Islands you can escape to around Victoria
Overseas travel might be a long way off, but that doesn't mean an island getaway can’t still be on the horizon. From lush koala havens to a private isle you can hire, these are the secluded hideaways you can visit in Victoria.
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While Victoria isn’t renowned for tropical hideaways or coral reefs, our state’s coast and waterways are home to dozens of spectacular islands you can visit.
But don't forget to check with local operators before heading off on your adventure, as COVID-19 restrictions may impact opening hours and availability.
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“Spot koalas snoozing and unique bird species in trees, explore with great walks and there are many places for secluded camping or picnics with barbecue facilities,” Parks Victoria chief Simon Talbot said last year.
“If you want to escape and relax, head for a trip to an island in the north of the state and canoe among the river red gums on the Murray.
“For those seeking adventure, head east to experience the dramatic weather of the Bass Strait and catch a glimpse of seals and penguins fishing or stay in an old lighthouse keeper’s cottage.”
RAYMOND ISLAND
Animal lovers, this is the island for you. Located off Paynesville in the Gippsland Lakes region, Raymond Island is best known for its population of koalas, which can be found all over the island.
The dedicated 1.2km koala trail is well-marked and easy for visitors to follow, but the iconic Aussie critters aren’t the only attraction.
Crystal clear waters, a myriad of native wildlife, and the slower pace of coastal life can be enjoyed at this verdant hide-out.
Only accessible by ferry, Raymond Island is just a four-minute skip and hop away from shore — and the boat ride is free for pedestrians and cyclists.
Dog walkers should keep their pets on a leash at all times.
ULUPNA ISLAND
It may be hundreds of kilometres from the coast, but this isle within Barmah National Park has sandy river beaches and plenty of shady river red gums to help beat northern Victoria’s sultry summer heat.
Bounded by the Murray River and Ulupna Creek, Ulupna Island has basic facilities available for adventurous campers looking to escape the ocean-seeking hordes.
The emerging camping destination has been untouched by grazing and logging, also avoiding frequent flooding due to its higher elevation along the Murray.
Koalas, goannas, kangaroos and emus are among the local wildlife that can be spotted on the island and surrounds — it doesn’t get any more Aussie than this.
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GABO ISLAND
Set to the east of Victoria’s easternmost settlement, this tiny teardrop-shaped island bats above its average with a rich heritage and wealth of marine life.
Dolphins, seals and whales frolic in the waters surrounding this pristine getaway, while the world’s largest colony of little penguins — up to 21,000 pairs — also calls the island home.
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Only accessible via sea or air, Gabo Island gives visitors a taste of the shipwrecked life — those making the journey across are told to take extra food and medical supplies in case their return trip is hampered by bad weather.
Holiday-makers can rest their heads at the assistant light keeper’s residence, a quaint three-bedroom cottage tucked beside the island’s landmark 47m pink granite lighthouse, which dates back to 1858.
It sleeps up to eight people and can be booked via Parks Victoria.
HERRING ISLAND
Exploring a new island doesn’t mean having to stray far from the city, with little-known Herring Island located just 3km from Melbourne CBD.
The Yarra River isle, set between Richmond and South Yarra, has plenty to offer for nature and art lovers, with a sculpture trail by artists including renowned environmentalist Andy Goldsworthy.
Cormorants, ducks, kookaburras and parrots have also been drawn back to the island as it is revegetated with native plants.
Parks Victoria provides a free punt across from Como Landing in summer, ferrying visitors across the Yarra. More information on the punt service here.
SNAKE ISLAND
Despite the moniker, Snake Island isn’t overrun with slithery reptiles.
Named for its serpentine curves, Victoria’s largest sand island is located in Gippsland’s Corner Inlet and has a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those looking to embrace their inner cattleman.
Its local cattlemen’s association offers summer and winter riding tours where riders can steer their mounts to Snake Island from the mainland at low tide, sometimes taking cattle across with them.
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On arrival, riders will help muster cattle, go on bush rides and canter along the island’s immaculate beaches.
The rides are highly popular, but you’ll have to be patient. With up to 140 riders allowed on the island annually, there is currently a two-year waiting list.
Hikers can also explore Raymond Island’s rugged wilderness, but must have knowledge of the tides to safely walk its ocean beaches.
CLEFT ISLAND
Commonly known as Skull Rock, you can’t technically step foot on this remote island but it nevertheless makes an impressive sight from the sea.
There’s no place to land on the granite mass, which is set in the wild waters 5km off Wilsons Promontory.
Cleft Island has a massive cave hewed into it after being battered by surf for centuries, and was believed to have been used as cannonball target practice by passing ships.
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The safest way to get up close is through a guided coastal cruise, which also takes in an impressive seal colony at Kanowna Island.
Boat excursions are operated by Wildlife Coast Cruises and Refuge Cove Cruises.
POPE’S EYE
Located between Portsea and Queenscliff, the island fort of Pope’s Eye was set to be used for military purposes before it was abandoned in the 1880s.
Today, the horseshoe-shaped structure is a protected marine reserve and a popular sheltered spot for divers and snorkellers to explore.
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With kelp forests, soft corals and sponges growing along its walls, underwater explorers can expect to swim with a diversity of fish, rays, octopus and sea stars at up to 10m depth.
A large colony of Australasian gannets can be found roosting on the bluestone boulders making up Pope’s Eye, and seals and dolphins are known to visit the surrounding waters.
You’ll also find a colony of snoozing brown fur seals just 3km away at Chinaman’s Hat, another beloved Port Phillip landmark for snorkellers.
FRENCH ISLAND
Phillip Island’s less glamorous cousin takes up most of Western Port Bay and is a paradise for explorers looking to venture off the beaten track.
French Island’s human residents are few and far between — and are outnumbered by the koala population, which is flourishing due to the island’s lack of natural predators.
Bikes can be hired from the local general store to explore the expansive network of public roads and dirt tracks.
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A free campground is located on the western foreshore at Fairhaven, but travellers too posh to rough it can book a luxury bell tent overlooking the ocean via French Island Glamping.
Of course, no glamping experience is complete without a bottle of local wine, so drop in at French Island Vineyards’ cellar door over summer for tastings and cheese platters.
MUTTONBIRD ISLAND
Most roadtrippers travelling down the Great Ocean Road would have seen the massive rock stack of Muttonbird Island, but few know that it can be accessed by sea.
Only experienced sailors should attempt to reach the towering sandstone island, which has a small beach on its western side.
The bulk of Muttonbird Island’s perimeter is made up of sheer cliffs similar to the iconic Twelve Apostles.
From September to April, the island comes alive at dusk with more than 12,000 short-tailed shearwaters which roost their burrows inside its nooks and crannies.
WALLPOLLA ISLAND
A bush camper’s delight, Victoria’s northwest corner has plenty of space among the red gums, saltbush plains and grasslands.
Located more than 570km from Melbourne, Walpolla Island in Murray-Sunset National Park has 9800ha for hikers, 4WDers and kayakers to explore, with sites available on a first in, best-dressed basis.
Keen anglers can hook themselves a catch for dinner, while birdwatchers will delight in sightings of dryland and wetland species like apostlebirds, pelicans, eagles and rare spotted bowerbirds.
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FRASER ISLAND
It may not be the iconic Queensland getaway, but this Fraser Island has one major advantage: you’ll have the entire place to yourself, private beach and all.
The Lakes Entrance isle can accommodate close to 50 people in its 11-bedroom homestead and is a playground for all ages, with a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool, and gym for guests to enjoy.
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Games rooms will keep the kids entertained with a pool table, air hockey and PlayStation, while the adults can entertain around the bar and hold a cook-up with the barbecue and pizza oven.
The property has its own ferry to transport guests across, but high-flyers can land in style on the island’s landing strip.
*Always check the latest COVID-19 advice from Parks Victoria.