We get asked regularly about the differences between tours to the three islands near Brisbane, Fraser Island, Moreton Island and Stradbroke Island, and if you had to choose one to go to which one should it be? That would certainly depend on a few variables like how long are you here for? Do you want to camp or just go for the day? What activities do you like to do? There is the option to do all 3 as you make your way up or down Queensland’s south east coast but if you had to choose one here’s a few things that might help you to decide which of these 3 island paradises to choose.

Stradbroke Island

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is famous not only for dingoes but for it’s amazing beaches, lakes and generally just feeling and looking like a tropical paradise. The island has no sealed roads, so a 4WD is a must and all tours on Fraser Island are conducted in 4WD vehicles. There is also the fact that it is the largest sand Island in the world that certainly helps it on the popularity scale. It’s popular among international travelers and Aussies alike and is usually considered a must do on a trip up or down the East Coast of Australia.

There are numerous Fraser Island tours to choose from and you’ll find that most depart from Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach or Brisbane and range from 1 day tours right through to 4 and 5 day packages. There are also self drive and 4WD hire options if you’re wanting to drive yourself. You can do day tours to Fraser Island from Brisbane however it makes for a long day so tours usually start before 7am and return around 7pm. If coming from the Gold Coast you would need to add in those transfer times as well. Hervey Bay is full of marine life including dolphins and turtles and is a very popular whale watching destination in whale watching season from July through to November so if you go during whale season you can fit that in too.

There are different accommodation options from camping and dorm rooms to hotel rooms so there options to cater to all different price ranges. Fraser Island is well worth putting on your itinerary.

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Moreton Island

Due to its close proximity to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Moreton Island is very popular with the locals but is also an amazing holiday destination for travellers. Being a sand island and having no sealed roads means all the Moreton Island tours use 4WD’s to get around and it certainly adds to the excitement. There are a lot of day tours to Moreton Island ranging from fully guided island tours to simple transfer options including the use of the activities at Tangalooma Resort. You have the opportunity to stay till dusk and feed the dolphins, an amazing experience that needs to be booked well in advance.

The island offers many experiences such as snorkelling or diving the wrecks at Tangalooma, sand boarding, feeding the dolphins, exploring  the island in a 4WD and whale watching when in season. Moreton Island is only a 75 minute ferry ride from Brisbane.

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Want to find out more about Brisbane?

Including our favourite tours, latest specials, travel information and plenty more.

See our Brisbane Things to Do Travel Guide.

Stradbroke Island

North Stradbroke Island, another great island, has a ferry trip from Brisbane of only one hour. It has many great swimming beaches and two large freshwater lakes. Main Beach is 32 kilometres long. There is a great walk around North Gorge, the walk is not difficult and the views of some of the beaches and sea life is something to experience.  There are a few day tours to choose from or you can go over on the ferry or water taxi and catch the bus to point Lookout for a great day out. Should you wish to stay longer, it has accommodation to suit all budgets.

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The verdict?

So now you have some facts it’s up to you to ponder and decide. Our verdict would be to certainly see Fraser Island and if possible do an overnight or multi day package to make sure you get the most out of it. If you are in Brisbane or the Gold Coast then Moreton Island and Stradbroke are well worth seeing too. If you want to feed the dolphins on Moreton island remember to book early.

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Our Favourite Brisbane Island Tours

Come and see Stradbroke Island with two passionate locals. Go swimming, wildlife spotting (Koalas, Dolphins and sometimes Whales) plus a beach BBQ lunch.

• BBQ lunch on the beach
• Aussie Damper morning tea
• Local flora and fauna
• Beach-combing