Five island havens in Australia

Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island is a Unesco World Heritage site 600km north-east of Sydney, with a population of just 350 and laws restricting the number of visitors. The subtropical forests and volcanic peaks are reason enough to visit, but Capella Lodge encourages guests to linger; its "beach house chic" premise translates as timber and glass structures with wild, tropical views.

Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island, NSW (00 61 2 9918 4355; lordhowe.com). Doubles start at A$1,180 (£485) half board, with transfers.

Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island

Strung along a cliff top, these chic glass-fronted lodgings bring the outside in. There is an open bar, and guests can sample indigenous massages. But best of all is the wildlife: fur seals, whales, dolphins kangaroos, echidnas and myriad birds can all be spotted.

Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, South Australia (00 61 2 2 9918 4355; southernoceanlodge.com.au). Doubles start at A$1,800 (£739) full board, with transfers and activities.

Qualia Resort, Hamilton Island

One of the Great Barrier Reef's most exclusive resorts, Qualia has a wellstocked library for rainy days, plus infinity pools, a spa and meditation pavilion, and the opal sea and reef are just beyond to explore.

Qualia Resort, Hamilton Island, Queensland (00 61 2 9433 3349; qualia.com.au). Doubles from A$1,450 (£595) full board, with transfers.

Wilson Island, Great Barrier Reef

With just six luxury tents, this tiny coral atoll in a national marine park guarantees seclusion. It is a hatching site for turtles and home to scores of sea birds, and the reef is just footsteps away.

Wilson Island, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland (00 61 2 8296 8010; wilsonisland.com). Doubles start at A$840 (£344) full board, with transfers.

Dugong Beach Resort, Groote Eylandt

Tourism barely registered in the Groote Eylandt archipelago before this resort opened last year, but the region still remains unspoilt. The island is owned by the Anindilyakwa-speaking people, who offer tours of the forests, mangroves and shores.

Dugong Beach Resort, Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory (00 61 1 800 877 077; dugongbeachresort.com.au). Doubles start at A$1,139 (£468) including breakfast, permits and airport transfers.

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