4
Introductory to Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 6 days walking
Accommodation
  • 5 nights at our Eco-Comfort Camp
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts

6 Days$3595AUD

Trip Code: FLI

Flinders Island Walking Trip highlights


  • Explore spectacular peaks, rolling green pastures and sparkling coastal vistas
  • Sleep under a blanket of stars in our custom safari-style tents which feature a see-through roof
  • Summit numerous peaks with stunning views
  • Return scenic flights from Bridport give unsurpassed views of your island escape
  • View unique Australian wildlife and birdlife
  • Visit Wybalenna and the Flinders Island museum

Why Book With Us

  • Unrivalled experience - Tasmania's first walking tour operater
  • Part of the official Great Walks of Australia collection
  • Stay at our exclusive, beachside Eco-Comfort Camp
  • Solo travellers will be upgraded to a single tent at no extra cost

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 walking itinerary on Flinders Island, you will experience the rugged peaks and sweeping coast lines 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 walks.

At the end of each day of walking on Flinders Island, retire to the comfort of our secluded Eco-Comfort Camp which is big on comforts but small on environmental impacts.

With scenic flights included from Launceston, you are only a hop, skip and a jump away from your next unforgettable walking adventure in Tasmania.

Activities:

Itinerary

Today you will be collected from your accommodation between 7.00 and 7.30am from your Launceston CBD accommodation 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. Walking distance: 2-3km. Driving time and distance: 1 hour/77km to Bridport airport, plus 1 hour/50km on Flinders Island.

Meals:  L,D

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). Walking distance: 10-12km. Driving time and distance: 35 minutes/30km.

Meals:  B,L,D

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. Walking distance: 8-9km. Driving time and distance: 50 minutes/36km.

Meals:  B,L,D

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. Walking distance: 7-8km. Driving time and distance: 2 hours and 25 minutes/141km.

Meals:  B,L,D

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. Walking distance: 4km. Driving time and distance: 1 hour and 24 minutes/97km.

Meals:  B,L,D

For 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. We recommend booking a night of post-tour accommodation in Launceston in case of any flight delays departing Flinders Island. Walking distance: 6km. Driving time and distance: 1 hour and 20 minutes/83km on Flinders Island, plus 1 hour/77km from Bridport to Launceston.

Meals:  B,L


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 2 professional wilderness guides
  • 5 nights at our exclusive Eco-Comfort Camp on a twin share basis or free upgrade to single tent for solo travellers
  • 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 5 dinners
  • Transport by private minibus
  • National Park fees
  • Quilt, sheet, stretcher beds, mat and safari-style tents
  • Emergency communications & group first aid kit
  • Return scenic flights from Bridport

  • Travel to and from Launceston before or after the trip
  • Accommodation before or after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature - alcoholic beverages, car parking etc
  • Travel insurance
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser

Accommodation


Suitability

Introductory to Moderate

4

This adventure involves trekking for up to 5 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to four times a week. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions, kayaking or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.


Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
HS
Holiday Season
Note:
A high season supplement applies from 1 December to 15 February, and for any trip that overlaps a public holiday.

Priceper person from

$3595AUD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Flinders Island Walking Adventure - In Comfort trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Frequently Asked Questions

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 us a call and speak with one of our staff members. We are more than happy to discuss additional information about what you can expect.

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.

You must arrive in Launceston the day before your tour begins. The tour commences with a hotel pick-up at approximately 7:00 - 7:30am, 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. Our team will call you the day before departure to confirm the exact time and location of your pick-up for the following morning. 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.

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 flight over to Flinders Island.

You will be returned to your accommodation in Launceston at approximately 5pm on the final day of the trek.

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.

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.

Yes, only if you are a solo traveller. If you are travelling on your own you can request a free upgrade to your own private tent. No single supplement applies.

If you need to use a CPAP machine during the trip please speak with our staff about this. There are charging points at camp, in the form of small solar-powered power banks in your tents. You will need to bring spare batteries that can be charged by USB port during the day while the group are not at camp and/or bring a small solar panel to charge the batteries.

Only Telstra services work on the island. The island’s isolation is what gives it great appeal though, so why not embrace the limited reception?

Small solar-powered power banks are provided for each guest in the tents, however please note that sunlight can sometimes be limited on the island, so we recommend bringing your own power bank for personal devices and/or spare batteries for your camera.

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.

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.


Flinders Island Walking Trip reviews


Flinders Island Walking Videos

Rethinking Sustainability at our Flinders Island Eco-Comfort Camp

Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.