Australian Islands Among World's Best

South Australia's Kangaroo Island has been named by the National Geographic Traveler magazine as the best island in the Asia Pacific region for its commitment to sustainable development and preserving the environment.

Kangaroo Island ranked seventh in the magazine's list of 111 islands in the world with a score of 80 out of 100. The top score of 87 went to the Faroe Islands off the coast of Denmark

Other Australian islands on the list are Tasmania and Fraser Island, ranked equally in 15th place with scores of 76 each.

The world's best islands were cited for avoiding tourism overkill.

National Geographic Traveler published the list of the world's best islands in its November-December 2007 issue.

• Islands of Australia

Photo: A stretch of pristine golden beach on Kangaroo Island close to Adelaide © Australian Tourist Commission