Rottnest Island by ferry, with Swan River commentary and a 90-minute coach tour led by an English-speaking guide. See quokkas, Wadjemup Lighthouse, West End, and Cathedral Rocks, then explore independently before the 4:30pm return ferry.

“Great trip to a beautiful island with plenty to do for a day's visit.”

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10.Fitzroy Island Day Trip by Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 47 reviews · 10 hours · from $74Best value

Take the Fitzroy Flyer from Cairns to Fitzroy Island for a self-guided day among rainforest trails, beaches, and clear water. You get about eight hours on the island, with snorkeling equipment available if selected. Bring food, water, sunscreen, and a towel, since lunch and drinks cost extra.

“The crew was so incredible. My partner and I spent a good chunk of the day unwell from sea sickness and they all took such good care of us - including fellow guests. The enthusiasm from the team as highlighted in many of the reviews with wavelength really made the experience so much better.”

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11.Moreton Island: Tangalooma Day Trip Marine Discovery Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 15 reviews · 1 day · from $109

Take a 75-minute ferry from Brisbane to Moreton Island, then use Tangalooma Island Resort’s pools, bars, and restaurants. Your day includes a $25 adult lunch voucher, an Eco Ranger program, a dolphin video, and a Marine Discovery Cruise for possible turtle, dugong, ray, and dolphin sightings.

“The tour was over-rated and expensive. The Marine Discovery cruise was a waste of time and money. We hardly spotted any marine life except for some fishes during fish-feeding. The commentary on the boat was hardly audible n clear as there was no speaker system used. The ship wreck was a mediocre experience. One must enjoy it only through snorkeling or heli-tour. The food options for vegetarians was good.”

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12.Fitzroy Island Day Trip 11am to 5pm Ferry INC Snorkel Equipment

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2 reviews · from $92

Take the 11am ferry from Cairns to Fitzroy Island, then spend the afternoon snorkeling, exploring rainforest, and visiting coral-covered Nudey Beach. Snorkel gear, restroom access, and the 5pm return ferry are included. Bring lunch, water, and sturdy water shoes.

“It was pouring rain in the morning, but it didn't worry us at all. Saw turtles and loads of fish. No change room after 4pm.”

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