ISLAND HOPPING THE KANGAROO WAY

Leading tour operator Scott Dunn picks out some of the lesser known Australian island experiences

Fraser, Hamilton and Dunk are all islands that are known to UK travellers but how about Lord Howe, Haggerstone and Orpheus for a spot of island hopping?  There are over 8,000 islands off the Australian coastline and it’s these lesser-known treasures that offer some exceptional lodges and truly unique experiences.

Scott Dunn’s Australia team has over 12 years of experience in the region and here are their favourites:

THE LAST PARADISE - Lord Howe Island, Tasman Sea, New South Wales

Scott Dunn’s lodge of choice is CAPELLA LODGE and stands at the foot of the twin peaks of Mounts Gower and Lidgbird. A boutique nine-suite lodge, it has a relaxed beach house style with a luxe inspired ethos. A turquoise lagoon stretches in front of the lodge's indoor and outdoor lounging areas and the clever architectural design means that the floor to ceiling windows let the outside in. The daily changing menu is Pacific-themed and uses the finest and most fresh seasonal ingredients served in the restaurant with dramatic views over the spectacular mountains and lagoon below.

Priced from £12,800 per person for 4 nights as part of an 18 night Australia Itinerary. Includes breakfast, sunset drinks and canapés at the bar and a three course dinner with selected wines and soft drinks.

Scott Dunn (www.scottdunn.com / 0208 682 5050)

THE REMOTEST OF THEM ALL - Haggerstone Island, Far North Queensland

Haggerstone Island is a remote family run Robinson Crusoe Style lodge located in the far north of Australia lying 600kms north of Cairns and adjacent to the virtually uninhabited coast near the tip of Cape York. Ideal for those who want to get away from it all right on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, Haggerstone provides a range of adventures with its lagoons and reefs that stretch directly from its beach. Days can be spent enjoying the beach, swimming, snorkelling, birdwatching or beachcombing and the adjacent mainland's beaches provide miles of beach for walking or even sandboarding.

The five private guest houses are individual, unique and placed in different settings on the island with uninterrupted views of the turquoise lagoon and uninhabited islands. The focus here is very much barefoot luxury with an open plan style and large decked areas. The highlight is the Tree House that has three separate buildings with a rope bridge connecting the living area to the bedroom in the tree's canopy.

Priced from £15,450 per person for 5 nights as part of a 13 night Australian Wilderness itinerary.

Scott Dunn (www.scottdunn.com / 0208 682 5050)

CULTURE ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF - Orpheus Island, Great Barrier Reef

Surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, Orpheus Island is both a pristine National Park and World Heritage listed marine park.  It lies just 25 minutes by helicopter from Townsville and stretches across 11 kilometres of immaculate coastline. The island has a rich cultural heritage dating back to the 1930’s when the lodge was run with the assistance of local people. Still today, the indigenous employees play an integral role in the daily operations of the lodge and their expert knowledge of the region makes for an unforgettable cultural experience.

The lodge has a contemporary and minimalist island aesthetic and accommodates 34 guests in 17 rooms and suites that are all newly refurbished. It is nestled in the sheltered Hazard Bay along a ribbon of serene beach. Unique experiences are on offer including indigenous led tours of the culturally rich neighbouring islands, taking a dinghy and a chef prepared gourmet picnic hamper to discover the many pristine bays and reefs that fringe Orpheus or a fishing trip where the day’s catch is grilled on an open fire of a nearby cove.

Price available on request as part of a tailor-made Australia itinerary.

Scott Dunn (www.scottdunn.com / 0208 682 5050)

WILD WITH THE WILDLIFE - Kangaroo Island, Gulf of St Vincent, South Australia

A short flight from Adelaide lies Kangaroo Island – an area of outstanding natural beauty and relative isolation. The island is surprisingly diverse. soaring cliffs, dense forest, towering sand dunes, wetlands and massive arcs of bone white beach. Home to an abundance of wildlife including many of Australia’s much loved animals such as Penguins, Sea lions, Pink Pelicans and Koalas. There are also a number of secluded beaches, underground caves and rugged rock formations as well as spectacular fishing and diving areas.

Scott Dunn’s choice is SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE which is located at Hanson Bay on the island's southwest coast and adjoins both the Flinders Chase and Cape Bouguer/Kelly Hill National Parks. Set back from a cliff in natural bushland with the surf pounding below, it is an iconic luxury lodge has a full frontal panorama of the coastline. Each of the twenty-one luxurious suites feature lavish sleeping areas, sunken lounges, dramatic glass walled bathroom and outdoor terrace – all have huge glass walls fusing the breathtaking scenery outside and plentiful creature comforts inside.

Priced from £8,100 per person for 4 nights as part of a 9 night Southern Australian itinerary.