The Great Barrier Reef has a wide variety of islands, some of them protected or too small to inhabit, others providing fantastic opportunities to bask in incredible surroundings.

Located 150 miles north of Cairns and 60 miles off the coast of Cooktown and accessible by boat or plane, Lizard Island is Australias northernmost island resort, an isolated tropical paradise perfect for relaxing in. The highest vantage point on the island, Cooks Look, is a beautiful spot for a picnic.

Just nine miles off the coast of Port Douglas, the Low Isles comprises two islands: uninhabited Woody Island, composed of coral and mangrove; and Low Island, a sandy coral cay. They are a great place to spend some peaceful and relaxing time.

A tiny island cay 45 minutes from Cairns, Green Island is small enough to walk around in 20 minutes. Its size only serves to exaggerate the vast expanse of azure sea surrounding it. Theres a small resort and a lush rainforest interior; otherwise it belongs to the birds and anyone who chooses to explore it. There are also facilities on the island for day-trippers.

One of the more rugged islands, Fitzroy Island is actually a peak in a chain of mountains that extends off the coast from nearby Cairns. Despite its proximity to the town, it is isolated and quiet, with much of it given over to national parkland. Theres a resort with extensive facilities to ensure the stress and strain of everyday life feels a million miles away.

The Frankland Islands are a cluster of five islands south of Cairns. They are completely uninhabited, ringed by white sand, covered in lush vegetation and inhabited by exotic birds. Because they are protected, operators need a licence to visit these islands so it is always peaceful, and camping is only permitted on two of the islands, Russell and High.

Cairns itself has two excellent spots, Trinity Beach and Palm Cove, just outside the centre. The former is quieter and more upcoming; the latter is populated by numerous boutiques and restaurants. Further up the Queensland coast, Port Douglas is a pretty, chilled-out village surrounded by rainforest and beautiful beaches, notably Four Mile Beach, a long stretch of white sand fringed by palms. There is plenty to do in town, but the place really livens up with Carnivale (26-28 May), a weekend-long festival with parades, music, arts, comedy and seafood stalls.

Only a short, two-and-a-half-hour flight away, the Northern Territory has plenty of very special places to chill on the water. The most accessible are the city beaches in Darwin, especially Mindil Beach, where locals and travellers enjoy mango ice creams and roo burgers at the twice-weekly sunset markets (April to October on Thursdays and Sundays). Families will love Darwins wave pool and swimming lido, while its waterfront area has a smart and sophisticated feel offering a wide choice of bars, cafes and restaurants for you to wind down in.

Meanwhile for a pub crawl with a difference in the Northern Territory, Airborne Solutions Heli Pub tour is a good excuse for a spin round the Top Ends most popular and quirky watering holes, such as the Lodge on Goat Island and the Humpty Doo Hotel.

Another popular day trip from Darwin visitors could consider would be to the Tiwi Islands Bathurst and Melville. They are almost entirely populated by indigenous people and well-respected for their arts and crafts.

Finally, for the ultimate get-away-from-it adventure, Banubanu Wilderness Retreat offers a castaway experience on Bremer Island off East Arnhem Land. Unwind, watch the wildlife and interact with the local indigenous people for an insight into a different way of life.

Tropical North Queensland and the Northern Territory are two of the most interesting, exciting and accessible regions in Australia, offering some of the shortest flying times from the UK direct into Darwin and Cairns, as well as year-round appeal.

These two regions offer an array of incredible experiences including the icons of the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, amazing wildlife, nature, islands and beaches, as well as great food and wine. Booking with Flight Centre, your holiday to Queensland and the Northern Territory, will be perfect and protected.

For more reasons to book a holiday with Flight Centre to Tropical North Queensland and the Red Centre,visitflightcentre.co.uk

Excerpt from:

The most relaxing beaches and islands in Queensland and the Northern Territory - Telegraph.co.uk