Raymond Island is also known as Koala Island thanks to its protected population of furry friends. Victoria’s koala population was nearly wiped out in the 1920s, so in 1953 a small contingent of male and female koalas was relocated from Philip Island to Raymond Island, where they’d be safe to live (and breed) away from dogs, cars and disease. A ferry runs every 20 minutes across the 200 metres of water between Paynesville and the island, and is free for walkers and cyclists. Once you’ve disembarked, signs will lead you on the best trail for spotting the sleepy marsupials. The 1.2-kilometre trail only takes 20 minutes (photo-taking time not included), but you can duck and weave down extra streets as you please, and finish with a stroll along the boardwalk at the water’s edge. As well as koalas you can find echidnas, kangaroos and more than 140 bird species.