GO WILD ON OTHER SMALL ISLANDS

1 Bribie Island, QLD

Just 50km north of Brisbane and linked to the mainland by a road bridge, Bribie boasts myriad habitats including sand dunes, heath, wetlands, freshwater creeks and lagoons, many of which are accessible only by boat or off-road vehicle. Dugongs feed in seagrass meadows around the island and it’s an important feeding and roosting location for thousands of shorebirds.

2 Woody Island, WA

Of the Recherche Archipelago’s more than 100 islands off Esperance in south-western WA, this is the only one that is readily accessible to the public. It’s named for its tall trees, a rare sight in this island chain. Walks will bring you close to flesh-footed shearwaters and other birds and lizards such as the marbled gecko and four-toed skink. Swim in Shearwater Bay’s clear waters and follow an interpreted snorkelling trail.

3 Neptune Islands, SA

Great white sharks occur year-round around these islands, making them popular for tourism based on these legendary fish, including shark cage diving. These rugged isles are also a vital breeding and feeding site for local and migratory birds, Australian sea lions and New Zealand fur seals. Watch also for rock parrots.

4 Sloping Island, TAS

This 117ha island off the northern tip of the Tasman Peninsula is a breeding ground for fairy penguins and shearwaters. Its waters are home to two rare endemic fish species, the red and spotted handfishes. During the convict era, the island was the location of a probation station. At its peak in 1844, 176 prisoners lived here and you can still see remnants of the prison buildings.

5 Bare Sand Island, NT

This 20ha isle at Port Patterson’s mouth, 50km south-west of Darwin, consists entirely of beaches encircling sparsely vegetated dunes: no buildings, no fresh water and just two trees for shelter.

But the island is a vital breeding site for flatbacks, Australia’s only endemic marine turtle species. Up to 20 haul out here nightly during the breeding season. Take a turtle-watching tour from Darwin or help out on turtle conservation work.