An Insiders Guide to Island Hopping down under

An Insider’s Guide to Island Hopping in Australia

With the considerable savings in the currency at the present time, Australia is a bargain destination.

This country is renowned for its diverse experiences from its cosmopolitan coastal hubs to the rugged interior of the Outback. There are over 8,000 smaller islands fringing the continent’s coasts offering laid back beaches, water adventures and intriguing wildlife. We have rounded up some of the most alluring islands that promise to change your perspective of Australia from singular continent to island hopping home base.

I am a Premier Aussie Specialist, one of only 100 travel consultants in the world with this degree. Been there many times, and it’s a unique destination.

One island I love to send client to is off the coast of the Northern Territory, leaving from Darwin, the Northern Territory. Don’t go during the wet season, December to March. The Tiwi Islands of Bathurst and Melville, where nearly 90% of the inhabitants are of Aboriginal descent. Wonderful art work, and a visit to the Tiwi Designs Art Center is a must do. I love seeing the children with their faces painted white, all with big smiles. More aboriginal heritage exists in Arnhem Land and its neighboring islands. You can learn their stories at Elcho Island Arts, a center that celebrates the work of over 200 local Yolngu artists. I enjoyed taking the boat trip to spot 42 species of birds circling over Bremer Island. Great fishing location for big fish.

You needn’t be a certified diver to recognize the spectacular riches of the Great Barrier Reef’s 900 islands in Queensland, as snorkeling is one of the best ways to sightsee below the surface. Magnetic Island is one of the most accessible areas over 23 bays and beaches offer limitless excursions into wrecks and reefs and we recommend wading into Picnic Bay by way of the palm lined beach. On Hamilton Island, swim with sea turtles, some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures, on a Deep Water Turtle Discovery tour. At Hayman Island resort, you can get pampered at their spa, and my favorite is Lizard Island which is the northernmost island resort on the reef. Small, exclusive, with wonderful beaches.

Believe it or not, the best views of Sydney’s skyline (New South Wales ) is not from atop the Harbor Bridge, rather its found on the grass tennis courts of Cockatoo Island. A ten minute ferry ride from the mainland is a cluster of uninhabited sandstone knolls scattered in the harbor. A standout among the eight islands is Cockatoo Island, a World Heritage site. We can reserve you a slot on the tennis courts, or spend the night in a safari bow tent on the island’s edge and emerge from camp to take in views of Sydney at sunrise, or would you like to helm an 1850’s style America’s Cup yacht for a regatta experience that sails to secret inlets.

Philip Island is a day trip distance from Melbourne, Victoria. The Grand Prix Circuit was revived in l951 and you can take the laps yourself in a luxury BMW or hop in a five point harness race car with a professional in the driver’s seat. This is where 3000 little penguins march out of the sea each night at dusk in a column to sleep in the dunes. A wonderful sight to see.

The island state of Tasmania lies off the southern coast of Australia and encompasses a surprisingly diverse wonderland that includes luxury wilderness lodges, and cosmopolitan Hobart which has a wonderful Saturday market on the waterfront. This was rated the 4th best island in the world. Two wonderful National Parks, Cradle Mountain and Feycinet, offering great hiking opportunities.

Kangaroo Island has my favorite hotel, the Southern Ocean Lodge which is in a wonderful location, and the utmost in luxury. You can see lots of wildlife on the island, and Flinders Chase National Park is worth a visit.

Rottnest Island lies twelve miles off the coast in the Indian Ocean, from Western Australia’s Fremantle, near Perth. You can rent a bike and visit one of the island’s 63 smashing beaches and see lots of Quokkas, a little marsupial known as the world’s happiest animal since it always has a smile. They only can be found in Western Australia, and 8000 of them call “Rotto” home.

Why not go on our website – www.Froschvacations.com

I have a wonderful power point presentation I show to clients to whet their appetite about this great country.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Avenue

Menlo Park, California

650-961-2340 direct

www.Froschvacations.com