(Above) The Wybalenna Historic Site is where the last of the Tasmanian aborigines spent their days and is well worth a visit.

(Above) The pristine surrounds of Killiecrankie Bay on the northern tip of the island. An ALA there is within easy walking distance of water like this.

(Above) The great view from the top of Mt Stzelecki looking northwards up the west coast of the island makes the 2-4hr climb well worth it!

(Above) The stunning size and colour of the rocks around Killiecrankie are emphasised in this photo.

(Above) The ranges running like a spine along Flinders island with Mt Strzelecki the one on the right.

HISTORY

Rising like a giant sea creature from the blue waters of eastern Bass Strait, Flinders and its surrounding islands are all that remain of the land bridge that once connected Tasmania to mainland Australia during the last great ice age.

DISCOVERY

The island was first identified by Europeans when Tobias Furneaux, the commander of Cook's support ship, became separated from the Endeavour in fog and discovered the Furneaux group of islands on 19 March 1773. Flinders Island was named after the great navigator Matthew Flinders, who circumnavigated Tasmania and the island in 1802.

GEOGRAPHY

Whitemark is the major town and the second township is Lady Barron on the southern half of the island. There are also settlements at Killiecrankie and Palana at the northern end of the island.

THINIGS TO DO & SEE

Mt Strzelecki, named after the Polish explorer, is a challenge for rock climbers. The mountain, which rises to 760m (2280 ft), lies in the Strzelecki National Park, to the south of Whitemark. However, the view (looking northwards up the west coast of the island) is well worth the effort!

Trousers Point is near the mountain, and is a good introduction to the delights of the island’s deserted beaches. The site, with its fine, white sand and rust-coloured rock formations, is particularly spectacular, with Mount Strzelecki rising up behind the granite headland. There’s a free camping area here, with water available.

Emita is the site of the Wybalenna Historic settlement. In the 1830's, as the population of Tasmanian Aboriginals dwindled, many were re-settled at Wybalenna in an attempt to consolidate the tribes and save the race from extinction. The site is significant to Aboriginal peoples and the museum there, highlighting their presence and the numerous shipwrecks in the strait, is well worth a visit.

Killiecrankie Bay on the north of the island is a beautiful place for swimming and lazing on the beach. Another attraction is the semi-precious Flinders Island Topaz found here - better known as "Killiecrankie diamonds".

JOIN A TOUR, FLY YOURSELF OR LET US ARRANGE A TOUR FOR YOUR GROUP

Today there are a whole range of things to see and do on Flinders Island. Flying yourself down or visiting with Lilydale Air Services.

PPL students - ask your instructor if you can include it as part of a Navex, or alternatively join the next charter which is going down!