Escape to Australia’s best islands to visit – The Telegraph

As the sun sets over the Southern Ocean, dozens of baby penguins emerge from the sea then return home to their nests in the dunes.

The Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, is one of Australias most loved island experiences. But its not all that Phillip Island has to offer.

At Nobbies Centre there are fine views of fur seals battling on the rocks, while the Koala Conservation Reserve offers the chance to walk through the bush and spot koalas in their native habitat.

Throw in wineries, a chocolate factory, winter whale-watching tours and coastal walks along dramatic clifftops, and Phillip Island is a fun-filled all-rounder of an island escape.

But its by no means the only all-action island break near one of Australias big cities. Car-free Rottnest Island near Perth is famous for its adorable quokkas, but you can also cycle round and go swimming at several dazzling Indian Ocean beaches.

North-west of Perth is Christmas Island, a tropical paradise famous for its large numbers of bright red land crabs. With the island covered by a large, lush national park of rainforests and secret swimming spots, hidden beaches and undersea coral reefs, youll quickly be transported to a whole other world. The secluded, eco-friendly and luxurious Swell Lodge is a perfect place to stay.

From Brisbane, Moreton Island offers quad-biking in the dunes, snorkelling between shipwrecks and hand-feeding wild dolphins.

Near Hobart in Tasmania, Bruny Islands strength is its relatively untouched feel. Bruny Island Cruises shows off the rugged coastline of sea caves and seals, while on land several excellent walking tracks head through gullies and eucalypt forest before emerging for magnificent views atop the towering cliffs.

Bruny Islands small but quietly industrious population throws itself into making top-drawer local produce. Post walk, its tempting to take on an indulgent tasting tour, sampling the cheeses, whisky, chocolates and wines made by the islanders.

Kangaroo Island, eight miles off the coast of South Australia, is another that throws itself whole-heartedly into treat-making. Olives, organic honey and oysters can be washed down with carefully-crafted gins from Kangaroo Island Spirits or a zesty sauvignon blanc from Dudley Wines.

But nature is king. The Flinders Chase National Park on the western side of Kangaroo Island is particularly rewarding. Here, the Remarkable Rocks have a distinctive orange colour, while the two-hour Platypus Water Holes Walk offers one of the best opportunities in Australia for seeing the notoriously elusive platypus.

Elsewhere on the island, Seal Bay Conservation Park sees you sharing the beach with dozens of comical Australian sea lions.

Should you prefer an idyllic Pacific island vibe, then Lord Howe Island lies off the New South Wales coast, happily alone in the Tasman Sea. Only 400 visitors are allowed at any one time, although theyll have to share the dreamy turquoise lagoons with the turtles. Tropical and subtropical species meet here, making for an aquatic wonderland for anyone donning masks and fins.

Lord Howe is a barefoot kind of place, although you might want something sturdier while tackling the hike through the forest up to the top of Mount Gower.

For a Robinson Crusoe-esque experience on a practically untouched island, visit the Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory, based in the Timor Sea about 80km north of Darwin. Visitors can reach the islands by seaplane in just under 30 minutes and can spend their time seeing the indigenous art and wildlife or relaxing on the beaches. Tiwi Island Retreat is a great boutique place to stay and will ensure a pristine remote island holiday, with rooms inspired by nature and a gorgeous waterfront pool.

Australias biggest collection of tropical islands is along the Great Barrier Reef. In the Whitsundays region, some of them are preserved as national parks. Others are holiday resorts, or prime targets for day-trippers wanting white sand beaches.

The pattern continues further north along the Reef. Green and Fitzroy Islands are easy day hops from Cairns. Hinchinbrook Island is kept green, wild and adored by walkers. And Orpheus Island, a 30-minute helicopter ride from Townsville, is a byword for luxurious tropical exclusivity. The 14-room Orpheus Island Lodge and the entire island can be booked for private use.

Aquatic adventurers will find the Giant Clam Garden and Museum of Underwater Art close by, while guests can also take chef-prepared picnics with them as they sail a motorised dinghy to the beaches of the surrounding islands.

In Australia, you can even have an island escape during your island escape.

Now's not the time to go small. Go big and discover ancient places, welcoming faces and vast open spaces. If you're ready for a big holiday, we're ready to say g'day.

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Escape to Australia's best islands to visit - The Telegraph