Each week we will update you on what is included in each of our 13 episodes.

Episode 13 Wednesday 29th February 2012

Our last show kicks off with Karen taking a tour of 3 islands in the Gippsland lake region. Our guide Pete takes us to each island and explains how different they all are. Karen gets to try snow boarding but to be honest we did not have the right equipment and she ends up going nowhere fast!

We then get to meet Chris from the 4x4 TV show and he shows Aaron the basics of 4x4 driving on Gunbower Island, including driver training and equipment. Chris takes us for a ride (a bumpy one!) to further explain what you should consider having on and in your 4x4 if you intend to do some serious off-road driving. Aaron discovers bulldust and tells us what to do and what not to do if you come across this sand situation.

Our very last segment of the series finds Karen and Aaron return to Fraser Island to relive some of the memories of the series. Both presenters share their favourite segment as well as some of the things that have happened along the way. We revisit some of the characters they have interviewed in the series and share some behind the scenes gossip. This is an episode not to be missed.

In case you missed any of the shows the DVD box set will be available in March 2012 please email richard@sunsetfilms.com.au to reserve your copy.



















Episode 12 Wednesday 22nd February 2012

Aaron puts on the wetsuit to snorkel on the SS Monumental City wreck just off Tullaberga Island and discovers the true story behind this notorious wreck. The island itself is a no-go area due to nesting birds but the crew of Victoria's Islands had special permission to land on the foreshore only to bring you a glance of this special island.

Karen then has exclusive entry to the Phillip Island race circuit. First pit side she meets spectators, drivers and officials on a busy race day. Karen then interviews Fergus, MD of the circuit in the racing museum. Then she gets to take on Aaron on the go kart circuit which is a replica of the main track. Who do you think will win this epic battle?

Aaron and Karen show us the pink granite lighthouse on Gabo Island, the 2nd tallest (but the most spectacular according to local ranger Geoff) in Australia. We also visit the museum which is in the lighthouse keepers accommodation, and you too can stay on the island in the assistant lighthouse keeper's quarters. A truly unique location for a peace and quiet short break.
























Episode 11 Wednesday 15th February 2012

Our first island this week is Ulupna, an inland island on the Murray north of Shepparton. Karen meets Peter Web who take us on a wildlife safari, first by Landrover and then by boat. Pete shares some of the secrets of the place and Karen also gets to meet some holiday makers on the Sandy beaches.

Next Aaron stretches his legs on a bushwalking trek of Gunbower Island with a local, Audrey, who shows him some of the interesting landscapes of the area and gives Aaron some important tips for bushwalking.

Our last segment sees Karen at the Penguin parade on Phillip Island. She talks to Nick, one of the rangers, and finds out lots of interesting facts about the life of our little penguins.





























Episode 10 Wednesday 8th February 2012

This weeks show is a special road trip down the Great Ocean road.

Karen starts by visiting Middle Island on one of the very few days the public are allowed on the Island. First she and the crew have to wade over and then they meet the two Maremma dogs who live on the Island protecting the colony of penguins who live there. It is a unique project in Australia.

Next Aaron visits Griffith's Island to inspect the lighthouse and also returns in the evening to watch the thousands of Mutton birds arrive back to their nests after a hard days fishing at sea.

Karen then takes us to Lady Julia Percy Island out of Port Fairy to visit Australia's only Volcanic Island. Here she chats to Skipper Russell and meets thousands of Australian fur seals.

Victoria's Islands is repeated at 09.00am on Fridays and 08.30am on Saturday mornings. Previous episodes can also be viewed on the C31 website.
























Episode 9 Wednesday 31st January 2012

Victoria's Islands this week takes you to three great locations. First Aaron takes a helicopter ride over the Bay of Islands just off the Great Ocean road, this group of islands is far less visited than the 12 Apostles but is just as beautiful and looks even better from a birds eye view.

Our guest presenter Lisa visits a vineyard and New Cellar Door on French Island and gets to taste the wines, enjoy the scenery and explore the homestead that once was the gateway to French Island.

Karen was brought up on a farm and is delighted to get the opportunity to visit Churchill Island Heritage farm and relive some of her childhood memories. She gets hands on by handling several animals and gets a history lesson on the role of Churchill Island.

Victoria's Islands is repeated at 09.00am on Fridays and 08.30am on Saturday mornings. Previous episodes can also be viewed on the C31 website.










Episode 8 Wednesday 25th January 2012

This week's show starts with Karen getting a surfing lesson from Ash on Phillip Island. She takes a few tumbles but shows us all it can be done by standing up pretty soon and catches that wave.

Next Aaron takes us to Churchill Island and discovers the farmers market. Here there are many different smells, tastes and ideas from around the bay to tempt you to try. He leaves with bags full of goodies and even the crew get to try out some samples.

Karen takes us back to French Island where she takes a tour of the Chicory Kiln, meets some new friends on a bus tour and gets to take Devonshire tea at three.

Victoria's Islands is repeated at 09.00am on Fridays and 08.30am on Saturday mornings. Previous episodes can also be viewed on the C31 website.














Episode 7 Wednesday 18th January 2012

This week we have an "Island day on the bay" on Port Phillip bay. Karen is taking a well-earned holiday, so Aaron has enlisted the help of Lisa Williams, our guest presenter, and our producer Richard Brown who makes an on-camera appearance to host a scuba diving special.

Lisa discovers the disappearing guns of South Channel fort which was built to protect the bay. The fort is now dominated by seagulls and it is difficult to make yourself heard over the continuous noise they make. Lisa shows us through some of the underground tunnels and rooms.

Next, Aaron takes us to Mud Islands, a series of three large islands which are a haven to birdlife. We make sure to respect the location by only landing and staying on the beach without venturing too far inland which would disturb the birdlife.

We then take an undersea adventure as Aaron, Lisa and Richard dive with Darryl Brown, a local instructor. We discover a wealth of marine life and also an admiralty anchor when we dive from Popes Eye, an unfinished island, not too far from Queenscliff.

One episode, three separate islands and all in one day! Join us for this exciting "day on the bay" episode.

Victoria's Islands is repeated at 09.00am on Fridays and 08.30am on Saturday mornings. Previous episodes can also be viewed on the C31 website.

















Episode 6 Wednesday 11th January 2012

This week we travel to three fascinating islands.

First up Karen takes us back to Raymond Island and meets Gerry at her glass and jewellery workshop and display shop. Gerry show Karen the process of making some earrings and Karen dons the apron and safety glasses to have a go herself. Karen takes a shine to a gold pair of earrings in Gerry's well stocked shop. For more info check out Gerry's website.

Aaron shows us round the Koala conservation centre on Phillip Island. Here he talks to Ranger Dan about the koala population and how the centre is educating people on the habitat and koala needs. He tests Dan with a Koala quiz. More details on the conservation centre can be found here.

Lisa then takes us on a canoeing trip around a small part of Lindsay Island. Here she learns about the giant Murray cod and some of the ways of the aboriginal people who have lived in this area since time began. Park Ranger Peter who has worked in the area for the past 16 years talks to Lisa about the Murray as they drift down the river in a incredibly unspoilt part of our state.

Victoria's Islands is repeated at 09.00am on Fridays and 08.30am on Saturday mornings. Previous episodes can also be viewed on the C31 website.




















Episode 5 Wednesday 4th January 2012

In our first show of 2012 we travel to 3 very different Islands of Victoria.

The first is in the heart of Melbourne. In fact it is a bit of a cheat, it is an island of sorts, it is surrounded by water, has only one entry and exit but it is a recent manmade Island under a footbridge between Southbank and Flinders Street Station. It is a great place to meet up with friends, bask in the sun and share stories of the day's events. Aaron takes us to meet the captain and some of the crew of this unique location.

Next we visit an island so different from Ponyfish but in some ways similar. Karen introduces us to Darren Perry, a representative of the indigenous people, and he shows us around Mulcra Island on the Murray River, 70km west of Mildura. Here Darren shows us scar trees and what they were used for, demonstrates how to have a 3 course meal from the land and river, and how we should respect his and his ancestor's heritage.

Lastly Aaron picks up the paddle and shows us some of the incredible scenery of corner inlet kayaking around Granite and Bensons islands. Here it is so peaceful, the wildlife is outstanding and the blue waters make it a favourite spot for kayakers from around the world. Discover for yourself the unspoilt beauty of these rarely visited but most beautiful of Victoria's Islands.

All episodes are repeated on Fridays at 09.00 and Saturdays at 08.30 and will be on the C31 website 24 hours or so after the episode has gone to air.















Episode 4 Wednesday 28th December 2011

Episode 4 has the team visiting Richmond, French and Phillip Islands.

Karen and Aaron, discover a hidden gem of an Island right in the heart of Melbourne. Herring Island is an island on the Yarra river which is passed by thousands of motorist every day, most of whom do not even know there is an island only 100 meters from the Monash Freeway in Richmond. The island was once home to the Scouts but now belongs to Parks Victoria. It boasts a large picnic area with barbeque and shelter, a gallery open in the summer and eight special sculptures from Australian and international artists.

Then both our hosts are off to Phillip Island to the Rhyll trout and bush tucker farm. Aaron is intent on catching the biggest fish of the day! But first he discovers some of the secret ingredients used in the farms kitchen and his new mate Lachie plays a trick on him. Karen joins in the fishing and pulls in a big trout before Aaron has time to blink! Being the competitive type Aaron has a secret weapon up his sleeve and ducks into the unique indoor fishing pool where he gets into a fish only seconds after casting in. He then watches Mary the Farms cook prepare his and Karen's trout ready for then both to try.

The last segment has our two explorers taking the 10 minute ferry trip to Victoria's largest but rarely visited Island, French Island. Here only the residents are allowed cars so you can walk, cycle or get a bus tour to see the sights and sounds of this vast Island in Western port bay. Our team opt for the cycle and are soon off exploring. They meet Mick Douglas, the Park Ranger who shows Karen how to get nice and close to the ever increasing population of Koalas, then the guys are of to the McLoed Eco farm and ex prison to see what it was like to be a prisoner in the 1960s, and talk to Mark, the owner of the Eco farm, to see how it functions and Mark shows Aaron his very own private beach!

All episodes are repeated on Fridays at 09.00 and Saturdays at 08.30 and will be on the C31 website 24 hours or so after the episode has gone to air.


Episode 3 Wednesday 21st December 2011

This week we travel to three diverse islands of Victoria.

First we travel to just below the NSW border to Mildura. Within the city on the Murray, Lock Island or Lock 11 was created to help the flow of the Murray River and to help create a series of locks to transport many goods down the world's third longest river. Our host Aaron takes a trip on a historic paddle steamer to view the island from a unique perspective, and experiences the rise and fall of the lock for himself. He then takes a walk around the island, inspects the weir, and it's workings, discovers a hidden sculpture and also crosses the border for just a few seconds!

Next we meet Lisa our guest presenter, who visits Raymond Island which we featured in episode one. This time we move inland where Lisa travels the Koala trail and discovers for herself some of these iconic creatures up nice and close.

Finally our Host Karen visits Phillip Island and travels right to the end of Australia to the Bass Strait, where she walks the boardwalk overlooking seal rock and some spectacular scenery. When filmed it was at the height of the seagulls breading season and Karen finds it hard to make herself heard above all the din of the noisy seagulls. Coming inside Karen checks out the free discovery centre. She tries out many of the interactive displays, tries her hand at a remote control camera on the many seals of seal rock as well as meeting a couple of new young friends. For more information please visit the Nobbies Centre website

All episodes are repeated on Fridays at 09.00 and Saturdays at 08.30 and will be on the C31 website 24 hours or so after the episode has gone to air.













Episode 2 Wednesday 14th December 2011

This week we visit three more inherently different Islands.

First we travel to the Gippsland Lakes and land on an island paradise for that long weekend or weeks holiday when you can own the island to yourself or a group of family and friends. Fraser island can accommodate up to 30 people in style and boasts a 9 hole golf course, floodlit tennis courts, a pool and party area as well as a fully equipped sports area. Aaron tries out the golf and tennis whilst Karen checks out the homestead and relaxes with a good magazine. Should you require any further information on Fraser Island please email fraserisland@netspace.net.au

Karen then takes us fishing at Corner Inlet as we cruise past Granite and Bennison Islands. With Melbourne fisherman Andrew Wilson she tries her hand at the local fishing. Karen is no stranger to this very popular hobby but like so many fishing trips returns empty handed. Still, she gets to kiss a big red snapper that one of the locals caught, to bring her good luck for the next time. As Andrew says "even a bad days fishing is better than a good day at work".

Finally we travel to Wallpolla Island, 80k west of Mildura. Some way west from the Sturt highway by 4 wheel drive you will find the Victorian outback which hosts three magnificent Islands created by the flow of the Murray river. Wallpolla is the 2nd largest of the Lindsay, Wallpolla and Mulcra islands (all of which we visit in future episodes). Aaron camps by the Murray and meets up with Darren Perry, the local Indigenous representative who takes him fishing and also explains about one of the largest shell middens in the area.















Episode 1 Wednesday 7th December 2011

We open the series with a welcome from our main presenters Karen and Aaron. Aaron then takes us to our very first Island which is Raymond Island next to Paynesville. He interviews James a local wooden boat builder and gets to ride in his fantastic speedboat Rosetta. He then talks about the only way you can get to Raymond Island which is Via the ferry which does up to 50,00 trips a year across the very short 200 meter crossing.

Next Karen takes us to one of Victoria's largest island French Island. here she meet Mick the local park ranger who shows Karen some of the native birdlife and goes in search of the illusive Potaro. Later she talks to Clive and Fay about the wildflowers and discovers that French Island has it's very own orchid which is only found there.

Finally both Karen and Aaron visit Phillip Island and tour amazing things and Panny's amazing world of chocolate.