Islands in the (Aussie) sun
Australia has more than 8000 islands. Ute Junker looks at a few of the best for a holiday.
Say the words ‘‘island nation’’ and we tend to think of somewhere in the South Pacific: Fiji, perhaps, or the Solomon Islands. Yet with more than 8000 islands scattered around our neighbour’s coastline, Australia has plenty of island escapes – and not all of them are off the coast of Queensland.
From storm-tossed islands in the Southern Ocean, where cows graze by the roadside, and pristine forests shelter everything from bandicoots to echidnas, to sandy islands studded with pristine lakes, the diversity of Australia’s islands is as dazzling as their number.
Want to get away from it all? The colourful cliffs of Maria Island and the Kentia palm forests of Lord Howe Island are great places for crowd-free hikes. Prefer a bit of holiday buzz? Head for Phillip Island or Hamilton Island instead, where there is always something new to do.
Whether you are a foodie or a four-wheel-drive fan, into indigenous cultures or eco-adventures, you will find something to suit your holiday style in this list of ultimate Aussie island escapes.
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Why we love it Arguably the best place in the country to see wildlife – koalas, echidnas, seals, sea lions, and more – Kangaroo Island also scores high in the gourmet stakes. Best for Furry creatures and foodies. Must do Flinders Chase National Park is great for spectacular scenery and wildlife spotting. Schedule some time to visit artisanal producers such as Island Pure Sheep Dairy, The Islander Estate winery, and The Island Beehive. Stay Every room at Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn has an ocean view. From $119 a night twin share. 7 Cygnet Rd, Kingscote, kiseasideinn.com.au
Kangaroo Island Acacia Apartments’ self-contained apartments suit families. From $448 for two nights twin share. 3-5 Rawson St, Kingscote, acaciaapartments.com.au
Southern Ocean Lodge is one of Australia’s best luxury retreats. Rates from $2294 a person for two nights twin share, including meals and signature activities. Hanson Bay Rd, southernoceanlodge.com.au Make it happen Head there in summer for the beach, or winter for the wildlife. Kangaroo Island is a 45-minute ferry ride from Cape Jervis, or a 30-minute flight from Adelaide. tourkangarooisland.com.au
Lady Elliot Island, Queensland
Why we love it Yes, you can still find spectacular coral on the Great Barrier Reef, and Lady Elliot Island is the place to revel in it. Best for Families, snorkellers, and divers. Must do More than 1200 marine species live in the surrounding waters, so it’s no surprise that most visitors spend their days snorkelling or diving. Depending on the season, close encounters with manta rays, turtles, and whales are possible. Stay The resort’s Eco Cabins are safaristyle tents with two sets of bunk beds and shared bathroom facilities. From $180 a person per night twin share, including breakfast and dinner.
The Reef Units sleep four, with ensuite bathrooms and a balcony. From $310 a person a night twin share, including breakfast, dinner.
The Island Suites have two bedrooms and a beachfront position with lagoon views. From $370 a person a night twin share, including breakfast and dinner. Make it happen Lady Elliott Island is a yeararound destination, but water visibility is particularly good during May and June. ladyelliot.com.au
Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
Why we love it With great bush walking, magnificent snorkelling and diving, sheltered lagoons and verdant forests, Lord Howe Island is heaven for nature lovers. Best for Families, hikers, divers. Must do Will it be a leisurely stroll through a Jurassic Park-style forest, or an energetic all-day hike up a mountain? Body surfing at the beach, or a snorkel through the world’s southern-most coral reef? Or perhaps you will simply find your own stretch of sand for a spot of beachcombing. Stay Guests at Beachcomber Lodge can walk to two of the island’s loveliest beaches. From $177 a night. beachcomberlhi.com.au
Pinetrees, Lord Howe’s oldest, largest lodge, has a simple chic fitout. From $1850 a person twin share for a five-night all-inclusive package. pinetrees.com.au
Capella Lodge is the premier accommodation, known for its superb cuisine. Rates from $782 a person per night. lordhowe.com Make it happen Warm summers and mild winters make Lord Howe Island a yeararound option. Flying time is two hours from Sydney and Brisbane. lordhoweisland.info
Fraser Island, Queensland
Why we love it An island created by sand drifting across from the mainland, studded with more than 100 freshwater lakes – no wonder Fraser Island has so many fans. Best for Families and four-wheel drivers. Must do You can walk through the rainforest or swim in lakes McKenzie and Wabby, but for many visitors, the main attraction seems to be the superb four-wheel driving, whether that is bush-bashing or hooning down the amazing expanse of 75 Mile Beach. Stay Central Station Camp Site has hot showers and barbecue facilities. Rates from $6.20 a person or $24.80 a family a night. nprsr.qld.gov.au
The beachfront Eurong Beach Resort offers a choice between motel-style rooms and selfcontained apartments. From $130 per room per night. eurong.com.au
Kingfisher Bay Resort is elegant and eco-friendly. From $196 a room a night. kingfisherbay.com Make it happen The warmer months are the best time to enjoy the lakes. Vehicle and pedestrian ferries depart for Fraser Island from Hervey Bay, River Heads, and Rainbow Beach. See visitfrasercoast.com
Maria Island, Tasmania
Why we love it This lovely, car-free island wilderness is known for its convict ruins and its pristine bushland. Best for Families, bushwalkers. Must do Take a hike. Maria Island is all about the great outdoors. Wander through the remains of the convict settlement at Darlington, or tackle the tough Bishop and Clerk trail, culminating in a cloud forest. Don’t forget the Painted Cliffs, with their pretty sandstone patterns, and amazing Fossil Cliffs. While you are walking, keep an eye out for dolphins and eagles. Stay The campsite at Darlington costs $13.60 a night twin share. Book through parks.tas.gov.au
The Old Penitentiary offers twin rooms for $46 a night. Book through parks.tas.gov.au
On the four-day Maria Island Walk, walkers sleep in comfortable camps. From $2500 a person. mariaislandwalk.com Make it happen The mild summer months are the most popular time to visit. The Maria Island Ferry departs Triabunna, north of Hobart, twice a week. discovertasmania.com.au
Hamilton Island, Queensland
Why we love it On this Whitsundays hub, you can choose between bushwalking and teeing off on a championship golf course, dining at one of a dozen restaurants or partying with the fleet during Race Week. Best for Families, sailors, golfers. Must do There is lot more than just swimming and snorkelling on