Travel as far south as you can go on the Australian mainland in Victoria and you'll end up on the bump that points towards Tasmania. It's a national park called Wilson's Promontory and it's got everything a nature lover could dream of.

The beaches are dazzling white, and Squeaky Beach, as its name suggests, squeaks with every step you take - something to do with the size of the grains of sand. There are surf beaches and gentle child-friendly beaches. Islands surface through blue-green seas. Red boulders form a vivid contrast of colour.

There is a range of smallish mountains to climb, and walking tracks through the bush and along magical valleys beside ferny creeks. The vegetation ranges from tree ferns to tall eucalypts to grass trees. Look up and you are likely to spot a koala. Wombats amble down the paths and into tents if you aren't careful. Eagles soar overhead and cockatoos screech in the treetops. Kangaroos and emus are common on the grassy plains below.

Corner and Shallow inlets are tidal, and very popular with anglers and bird watchers. You can see hundreds of black swans here, and thousands, or maybe millions, of crabs, swarming across the beach.

Accommodation is available in the form of cabins, or there are camping sites, but they are very popular and it's necessary to book well ahead. Outside the national park there are farm stays and motels just a short drive away.

This is a great part of the world in which to come close to nature and wind down before facing the rat race again.

Learn more about this author, Jackie Tritt.
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