THE FLINDERS WHARF

Welcome to the Flinders Wharf

The wild ocean air, the call of seabirds wheeling overhead, the gentle percussion of waves lapping the shore and the aroma of freshly barbecued seafood all await you at the Flinders Wharf.

Flinders Island is the main island of the windswept Furneaux Group, a gathering of approximately 100 islands at the eastern end of Bass Strait, between the north-eastern tip of Tasmania and Victoria. The palawa, or Tasmanian Aboriginal people, were the original residents of the islands more than 35,000 years ago. A merchant sailing vessel ran aground just south of Cape Barren Island in 1797 and this became Australia’s first settlement south of Sydney and later, the centre of a sealing industry. Now, the islands are known for their natural beauty, rich farmland and abundance of produce. Flinders Island’s relatively mild climate makes it ideal for visits that include bushwalking, swimming, kayaking and enjoying the peace and seclusion.

Flinders Island has two major settlements, Whitemark on the west coast, and Lady Barron on the southern side of the island. Anchored on the waterfront at Whitemark, the Flinders Wharf’s robust exterior of weather-worn timbers, utilitarian cladding and vast windows belies the comfortable interiors and fine food that lie within. Open for dining five days a week and every day for collecting pre-made meals from their delicious larder service, the Wharf is a hub of island comforts and flavours.

The story behind the Wharf

The Flinders Wharf opened in 2019 and was purpose-built by owners Jo and Tom Youl. It was designed to showcase the island’s produce for both locals and visitors, and create a place to enjoy a drink, meet friends and appreciate sunset over the water. Jo has a long family history on the island – her great-grandfather originally purchased Quoin cattle farm in the north in 1932 and Jo spent many happy school holidays there. Ten years ago she moved to the island with her husband Tom to take over the farm and run Angus beef, now on the menu at the Flinders Wharf thanks to the recently reopened island abattoir.

In addition to the farm and restaurant, the Youls also offer stylish yet laid-back accommodation at the Crayshack, on the pristine shores of Killiecrankie - a small settlement to the north. Here, dolphins frolic in the crystal-clear waters; the white, soft sand beach is perfect for a long, level walk to orange lichen-covered rocks; and the deck beckons you to pour a drink and soak in the sunset. Alternatively, the intimate Dwarf Cottage is a secluded farm stay for two on the northern end of Flinders Island, while the beautifully hand-crafted and styled Wombat Lodge offers three bedrooms and is situated on the farm itself, just a short walk across the paddocks to a private beach.

Eat Up

Flinders Island offers an abundance of local produce including succulent Quoin beef, wallaby, locally-produced honey, fresh-caught seafood, vegetables and eggs as well as foraged greens – all of which are used by the chefs at the Wharf to create both restaurant and cook-at-home meals that capture the essence of island life. On fine days, take a seat on the silvered timber deck overlooking the beautiful Bass Strait while you enjoy a meal prepared from local produce. When the weather turns, head inside for comfortable leather couches, plenty of space and windows that frame a view of the horizon and mountains.

Pair the wide-open spaces and sense of splendid isolation with a warming pie of local beef and wallaby, house-made bread and butter or chargrilled local seafood for lunch or dinner. On Friday nights, there’s a barbecue on offer from 5pm, with aromas of fresh-from-the-ocean seafood and locally farmed beef wafting on the evening breeze. On weekends the Wharf is open for breakfast and lunch featuring daily baked goods. The emphasis here is on down-to-earth food highlighting raw, pure and untouched produce – the way food was grown before mass production and chemical interference. Flinders Island runs largely on solar power and this ethos of sustainability and care for the unique environment and community is evident all over the island.

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 you’re able to drive or can organise a driver, 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. Be aware that the only shops on the island are at Whitemark and Lady Barron, with the only supermarket at Whitemark. Dog guides are welcome on Flinders Island.

The Flinders Island Wharf offers a larder of pre-made meals that can be ordered online for collection on arrival. These easy-to-prepare meals use island produce to create mouth-watering dishes that let you spend time relaxing and exploring the island. The Flinders Wharf opening times may change seasonally. Consider checking out the ‘Eat’ section of the website at onislandtime.com.au for current operating hours and to preview their online menu (subject to availability).