Lord Howe Island, new South Wales
Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory
In a nutshell: Remote and all but unsullied by the worst of the modern world. Tell me more: This is one Island that we probably wouldn’t complain about being stranded on, à la Robinson Crusoe. Off the east coast of Australia, about half way between Sydney and Brisbane, Lord Howe is one of the most remote islands in the country, and you’ll need to fly to get there. But it’s more than worth the trek. The locals have fought to jealously protect the natural beauty of their island by restricting the number of visitors allowed there at any one time, so make sure to book in advance. Enjoy the warm, crystal clear water, the beautiful native bird life or some of the best nature walking to be found anywhere in Oceania. Lord Howe Island is an absolute gem! Where? Qantas and QantasLink fly daily services from both Brisbane and Sydney. You can also go direct from Port Macquarie, if you’d prefer.
In a nutshell: A temperate, tropical wonderland Tell me more: Located about 80km north of Darwin, at the confluence of the Arafura and Timor Seas, the Tiwi Islands are a chain of beautiful islands known for their year round beautiful weather, great fishing and indigenous heritage. The two main islands are Melville and Bathurst but there are another nine smaller, uninhabited islands that can still be visited and explored via day trips. The Tiwi people, the indigenous inhabitants of the islands have inhabited these islands for over 7,000 years and huge tourist draw card, the indigenous art is a huge draw card. Game fishing is also an important industry in the region, with barramundi, snapper, mackerel and salmon all in abundance in the beautiful waters off the coast. Where? Once upon a time there was a ferry, but no longer. Best bet is flying direct from Darwin, which, as you can imagine is a very short flight in a tiny plane. .
THE WHITSUNDAYS, Queensland In a nutshell: A bit like heaven really. Tell me more: Angels serve you free beer and... Nah. But the scenery is out of this world. We’ve cheated a little bit here – we simply can’t chose one island above the rest, so we’re including all 74. Most isles are sandy with tropical rainforest and several have accommodation options, ranging from fivestar resorts to basic camp grounds (34 in all). It’s all shallow, gently swirling turquoise waters and talcum powder beaches, with the famous Whitheaven Beach (on Whitsunday Island) the must-have photo. As if all that wasn’t good enough, the islands are surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, so the snorkelling and diving is pretty much as good as it gets. Staying on an island or two is fun, but sailing in amongst them is arguably better. If you meet someone who toured the east coast and didn’t go to the Whitsundays, you’ll meet someone who looks marginally suicidal. Where? From Airlie Beach, in between Mackay and Townsville, Queensland.
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Phillip Island, Victoria
MAGNETIC ISLAND, Queensland
In a nutshell: Penguins, adorable little penguins. Tell me more: Victoria’s Phillip Island is best known for two reasons; its racetrack which plays host to a leg of the international Moto GP every year and the march of the little penguins (formerly know as fairy penguins.) While the roar of 500cc motorbike engines is a thrilling sound, we’re far more interested in Phillip Island’s bountiful beaches and, of course, the adorable penguin parade. Pretty much every night at sunset, the little penguins waddle up the sand of Summerland Beach to their roosts in the magnificent sandunes. It is a unique wildlife experience. Phillip Island also has one of Australia’s largest koala sanctuaries, with elevated boardwalk viewing areas to watch the furry little fellas go about their business. Where? South-east of Melbourne. Fly to Melbourne and either take a bus or drive yourself.
In a nutshell: Party or park your arse. Tell me more: We love an island that has all bases covered: party prospects married with park your arse and “chillax” opportunities. On ‘Maggie’ you’ll find superlative scenery, beaches, wildlife and activities, such as diving and snorkelling. There are great wildlife experiences too, with koalas living in the wild and cute little rock wallabies. Base Hostel throw a pretty full on Full Moon party on Magnetic Island every month and it’s worth being there for that. Think the same sort of thing as in Thailand; lots of drinking and people keen to, um, ‘make new friends’ but with less chance of being beaten up, robbed or contracting a disease getting a tattoo. But even if you miss that, Base has gotta be one of Australia’s most picturesque hostels, being right on the beach – and one of the biggest for partying at anytime. Where? A ferry ride from Townsville, Queensland.
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