HISTORY AND DIVERSITY MARK TIAM’S ISLAND ROUND-UP IN THIS ISSUE

Australia is fringed by more than 8000 islands, offering every type of holiday experience. Sail through the Whitsundays, 4WD to Fraser Island’s rainforests and lakes or pick a tropical paradise in the Great Barrier Reef. Uncover the unique culture of Norfolk Island. Explore the wildlife havens of Kangaroo Island in South Australia or French and Phillip islands in Victoria. Day trip to gorgeous Rottnest Island from Perth or cruise the remote, spectacular Buccaneer Archipelago, off the coast of Derby. Island hop around Sydney Harbour or fly to Lord Howe Island, home to the world’s southernmost coral reef. Discover the wild beauty of the islands off Tasmania, itself Australia’s biggest island.

Lord Howe Island

Tranquillity reigns on World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island, which sits in the Tasman Sea, less than two hours’ flight from Brisbane or Sydney. Only 400 visitors are allowed, bicycles are the best way to get around and there’s no mobile phone reception. Bushwalk through the island’s native Kentia palm forests and swim from white-sand beaches. Snorkel and dive in protected, temperate waters on the world’s southernmost coral reef. There are more than 50 sites teeming with green turtles, colourful coral and fish.  If you’re feeling brave, tackle the arduous climb to the top of Mount Gower. It takes 8-10 hours and is rope-assisted!
Lord Howe is also Australia’s premier bird-watching destination, with over 14 species of seabirds nesting on the island — and most readily seen, including one of the world’s rarest birds, the Lord Howe Island woodhen.
And at day’s end, sip a cold beer or glass of wine and watch the sun sink into the sea.
Lord Howe Island is not a “resort” island: all the accommodation (17 in total) is owned and operated by islanders and ranges from self-catering cottages and apartments, to traditional guesthouses through to boutique luxury lodges. Wherever you stay, you’re assured of friendly hospitality and an unforgettable holiday.
As there is a limit of 400 tourists on the island at any time, you need to confirm your accommodation before you leave home. Camping is not allowed on the island.

Arajilla is Lord Howe’s premier retreat

Nestled under a canopy of Kentia palms and banyan trees just seconds from the beach, Arajilla Retreat is a haven of tranquillity and relaxation for a lucky few guests.
Family owned and managed, there are just 12 beautifully appointed luxury suites, some with two bedrooms. On offer is a relaxing guest lounge, plus the island’s renowned Arajilla Restaurant with its tantilising international menu and seafood emphasis. Not to be missed is the Arajilla Wellness Spa that specialises in soothing, ancient, India Ayurveda techniques to give guests pure relaxation and healing.
Arajilla’s all-inclusive tariff and range of special value-added packages makes for the ideal holiday escape. Walk deserted beaches, swim the safe lagoon, go snorkelling, diving or fishing, be pampered with massage or body treatment or simply read - at Arajilla it’s your time.
VISIT: www.lordhoweisland.info

Norfolk Island

Located in the heart of the South Pacific between Australia and New Zealand and spanning just 34 sq km (13 square miles) with 32km of coastline and 80km of laneways where cows still have the right of way. This diminutive Island jewel will immerse you in an adventure filled with living history, vibrant culture and spectacular scenic beauty. It is a lush, beautiful island with sandy beaches, jagged cliffs and tall pine trees supported by a local community with a simple, laid-back way of life.
The first arrivals were probably East Polynesian seafarers, arriving in the 14th or 15th centuries – who stayed for a few generations – then departed.
Captain Cook encountered Norfolk Island in 1774. He described it as “Paradise”. The island was uninhabited (except for some unique wildlife) and he named it after the Duchess of Norfolk.  
Governor Arthur Philip established a prison colony here in 1788, but this was disbanded in 1814. The island then lay abandoned until it became a second, much harsher, penal colony from 1825 until 1856.
Visitors to Norfolk Island can find ruins left over from convict settlements, over 170 native plants and ferns, and several types of seabirds that come to the island to breed.
Many of the residents of Norfolk are descended from the Pitcairn Islanders from The Mutiny on the Bounty. Along with some later arrivals to Pitcairn Island, the Nobbs, Buffett, Evans, Quintal, Christian, Adams, Youngs and McCoy families moved – lock, stock and barrel – to Norfolk Island in 1856 by order of  Queen Victoria. Today, as a mark of gratitude, “God Save the Queen” remains the national anthem of Norfolk Island. Visitors will notice a strong Polynesian influence in the local cuisine and the hula dance.
Today Norfolk Island is an External Territory under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia.  It is governed under the provisions of the Norfolk Island Act 1979 (Commonwealth), which established a nine-member Legislative Assembly with power to legislate for the peace, order and good government of the island.  The Assembly is elected by island residents.  
Norfolk Island has a wide range of accommodation options available. The town centre offers the more traditional hotel/motel-style accommodation, while up in the hills and along Norfolk’s coastline there are a number of excellent B&B and apartment-style establishments.

Governors Lodge Resort

Set among Norfolk Island Pines and 12 acres of subtropical landscaped gardens, this delightful resort offers Executive and Deluxe lodges. These freestanding lodges are complete with kitchenette facilities, verandas, lounge, dining and private bathrooms. It is located only an eight minute walk to low-tax shopping outlets and the centre of Burnt Pine Township. Any time of year is a good time to visit Governor’s Lodge Resort, with alfresco dining and pristine swimming pool to enjoy the summer sun and all-year-round heated spa and gas-heated Baileys Restaurant to keep warm in the winter.
VISIT: www.norfolkisland.com.au

Lady Elliot Island

At Lady Elliot Island on the Great Barrier Reef, you can step off the beach and snorkel, swim or dive in an underwater holiday world of brilliantly coloured species of marine life, or just simply relax and soak in the natural island atmosphere. The lagoon protects and nurtures the curiosity of the beginners, while a little further out experienced snorkellers and divers descend to see the coral sea.
Lady Elliot Island is one of only three island resorts on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, and the only resort with direct flight access to the island airstrip. The island is located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in the highest possible classification of Marine National Park Zone. Lady Elliot is an island teeming with life and live corals, famous for a resident population of 40 manta rays which form the iconic logo of the island.
Tour the reef in a glass-bottomed boat, learn to scuba dive, feed the fish, take a guided reef walk or stroll to a deserted beach and live the dream. With exceptionally clear water year round, you may encounter turtles, dolphins and a large variety of coral, fish and giant manta rays. If you are there for the right season you may see birds nesting, turtle hatchlings emerging from the sand or migrating humpback whales blow and breech.
Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort offers several types of accommodation, with Island Suites being ideal for honeymooners and romantic getaways. These are one and two-bedroom, airconditioned, beachfront units with a separate bedroom and lounge area.
All the rooms are fan-cooled and there are no televisions, radios or telephones to remind you of the life you’ve left behind. With the environment in mind, all linen is supplied and changed every third day. Fresh towels are available daily.
Julie, from Vancouver, Canada went on a day trip to Lady Elliot Island ¬- “To save time, we were delighted to find the day tour that Lady Elliot offers. We enjoyed being in a small tour group with guide  Alan Jones. Alan made us feel very comfortable and he was very patient with us when we went snorkelling for the first time in our lives! We could tell he really enjoyed his job by the enthusiasm he spread to us. I had started the day feeling lousy from jet lag, but soon forgot about it. The lunch provided was excellent. The whole island was wonderful to see... Would love to come again and stay a couple of days next time!”
VISIT: www.ladyelliot.com.au

Moreton Island

Located off the coast from Brisbane, Moreton Island is about one and a half hours by vehicle ferry, the most popular transport to get to the island. The island has lots to offer in scenery, wildlife and history. The all-sand island has the highest sand mountain in the world called Mt Tempest and very little is developed on the island, which is why it is a National Park with three small town settlements and one resort as the only developments.
The townships consist of mostly holiday houses held by people in Brisbane, with a few residents. What makes the island so attractive to tourism is its unspoilt white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water. The island has a lighthouse at Cape Moreton built by the early convicts, freshwater lakes dotted throughout, sand deserts, shipwrecks and marine life that is quite amazing by world standards.

Tangalooma Island Resort

Tangalooma’s wide range of resort facilities caters for all and offers guests of all ages the perfect destination for unique adventure, education, or nature-based experiences in a truly relaxed environment.
There are five beachfront accommodation styles, each set amid luscious landscaped gardens and natural bushland, most with water views. Or take up residency in one of the exclusive new island holiday houses on the hill with million dollar views over Moreton Bay and the Glasshouse Mountains.
From sun-up to sundown Tangalooma is a haven for those who want to relax and have fun, and with over 80 activities on offer there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The highlight of any stay is the opportunity to closely interact with nature. Be enchanted by the playful antics of the wild dolphins that visit Tangalooma jetty each night. Echo, Nari and the rest of the family are always full of chatter and love to show off. Hand feed them as they gather at the shore or watch from the jetty. Either way the experience is unforgettable!
VISIT: www.tangalooma.com

Whitsundays

Seventy-four islands, located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, on the tropical coast of Queensland, stretching from Townsville to Mackay. There are two airports in the Whitsundays at Proserpine and Hamilton Island offering domestic flights to major Australian airports, and the Greyhound bus service operates from Brisbane and Cairns to Airlie Beach.
A visit to the Whitsundays is a feast of the senses, surrounded by natural beauty, dotted with secluded beaches and friendly towns from which to explore.  The hardest part is choosing how to fit it all in.
Explore this incredible diversity from the bow of a sailboat… cruise through the islands and drop anchor for a quick snorkel and wake up to a sunrise over world-famous Whitehaven Beach. Or enjoy the spoils of a mainland resort with Coral Sea views at Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays.
Airlie Beach offers visitors a broad array of accommodation from stylish resort hotels on the water’s edge and apartments on the hillside overlooking the panorama of beach, bay and islands, to bed and breakfast options, motels, camping and caravan parks, as well as a host of backpacker accommodation.

Paradise Bay Eco Resort

Paradise Bay offers a unique blend of eco and luxury set in a brilliant contrast of sun-soaked beaches, crystal-clear water and pristine, untouched wilderness full of friendly local wildlife.
It’s the ultimate in a romantic, environmentally friendly island. Enjoy lazy days exploring the Whitsundays on the resort’s private sailing and expedition boats, feast on gourmet meals with superb wines to match and enjoy the peace and quiet of this tranquil and stunningly beautiful location.
With a maximum of just 20 guests at one time and no kids, no day visitors, no mobile phone reception or Internet, this is the ultimate, intimate escape... welcome to Paradise!
VISIT: www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au and www.paradisebay.com.au

Western Australia

Blessed with picture-perfect turquoise lagoons, spectacular surf and reefs flush with colourful schools of fish, Western Australia has many island getaways.
Rottnest Island is just a 30-minute cruise from Fremantle Harbour – an aquatic playground where visitors can swim, snorkel, scuba dive, surf and fish. It is a car-free zone, so bicycles provide transport.
Historic old stone buildings and little marsupials called quokkas, which hop around at dawn and dusk, add to the unique charm of this tranquil spot.
Near the coastal town of Rockingham is Penguin Island, home to the largest colony of little penguins on the west coast.
The Archipelago of the Recherche in Esperance – otherwise known as the Bay of Isles – is home to hundreds of islands. Woody Island is the most popular – here you can snorkel among sea-dragons, explore famous dive wrecks, spot the local sea lions and camp overnight in safari tents.
For a desert-island escape, visit the eerie Abrolhos Islands off the coast of Geraldton. With over 19 shipwrecks in its waters, including the famous Batavia shipwreck of 1629, you will find some of the finest diving in Australian waters.
The Dampier Archipelago and Montebello Islands comprise 42 pristine islands, many with coastal cliffs, valleys, sand plains and turquoise lagoons.
VISIT: www.westernaustralia.com

Kangaroo Island

The first thing that strikes you when you arrive on Kangaroo Island is the scale of the place. Only 15 kilometres from the South Australian mainland, the island is seven times larger than Singapore, with a breathtaking diversity of natural environments.
For nature lovers, Kangaroo Island is a feast for the senses. There are secluded beaches and pastures where sheep farmers, beekeepers and winemakers produce the renowned local gourmet cuisine.
There are small towns with intimate restaurants and stores showcasing local artwork, and dense, ancient forests that are only a short drive from the island’s charming hamlets.
Take a 4WD trip into the island’s bushland areas and you’ll see koalas, echidnas and wallabies all in their own natural habitat. Join a guided night-time tour to see the famous little penguins march out of the ocean to their homes along the coastline.
Venture to the remarkable western coastline of the island, where two of the Southern Hemisphere’s three species of seals have made their homes among a dramatic backdrop of tumultuous seas and rocky coastal outcrops.
Your hosts will be members of an eclectic local community of farmers, artists, ecologists, fishers and adventurer lovers. Some were born on the island. Others visited and never wanted to go home again. But they’ve all got one thing in common - a love affair with this special place.
VISIT: www.southaustralia.com

Tasmania

More than 300 islands surround the Tasmanian mainland, creating havens for wildlife and native flora.
Until recently many of Tasmania’s 334 offshore islands were a mystery. Aside from the larger ones such as Flinders, King, Maria, and Bruny, little was known of their animal life, vegetation and natural features.
We now know they are home to many species of seabirds, native birds, seals, reptiles and unusual vegetation, and each has unique characteristics and significant historical and natural features. Some are easily accessible and receive many visitors, while others remain isolated and, therefore, undisturbed.
Following the exploitation of some Tasmanian offshore islands during the past two centuries, awareness of their natural values increased and many were set aside as conservation reserves. You are asked not to visit these islands during breeding seasons and not to land where there are seals, pelicans, white-fronted terns, fairy terns or Australasian gannets.

King Island

King Island lies in the path of the Roaring Forties, the ever-present westerlies that circle the world’s southern latitudes. It’s an island of long, empty beaches and clean, fresh air, offshore reefs, rocky coasts, lighthouses and more than 70 shipwreck sites.  It is also the home of King Island Dairy.
There are around 1000 people on the island, and they are proud of their independence and resourcefulness. Their history and livelihood are linked with Bass Strait: the island’s kelpies gather bull kelp tossed on shore by storms, while cray fishermen and abalone divers harvest rich catches from beneath the surface.
On King Island’s flat farmlands, beef and dairy cattle shelter behind thick ti-tree hedges - the lush grass is the secret to the succulent local beef, rich cream and wonderful hand-made cheeses.

Bruny Island

Bruny Island has a permanent population of around 550 people. It has wild seascapes, sweeping surf and quiet channel beaches, coastal walks, sealife cruises, fishing, rare birdlife and wildflowers, tall forests, farmlands, and an historic lighthouse. Most of the roads are unsealed.
Despite being only 35 minutes by car from Hobart, and a 20-minute ferry ride from Kettering, Bruny seems another world away. You can stay at one of the many bed and breakfast or cottage accommodation options, and there are small grocery stores at Lunawanna and Adventure Bay.
Bruny Island is really about 50 kilometres (31 miles) long, but appears to be two islands; North and South Bruny are joined by a narrow strip of land called The Neck.
This isthmus of land connects North and South Bruny Island. The Neck, as locals call it, is an important habitat for native wildlife. There are boardwalks and viewing platforms at The Neck Reserve, enabling you to watch short-tailed shearwaters and little penguins (also known as fairy penguins). The Reserve has an interpretation board and during peak viewing times there is a guide present at dusk. The best viewing period is during the warmer months  - September to February. Follow the timber stairs from the dunes to The Neck lookout, offering stunning 360-degree views.
VISIT: www.discovertasmania.com