FRASER ISLAND, Queensland In a nutshell: Dingoes, lakes and lush rainforests thriving on the world’s largest sand island. Tell me more: Fraser Island is extraordinary – it has a World Heritage listing to prove it. The incomparable isle is the world’s largest sand island, with subtropical rainforests stubbornly thriving in a seemingly infertile environment. There are no tarmac roads, so most people see the island on multi-day 4WD tours (though you can dodge the crowds, stay longer, and do it cheaper by walking around it if you’re feeling hardy). Fraser is also home to more than 40 freshwater dune lakes – over half the world’s known total. Indeed our favourite spot is Lake McKenzie, a massive freshwater lake where crystal clear water meets sands so white you’re tempted to sprinkle them on your dinner. Or you could of course just take your own picnic. This is the kind of spot you could lose yourself in for at least a few hours. Where? Off the Queensland coast, from Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach or River Heads.
KANGAROO ISLAND, South Australia In a nutshell: So much wildlife it should be renamed something better. Tell me more: Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island (after Melville Island and Tassie). It has a population of 4,500 people and 25,000 koalas. So really it should have been renamed Koala Island, or better still, You’ve Never Seen So Much Wildlife In One Place Except Possibly At The Zoo (But Even Then The Cool Animals Are Always Asleep) Island. Works so much better. As well as the abundant wildlife – if you don’t see koalas, roos, wallabies, seals, sea lions, the odd snake and plenty more you’d better get them glasses checked – there are the what-it-says-on-the-tin Remarkable Rocks, some epic sand dunes (ideal for sandboarding) and a greedy collection of gorgeous beaches. Go and see why all the celebrities are tweeting about this place. Where? Off the Fleurieu Peninsula, about one hour 45 mins drive from Adelaide, South Australia including a ferry ride.
ROTTNEST ISLAND, western australia In a nutshell: “Rotto” is Santa’s Grotto (er, if Santa gave out beautiful beaches). Tell me more: With motorised traffic all but non-existent (private vehicles are banned), the island is best experienced by bike and it goes a little bit like this: Cycle for a bit. Find an irresistible beach. Snorkel. Laze about. Feel happy. Cycle for a bit. Find another irresistible beach. Snorkel. Laze about. Feel happy. Cycle for a bit. Find an even more irresistible beach. Snorkel. Laze about. Feel happy. As Rotto’s surrounding reefs are littered with shipwrecks it’s popular with divers, snorkellers, surfers and fishing types. Plus, due to the exclusion of feral pests, this is one of the few areas in the world where the cute quokka can be found. Where? About 18km off Fremantle, near Perth, Western Australia.
tntdownunder.com
islands_721.indd 41
41
1/5/13 9:58:01 PM