Vibrant, Forgotten Islands of Victoria: Unspoiled Tropical Haven Worth Exploring

Vibrant, Forgotten Islands of Victoria: Unspoiled Tropical Haven Worth Exploring

Victoria, Australia, is home to a multitude of island destinations that offer outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, and picturesque landscapes. Here are eight top island destinations that are perfect for a day trip or a longer stay.

1. Phillip Island

Phillip Island, one of Victoria's most popular island day-trip destinations, is renowned for its Penguin Parade, Seal Rocks tours, koala spotting, and motor racing events. The island has around 7,000 residents, most of whom live in the main township of Cowes.

2. French Island

French Island, located near Phillip Island, is a haven for native wildlife, including kangaroos and koalas. This largely undeveloped island offers walking and biking trails to explore its national parks, and visitors can also enjoy hiking, camping, bird-watching, mountain biking, and tours. The island also has a winery that visitors can visit. Accommodation on French Island is available through boutique operators or camping at Fairhaven campground.

3. Granite Island

Located near Victor Harbor (South Australia but often visited from Victoria), Granite Island is recognized for its penguin colonies and coastal walks.

4. Rabbit Island

Rabbit Island, known for its camping and birdwatching opportunities, offers outdoor recreation and wildlife spotting.

5. Mud Islands

Part of the Port Phillip Bay environment, the Mud Islands are recognized for birdwatching and nature walks. They are only accessible by boat.

6. French Island National Park

French Island National Park covers a good portion of French Island, offering extensive outdoor activities including hiking and birdwatching.

7. Swan Island

Smaller in size but valued for its natural environment and birdlife, Swan Island is worth a visit.

8. Corner Inlet Islands (including Churchill Island)

Churchill Island, Phillip Island's little sister, located just off Newhaven, offers cultural and historical experiences, walking and cycling tracks, and a cafe. The Corner Inlet Islands are perfect for day trips involving walking and wildlife observation.

While specific details on all these islands were not fully covered in the provided sources, Phillip Island and French Island are well-regarded for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing in Victoria. Mallacoota, mentioned in the search results, is a coastal town rather than an island but notable for exceptional outdoor experiences and wildlife.

For those seeking more detailed information on individual smaller islands or specific outdoor activities per island, additional specialized sources would be necessary to provide a fully comprehensive list.

Special Mentions

• Herring Island, Melbourne's own secret island located in the Yarra River, is a good picnic destination with free electric barbeques, shelters, public toilets, a sculpture park, and sculpture trail. Access to Herring Island can be achieved via a punt service from Como Point, boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard.
• Snake Island, used by farmers as a grazing location, offers remote camping, fishing, kayaking, bushwalking, and birdwatching opportunities. It can only be accessed by boat.
• Gabo Island, a pink granite island off the coast of Mallacoota, is known for its lighthouse, old cemetery, and cultural interest points. Accommodation on Gabo Island is available at the assistant lightkeepers cottage, with a minimum two-night stay required.
• Raymond Island, an island in the Gippsland Lakes region, is known for its koala population. It offers a 1.2km Koala Walk, beaches for swimming, and potential sightings of other wildlife. Boutique accommodation options are available on Raymond Island.
• Accommodation on Phillip Island ranges from camping and cabins through to hotels.

Phillip Island and French Island are the top recommendations due to their accessibility from mainland Victoria and abundance of activities such as walking trails, beaches, and native animal viewing. Enjoy your adventure exploring these beautiful island destinations!

1. Despite offering a different type of experience, Herring Island in Melbourne, located in the Yarra River, can be a great addition to one's lifestyle with its picnic spots, sculpture park, and trails.
2. For those seeking a travel adventure with a mix of home-and-garden and wildlife experiences, Raymond Island in the Gippsland Lakes region, famous for its koalas and beaches, could be an ideal destination.

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