Paradise on Earth?

The prestigious travel magazine Conde Nast recently ranked Bali and Tasmania as 1 and 2 respectively on its 'World's best islands' list. Both islands have a special place in the Australian national imagination. The reason is complex. It goes beyond the scenery, the climate, the people; it's something to do with the perceived 'contained' nature and the 'timelessness' of islands. As Conde Nast puts it: 'In paradise, some things never change - the vistas, the culture, the people'.