Reef & Island Holidays Australia

Australia is the sixth largest country in the world and largest island continent. Our coastline covers some 25,000 kilometres. It is surrounded by many thousands of islands and home to significant reef systems including: the Great Barrier Reef which stretches some 1200km along the tropical north Queensland coast and is one of the seven wonders of the natural world; Ningaloo Reef located just metres off the west coast of Australia. The reef is 260 km long and is Australia's largest fringing coral reef and the only large reef positioned very close to mainland Australia.

Kangaroo Island, or KI as the locals call it, is Australia's third largest island (155km long), located just 15km off the South Australian coast. It is a pristine wilderness - home to substantial populations of native Australian animals.

Lord Howe is a two hour flight from either Sydney or Brisbane off Australia's east coast and often referred to as the last paradise on earth. It is one of just four island groups to be inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list for the global significance of its natural beauty and heritage. It’s a timeless natural paradise, where the pace is relaxed. The crystal lagoon is bordered by the world’s most southerly coral reef.

Australia's significant reef systems, coastlines and islands play an important role in defining the character of the country. Images of sun-drenched beaches, wild seas, pristine blue lagoons and colourful reefs are vivid portraits of the beauty of this island nation.

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experience Experiences 909

Reef and Island Experiences

Stretch and rebalance in the tranquil surrounds of the Great Barrier Reef, with each class designed to accomodate all levels … More »

Stretch and rebalance in the tranquil surrounds of the Great Barrier Reef, with each class … More »

Stretch and rebalance in the tranquil surrounds of the Great Barrier Reef, with each class designed to accomodate all levels of experience and fitness. More »

Guests of Lizard Island Resort can enjoy an extensive range of activities including snorkelling directly off a private beach, as well as the … More »

Guests of Lizard Island Resort can enjoy an extensive range of activities including snorkelling directly off a private … More »

Guests of Lizard Island Resort can enjoy an extensive range of activities including snorkelling directly off a private beach, as well as the unlimited use of non-motorised water sports and motorised dinghies. More »

From July through to September Humpback Whales and Minke Whales make their migration through the outer reef to warmer waters … More »

From July through to September Humpback Whales and Minke Whales make their migration through the … More »

From July through to September Humpback Whales and Minke Whales make their migration through the outer reef to warmer waters for calving. More »

This annual 2km and 750m ocean swim, is sure to become as iconic and famous as its location.  More »

This annual 2km and 750m ocean swim, is sure to become as iconic and famous … More »

This annual 2km and 750m ocean swim, is sure to become as iconic and famous as its location.  More »

The team at qualia can drop you off by boat to enjoy a gourmet picnic, then do a little swimming … More »

The team at qualia can drop you off by boat to enjoy a gourmet picnic, … More »

The team at qualia can drop you off by boat to enjoy a gourmet picnic, then do a little swimming and bask in the Whitsundays sunshine. More »

The jewel in the Whitsundays crown and the most photographed beach in Australia, Whitehaven is an absolute must. More »

The jewel in the Whitsundays crown and the most photographed beach in Australia, Whitehaven is … More »

The jewel in the Whitsundays crown and the most photographed beach in Australia, Whitehaven is an absolute must. More »

Spend a few hours or even the day exploring the surrounding Whitsunday Islands, snorkelling fringing coral reefs, relaxing on your … More »

Spend a few hours or even the day exploring the surrounding Whitsunday Islands, snorkelling fringing … More »

Spend a few hours or even the day exploring the surrounding Whitsunday Islands, snorkelling fringing coral reefs, relaxing on your own private beach or visiting the world famous Whitehaven Beach. More »

The Southern Ocean offers up a bounty of glorious seafood including the fabled King George Whiting. More »

The Southern Ocean offers up a bounty of glorious seafood including the fabled King George … More »

The Southern Ocean offers up a bounty of glorious seafood including the fabled King George Whiting. More »

Each year between mid-March and August these slow-moving, gentle, filter-feeding giants migrate past Ningaloo Reef. More »

Each year between mid-March and August these slow-moving, gentle, filter-feeding giants migrate past Ningaloo Reef. More »

Each year between mid-March and August these slow-moving, gentle, filter-feeding giants migrate past Ningaloo Reef. More »

Tropical North Queensland comes to life in a number of tailored helicopter experiences. More »

Tropical North Queensland comes to life in a number of tailored helicopter experiences. More »

Tropical North Queensland comes to life in a number of tailored helicopter experiences. More »

Sink into personalised signature spa rituals and discover pure, opulent skin care and emerge feeling refreshed and revitalised More »

Sink into personalised signature spa rituals and discover pure, opulent skin care and emerge feeling … More »

Sink into personalised signature spa rituals and discover pure, opulent skin care and emerge feeling refreshed and revitalised More »

Secluded and tranquil beaches are exclusively accessed by Lizard Island guests for a day of exploring in their own personal … More »

Secluded and tranquil beaches are exclusively accessed by Lizard Island guests for a day of … More »

Secluded and tranquil beaches are exclusively accessed by Lizard Island guests for a day of exploring in their own personal dinghy. More »

Lord Howe Island’s protected marine environment makes an ideal home to both green sea turtles and hawksbills and visitors to … More »

Lord Howe Island’s protected marine environment makes an ideal home to both green sea turtles … More »

Lord Howe Island’s protected marine environment makes an ideal home to both green sea turtles and hawksbills and visitors to the island over the extended summer months will likely encounter them. More »

Take to the calm, clear water on a catamaran, stand up paddle board, pedal board or sea kayak. More »

Take to the calm, clear water on a catamaran, stand up paddle board, pedal board … More »

Take to the calm, clear water on a catamaran, stand up paddle board, pedal board or sea kayak. More »

Unwind with their signature spa experiences or couples bath indulgences, thoughtfully designed to balance the synergy between mind and body … More »

Unwind with their signature spa experiences or couples bath indulgences, thoughtfully designed to balance the … More »

Unwind with their signature spa experiences or couples bath indulgences, thoughtfully designed to balance the synergy between mind and body and to capture the essence of Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. More »

Shallow coral reef on the edge of the Pacific Ocean means one thing – waves. More »

Shallow coral reef on the edge of the Pacific Ocean means one thing – waves. More »

Shallow coral reef on the edge of the Pacific Ocean means one thing – waves. More »

Observe the colourful and mesmerising inhabitants of the lagoon’s reef and coral holes such as the endemic double-header wrasse, stingrays … More »

Observe the colourful and mesmerising inhabitants of the lagoon’s reef and coral holes such as … More »

Observe the colourful and mesmerising inhabitants of the lagoon’s reef and coral holes such as the endemic double-header wrasse, stingrays and turtles. More »

Delve to the dark depths of these volcanic islets and discover a unique vantage point and a first-class dive site. More »

Delve to the dark depths of these volcanic islets and discover a unique vantage point … More »

Delve to the dark depths of these volcanic islets and discover a unique vantage point and a first-class dive site. More »

Lord Howe Island’s 10-kilometre-long lagoon is great for beginners and flat-water enthusiasts, with crystal clear water and coral reefs. More »

Lord Howe Island’s 10-kilometre-long lagoon is great for beginners and flat-water enthusiasts, with crystal clear water and coral reefs. More »

Lord Howe Island’s 10-kilometre-long lagoon is great for beginners and flat-water enthusiasts, with crystal clear water and coral reefs. More »

A challenging 9-hole course set on the steep slopes amid Kentia palm groves and ocean foreshore. More »

A challenging 9-hole course set on the steep slopes amid Kentia palm groves and ocean … More »

A challenging 9-hole course set on the steep slopes amid Kentia palm groves and ocean foreshore. More »

Capella offers complimentary adult mountain bikes for guests to explore Lord Howe at leisure. More »

Capella offers complimentary adult mountain bikes for guests to explore Lord Howe at leisure. More »

Capella offers complimentary adult mountain bikes for guests to explore Lord Howe at leisure. More »

Take a ferry from qualia across to neighbouring Dent Island for a la carte lunch at the Golf Clubhouse. More »

Take a ferry from qualia across to neighbouring Dent Island for a la carte lunch … More »

Take a ferry from qualia across to neighbouring Dent Island for a la carte lunch at the Golf Clubhouse. More »

Hamilton Island Golf Club is the only championship golf course on its own island in Australia, just a short ferry … More »

Hamilton Island Golf Club is the only championship golf course on its own island in … More »

Hamilton Island Golf Club is the only championship golf course on its own island in Australia, just a short ferry from qualia. More »

Glide through the water and explore the beautiful local reef, unique clams, and colourful fishes on a guided Sea Dart … More »

Glide through the water and explore the beautiful local reef, unique clams, and colourful fishes … More »

Glide through the water and explore the beautiful local reef, unique clams, and colourful fishes on a guided Sea Dart tour. More »

Ningaloo Reef is arguably the best preserved reef complex in the world and it lies just a few metres offshore … More »

Ningaloo Reef is arguably the best preserved reef complex in the world and it lies … More »

Ningaloo Reef is arguably the best preserved reef complex in the world and it lies just a few metres offshore from Sal Salis.  More »

Join the TRUE NORTH in Esperance and discover the endless beaches that skirt Cape Le Grand. Encounter the wonders of the Bremer … More »

Join the TRUE NORTH in Esperance and discover the endless beaches that skirt Cape Le Grand. Encounter … More »

Join the TRUE NORTH in Esperance and discover the endless beaches that skirt Cape Le Grand. Encounter the wonders of the Bremer Bay Canyon and indulge in delicacies from the sea. More »

Lord Howe Island’s eleven beautiful beaches are perfectly suited to barbecuing outdoors, with their sheltered coves and spectacular views. More »

Lord Howe Island’s eleven beautiful beaches are perfectly suited to barbecuing outdoors, with their sheltered … More »

Lord Howe Island’s eleven beautiful beaches are perfectly suited to barbecuing outdoors, with their sheltered coves and spectacular views. More »

The island’s teaming colonies of seabirds can be viewed at different times of year, including red-tailed tropic birds, shearwaters (mutton … More »

The island’s teaming colonies of seabirds can be viewed at different times of year, including … More »

The island’s teaming colonies of seabirds can be viewed at different times of year, including red-tailed tropic birds, shearwaters (mutton birds), sooty turns and masked boobies. More »

Fly by helicopter to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, with stunning aerial views of Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach and the … More »

Fly by helicopter to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, with stunning aerial views of Heart … More »

Fly by helicopter to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, with stunning aerial views of Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsunday Passage en route. More »

Dive and snorkel on the West Coast Explorer during March and again in September when TRUE NORTH visits the Rowley … More »

Dive and snorkel on the West Coast Explorer during March and again in September when … More »

Dive and snorkel on the West Coast Explorer during March and again in September when TRUE NORTH visits the Rowley Shoals. More »

The world’s largest sea stack is home to extraordinary birdlife and the waters surrounding Balls Pyramid are teeming with marine … More »

The world’s largest sea stack is home to extraordinary birdlife and the waters surrounding Balls … More »

The world’s largest sea stack is home to extraordinary birdlife and the waters surrounding Balls Pyramid are teeming with marine life. More »

In a world-first, qualia guests can experience unprecedented access to the iconic Heart Reef lagoon in the Great Barrier Reef. More »

In a world-first, qualia guests can experience unprecedented access to the iconic Heart Reef lagoon in the Great … More »

In a world-first, qualia guests can experience unprecedented access to the iconic Heart Reef lagoon in the Great Barrier Reef. More »

A picturesque section of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail beginning at Remarkable Rocks. More »

A picturesque section of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail beginning at Remarkable Rocks. More »

A picturesque section of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail beginning at Remarkable Rocks. More »

Hamilton Island Race Week is one of the world’s most famous yachting events and every August, brings spectators and yachties … More »

Hamilton Island Race Week is one of the world’s most famous yachting events and every … More »

Hamilton Island Race Week is one of the world’s most famous yachting events and every August, brings spectators and yachties from all around the globe for an exciting line up of on and offshore events.  More »

Sal Salis' guided kayak-snorkel tours take you further off shore to snorkel some of the deeper lagoons. More »

Sal Salis' guided kayak-snorkel tours take you further off shore to snorkel some of the … More »

Sal Salis' guided kayak-snorkel tours take you further off shore to snorkel some of the deeper lagoons. More »

Resident Naturalists share their knowledge and passion of local flora and fauna with guided walks across the island and at … More »

Resident Naturalists share their knowledge and passion of local flora and fauna with guided walks … More »

Resident Naturalists share their knowledge and passion of local flora and fauna with guided walks across the island and at pre-dinner video and talk presentations.  More »

Admirals Arch is a magnificent coastal archway sculptured by the wind and sea and where fur seals play on the … More »

Admirals Arch is a magnificent coastal archway sculptured by the wind and sea and where … More »

Admirals Arch is a magnificent coastal archway sculptured by the wind and sea and where fur seals play on the shore platform below. More »

Join a spectacular day of competition offering a fitness challenge in one of Australia's most pristine locations. More »

Join a spectacular day of competition offering a fitness challenge in one of Australia's most … More »

Join a spectacular day of competition offering a fitness challenge in one of Australia's most pristine locations. More »

Local reef snorkelling tours are available to explore the nearby Clam Gardens, Mermaid Cove or Horseshoe Reefs on a guided … More »

Local reef snorkelling tours are available to explore the nearby Clam Gardens, Mermaid Cove or … More »

Local reef snorkelling tours are available to explore the nearby Clam Gardens, Mermaid Cove or Horseshoe Reefs on a guided local snorkel tour with an expert marine and dive team.  More »

From September to December the Black Marlin return to the waters around Lizard Island. More »

From September to December the Black Marlin return to the waters around Lizard Island. More »

From September to December the Black Marlin return to the waters around Lizard Island. More »

There is no better person who can ensure you make the most of your time on the island, whatever your … More »

There is no better person who can ensure you make the most of your time … More »

There is no better person who can ensure you make the most of your time on the island, whatever your interests. More »

With neither monsoon season nor stingers, exploring the underwater world surrounding Lord Howe Island is easy year-round. More »

With neither monsoon season nor stingers, exploring the underwater world surrounding Lord Howe Island is … More »

With neither monsoon season nor stingers, exploring the underwater world surrounding Lord Howe Island is easy year-round. More »

The Lizard Island Research Station is a facility of the Australian Museum and is internationally recognised as the major island-based … More »

The Lizard Island Research Station is a facility of the Australian Museum and is internationally … More »

The Lizard Island Research Station is a facility of the Australian Museum and is internationally recognised as the major island-based research facility on the Great Barrier Reef. More »

An exclusive excursion to Seal Bay Conservation Park where a walk among the ‘locals’ offers an experience reminiscent of the … More »

An exclusive excursion to Seal Bay Conservation Park where a walk among the ‘locals’ offers … More »

An exclusive excursion to Seal Bay Conservation Park where a walk among the ‘locals’ offers an experience reminiscent of the Galapagos. More »

Staying in a remote location on Western Australia's mid north coast, certainly doesn’t mean you need to compromise on quality … More »

Staying in a remote location on Western Australia's mid north coast, certainly doesn’t mean you … More »

Staying in a remote location on Western Australia's mid north coast, certainly doesn’t mean you need to compromise on quality when it comes to food. More »

Guests at Sal Salis now have the opportunity to swim with Humpback Whales from July to October each year. More »

Guests at Sal Salis now have the opportunity to swim with Humpback Whales from July … More »

Guests at Sal Salis now have the opportunity to swim with Humpback Whales from July to October each year. More »

To enrich your dining experience, qualia offers private 'talk and taste' events, hosted by knowledgeable staff. More »

To enrich your dining experience, qualia offers private 'talk and taste' events, hosted by knowledgeable … More »

To enrich your dining experience, qualia offers private 'talk and taste' events, hosted by knowledgeable staff. More »

The Shoals’ remoteness means that less than 500 people a year are fortunate enough to give testimony to their brilliance. More »

The Shoals’ remoteness means that less than 500 people a year are fortunate enough to … More »

The Shoals’ remoteness means that less than 500 people a year are fortunate enough to give testimony to their brilliance. More »

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