Flinders Island - Bass Strait, Tasmania.
The largest of the fifty-two islands which comprise the Furneaux Group, Flinders Island was first sighted by Europeans in 1773 and named in honour of Matthew Flinders following the successful circumnavigation of Tasmania by Bass & Flinders in 1798-99.
Throughout the mid to late 1700’s the island was frequented by sealers who systematically decimated the once vast fur seal colonies.
Also long known as a “ships graveyard” the first significant recorded loss on Flinders Island was that of the SYDNEY COVE off Preservation Island on February 8th 1797. She was the first of many and over the years rumours have persisted that on more than one occasion vessels were deliberately lured onto rocks by misplaced lights in order to plunder their cargo.
Measuring just 62 kilometres long by 37 kilometres wide Flinders is an island of amazing natural contrast. Dramatic landscapes abound with about one-third of its area comprised of rugged, rocky ridge-lines running the length of the island and the highest peak, Mount Strzelecki, reaching a height of 756 metres. There are areas of lush green pasture and elsewhere steep granite cliffs overlook expanses of pristine white sandy beaches.
Daily flights link the islands main settlement of Whitemark with Launceston and there are thrice-weekly services to Melbourne.
Flinders Island offers great outdoor adventures including bush-walking, SCUBA diving and fishing or you can simply sit back, relax and soak up the scenic wonders on offer while enjoying a range of quality accommodation from hotels to resorts, cosy B&B’s, self-contained cottages, farm-stays or camping grounds.
This Tassie Local snapshot was produced by Footloose Photographic & Media Solutions
Things to see around - Flinders Island
Flinders Island - Bass Strait, Tasmania
