Top Island Destinations for Slow Travel in 2025
Trousers Point, Flinders Island by Derek Rogers
Discover Australia and New Zealand’s Hidden Gems
Are you dreaming of a getaway that goes beyond the usual tourist destinations? Summer 2025 is here, so why not embrace the art of slow travel on some of the most enchanting islands in Australia and New Zealand. Swap speedboats for slow ferries and hotel lobbies for hammocks strung between palm trees.
From the idyllic, tropical beaches of Cocos (Keeling) Islands to the rugged mountains of the Chatham Islands, our guide dives deep into the hidden gems that promise a truly transformative travel experience. Read on to discover why these islands should be on your travel radar for 2025.
Flinders Island: Escape to Tasmania’s Remote Beauty in 2025
Photo by Liam Neal
Flinders Island is the ruggedly handsome un-sung hero of Tasmanian slow escapes. A place where the rugged peaks of Tasmania flirt with sandy shores and the local fauna doesn’t bother with reservations. This slice of paradise tucked in the Bass Strait is less about the hustle and more about the hush. Here, your toughest decision is whether to dive for crayfish, eat yourself into a seafood stupor, or trek lush mountain trails - each promising new and rugged adventures.
Flinders Island - Photo by Adam Gibson
Where to Stay: Settle into the island’s slow and steady rhythm at a traditional Tassie “shack” surrounded by the sea, hosted by the folks behind On Island Time, or enjoy the scenic vistas by booking a room at Furneaux Tavern.
How to Get There: Catch a short flight from Melbourne or Launceston to step into this tranquil Tasmanian retreat.
Crayfish Shack by Liam Neal
Crayfish Shack (On Island Time) by Liam Neal
READ THE FULL STORY OF FLINDERS ISLAND IN STAY AWHILE VOLUME 02 ‘THE WATER ISSUE’
Great Barrier Island, New Zealand: A Must-Visit for Eco-Conscious Travellers in 2025
Just off Auckland, Great Barrier Island is a secluded off-grid oasis and Auckland’s largest conservation park. Swap Wi-Fi for wild hikes, sandy beaches, and starlit nights that redefine heavenly views. Dive into the tranquillity of hot springs, kayak protected waters, or stargaze under a pristine sky. With its commitment to sustainability and renewable energy, this island offers a perfect blend of nature and modernity, making every visit a rejuvenating retreat.
Great Barrier Island Secluded Beach by Olga Peredevia
Great Barrier Island Abandoned Pier by Brian Scantlebury
Where to Stay: There’s plenty of cute, off-grid cabins and unique Airbnb’s on the island, like Bay Cottage and Island Gin Bach, the home of renowned Island Gin. Or why not stay in a converted 1940’s airstream named Willis?
How to Get There: A flight from Auckland or a leisurely boat trip will lead you to this Dark Sky Sanctuary, where the stars shine as brightly as the smiles.
Bay Cottage, Great Barrier Island.
Willis, Great Barrier Island
Woody Island: Western Australia’s Off The Beaten Track Eco-Friendly Island
Woody Island is a secluded jewel nestled within Western Australia's Recherche Archipelago. This island paradise perfectly blends adventure with serenity, where the rustic charm of the bush meets the serene beauty of the beach. Whether trekking through verdant trails, snorkelling in the crystal-clear aquamarine waters, or just lounging on sandy beaches, Woody Island offers an array of experiences to satisfy your inner explorer, with the added advantage of being basically unknown to those outside of WA.
Woody Island, Supplied by WA Tourism
Where to Stay: Stay simply in the Woody Island Eco Huts, the only overnight accommodation on the island. Choose from starlit safari tents with stunning views or cosy cabins that offer minimal footprint with maximum chill.
How to Get There: Hop on a quick ferry from Esperance and switch off as you sail to your slice of paradise. Forget the Wi-Fi; here, connections are made in the wild.
Woody Island Eco Huts by Sarah Moroney/Woody Island Eco Tours
Woody Island Pier by Sarah Moroney
READ THE FULL STORY OF WOODY ISLAND IN STAY AWHILE VOLUME 02 ‘THE WATER ISSUE’
Cocos (Keeling) Islands: A Top Slow Travel Destination for 2025
Picture this: you're on a speck of land in the Indian Ocean closer to Indonesia than it’s governing Australia, where your biggest decision of the day is choosing between snorkelling in a sea turtle’s backyard or lounging like a castaway with only a book for company. The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are a postcard-perfect escape where the vibe is deliciously slow—bicycles rule the roads and coconut palms sway like dancers in a gentle breeze. There’s not much to do here other than to truly, wholeheartedly disconnect, and why not! Wrap yourself in nature and immerse in the rich history that colours the region.
Where to Stay: Opt for the quirky comfort of a beach bungalow at The Breakers or Oceana House. While the accommodations are basic, lacking in bells and whistles, their prime oceanfront locations ensure that the soothing sounds of the sea will lull you to sleep each night.
How to Get There: Embark on a 6-hour flight from Perth, courtesy of Virgin Australia. Expect a brief layover on Christmas Island that adds just the right amount of intrigue to your journey.
Kangaroo Island: Experience South Australia’s Wildlife in Slow Mode
Fancy a wild encounter? Kangaroo Island is a haven where kangaroos, koalas, and even echidnas play hard to get in their natural habitat. It’s a place where you can sip local wine while watching the sunset paint the sky above rugged cliffs and ocean vistas. And let’s not forget the seafood – fresh from the ocean and ready to tantalise your taste buds - it’s perfect slow travel adventure.
Where to Stay: Stay at One Kangaroo Island for a touch of luxury or choose a cosy cabin with breathtaking views like Sol Hus or The Passage.
How to Get There: A short flight from Adelaide or a scenic ferry ride from Cape Jervis will transport you to this ruggedly picturesque locale.
Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory: Rich in Culture, Art (and Crocs) For Slow Travel in 2025
Every smile tells a story on the Tiwi Islands, where indigenous art bursts with the same vibrancy as the sunsets. Immerse in the cultural heart of these islands with a guided tour, or engage in traditional fishing techniques that connect directly to the ancient practices of the local people. It’s a sensory feast enriched by the salty air and friendly locals.
Where to Stay: Nestled within a pristine marine sanctuary, Tiwi Island Retreat is one of the Northern Territory’s premier barefoot destinations. Secluded on the western edge of Bathurst Island, the Retreat sits right on the beach.
How to Get There: Take a short flight from Darwin or sail across on a ferry, ready to be welcomed with open arms and wide smiles.
Chatham Islands, New Zealand: A 2025 Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers
Ready for an adventure at the edge of the world? The Chatham Islands beckon with their mysterious landscapes and a history that’s as intriguing as the rare birds that call it home. Walk on windswept beaches, delve into Moriori culture, and discover a place so captivating, you’ll leave a piece of your heart behind.
Where to Stay: The Hotel Chatham offers a warm, familial embrace with comfortable accommodations and local lore.
How to Get There: Board a flight from Wellington or Christchurch and land in a place that feels a world away from anywhere else.
Embark on a journey to these islands in 2025 and discover the joy of taking your time to explore. Each destination offers a unique slice of paradise - whether tropical or rugged - perfect for those looking to dive deeper into the natural and cultural splendours of Australia and New Zealand. Start planning your adventure today and step into the slower side of life, where every moment counts in these slow travel island destinations for 2025.
