King Island: a glimpse into one of Australia's most isolated spots

The DC3's propellors cut through the clouds as the plane's body gives a jolt. (Fair enough, I reckon - if I was born in 1945 and asked to work this hard in 2013 I'd complain a bit too.) This historic airforce plane is carrying us from Melbourne's original airport at Essendon to King Island, a lonely dot in the middle of Bass Strait. It's surely one of the country's most isolated spots, due to both its location and how it feels to be there - and it's pretty cool that Red Balloon offer day trips to King Island.

My first sighting of King Island from the plane

The first thing that strikes me as we fly over King Island is its absolute flatness - there isn't a hill to be seen. The land is bright green, the coast brilliant blue and the wind farms a reminder that this isn't going to be a cosy warm spot (in case its location ever left that in doubt) - after all, we're right in the line of the Roaring Forties, a famously strong westerly wind.

Along with the twenty others on this tour, I'm transferred from the plane to a bus that's lunchward bound. It feels seriously decadent to fly to an island for lunch, but sometimes you need to indulge a bit, right?

Jetsetter for the day

Lunch is gone before I can even say "King Island beef", and I see this and the local seafood accompanied by salad on some plates. But I can't bear to waste precious stomach space on such ordinary things, because there's a two-course dessert and cheese tastings ahead.

In between courses I spend a lot of time outside, braving the cold for the view:

Then it's time for a bit of a tour around Currie, and while others head into the tiny town I hang around the harbour; in particular the Boat House. Most commonly known as "the restaurant with no food", local artists have set up this spot as a shelter for anyone who wants to stop by - BYO food and drinks, homely supplies provided.

Throughout the tour, we barely see any people on the island. The wildlife outnumbers human inhabitants, and I don't just mean the fact I spot more peacocks than people - there are literally 300 times as many wallabies here as residents. Apparently at sunset they appear from everywhere and nowhere, filling up entire landscapes.

For now, it's time to head to King Island's most famous spot: the dairy. Cheese time!

Of course, I was the one who bought so much it was commented, "Wow, you must really love cheese..." Can I defend myself by saying some of it was a gift? Really truly.

So, King Island - this was a fun day adventure, but also a great way to find out if I want to bring Steve and the girls here. And the answer is, in part, yes.

There's not a lot of organised stuff to do here - and to me, that sounds like a heavenly escape from the routine and rush of life. I can imagine coming to King Island for a week of cosying up by a fireplace, sipping wine, eating lots, reading some good books and sleeping in. Ah, sweet sweet sleep-ins, I vaguely remember you...

Anyway! I'd love to come back here with my man, but probably not the kids - on King Island you want to be able to laze around and have long lunches, not really rush with littlies.

King Island, although halfway between two states, is purely Tasmanian: beautiful, vibrant, fresh, easygoing and relaxing.

On the DC3 flight home I plan on writing some notes and perhaps even closing my eyes for a bit (long day + big lunch = nap) but I can't take my eyes from the window. Sunset above the clouds: the perfect way to end this King Island paradise adventure.

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Want to go somewhere amazing? RedBalloon have an offer for readers of this blog:

Spend $129 or more on any RedBalloon experience, and receive $30 off.  To redeem, visit www.redballoon.com.au and enter the promotional code REDMUM04 at the checkout to receive your discount.

Terms and Conditions: Offer valid until 31/12/13. Promotional Code can only be used once per person. All purchases are subject to RedBalloon T&Cs, for full details see: www.redballoon.com.au/help/terms-conditions

Thanks to the team at Digital Parents Collective for inviting me to be a part of the RedBalloon Experience program. I will be sharing my awesome experiences with you over the next few months. As always, all opinions are my own however the experiences are complimentary.