King Island Escape
Australia's seventh largest island, King Island is best known for its superb dairy produce, seafood and its beef being among the best in the world. The pace of life is far slower than just about anywhere else in Australia and the locals - there are only around 2,000 of them - boast that the only traffic delays��they encounter��are wallabies, turkeys, possums and��pheasants, to name a few.
Situated between Victoria and mainland Tasmania at the western entrance to Bass Strait, King Island is only a 50 minute flight away from Melbourne, but it might just as well be 1,000 kms away, given the stark contrast between the laid back way of life here and the hustle and bustle of the Australia's second largest city across the waters of Bass Strait. Because of its relative isolation, King Island receives less than ten thousand tourist a year (compared with two and a half million in Queensland). This, combined with the windswept jagged reefs and deserted long sandy beaches, make it the ideal destination for those seeking peace, tranquillity and respite for the pace and pressures of modern day living, be it for a weekend, for a week ... or forever!
Life is not in a hurry on King Island, and the attitude towards visitors is warm and friendly. No one seems to care that one of restaurants, The ���Boathouse���, doesn't serve food, which takes the concept of BYO to a whole new level! It's is open every day with cutlery, plates, kettle, glasses etc. ��� available for your use, all you have to do is roll up with your picnic hamper and enjoy the view over Currie Harbour.
The island itself is a pastoral idyll. Angus and Hereford beef cattle and assorted dairy breeds wander the fields. Wild pheasants, peacocks and turkeys wander the paddocks and roads, safe with the absence of foxes and rabbits on the island. King Island produces some of the world���s best produce, King Island Dairy's cheese and dairy products command boutique prices on the mainland and internationally. The island's crayfish and abalone have equally enviable reputations Most people who live on the island are either farmers or are involved in the manufacture of local beef, which is hardly surprising since the island's cattle breathe some of the cleanest air in the world and eat some of the greenest grass in Australia. According to legend, straw mattresses containing dried grass seeds were swept ashore from French and English shipwrecks and germinated in the island's rich soils, creating lush pastures.
This 64km long by 27km wide stretch of land is rich in history, with shipwrecks and lighthouses all telling stories of the island's colourful maritime past. The infamous Roaring Forties gales which even today bring westerly winds of 100km per hour are said to have caused more than 60 shipwrecks along the island's treacherous coastline during the 1800s. A few Aboriginal middens have been discovered pre-dating the end of the last ice age when the island was connected to Tasmania and the mainland by a land bridge. Incredibly, human occupation seemed to have ceased for unknown reasons after that time.
The island's natural attractions include a 7,000 Year Old Calcified Forest, revealed when the lime-laden sand which had covered and preserved the stumps has been exposed over the years from the constant Roaring Forties storms from the Southern Ocean. There is also a penguin rookery near the (safe harbour) port and guided tours are held to observe a nightly parade of Little Penguins.
Accommodation Options
King Island Holiday Village offers the largest range of accommodation available on King Island. They specialize in a diverse range of short term accommodation to suit every budget and taste - from private and spacious fully self contained villas to modern shared accommodation.
All accommodation has been carefully appointed and decorated to ensure you feel comfortable and right at home. Their goal is to make sure you find the right option for you and your family, you are more than welcome to contact us to discuss your special requirements.
King Island Motel: A total escape within a 2 minutes' walk of the village centre. Nestled in its own private bush setting.
SeaShells Villas: Designed for couples in mind that are looking for self catering accommodation.
OceanViews Villa: Sweeping views of the coastline, taking in the main harbour of King Island.
The SeaSpray: Whether you are a group or a family of 6 this property offers flexibility with 1 King/1 Queen and 2 single beds.
The Driftwood: Whether you are a couple looking for space or a family or a group of 6, Driftwood offers sea views in a relaxed environment right in the heart of the village.
WaveRider Lodge: This 26 bed lodge is perfect for any group travel.