Remote, rugged, and oddly overlooked, King Island—an island off an island—sits in the middle of the wild Bass Strait like a sentinel of the Southern Ocean. Wind and weather have beaten it down for years, but the island is still a mystery. It can be reached in less than an hour with direct flights. Melbourne Mainland TasmaniaThere are surprisingly few places to stay. And there’s plenty of reason to go, thanks to a frothy coastline, rich dairy heritage, and more wallabies than people—not to mention three spectacular coastal golf courses, two of which are regularly ranked among the world’s best.
King Island has been a secretive destination for many years. The turning point was the arrival in 2019. Kittawa LodgeKittawa expanded its footprint in early 2025 with a new, two-bedroom retreat that carries the same signature traits–fireplaces, deep-soaking tubs facing the thrashing ocean, and floor-to-ceiling windows that routinely draw curious wallabies’ noses to glass–but with a few elevated extras, including an outdoor magnesium hot tub, a top-shelf wine cellar, and more space to settle in. In early 2025, Kittawa expanded its footprint with a new, two-bedroom retreat that carries the same signature traits—fireplaces, deep-soaking tubs facing the thrashing ocean, and floor-to-ceiling windows that routinely draw curious wallabies’ noses to the glass—but with a few elevated extras, including an outdoor magnesium hot tub, a top-shelf wine cellar, and more space to settle in. In late 2026, the island will have even more exciting news: Ocean Dunes golf course, ranked one of the best public courses in the Asia-Pacific, will unveil its new restaurant, clubhouse, and on-course hotel rooms—64 sleek, glass-fronted rooms and suites just off the first and ninth fairways that will have clean-lined box windows framing uninterrupted ocean views. Stretching along the island’s wild western edge, the course is a sea-sprayed, wind-lashed affair—best followed by a dram of Tasmanian whisky and a plate of local cheese. Do not miss a round of golf at Cape Wickham A trip to the north or a visit at King Island DairyThe iconic Australian manufacturer,, was recently handed back to Australians. Visitors to the factory will be able to enjoy a wider variety of experiences by 2026. The wine bar will feature premium Tasmanian wines. King Island Dairy Farms will also open their doors for a “farm experience”. Guests will be able see the latest automated milking system at work. Once complete, it’s expected to be among the world’s largest for a pasture-based, free-range dairy herd—offering a rare, behind-the-scenes paddock-to-plate experience. —Chloe Sachdev
Margaret River, Australia
Take action: Wine tasting, epic swells and food festivals
