You don’t need to be Richard Branson to enjoy some island holiday privacy and fun.  And you certainly don’t need to go all the way to the Bahamas to do it.

Australia has some of the best islands for getting away from it all - each with unique things to see and activities to do. Here are four of our most quintessentially Aussie islands.

Phillip Island, Victoria

Phillip Island is like Dr Who’s TARDIS—it seems to have everything anyone could want from a holiday escape in one 26km long island - wildlife, adrenalin sports, adventure experiences, you name it. There are also spectacular wetlands, forests and beaches. Not to mention amazing birdwatching – even for the uninitiated.

The island is renowned for its penguin parade at sunset, when the little tuxedo wearers waddle up the beach to the sand dunes. And the koala conservation centre where you can observe these adorable tree dwellers (sleeping most likely, since they do it 18 hours a day) from a treetop boardwalk.

Phillip Island is also synonymous with Australian motor racing. If you feel the need for speed while there, you can get behind the wheel of a go-kart on a replica track of the grand prix circuit.

And if it rains? There’s plenty of things to do at the Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre to keep everyone amused, including games pool, table tennis and X-box live.

The Island Accommodation Phillip Island has eco-friendly units in the heart of the town with rooftop sundecks, views of the ocean and a barbecue area.

See more great Phillip Island hotel deals.

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

The 155 km long Kangaroo Island is known for its delicious locally produced gourmet food and wine, as well as the variety of scenic escapades. You could start off with some wildlife experiences, such as the Birds of Prey talk featuring a wedge-tailed eagle and cute barnyard owl, then do a tour of the Australian Sea Lion conservation park.

Make sure you also check out Vivonne Bay—evaluated as the best of 10,000 Australian beaches studied by Sydney University - ideal for surfing, swimming and fossicking around the rockpools.

On the food front, you must try the local sheep’s milk cheese, Ligurian honey and freshwater marron (crayfish), washed down with tipples from the various cellar doors.

And about 10% of the island’s population is involved in creating art that you can see on display at the visual arts cultural centre.

The homely, yet super stylish Kangaroo Island Seafront Resort serves up a la carte meals at Sorrento’s and home-style meals at the on-site bistro.

They also have a solar heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, min golf course and gardens where you’ll occasionally see penguins taking a stroll.

See more great Kangaroo Island hotel deals.

Hamilton Island, Whitsundays

In the heart of the Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most famous and exciting islands. If you love action holidays there are more than 60 activities to try, such as sailing a yacht to the other 73 Whitsunday islands, playing a round or two of golf, scuba diving and snorkelling the reef and quad biking through bush trails.

On the other hand, if you’re here to get away from the fast life, there’s always spa treatments, beauty makeovers and lazing around pools drinking cocktails.

As a guest at The Beach Club on Hamilton Island you have free use of windsurfers, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, the sports club, aerobics classes, squash court and more. Plus complimentary a la carte breakfast every day.

The hotel is only for adults. The rooms all have private courtyards and balconies, making it the perfect place to shut out the world for a while.

See more great Hamilton Island hotel deals.

Bruny Island, Tasmania

White wallabies? No, we promise they’re not a cousin of the Bunyip. You will see them with your own eyes (and our photo above) on Bruny Island, near Hobart.

Apart from rare wildlife, this Tassie gem is also a foodie favourite, with specialities such as hand made fudge, truffles, berries, fresh oysters and wine from Australia’s southern most vineyard all eagerly devoured.

At nearly 100 kms long, the island is best seen via a coastline cruise and bushwalking through the tall forests to spectacular beaches. The landscape is so impressive that more than 40 local artists produce wood and glass, painting, printmaking, ceramics and jewellery for the island’s gallery.

Right by the ferry departure point is the Best Western Balmoral Motor Inn, equipped with free wireless in-room Internet and an on-site restaurant.

See more great Hobart hotel deals.

Image: By Stefan Heinrich.Msdstefan at de.wikipedia [CC-BY-SA-2.0-de], from Wikimedia Commons