Little Island

Little Island is a tiny, car-free speck of sand and scrub in the Tasman Sea, roughly 10 km off the coast of northern New South Wales. Accessible only by private boat or charter, this uninhabited island offers a raw, Robinson Crusoe-style escape. Its turquoise shallows, sculpted rock pools, and the thunderous blowhole at its southern tip create a wild, elemental atmosphere that feels a world away from the mainland's beachside towns.

Highlights & What to See

• Blowhole & Rock Platforms: At the island's south-east corner, a dramatic blowhole erupts through volcanic rock, especially spectacular after a southerly swell. The surrounding basalt platforms are perfect for sunbaking or fishing.
• Snorkelling the Sea-Grass Beds: The protected western side harbours shallow sea-grass meadows where green sea turtles and wobbegong sharks glide. Bring your own gear; visibility is best on an incoming tide.
• Birdlife Spectacle: Little Island is a nesting site for sooty oystercatchers and crested terns. During spring, watch for migratory shearwaters returning at dusk.
• Secluded Beachcombing: The main beach on the north shore is a crescent of white shell-grit, littered with cowrie shells and driftwood. No footprints but your own.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors come for a day trip, arriving mid-morning and departing by late afternoon. This gives you 4–5 hours to snorkel, explore the rock platforms, and relax on the beach. If you have your own vessel and camping gear, an overnight stay is possible (no facilities – you must be fully self-sufficient), allowing for a sunrise walk and a second afternoon of fishing. The crossing from the mainland takes about 20–30 minutes, so factor in time for loading and weather checks.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Crowdy Head: A working fishing village with a historic lighthouse and excellent coastal walks, just 15 minutes north by road from the departure point.
• Harrington Beach: A long, family-friendly surf beach with a tidal lagoon, perfect for a pre- or post-island picnic.
• Diamond Head: A striking headland with a 4-km loop track through rainforest and heath, offering panoramic views back toward Little Island.
• Old Bar: A laid-back coastal town with a rock pool and a lively café strip, ideal for a coffee before heading offshore.

Please check official sources for current details.