You could take a boat cruise around Bruny Island in half a day. Or you could stay until the secrets of this special place start to reveal themselves. Like where to get the most delicious oysters, cheese or chocolate in town—if not the whole of Australia. Or the best hide from which to photograph the island’s magnificent raptors. Plus the longer you stay, the more days you can finish with a bath beneath the stars.

Located off the north east coast of mainland Tasmania, a ferry to Flinders Island will have you docking in another world. Lace up your hiking boots to discover the pink and grey granite mountain ranges of the Strzelecki National Park. Take a leisurely drive through rolling green hills that taper off towards the pristine coast. Cook up a feast of local produce at your lodge on a local farm.

Anchored between Tasmania’s northwest coast and Victoria, King Island may not be the easiest to get to, but the quiet and easy days spent on the island will make up for that. Take a walk through nature to spot the shy platypus and rare orange-bellied parrots, or tee up on one of the island’s world class golf courses with stunning views of the sea. End each day on the deck of your luxe beach house with a hamper of famous King Island cheese.

Summer is also the season of seafood—and St Helens delivers the freshest seafood in spades. Dine it at one of the delicious local eateries, drop a line off a jetty, or voyage into the Tasman Sea on a game fishing charter. When you’re not on the water, you’re likely to be in it, with beaches, bays and estuaries perfect for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. Sleep soundly at your eco hut, ready to do it all again the next day.

Situated on the wild west coast, summer in Strahan will see you exploring ancient mountain peaks, tangled forests, deep and silent running rivers and crashing oceans. Visit the historic fishing port and watch on as boats unload hauls of crayfish and divers emerge with armfuls of abalone. Then recap on your day with a nip of local whiskey in your own little fisherman’s shack.