By Sue Gough Henly
Bruny Island, Tasmania.
Australia is rich in offshore treasures, Sue Gough Henly writes.
Poruma Island (Coconut Island), QLD
Poruma Island is located between Cape York Peninsula and New Guinea.
Poruma Island Resort was the brainchild of an island elder, the late Gibson Pearson, who facilitated the building of two luxury thatched wooden bungalows for tourists who yearn to relax on sandy beaches beside a turquoise sea, explore Melanesian culture - and fish for their supper (spectacular seafood is one of the highlights of a visit to this island).
Local fishermen are happy to take you fishing or drop you off for a day's snorkelling and picnicking on uninhabited islets. Plans are afoot for Fly Fishing Australia to train the locals as guides; (07) 4090 0170.
The Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory
The Tiwi Islands, comprised of Bathurst and Melville islands, 80 kilometres north of Darwin, are renowned for the geometric art forms that are produced there. Aussie Adventures offers one- and two-day cultural trips to Bathurst Island; no facilities are available for independent travellers. At the Tiwi Design centre you can meet the artists at work and buy their remarkable paintings, screen-printed fabrics, wooden sculptures and weavings, (08) 8923 6523. For art enthusiasts, the Tiwi Art Network also offers one-day tours to three art centres on Bathurst and Melville islands, (08) 8941 3593.
Rottnest Island, Western Australia
Located 19 kilometres from Fremantle, Rottnest Island is a popular destination for families from the Perth area who come to cycle its meandering roads and swim, surf, fish, and snorkel at its 63 beaches and 20 secluded bays. There are no cars. Select spots include surfing at Strickland's, snorkelling at Salmon Point, and watching the sunset from Wadjemup Lighthouse. Sea kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, and walking tours are also available. The Rottnest Lodge is the most upmarket accommodation. The Rottnest Island Authority has a ballot system for villas, cabins and campsites during school holidays, (08) 9432 9111.
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Off the tip of South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, Kangaroo Island is home to koalas, sea lions, fur seals, kangaroos, wallabies and much more. Visit lighthouses, lounge on wide white sandy beaches at Vivonne Bay and Hanson Bay or taste fine local wines and olive oils, ligurian honey and freshwater marron. Lifetime Private Retreats offers luxurious accommodation and fully catered meals in remarkable natural settings, while Stranraer Homestead offers hosted accommodation in a meticulously restored 1920s Federation homestead.
www.tourkangarooisland.com.au; www.life-time.com.au, (08) 8559 2248; www.stranraer.com.au (08) 8553 8235.
French Island, Victoria
In Westernport Bay to the south-east of Melbourne, French Island is home to fewer than 60 people, and at least one celebrity (Kylie Minogue). Its salt marsh coastline harbours more than 230 species of birds. Two-thirds of the island is national park. Located in the former prison, McLeod Ecofarm offers accommodation in the old cells, and a gourmet restaurant.
For more luxurious accommodation, stay at the Glen Isla House or Hill of Content on Phillip Island.
McLeod Ecofarm, www.mcleodecofarm.com, (03) 5980 1224; Glen Isla House, www.glenisla.com, (03) 5952 1882; Hill of Content, www.thehillofcontent.com.au, (03) 5956 0100.
Wilson Island, Queensland
A stone's throw from Heron Island in the southern Great Barrier Reef, Wilson Island is an eco-paradise that sacrifices nothing in the way of creature comforts. There are only six tents (with king-size beds), so there's a 12-guest limit. Set on polished wooden platforms, the tents are designed not to disturb the nesting of green turtles and shearwater mutton birds.
There's remarkable snorkelling right off Wilson's white sand beach around a massive spherical coral bommie. Wilson's hosts also take you on reef and island walks, and star gazing. Wilson Island makes you feel like you are guests of Mother Nature.
www.wilsonisland.com, 1300 134 044.
, New South Wales
Two-thirds of Island is covered in sub-tropical forests. There is fabulous bushwalking, snorkelling, scuba diving, shore and big-game fishing, bird watching and surfing, but most of all visitors come to chill in the laid-back environment. Naturalist Ian Hutton gives guided walks of the rainforest, seashore and seabird communities, while Jack Shick will guide you up Mount Gower or take you on his boat to sightsee or go deep-sea fishing. Capella Lodge and Arajilla are the two upscale hotels.
www.lordhoweisland.info; www.capellalodge.com.au, (02) 9918 4355; www.arajilla.com.au, (02) 6563 2002.
Bruny Island, Tasmania
Bruny Island is made up of North and South Bruny, joined by a narrow isthmus called the Neck (where fairy penguins and shearwater mutton birds make their homes). South Bruny is renowned for its bird life.
Zoologist Tonia Cochran of Inala Nature Tours conducts bird-watching and wildlife tours while Island Charters offers a boat trip to a seal colony.
There is no high-end accommodation, but Hiba has a self-contained cottage and Morella Island Retreats offers several options.
www.brunyisland.net.au, 1300 889 557; Hiba, (03) 6293 1456, www.discovertasmania.com; Morella Island Retreats, www.morella-island.com.au, (03) 6293 1131.
Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.