The Confessions of a Beachcomber

Imagine. White sandy beaches, coconut palms, cloudless blue skies, crystal clear water, pristine bays and vibrant coral shelves. The romantic image of the tropical island has achieved mythic status in Western culture. Every year, countless tourists from all over the globe leave their homes in search of this vision and the rejuvenation of the spirit that it promises.

Queensland's Dunk Island epitomises the image of the idyllic island retreat, and it was E.J. Banfield's account of daily life on the island, The Confessions of a Beachcomber, that captured the imagination of readers all around the world.