Kangaroo in both, name and nature, this large island just 13 km off the South Australian mainland is relatively untouched for thousands of years. Towering cliffs protect the northern shores, giving way to more exposed sandy beaches in the south. Bushwalking is pretty compulsory and trails meander across the national parks that cover the third of the island.

Wild koalas hug the trees and kangaroos hop down the island. Isolated form the ravages of European diseases and introduced species that afflicted their near neighbours, the native animals and plants have flourished – echidnas, platypuses, possums and penguins are all on the wildlife fanatic’s list.

Experienced divers may discover one of the 50 or so wrecks that litter the rocky coastline. Following the earliest recorded shipwreck in 1847, the first light house in South Australia was built at Cape Willough by and stands to this day – 27 metres high and a healthy climb to the top. Ferries landing at Penneshaw on the eastern tip make it a hotspot for tourists, but it is easy enough to get away into the wilds and delight in this well-preserved refuge.

When to go: June, though to August is fabulous. The countryside is lush ans wildlife active during the day. September to October sees Kangaroo Island in full bloom and eucalyptus oil in full production. Population: 4,500. How to get there: By regular ferries (45min) from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw. By air – from Adelaide (30min). You should know: Surfing and swimming at Vivonne Bay – Australia’s top beach for clear, clean waters and privacy. On Kangaroo Island you can taste honey from the only known pure strain of Ligurian bee in the world.

Photos by: Charlie Lawrence