At a Glance
Walk the rugged peaks and sweeping coastlines of Flinders Island, the main island of the Furneaux group, stretching from Bass Strait between Tasmania and Australia. Over 6 days journey on a walking and camping adventure conquering the summits of Mt Killiecrankie and Mt Strzelecki while swimming in crystal clear beaches. Experience untamed wilderness beauty, abundant wildlife and Aboriginal history.
Departing from Launceston set out on a scenic flight over the spectacular Flinders Island to discover a true hidden gem of Tasmania. Explore pure white beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and striking, mountain peaks and ranges. Over 6 days traverse rugged peaks and sweeping coastlines of the windswept island, taking time to swim in pristine waters, idyllic inlets and photograph the endless picture-perfect vistas. Conquer the dramatic granite peaks of Mt Killiecrankie ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 5 nights’ camping accommodation on a twin share basis
- All meals- 5 breakfast, 6 lunch, 5 dinners including a bag of trail snacks
- Sleeping bag, inner sheet swag and camp bed
- Vehicle transportation to and from Launceston accommodation to Bridport
- Emergency communication and group first aid kit
- Tour transportation by private minibus
- Return scenic flight from Bridport
- National Park fees
Itinerary
Approx. 7.5km (4.7miles) 4-5 hours walking, moderate grade Begin your journey in Launceston, with a 7 or 730am pick up from your accommodation and transferred to Bridport Airport. Once there, enjoy a scenic flight of unsurpassed views to Flinders Island. Sit back and relax while you travel to the seaside township of Whitemark for a detailed briefing of your adventures ahead. Call into the quaint coastal village of Emita on the island’s west coast. Pop by the fascinating Flinders Island Museum and Wybalaenna, one of the most significant historical places in Tasmania. Here, you’ll feel the history unfold at this infamous site of the disastrous Indigenous resettlement scheme and remaining graveyard and chapel. With a lovely start to your walking adventure, embark on one of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks, the stunning Castle Rock Walk. Meander along the shoreline of the picturesque Marshall Bay, traverse pristine beaches and coastal hinterlands before reaching the impressive three storey high granite boulder that is Castle Rock. With ample opportunities for photos along the way, marvel at its golden rocks and orange lichens standing sentinel on the magnificent coastline. Stride along Marshall Bay before calling into your idyllic secluded cape site, your home for the week. Settle into camp before travelling for your moderately challenging ascent of 310m high Mt Killiecrankie. As one of the island's more prominent peaks of steep granite peaks, you are afforded with sweeping views across Bass Strait and surrounding coast. Perched high atop, fossick for your own Killiecrankie ‘diamond’- a semi-precious topaz that flows off the granite of Mt Killiecrankie and found in the creeks and bay. Retire back at camp for a delicious dinner cooked by your guides while watching the island starry night sky in your ‘safari style’ tents light up before you. |
Approx. 7-8km (4.3-5 miles) 5-6 hours walking, moderate grade This morning venture out on an exhilarating 4WD track to the ‘The Dock’s’, one of Flinders great hidden gems. Be captivated by magnificent coastal vistas with lichen encrusted granite outcrops at every turn with magnificent mountain cliffs stretching as far down to sea level. Today’s stunning coastal track hugs the rocky shores from The Dock to the sleepy fishing village of Killiecrankie. Here is where you can search for white topaz stones, the Killiecrankie ‘diamonds’ the region is famed for. Today’s track see’s you journeying through coastal vistas and extensive rock hopping before arriving at the Old Mans Head, a perfect stop to enjoy a rejuvenating snack with coastal splendour set before you. Marvel at the intriguing rock formations with more breathtaking coastal views before enjoying lunch. Relax with a refreshing swim in the azure blue waters at Stacky’s Bight or simply unwind to soak in its serenity at Cap off a stunning walk with a peaceful beach walk along the crescent shaped white sandy beach of Killiecrankie Bay before arriving at its namesake hamlet. Enjoy another perfect dip before meeting your bus and calling it a day back at camp. Indulge in another hearty camp dinner while reminiscing over the wonders of today’s explorations. |
Approx.8-9 km (5-5.6 miles), 6 hours walking, moderate grade Today, you conquer the northernmost point of the island to the wonderfully remote North East River. You’ll be captivated by Flinders Island at its best boasting a remote, pristine and at the full mercy of the elements. Starting at the idyllic beach at Palana traverse coastlines and its impressive sand dunes while absorbing the exhilarating views out to the Sister Islands. Today’s walk, there is no track. You’ll meander through rocky headlands covered in bright orange lichen interspersing with short stretches of pristine white sandy beaches. Secluded rock pools and knobby granite outcrops while watching the speed at which the water enters the river estuary at North East River is a sight to behold. A perfect time to soak in the peacefulness that can only be found immersed in nature. You’ll venture to the tiny settlement of Palana for a refreshing afternoon swim before meeting your bus and onwards to your secluded camp. Unwind the evening exchanging stories with your fellow comrades as you watch the sun set into the horizon. |
Approx. 7-8km (4.3-5 miles) 5-6 hours walking, moderate grade Adventure inland and into the Darling Range, the central part of the island. Begin with a drive to Walkers lookout boasting breathtaking panoramic views of the entire island before conquering the Haulands Gap Track. Journey through fragrant peppermint eucalyptus forests offering sweeping views of both the east and west coastlines. Sit back and relax with a drive to Patriarch Inlet. While here, get up close moments with wildlife and home to migratory wading birds. Walk along its empty beaches offering a moment of tranquility before colliding with the impressive and aptly named set of rocks at Red Bluff. Time permitting, call into the Patriarch Wildlife Sanctuary, a volunteer conservation venture, for unforgettable up-close moments of the island’s abundant wildlife and birdlife including wombats, wallabies, black swans and the Cape Barren geese. Tonight, you are in for a treat as you indulge an ‘island style’ meal at a locals favourite at Furneaxx tavern down at Lady Borron. Delight your tastebuds with some of the island’s gourmet produce and hospitality while quenching your thirst with a cold Tasmanian beer. Enjoy meeting some of Flinders' friendly and colourful characters for an ultimate experience. |
Approx. 4km (2.5 miles), 4 hours walking, moderate to challenging grade Rise with the sun this morning for an incredible adventure ahead! Today, you conquer climbing Flinders Island’s highest peak, Mount Strzelecki at a towering 756m. With an early start, you’ll better your chances in embracing stunning views from atop the peak before the afternoon clouds roll in and wraps the summit in their obscuring embrace. Immerse in a memorable journey as you tackle the challenging ascent of Mt Strzelecki named after Sir Paul Edmond de Strzelecki, famed for being the first European to climb Mt Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest mountain. You’ll traverse blue gums, peppermints and endemic unique alpine vegetation before entering an enchanting evergreen cloud forest. Stride through the rugged Fotheringate Creek Valley boasting of waterfalls and a delightful fern gully. As you climb higher the vegetation changes to sub alpine and finally conquering the boulder summit. You’ll be rewarded with unsurpassed views of the entire Furneaux Island group and the distant peaks of mainland Tasmania. Here, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable serene lunch setting making a perfect time to reflect on your hard work. Descend back down the mountain before a stop at Fotheringate Bay for a refreshing swim, perfect to revive and restore well tested muscles. Relax back at camp to one final magical evening under a canopy of stars on the island. |
Approx. 6km (3.7 miles), 3-4 hours walking, grade Cap off your final morning walking another of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks at Trousers Point. Begin with a gentle walk to Holts Point before traversing the stunning Trousers Point, Flinders Island’s most celebrated and widely photographed beach. Be taken away by the breathtaking superbly blue waters, wonderfully white sands and the granite mountains rising sharply from the ocean Your coastal walk affords sweeping and constantly changing view over the great Bass Strait Islands and up to Mt Strzelecki. You eventually reach the equally beautiful Fotheringate Beach with its fascinating granite caves and rock formations. Take time to enjoy its tranquil waters beckoning in for a swim before returning back to camp for one last bush lunch. With a couple of hours to spare, pack and clear camp for a scenic return flight back to Bridport at 330pm. Feeling relaxed and inspired, transfer to Launceston and onwards to your accommodation arriving at approximately 530pm. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for group bookings and private tours.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Launceston
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Launceston
Tasmania is located between Latitudes 40 and 43, with the island’s temperature and weather moderated by the surrounding oceans. The cool temperate climate offers four distinct seasons which can interchange on any given day of the year. Summer temperatures on Flinders Island are absolutely ideal for walking, with an average maximum of 21 degrees and minimum of 12 degrees. Wind factor, especially on the west‐facing coastline, can drop the air temperature further. Rainfall on the west coast of Flinders is relatively low compared to the west coast of mainland Tasmania and averages 744mm, but please be prepared for unseasonal heavy rain at any time of year. For group safety and comfort, having adequate gear and equipment for the local conditions ensures accessibility to the wilderness is enjoyed.
- By its very nature this tour involves an element of the unexpected. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with our trained staff.
- For your expedition you will need to carry all equipment in a day pack approx. 25 ‐ 30L in capacity. This will need to include the following items: Water and snacks, all personal items that you have decide to bring along, all wet weather gear and depending on the quantity of personal gear the average pack weight will be between 5 ‐ 8 kg.
- 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.
- You will be given your own personal bag of snacks to consume at your leisure throughout the trip so you always have a source of energy ready at hand.
- The tour does not require single travellers pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same sex and if we cannot match you up, we will provide a single room (or tent if applicable) at no extra charge.
- The above itinerary is to be taken as a guide only. Inclement weather, group fitness and a number of other factors may influence the planned itinerary causing delays and variations. The group leader reserves the right to make modifications and or alterations to the trip's itinerary in the best interests of all involved.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.