Hello, friends! There are some exciting new things coming to A Spoonful of TLC- namely, some collaborative posts that will be written with all of YOU in mind. These posts will have to do with things that I think my readers will find interesting, like food, fitness, traveling, or Spain, but will offer you some content that I couldn’t write on my own- like travel guides to places I have yet to visit. Of course, I will always tell you if a post is not written by me and today’s post is the first one. As always, thank you for reading A Spoonful of TLC and for supporting this blog! 
Australia has more than 8,200 islands, some of which are well-known tourist destinations, and others that are not-so-well-known and uninhabited. It is said that every island is unique, and many of them are tropical paradises.
Rottnest Island
Located on the west coast just south of Perth, Rottnest was used as a military base in the 1800’s. The best way to get around the island is by bicycle, and there are all-inclusive trip packages that will take you and your bike there, so that you can explore the island freely. You will be able to see the Quokka, which is an Australian animal that is only found on Rottnest. The island has plenty of beaches with safe sands and clear waters, which are ideal for swimming.
Fraser Island
Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. The waters around it are a bit rough, which makes it less than ideal for swimming, but move away from the coasts and you will find lakes on Fraser Island that have been likened to being in paradise. There are organized tours, which you can find out about at FraserFree, that will let you see the Eucalyptus Forest and Dingo’s as you drive along the highway. It won’t be easy to find a more beautiful place than this!
Cockatoo Island
If you want to learn more about Australia’s convict history, travel on a day trip from Sydney to Cockatoo Island. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it was once used as a convict penal settlement. Now it is popular for picnics and barbecues, and a great place to learn a bit of history.
Lady Musgrave Island
This is located on the Great Barrier Reef and is the second most southerly island in the area. It is a very popular spot for Australians to visit because of its fantastic walking trails, great water sports and the glass bottom boat tours that let you pass over the reef and enjoy it in all its glory (without getting wet!).
Moreton Island
This island is located just south of Fraser island but has the added advantage of fantastic beaches. It is ideal for swimming and dolphin spotting, as well as being a great place for water sports.
Hamilton Island
When Australians want a luxury getaway, they often head to Hamilton Island. In recent years there have been packages designed on the island that are ideal for backpackers as well, and as part of the Whitsunday group of islands, it can only be described as a haven of tranquility and beauty for those lucky enough to visit.
Green Island
Would you like to see Cassius, the world’s largest crocodile? Situated on the Great Barrier Reef, Green Island is where you will find this enormous creature. As with all islands on the reef, there are glass bottom boat tours where you can enjoy a cocktail or two while enjoying the views of the stunning fish and coral reef.
Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe Island is a volcanic remnant with tall mountain peaks and coral pools. Take a walk along one of the many trails and see the abundant wildlife. The only way to get there is by plane from Sydney or Brisbane, but the packages for this trip are not overly expensive.
Not many people realize just how many islands Australia has, but each of them offers a unique experience that you won’t find elsewhere.
