From the Great Barrier Reef to remote corners of the Coral Sea, Australia is dotted with secluded islands that promise unparalleled luxury, privacy, and personalized service. In this guide, we take you on an exclusive tour of the most elite private island resorts in Australia, where the only thing more spectacular than the scenery is the experience.
Why Australia for Private Island Travel?
Pristine Natural Beauty
Australia boasts some of the world’s most untouched ecosystems, including the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and countless secluded beaches and reefs that remain largely undiscovered.
Accessibility for the Elite
While many remote destinations require long and complicated travel, Australia’s private islands are surprisingly accessible by private charter flights, helicopters, or luxury yachts from major cities like Cairns, Brisbane, or Sydney.
Exceptional Hospitality
Australia’s top resorts are staffed by professionals trained to cater to elite travelers. Expect Michelin-star quality cuisine, award-winning spa therapies, and discreet, intuitive service that anticipates your needs before you even express them.
1. Lizard Island – The Crown Jewel of the Great Barrier Reef
Overview
Located 240 km north of Cairns, Lizard Island is one of the most revered luxury retreats in Australia. With 24 private beaches and exclusive access to the reef, it offers a front-row seat to one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
Accommodations
The resort features just 40 suites and villas, each offering stunning views of the ocean or lush gardens. The Villa, a two-bedroom sanctuary perched high on Sunset Ridge, comes with a private plunge pool and personalized service.
Signature Experiences
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Private snorkeling and diving tours to the inner and outer reef
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Sunset dinners on secluded beaches
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Private yacht charters with gourmet dining onboard
Who It’s For
Perfect for couples seeking romantic isolation or families desiring complete privacy with educational, marine-centric experiences.
2. Haggerstone Island – A Castaway Fantasy for the Discerning Traveler
Overview
This remote island off the Cape York Peninsula is a private escape owned and operated by the Turner family. It offers a Robinson Crusoe-style experience—but with gourmet food, designer linens, and private helicopter access.
Accommodations
Haggerstone Island accommodates only a handful of guests in beautifully hand-built lodges. Each is an eclectic blend of driftwood chic and modern comfort.
Signature Experiences
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Heli-fishing and deep-sea adventures
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Spearfishing with experienced guides
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Foraging and cooking local produce with the host family
Who It’s For
Ideal for adventure-seeking billionaires and nature lovers who want a completely bespoke experience in the wild.
3. Orpheus Island Lodge – Five-Star Footprints in the Sand
Overview
A luxury eco-resort situated within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Orpheus Island Lodge offers sustainable indulgence with just 14 contemporary suites, villas, and pavilions.
Accommodations
The North Beachfront Villas and the expansive Pavilion suite offer unbeatable water views, private pools, and direct beach access.
Signature Experiences
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Gourmet beach picnics on nearby deserted islands
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Guided diving excursions on unspoiled reefs
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Six-course degustation menus at the chef’s table
Who It’s For
Sustainability-minded elites and couples celebrating major life milestones in a picturesque, intimate setting.
4. Bedarra Island – Exclusivity Redefined
Overview
This hidden treasure in the Family Islands group off Mission Beach is an adults-only, all-inclusive retreat that accepts no more than 20 guests at a time.
Accommodations
Ten luxurious villas dot the hillside, each with expansive decks, private plunge pools, and uninterrupted sea views. The Beach House is particularly favored for its direct beach access and total seclusion.
Signature Experiences
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Kayaking to hidden beaches
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Degustation dining under the stars
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Artisan spa treatments using native botanicals
Who It’s For
Discerning travelers who value silence, sensuality, and the sensation of owning an island for a while.
5. Wilson Island – Glamping in the Lap of Luxury
Overview
An eco-luxe retreat near Heron Island, Wilson Island offers a unique blend of camping and five-star luxury, catering to a maximum of 18 guests.
Accommodations
Nine safari-style tents, fully equipped with plush beds, ensuite bathrooms, and solar-powered amenities, sit mere steps from the coral-fringed shore.
Signature Experiences
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Turtle nesting and hatching (seasonal)
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Snorkeling straight from the beach
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Chef-prepared meals featuring local seafood and produce
Who It’s For
Eco-conscious millionaires and billionaires seeking an immersive, nature-first experience without sacrificing comfort.
6. Pumpkin Island – Buy-Out Luxury for the Socially Responsible
Overview
Located in the Keppel Bay Islands National Park, Pumpkin Island is an exclusive-use resort run entirely on solar and wind power. It can accommodate up to 34 guests, making it perfect for group buyouts.
Accommodations
Five eco-friendly cottages and two beach bungalows provide panoramic ocean views, with interiors that blend rustic charm with modern convenience.
Signature Experiences
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Entire island buyout for weddings or family gatherings
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Fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding
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Evening fire pits and wine under the stars
Who It’s For
Ultra-high-net-worth individuals looking to host private gatherings with a minimal environmental footprint.
7. Makepeace Island – Owned by Sir Richard Branson
Overview
Situated on the Noosa River, Makepeace Island is a heart-shaped island co-owned by Sir Richard Branson. It’s less remote than others, but what it lacks in isolation it makes up for in grandeur.
Accommodations
Balinese-inspired villas, a 500,000-liter lagoon pool, and a private cinema ensure that no luxury is spared. The island is typically rented in its entirety, offering complete exclusivity.
Signature Experiences
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Helicopter rides to Fraser Island and beyond
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Personal chefs and mixologists
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On-island spa and wellness treatments
Who It’s For
Celebrities, CEOs, and high-net-worth families looking for a party-friendly yet ultra-private hideaway with immediate access to Noosa’s high-end lifestyle.
8. The Interlude at Lady Elliot Island – Marine Life Meets Ultra-Luxury
Overview
Known as one of the best places in the world to see manta rays and turtles, Lady Elliot Island is evolving from an eco-destination into an ultra-luxe experience with its new premium offering: The Interlude.
Accommodations
The Interlude offers exclusive villas built with sustainability in mind. Ocean views, in-room spa services, and private dive guides are part of the package.
Signature Experiences
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Manta ray diving safaris
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Marine biologist-led tours
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Private dinners in the lighthouse courtyard
Who It’s For
Marine life enthusiasts and conservationists who want luxury with a cause.
What Sets These Resorts Apart?
Ultra-Low Guest Numbers
These islands pride themselves on exclusivity, often accommodating fewer than 20 guests at a time. This ensures not only privacy but also a personalized, stress-free experience.
Bespoke Itineraries
From your meals to your daily activities, everything is customized to your preferences. Want to fish for your dinner and have it cooked by a private chef on the beach? Consider it done.
Security and Privacy
Discretion is paramount. These islands attract royals, tech moguls, and celebrities precisely because they offer a level of privacy that no mainland hotel can match.
Planning Your Stay: Logistics for the Ultra-Wealthy
Access via Private Jet or Helicopter
Most of these islands have private airstrips or helicopter pads, with chartered flights available from major cities. Some can also be accessed by yacht or seaplane.
Staff Buyout Options
In many cases, ultra-high-net-worth travelers choose to book the entire resort, including staff, for total control over their environment.
Custom Concierge Services
From importing your favorite vintage wine to arranging a last-minute proposal event complete with fireworks, nothing is off-limits.
When to Go: Best Seasons for Island Travel
Australia’s climate varies depending on the region. The best time to visit most private islands—particularly those in Queensland—is between May and October, when the weather is warm and dry, and marine life is abundant.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Indulgence
Australia’s private island resorts are not just places to sleep—they’re immersive experiences that redefine luxury. These are destinations where time slows down, every
The Barossa Valley isn’t just one of Australia’s premier wine destinations—it’s one of the world’s most iconic wine regions. Located just an hour from Adelaide in South Australia, this fertile valley is home to more than 150 wineries, some dating back to the 19th century. While tasting rooms and vineyard tours are standard, what truly sets Barossa apart for discerning wine lovers is the opportunity to participate in private wine blending experiences.
These highly curated sessions allow guests to go beyond the cellar door—to stand shoulder to shoulder with expert winemakers, learn the intricate art of blending, and walk away with a bottle of their own custom creation. For serious oenophiles and luxury travelers, this isn’t just an activity—it’s a rite of passage.
Zara Adeyemi