Flinders Island Walking Adventure - In Comfort

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 township of Whitemark where your guides will give a detailed briefing of the week ahead. We then drive north to the small hamlet of Emita. From here we have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Flinders Island Museum and the historic Wybalenna; infamous site of the disastrous Indigenous resettlement scheme and the remaining graveyard and chapel. In the afternoon 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. Our Flinders Island walking trip continues to Marshall Bay then inland to our well situated, private Eco-Comfort Camp, where we will be staying for the week. Walking distance: 2-3km

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

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

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. Walking distance: 7-8km

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. In the evening we journey down to Whitemark to enjoy an 'island style' meal with the locals at The Wharf restaurant. As well as sampling some of the island's hospitality and a cold Tasmanian beer, this also provides a wonderful chance to meet some of Flinders' friendly and colourful characters. Walking distance: 4km

Meals:  B,L,D

For our last morning of walks on Flinders Island we transfer out to Big River Road where we will start our morning's hikes to Holts Point and then join onto 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 3pm. From here we transfer to Launceston and return you to your accommodation where the trip concludes. You will arrive at your hotel at approximately 5pm. Walking distance: 6km

Meals:  B,L