Flinders Island
Introduction
Wrecks Beneath The Sea
Take Your Field Glasses For a Wildlife Tour
Walk The Beaches, Boulder Hop and Take Your
Camera or Easel
Feel The Island's History
Introduction
The
largest island in the Furneaux Group and named after the explorer, Matthew
Flinders, Flinders Island is a secluded, natural paradise. Its stunning
coastline offers yachtsmen some of the finest, yet least known cruising
grounds in Australia. The island is surrounded by shipwrecks and
abundant marine life, providing exhilarating diving. Top
Wrecks Beneath The Sea
Since 1797, the historic wreck of the Sydney Cove has lain beneath
the blue, translucent waters off Preservation Island. The rescue
of her survivors ultimately led to the beginning of the sealing industry
in the Furneaux Islands and the first settlement south of Sydney, at Kent
Bay on Cape Barren Island. Flinders Island is a divers’ paradise.
Charter a boat from Killiecrankie, Whitemark or Lady Barron and dive the
wrecks of the City of Edinburgh and The Cambridge or dive from the beach
to see spectacular underwater scenery. Top
Take Your Field Glasses For a Wildlife Tour
On Flinders
Island there are no rabbits, no foxes and no limit to the amount of wildlife
you may see as you tour the island. Watch from the shore for dolphins
or head inland to see echidnas, wombats, wallabies, pademelons and possums.
Walk among the coastal dunes, heath lands and woodlands to sight some of
the 150 species of birds recorded on Flinders and nearby islands - short-tailed
shearwaters (mutton birds), marsh harriers, rosellas and magnificent soaring
sea eagles as well as resident cape Barren geese, mountain ducks and black
swans. Top
Walk The Beaches, Boulder Hop and Take Your Camera
or Easel
Comb the beach at Killiecrankie for its elusive ‘diamonds’, wander
over the huge granite boulders, fish, snorkel or swim at the other magnificent
beaches - Trousers Point, Allports, Emita and many others - and be prepared
to be alone. Take a guided walk on one of the numerous trails or
spend a couple of days discovering the mountain ranges. For a striking
panorama of Flinders and surrounding islands, drive to Walkers Lookout
or climb 750-or-so metres to the peak of Mount Strzelecki. Cycle
around the island; saddle up for a few hours’ trail riding or plan a trip
with a local guide. Top
Feel The Island's History
Between 1833 and 1847, the last of Tasmania’s tribal Aborigines were
taken to Wybalenna (Aboriginal for Blackmen’s houses) on Flinders Island’s
western coast. Wander through the restored brick chapel and visit
the graves dating back to the Wybalenna settlement. Lose yourself
among the relics of shipwrecks and early island life at the Emita Historical
Museum. Rent a beach cottage, a cabin, or stay in a country hotel.
Pitch your tent at some of the most beautiful camping sites in the state.
Top
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