Resorts, National Parks and Cultural Centres You May Not Have Heard Of
Australia is blessed with some of the best island break locations the world can offer. Whether it’s lapping up the luxury on Hamilton and Hayman in the Whitsundays, watching the penguins at Philip in Victoria or taking a day trip to Rottnest from Perth, there’s always something on offer.
But away from the big names, Australia has plenty of other fascinating islands to visit. So, next time you try an island resort break or wildlife-watching excursion, why not give one of these a pop?
The Tiwi Islands, NT
Lying to the north of Darwin in the Arafura Sea, Bathurst and Melville Island are excellent places to experience a bit of Aboriginal culture. The Tiwi people have been relatively isolated from the mainland until recently, so they still maintain several unique customs, such as carved burial poles. It’s possible to check out the high quality local arts and crafts, as well as participate in traditional hunting and food gathering – but only on a guided tour. Tiwi Tours is based on the islands, run by locals and aim to be as non-‘touristy’ as possible.
If at all possible, get there for the local version of the AFL Grand Final in March – the entire population seems to go mad for it.
King Island, Tasmania
In the brutal waters of the Bass Strait, it’s no real surprise that King Island can boast four lighthouses. The tallest, at Cape Wickham, is the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere. But aside from the sea buffeting the rocks, King Island is beautifully calm. There are great beaches and lagoons for swimming in, whilst it’s a fabulous spot for foodies. The fresh seafood is as good here as it is almost anywhere in the world, while the small island also has a big dairy industry. And that means lots and lots of lovely cheese to gorge on.
Montague Island, New South Wales
Off the coast of Narooma, Montague Island is run by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and has a number of innovative eco-ventures. There are daily tours that go out from Narooma – the evening one allows you to watch the penguins come inland to their nests at dusk – but the real highlight is being able to stay overnight in the lighthouse cottages. Volunteers are able to help out with the conservation projects – including painting nesting boxes and replanting native plants.
French Island, Victoria
Right next to the far better known (and far busier) Philip Island, French Island is one of the most tranquil places in the country. Two-thirds of it is national park, and it’s green in mentality as well as colour. Most of the residents seem to buy into the organic, sustainable lifestyle and there’s nothing to spoil an idyllic bushwalk through major koala colonies.
Those wanting a novel way of exploring the island can try out llama trekking. Who could fail to enjoy meandering around the forest with a friendly South American pack animal?
Southern Reef Islands, Queensland
Justifiably, the Whitsundays tend to get the most attention when it comes to staying on the Great Barrier Reef, with those further north not far behind. However, the very bottom end of the reef is well worth visiting too. Lady Elliot Island takes about 20 minutes to walk around, but it’s perfect if you’re looking for a low key island break. For divers, there’s no need for a boat trip out – there’s plenty to see straight off the beach.
For those wanting more of a wilderness experience, there is the even-smaller Lady Musgrave Island, which can be accessed on a day trip from Bundaberg and camped out on overnight, providing you have a permit.
The Houtman-Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia
Off the Western Australian coast from Geraldton, this rarely visited archipelago consists of over 100 specks of coral. They’re protected, so there’s no accommodation to be had on the island – although, ironically, it is home to a hut that is the oldest European inhabitation in Australia. It is possible to visit by plane or boat for a day trip, however, and the Houtman-Abrolhos are something of a wildlife wonderland. Expect to see plenty of birds, sea-lions and tiny tammar wallabies.
There’s also plenty of life under the water, and there are few better snorkelling spots in Australia.
Christmas Island, Indian Ocean Territories
One of the most far-flung parts of Australia, Christmas Island is isolated in the Indian Ocean, and is largely famous as the place that sparked debate over Australia’s stance on refugees. When the Tampa attempted to land there in 2001, it was turned away, creating an almighty furore. But there’s more to it than asylum-seeker processing. Almost two-thirds of the island is National Park, and it is dominated by a mountain.
Activities include whale shark diving, but the most spectacular time of year to visit is November and December, when millions of red crabs emerge from the forest to breed on the coast. They cover absolutely everything on their visually stunning migration.
This article was originally written for Ninemsn.
Copyright David Whitley
