Siblings Alice (11), Billy (9) and Georgie Youl (7) and their mate Lenny (10) are living every kid’s dream: growing up on a remote island. We quizzed them every way we could think of, but it appears there’s absolutely no downside…

Ask a group of Flinders Island kids what makes life here special and you will rarely get a rehearsed answer. Instead, you will hear about skimming stones after school, riding motorbikes, catching crayfish with family, football at the showgrounds and afternoons that end at the beach. It is a childhood where boats are part of everyday life, everyone knows one another, and friends come in all ages.

Growing up on a small island means learning independence early, but it also means being surrounded by a community that looks out for one another. Teachers are neighbours, teammates become lifelong friends, and weekends are spent outdoors exploring the coastline, fishing, swimming or simply seeing where the day leads.

Their voices capture the joy, humour and honesty of island life through young eyes. They remind us that some of the best adventures begin with curiosity, a sense of freedom and the natural playground waiting just beyond the front door.