STRZELECKI NATIONAL PARK

Welcome to Strzelecki National Park

The dramatic landscape of Flinders Island is sculpted by the ocean, wind and time.

Granite boulders formed 420 million years ago are strewn about the island, and a rare form of Tasmanian topaz (known as ‘Killiecrankie diamonds’) can be found on a local beach. However, some of this island’s greatest hidden treasures can only be discovered when you venture off the beaten track into the secluded splendour of Strzelecki National Park.

The distinctive granite walls of the Strzelecki Peaks form the spine of the Strzelecki National Park, which covers the south-west corner of the remote island. The park boasts a rich and varied landscape, taking in some of Tasmania’s finest beaches, a dense fringe of coastal tea tree, pockets of rainforest and bare granite slabs. Immerse yourself in the beauty of this unique natural environment by snorkelling, swimming, kayaking and camping, or stretch your legs on two of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks. Given its relatively mild climate, walking is a popular pastime for visitors to Flinders Island and an ideal way to experience the pristine environment.

Flinders Island and the Strzelecki National Park provide important habitats for both Tasmanian and mainland Australian plants and animals. It’s an important stop-over point for birdlife migrating between the two land masses, and a popular location for birdwatching. More than 100 species of birds have been recorded on the island, including giant Wandering Albatross, sea eagles and the endangered forty-spotted pardalote. Listen out for the distinctive sound of the prominent Cape Barren geese – their low, guttural call sounds very similar to a grunting pig. You can also expect to encounter wombats, Bennetts wallabies, echidnas and pademelons as you explore the area.

Rekindle your childhood love of adventure as you climb towering peaks and explore remote boulder-strewn beaches in this secluded natural paradise.

Strzelecki Peaks

The imposing granite massif of the Strzelecki Peaks rises abruptly out of the ocean, creating a dramatic centrepiece and the highest point of the Strzelecki National Park. In fact, their craggy outline is the dominant topographic feature of Flinders Island, and can be seen as far away as the Tasmanian mainland, more than fifty kilometres away. These towering peaks form a stunning mountainous backdrop to beautiful white beaches that huddle beneath their lofty heights.

For the ultimate climb on Flinders Island, take on the 5.6-kilometre Strzelecki Peaks walk. This steep, uphill Grade 4 hike provides a thrilling challenge and takes about four-to-five hours to complete the return journey. Along the route, wander past shaggy stands of she-oak, verdant ferns and vibrant wildflowers to the summit of Mount Strzelecki, 756 metres above sea level. Feel like the king or queen of this wild domain, as you stand atop this wind-swept rocky ridge. These grey stone peaks clad with wispy, green scrub serve up sweeping Bass Strait views. Below, the bays, beaches and surrounding islands of the Furneaux group are laid out on a blanket of untamed turquoise ocean.

Please take care - this walk requires physical exertion and passes some hazardous cliffs with unprotected track edges. It can be very cold and windy at the summit, so appropriate clothing is essential.

Trousers Point and Fotheringate Beach

If you’re more interested in a beach meander than a mountain-top clamber, never fear – Strzelecki National Park caters capably for that too.

The small, protected beach at Trousers Point at the base of the Strzelecki Peaks, is the perfect spot from which to swim, snorkel or just get your feet wet in the clear aquamarine waters of Flinders Island. The sea temperature peaks at about 20 degrees in February, making this a refreshing dip on a warm day. Take your time exploring the massive, lichen-covered granite boulders scattered along the beach. This picturesque shoreline is awash with contrasting colours - from the dazzling white sand to the stones bathed in bright orange lichen, the surrounding green scrubland and the sparkling sea, reflecting turquoise in the shallows then deepening to shades of brilliant blue.

A short, two-kilometre circuit begins beside Trousers Point beach and wraps around coastal cliffs as it heads north to Fotheringate Beach, mixing rocky ruggedness with beach bliss. Along the path, sea-scented breezes (or winds depending on the weather) dance over the water from Bass Strait. Fotheringate Beach is a long stretch of sand nestled below the Strzelecki Peaks. Eroded limestone caves at the southern end are perfect for exploring. Bring a picnic and soak in the waning warmth of the setting sun while enjoying an alfresco meal in stunning natural surrounds.

Accessibility

Flinders Island is accessed by regular light plane flights from Hobart, Launceston and Essendon, Melbourne with Sharp Airlines. Public transport on the island is limited, so if circumstances allow, you are best to hire a car that can be collected at the airport on arrival. Many of the roads on the island are unsealed, so be prepared for a slower drive. If you aren’t travelling by car, there is a transfer service that will pick you up from the airport and deliver you to your accommodation.

Most accommodation options on the island require self-catering. Mountain Seas Lodge, nestled at the foot of Mount Strzelecki, provides serviced accommodation and full board, including one suite which caters for guests with limited mobility. The Furneaux Tavern in Lady Barron has rooms set in an acre of native gardens with a restaurant that is open seven days. Free camping is available at the National Park campground at the southern end of Trousers Point, about 16 kilometres from Whitemark. Be aware that the only shops on the island are at Whitemark and Lady Barron, with the only supermarket at Whitemark. For a convenient option, the Flinders Island Wharf offers a larder of pre-made meals featuring fresh local produce. These can be ordered online for collection on arrival in Whitemark.

Dog guides are welcome on Flinders Island.

A parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania’s national parks. Trained guide dogs assisting people who are blind or have low vision are permitted in national parks. However, you will need to obtain a permit for them and carry identification with you. To obtain this permit or for enquiries relating to other assistance animals, please phone the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service or email parkfees@parks.tas.gov.au ahead of your visit.