From the moment you leave the mainland by scenic flight, you’ll feel like you’re entering another world heading to Flinders Island off the North-Eastern tip of the state. With its red lichen covered boulders, vast white sand beaches and soaring granite peaks, the landscape is at once familiar and Tasmanian, but also unique and almost untouched.
For the next six days and five nights, you’ll be immersed in this enchanting island with two expert guides leading the way, carrying only a daypack and feeling like you have it all to yourself. With a rewarding and diverse itinerary, you’ll experience this beautiful, rugged coastline, summit the granite peaks of Mt Killiecrankie and Mt Strzelecki delivering epic 360 degree views (optional), learn about the extensive Aboriginal and European cultural history of this diverse land, and swim in its crystal clear waters.
Special Environments & Ecosystems
A small island of 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.
Accommodation That Keeps You Connected
At the end of each day, unwind and relax at Tasmanian Expeditions low-impact Eco-Comfort camp with access to a private beach, where you can enjoy your morning coffee or an afternoon dip in the island’s crystal clear waters. The camp includes a bathroom with hot showers, toilets, a kitchen and a dining/social space, perfect for having a cuppa and debriefing about the day’s walk or enjoying a chat and wine post dinner.
Meals are delicious, healthy and gourmet, cooked fresh by your guides, with the very best of Tasmanian produce designed to keep you energised and satisfied for the trip.
Accommodation is in large, comfortable, privately situated and custom designed tents with stretcher beds and lush pillows. But the best part reveals itself fully as the sun goes down: impressive transparent roofs, letting you fall asleep each night under a blanket of stars and feel connected to the nature around you.
Escape To The Undiscovered
The perfect mix of relaxation and optional challenge, let us whisk you away to Flinders Island on this special and unforgettable walking journey.
Walk Overview
- Accessed via Launceston, TAS
- Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
- Distance: 42km from 37 - 42 km
- Grade: Easy to Moderate
- Walk operates: Oct – April
- Beach and coastal track with optional climbs
- Group size: Max 10
- Av. Km per day: 2 - 12km
- Rates: From AUD $3,595 per person
Reviews
The six day Flinders Island walk was amazing! Great guides who looked after us so well, delicious food and spectacular scenery! I would highly recommend this trip!
Elizabeth Houston – Five Stars, Google
Elevation Graph
This graph loosely depicts the gradient of the track, providing you with some basic understanding of how challenging the walk will be. The graphs are useful in helping you decide which walk suits you best. Whatever your ability or fitness, there’s sure to be a walk that suits you in the Great Walks of Australia collection.
* Elevations are indicative only and are not to scale. Walkers should contact individual walk companies to better understand the terrain and difficulty of each walk.
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Walk Itinerary
- Day 1 Fly to Flinders Island, explore Castle Rock and Wybalenna. Walking distance 2-3km. 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 at Allports at the small hamlet of Emita where your guides will give a detailed briefing of the week ahead. From here 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 present themselves on the way to this impressive three storey high granite boulder standing sentinel on the magnificent coastline. In the afternoon we have the opportunity to experience the historic Wybalenna; infamous site of the disastrous Indigenous resettlement scheme and the remaining graveyard and chapel. Once we have filled our buckets with history and culture our Flinders Island walking trip continues North to Leeka and our, private seaside Eco-Comfort Camp, which wil be out base for the week.
- Day 2 Mt Killiecrankie walk, Old Mans head and The Docks. Walking distance 10 - 12km Start off with a hearty breakfast at camp before we drive a short distance and begin the moderately challenging climb up one of the island’s more prominent peaks, Mt Killiecrankie. This walk on Flinders Island rewards us with spectacular views across the beautiful bay and surrounding coast. After some time soaking in the views from the summit we will descend the mountain via the diamond gully trail. Across the rocks and through the scrub we go, the whole while descending toward 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 our Flinders Island walks entail a combination of coastal paths and extensive rock hopping steering us walking toward ‘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. Here we will walk a short distance back to our vehicle and head to camp. In the evening your guides will get busy in the kitchen while you relax and reminisce over the wonders of the day’s explorations in front of a roaring fire (permits permitting).
- Day 3 North East River and Palana. Walking distance 8 - 9km On the third morning of our Flinders Island walking trip 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.
- Day 4 Haulands Gap and Red Bluff. Walking distance 7-8km For today’s walks, 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 east coast at Patriarch 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. For trips running from January to April this afternoon presents an opportunity to visit the fascinating volunteer run Furneaux Museum before returning to camp for the evening.
- Day 5 Mt Strzelecki walk. Walking distance 4km 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 wraps 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.
- Day 6 Trousers Point walk and return flight. Walking distance 6km or our last morning on Flinders Island we will take a leisurely pace, enjoying a final moment on the beach before leaving camp for the last time. We will stop in at Whitemark for a hot drink and yarn with the locals on our way south before we transfer out to Big River Road where we will start our morning’s hikes to 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 camp ground and enjoying one more sumptuous lunch prepared by your guides. We then have the option of a couple of hours free time before packing up and heading off to catch our scenic return flight to Bridport at 3.30pm. From here we transfer to Launceston and return you to your accommodation where the trip concludes. You will arrive at your hotel at approximately 5.30pm.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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How fit do I need to be?
You will need a good level of fitness for the walks on Flinders Island. You need to be capable and prepared to spend 5-7 hours each day trekking over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. If you have any questions about your suitability please give Tasmanian Expeditions and discuss.
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When should I arrive in Launceston?
You must arrive in Launceston the day before your tour begins. The tour commences with a hotel pick-up at 7:15am from the Grand Chancellor or 7:30am from the Penny Royal, so you will need to arrange a night of pre-trip accommodation for the night before. We recommend arranging your flights to arrive around lunchtime, to allow time for any unexpected flight delays. If travelling from overseas please be sure to inform the Tasmanian Expeditions office of your Australian contact details. Please be patient while waiting for the pick up as sometimes there can be the odd, unexpected delay.
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How do we get to Flinders Island and what time does the trip finish?
On the morning of your trip commencing, you will be transferred from Launceston to Bridport Airport (1hr drive), where your group will embark on a 30min scenic chartered flight over to Flinders Island. At the end of the walk, you will be returned to your accommodation in Launceston at approximately 5:30pm on the final day of the trek.
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How much weight will I carry?
The Flinders Island Walking Adventure - in Comfort tour is fully vehicle supported. You will carry just a day pack containing the items you need during the day (including water, sun hat, snacks, lunch, camera, waterproof and warm layers). This is likely to weigh between 5-7kg.
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What are the camp shower facilities like?
The hot showers give trekkers a welcome way to wash away the sweat of a good days walk across the Island. Hot water is heated using a “Donkey” hot water boiler - an efficient hot water system and an economical way to warm water. Trekkers have a 9 Litre bucket of warm water to use in our shower tents, which allows for warm-hot showers that run for 2 – 2 1/2 minutes.
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Do I need to do the Mt Strzelecki walk?
Yes, the group will do this walk together. The last 15 minutes of the walk can be challenging for some but there is a saddle here where people can wait for the group to return.
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When is the best time to visit Flinders Island?
Late spring (October and November) and summer (December to February) are great times to explore Flinders Island due to its warmer temperatures, which makes a refreshing swim after a day’s walk more enticing. This is generally the more popular time to visit the island. The autumn season (March to May) offers quieter trails, incredible night skies filled with stars, and generally cheaper flights over the shoulder season; plus there’s the chance to see migratory birds in April.
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Do I need to have hiking boots to do this hike?
We highly recommend that you have mid cut hiking boots or walking shoes for this tour. There are lots of slippery tree roots in the rainforest areas, so ankle support will be beneficial. Also, you will encounter plenty of sand, mud and walk across coastal granite rock along the way, so if they are waterproof, you will hopefully have nice dry feet at the end of the day. Small ankle gaiters are sometimes a good optional extra.
Adelaide, SA 
