DESCRIPTION
HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore spectacular peaks, rolling green pastures and sparkling coastal vistas
- Summit numerous peaks with stunning views
- Return scenic flights from Bridport give unsurpassed views of your island escape
- View unique Australian wildlife and birdlife
- Private campsite with camp beds and comfortable swags
- Visit Wybalenna and the Flinders Island museum
With its mesmerising mix of spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and Aboriginal and European history, Flinders Island is the gem in the crown of Island walking in Tasmania. Over this diverse and rewarding itinerary, you will experience 6 days walking the rugged peaks and sweeping coastlines of this windswept Island, taking the time to swim in the crystal clear waters and photograph the endless picture-perfect vistas. You have the opportunity to summit the dramatic granite peaks of both Mt Killiecrankie and Mt Strzelecki, the second of which is the highest point on the island at 756m giving you spectacular 360-degree views of Flinders Island in its entirety. Although a small island of only 1,333 square kilometres, Flinders Island hosts an amazing array of ecosystems from dunes and lagoons to woodland and mountainous granite ridges which produce spectacular and unique species of flora and a profusion of fauna which freely roams the island, it is also the only remaining habitat of the common wombat which you may be lucky enough to spot on your adventure. With scenic flights included from Launceston you are only a hop, skip and a jump away from your next unforgettable walking adventure!
DAY 1: A pre-departure briefing will be held the day 1 of this trip at 12:00 pm in Launceston. More details will be given after booking.
DAY 2: Fly to Flinders Island, explore Castle Rock, Wybalenna & climb Mt Killiecrankie
Today you will be collected from your accommodation between 7.00 and 7.30am and transferred to the Bridport Airport where we embark on our scenic morning flight to Flinders Island. Upon arrival, we head to the seaside township of Whitemark where your guides will give a detailed briefing of the week ahead. We then drive north to the small hamlet of Emita. From here we have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Flinders Island Museum and the historic Wybalenna; infamous site of the disastrous indigenous resettlement scheme and the remaining graveyard and chapel. In the afternoon we begin the first of many wonderful walks by trekking along the coastline to one of Flinders Island’s most famous landmarks: Castle Rock. A myriad of photo opportunities presents themselves on the way to this impressive three storeys high granite boulder standing sentinel on the magnificent coastline. Our walk continues to Marshall Bay then inland to our well situated private camp, where we will be staying for the week. Once we have settled into camp, and if time and weather permit, we drive a short distance then begin the moderately challenging climb up one of the island’s more prominent peaks, Mt Killiecrankie. This walk rewards us with spectacular views across the beautiful bay and surrounding coast. Upon returning to our campsite your guides will cook up a feast to recharge after an adventurous day.
Walking distance: 7.5km
DAY 3: The Docks, Old Mand Head and Killiecrankie Bay
Leaving our idyllic campsite we drive past Mt Killiecrankie and on to a four wheel drive track that leads us to ‘The Docks’. This area is one of Flinders Island’s secret gems; spectacular coastal scenery with lichen-encrusted granite outcrops in every direction, and magnificent mountain cliffs reaching right down to sea level. The day’s walk entails a combination of coastal paths and extensive rock hopping until we reach the prominent landmark, Old Mans Head, where we can stop to enjoy the coastal splendour and enjoy a rejuvenating snack. From here we continue following the coast south until we reach Stacky’s Bight with its intriguing rock formations and breathtaking views across the extensive bay. Stopping for lunch we can enjoy a well-deserved swim in the crystal clear waters or just enjoy the serenity. The afternoon leg of the journey sees us walking along the crescent-shaped white sandy beach of Killiecrankie Bay before arriving at its namesake hamlet. Here we will meet our transport which takes us back to camp where we can relax and reminisce over the wonders of the day’s explorations.
Walking distance: 7-8km
DAY 4: North East River and Palana
On the third morning of our adventure, we head off to the northernmost point of the island to the wonderfully remote North East River. This is Flinders Island at its best; remote, pristine and at the full mercy of the elements. The day’s walk will see us exploring the coastline and the impressive Palana sand dunes whilst being mesmerised by the exhilarating views out to the Sister Islands. Rock pools and knobbly granite outcrops are a treat to behold and our group can spread out to enjoy the peacefulness that can only be found being at one with nature. Once reaching the tiny settlement of Palana, we can opt for a swim before jumping aboard our support vehicle to return to our secluded camp for the evening.
Walking distance: 8-9km
DAY 5: Haulands Gap and Red Bluff
Today we turn our attention inland to discover another aspect of the island. We drive up to Walkers Lookout which provides amazing views of the Darling Range before departing on the Haulands Gap Track. This track through peppermint scented eucalyptus forests provides great views of both the east and west coastlines. Returning to our vehicle we head over to the west coast at Patriarchs Inlet and enjoy a leisurely walk to the impressive and aptly named Red Bluff. Time permitting we can also visit the volunteer conservation venture, Patriarch Wildlife Sanctuary, and enjoy the chance to get up close to some of the island’s native animals. In the evening we journey down to Lady Barron to enjoy an ‘island style’ meal with the locals at the Furneax Tavern. As well as sampling some of the island’s hospitality and a cold Tasmanian beer, this also provides a wonderful chance to meet some of Flinders friendly and colourful characters.
Walking distance: 7-8km
DAY 6: Mt Strzelecki
This morning we get up with the sun to make the most of the day. An early departure will help ensure that we obtain stunning views from atop the magnificent Mt Strzelecki before afternoon clouds roll in and wrap the summit in their obscuring embrace. The track to the summit of Mt Strzelecki is a challenging 700m climb through stands of blue gums and peppermints and endemic unique alpine vegetation before entering an enchanting, evergreen cloud forest. On a clear day, there are increasingly amazing views of Flinders Island, the outer islands as well as the northern coastline of mainland Tasmania. We enjoy an unforgettable lunch spot before beginning the long descent back down the mountain. An optional but highly recommended swim at Fotheringate Bay helps to revive and restore well-tested muscles before returning to camp for our final night on the island.
Walking distance: 4km
DAY 7: Trousers Point walk and return flight
For our last morning on the magnificent island, we are transferred out to Big River Road where we will start our morning’s walk to Holts Point and then join onto Trousers Point, one of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks. This walk affords wonderful views from Trousers Point beach up to Mt Strzelecki and the chance to wade through the tranquil waters before returning to the campground and enjoying one more sumptuous lunch prepared by your guides. We then have the option of a couple of hours of free time before packing up and heading off to catch our scenic return flight to Bridport. From here we transfer to Launceston and return you to your accommodation where the trip concludes.
Walking distance: 6km
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- 2 professional wilderness guides
- 5 nights camping
- 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 5 dinners
- Transport by private minibus
- National Park fees
- Sleeping bag, inner sheet, swag and camp bed
- Emergency communications & group first aid kit
- Return scenic flights from Bridport
