World ExpeditionsBig Adventures. Small Footprint.https://assets.worldexpeditions.com/BlogOur Flinders Island Walk Named the 13th Great Walk of Australiahttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/5611/our-flinders-island-walk-named-the-13th-great-walk-of-australiaActivities,Trekking/Walking,Destinations,Australia, New Zealand &amp; the Pacific,Australia,NewsSun, 28 Jan 2024 01:04:00 GMT<p><a href="https://greatwalksofaustralia.com.au/" target="_blank">Great Walks of Australia</a>, the premier collection of Australia's greatest multi-day guided walking experiences - done with a dash of eco-luxury comfort - has officially named our <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Australia/Walking/Flinders-Island-Walking-Adventure-In-Comfort">Flinders Island Walking Adventure - In Comfort</a> as the 13th walk in their exclusive line-up.</p> <p>To say we're thrilled is an understatement. After years of hard work developing a unique walking experience on this mesmerising island featuring spectacular mountain and coastal landscapes, epic views, abundant wildlife and, of course, our pioneering beachside Eco-Comfort Camp, we believe it is truly deserving of the prestigious inclusion. </p> <p>The trip joins the ranks of 12 other incredible walks, like our award-winning <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Australia/Trekking-Walking/Classic-Larapinta-Trek-in-Comfort">Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort</a>, which, so far, has earned five Brolgas in the Northern Territory's official tourism awards.</p> <p>Our six-day guided experience covers 42 kilometres of easy-to-moderate walking exploring what is considered the hidden hiking jewel of Tasmania. With the full support of expert guides, walkers travel with only a daypack, and sleep in exclusive safari-style tents, complete with a see-through roof so you can drift off under a blanket of stars, with the beach almost at your doorstep. </p> <p><carouselsource aspectratio="4x3" data-plugin-options="{'items': 3, 'margin': 10, 'nav': true, 'dots': false}"><img alt="Hiking the stunning Flinders Island coastline | <i>Lachlan Gardiner</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3030478" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/LachlanGardiner_WorldExpeditions_FlindersIsland_April2023_HIGHRES-P1259962-3030478-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/LachlanGardiner_WorldExpeditions_FlindersIsland_April2023_HIGHRES-P1259962-3030478-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Wildlife on Flinders Island | <i>Lachlan Gardiner</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3030479" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/LachlanGardiner_WorldExpeditions_FlindersIsland_April2023_HIGHRES-P1260215-3030479-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/LachlanGardiner_WorldExpeditions_FlindersIsland_April2023_HIGHRES-P1260215-3030479-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Hiking on Mt Strzelecki | <i>Lachlan Gardiner</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3030485" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/LachlanGardiner_WorldExpeditions_FlindersIsland_April2023_HIGHRES-P1249672-3030485-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/LachlanGardiner_WorldExpeditions_FlindersIsland_April2023_HIGHRES-P1249672-3030485-###width###px.jpg" /> </carouselsource></p> <blockquote> <p>“We’re so thrilled to be adding the 13th Great Walk of Australia to our collection.”</p> <p>“Rugged, pristine and remote, this gem of a destination is perfect for anyone wanting to get off the beaten track to a unique, undiscovered wild landscape with blockbuster views and feel like you have it nearly all to yourself.”</p> <p>“I have no doubt hikers from around the world are going to be excited about having this special new experience launch and love it as much as our other 12 incredible Great Walks,” </p> <p><strong>- Liz O’Rourke, Great Walks of Australia Executive Officer </strong></p> </blockquote> <div> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><carouselsource aspectratio="4x3" data-plugin-options="{'items': 3, 'margin': 10, 'nav': true, 'dots': false}"><img alt="Sleep comfortably in our spacious tents on Flinders Island | <i>Lachlan Gardiner</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3030621" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/LachlanGardiner_WorldExpeditions_FlindersIsland_April2023_HIGHRES-_1433168-3030621-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/LachlanGardiner_WorldExpeditions_FlindersIsland_April2023_HIGHRES-_1433168-3030621-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Our Flinders Island Eco-Comfort Camp is in a secluded setting with beach access | <i>Lachlan Gardiner</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3046030" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/LachlanGardiner_WorldExpeditions_FlindersIsland_April2023_HIGHRES-DJI_0189-3046030-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/LachlanGardiner_WorldExpeditions_FlindersIsland_April2023_HIGHRES-DJI_0189-3046030-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Our clean amenities are sustainably sourced and operated | <i>Lachlan Gardiner</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3046031" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/LachlanGardiner_WorldExpeditions_FlindersIsland_April2023_HIGHRES-P1150483-3046031-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/LachlanGardiner_WorldExpeditions_FlindersIsland_April2023_HIGHRES-P1150483-3046031-###width###px.jpg" /> </carouselsource></div> </div>   <h2>What makes this a ‘Great Walk’?  </h2> <p><strong>Spectacular Walking Opportunities and Eco-Comfort Camping </strong></p> <p>Hike past lagoons, woodlands and coastal heaths, skirt around striking granite mountain ranges and summit the dramatic peaks of Mt Killiecrankie and Mt Strzelecki, affording you spectacular views over the entire island.</p> <p>One of the biggest highlights of this walk is our <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/flinders-island-eco-comfort-camp">exclusive Eco-comfort Camp</a>, which are big on comforts but small on environmental impact.</p> <p>The extra creature comforts make all the difference on a multi-day walk. Our innovative retreats are full of life's little luxuries that many don't expect in a wild and remote setting like a bed, hot shower and toilets. The camp also has a private beach access, and generously sized safari pod tents with clear roofs so you can enjoy sleeping under a starry Tasmanian night sky.</p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="embed-responsive-item" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/7Klsc2ibQ6A?rel=0&controls=1"></iframe><br />  </div> <hr /><strong></strong></div> </div> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1">Ready to discover the newest Great Walk of Australia? <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=Flinders+Island">See all of our Flinders Island walking adventures here</a>. <hr /></div> 5611Flinders Island's Wybalenna: Why Reflection Is Best When Visitinghttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/5160/when-you-get-to-wybalenna-reflection-is-bestActivities,Adventure Travel,Trekking/Walking,Wildlife,Destinations,Australia, New Zealand &amp; the Pacific,AustraliaMon, 01 Aug 2022 04:38:00 GMT<p>All of our active holidays in Tasmania will take you through exquisite landscapes that stir the senses and awaken the spirit. These environments have healing qualities – some reduce stress and refresh the soul, others stimulate ideas and make us ponder our places, and some simply get the body back a to a healthy normal rhythm that modern life disrupts.</p> <p>Meanwhile, others offer time and space for serious reflection, like Wybalenna on Flinders Island.</p> <p>There’s no doubt that Wybalenna, a treeless stretch of gently sloping grasslands on the west side of Flinders Island, has a sad history. In 1847 dozens of Tasmanian Aboriginal people died there while waiting to be transported back to ‘mainland’ Tasmania.</p> <p>It’s important to reflect and remember what happened. Tragedies are a part of our collective psyche for good reason – hopefully they aren’t repeated. </p> <p>But it’s also important to move on – we have to. And sometimes it’s possible to view things through a more positive light.</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>No one can ever rewrite history when it comes to Wybalenna,  but when you visit this starkly beautiful area, it's important to let it become part of your humanity while not appropriating the entire Wybalenna experience.</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>Truganini, an elder with the Nuenonne people, was one of those who went to Wybalenna in 1835.</p> <p>In her 2000 book, <i>Truganini: Journey Through The Apocalypse</i>, Cassandra Pybus points out that while the dark periods of Truganini’s life have been thoroughly hashed out, she and some of her contemporaries thrived despite their troubles with European settlement.</p> <p>Indeed, Pybus’ book describes Truganini as being wholly in sync with the natural world around her, a natural swimmer who loved diving for crayfish, an expert possum catcher, and a sharp negotiator with the white settlers that came. Truganini’s life did have some bright spots.</p> <p>And that’s the importance of Wybalenna – creating better memories for yourself and to share them with those you love. </p> <p>While the natural beauty of Flinders Island can’t entirely erase what happened at Wybalenna, it can certainly make you put those things aside, even if for just a short while.</p> <p>Just a short distance north of Wybalenna is the Emita Nature Recreation Area where you can access the Castle Rock Walk, one of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks. The 6.4-kilometre  (return) track meanders along Marshall Bay, crossing coastal hinterlands en route to the track’s namesake, a massive granite boulder.</p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><img alt="Exploring Castle Rock on foot" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1370212" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/IMG_3239-1370212-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/IMG_3239-1370212-###width###px.jpg" /></div>   <p>As you walk this unspoilt coastline, you’ll see dozens of shearwaters (muttonbirds). They build their nests in the ground, and are a delight to follow through the air. The backdrop to their aerial antics is a knockout view across Bass Strait.</p> <p>Other wildlife who inhabit the lower realms of the viewplain include Bennetts wallabies, pademelons potoroos, possums, echidnas, and wombats.</p> <p>And depending on the time of year, you might get to the magical springtime bloom, when dozens of flower species are poking their heads out – the rock orchids and shy bush are especially appealing.</p> <p>After your walk, you can visit the nearby museum and learn how Flinders islanders dealt with the isolation of their chosen home and about their perseverance to thrive.</p> <p>Wybalenna is on an island off an island off an island, with sapphire waters lapping at tangerine-colored granite. Flinders was originally called Great Island, but the name was changed in the 1800s to honour Matthew Flinders. You can lose yourself in beauty here. </p> <p>The relics of Wybalenna give us insight into a chapter of Tasmanian history that is quite bleak, but important to know. No one can ever rewrite history when it comes to Wybalenna, but when you visit this starkly beautiful area, it’s important to let it become part of your humanity while not appropriating the entire Wybalenna experience.</p> <hr /><strong>Visit Wybalenna on our <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=flinders+island" target="_blank">walking tours of Flinders Island</a>.</strong> <hr />51605 reasons to visit Flinders Island in Australiahttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/5021/5-reasons-to-visit-flinders-island-in-australiaActivities,Trekking/Walking,Destinations,Australia, New Zealand &amp; the Pacific,AustraliaWed, 30 Mar 2022 03:57:49 GMT<p>Flinders Island's history is almost as raw and rugged as its weathered coast and its remoteness enhances its uniqueness and charm, making it a wonderful walking destination for those who choose to explore it this way.</p> <p>Combined with its natural beauty, its peaceful and isolated location, exotic wildlife and fresh seafood delights, Flinders offers the ultimate escape for such a tiny island.</p> <p>Here are five reasons to add <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?categories=AUS&searchKeywords=flinders+island" target="_blank">Flinders Island</a> to your must-visit places in Australia.</p> <h2>It’s one of the best islands to explore on foot</h2> <p>From conquering Mt Strzelecki, Flinders Island’s highest peak that offers some of the most awe-inspiring views on the island, to trekking along the rolling green pastures with sparkling coastal vistas, walking Flinders Island gives you a chance to experience the highlights of the island at a relaxed pace.</p> <p>You have more time to stop and take photos, marvel at the views and enjoy the island in all its facets than a bus tour ever could.</p> <p>Although a small island of only 1,333 square kilometres, Flinders Island hosts an amazing array of ecosystems from dunes and lagoons to woodland and mountainous granite ridges, which produce spectacular and unique species of flora and fauna. </p> <div> <div><img alt="Spectacular coastal walking on Flinders Island | <i>Andrew Bain</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1191704" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/Flinders-Island-Walking-Tasmania-Australia-1191704-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/Flinders-Island-Walking-Tasmania-Australia-1191704-###width###px.jpg" /></div> <div> <h2>It has a rich history</h2> <p>Flinders Island has a rich history that dates back more than 35,000 years. The original inhabitants of the island survived on its ample natural resources until about 4,500 years ago when an acute El Nino climate shift affected their ability to source food and fresh water and the population died out.</p> </div> <p>It stretches from the first European discovery of the island in 1773 by Tobias Furneaux to the first settlement sites of Tasman Aborigines, exiled to the island in 1833, to the present day.</p> <p><img alt="The graveyard near Wybalenna Chapel contains unmarked Aboriginal graves. Around 300 Aboriginals were ‘delivered’ there during its time as a mission. | <i>Dietmar Kahles</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1191598" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/Wybalenna-Chapel-Flinders-Island-1191598-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/Wybalenna-Chapel-Flinders-Island-1191598-###width###px.jpg" /></p> <div> <p>A visit to the fascinating Flinders Island Museum is recommended as well as the Wybalenna ‘Aboriginal Settlement’ site, a historically significant place to learn about.</p> <p>Wybalenna echoes a sad history of the indigenous resettlement scheme back in 1834 where Tasmanian Aborigines were transported after the mission to round up and remove Aboriginal people from mainland Tasmania.</p> <p>With a knowledgeable guide at hand, you are given the chance to learn more about what happened there.</p> <h2>You'll encounter unique and abundant wildlife</h2> <p>Bird watchers, rejoice! Flinders Island is home to an abundant and diverse range of birds. From albatross to mutton-birds, pacific gulls, wedge-tailed eagles, sea eagles and Cape Barren Geese, there’s no shortage of winged wildlife circling overhead.</p> </div> <p>Keep an eagle eye out for the endangered forty-spotted pardolate (one of the smallest birds in Australia). Plus, more than 200,000 Tasmanian pademelons and red-necked wallabies roam the island.</p> <div><a href="http://www.australianwalkingholidays.com/index.php?section=trips&id=4700118"><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/Australian Walking Holidays/LiveBlog/WP-Images/15283910_592392800944342_1616402835101014232_n-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/Australian Walking Holidays/LiveBlog/WP-Images/15283910_592392800944342_1616402835101014232_n-###width###px.jpg" width="960" /></a> <p>You may even be lucky enough to spot a long-nosed potoroo (part of the rat-kangaroo family). If you have time, visit the volunteer conservation venture, Patriarch Wildlife Sanctuary, and enjoy the chance to get up close to some of the island’s native animals.</p> <h2>Savour delicious local food and wine</h2> <p>Flinders Island is well known for its fresh seafood and famous meat – and there are few better places to experience the culinary delights than Lady Barron, a small seaside township that is the base for many fishing charters.</p> </div> <p>Dine on fish, crayfish, some of the world’s finest organic beef and lamb, as well as locally produced honey, fruit and vegetables... the list goes on!</p> <div> <p>Head to Furneaux Tavern for a cold Tasmanian beer, meet some of the colourful characters of the island and hear their yarns about island life.</p> <h2>Sleep under the stars</h2> <p>Take your Flinders Island visit to the next level and immerse yourself in nature by sleeping under the stars. Falling asleep to the sounds of nature does wonders for the soul, not to mention the forced digital detox that allows you to reclaim your spare time!</p> <p>Instead of finishing your evenings in a hotel and watching television, spending your nights camping comfortably under the stars gives you a chance to ponder, chat with other travellers, read that book you've been telling yourself to make time for or simply recount the day's experiences in your mind.</p> </div> <div> <h3>Experience it</h3> <p>If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, jump on our <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?categories=AUS&searchKeywords=flinders+island" target="_blank">island walking adventures to Flinders</a> and experience a week of rugged ranges, sparkling beaches, clear sapphire waters, abundant wildlife and fresh, locally produced meals. <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?categories=AUS&searchKeywords=flinders+island" target="_blank"><strong>View trips ></strong></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.australianwalkingholidays.com/index.php?section=trips&id=4700118"><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/Australian Walking Holidays/LiveBlog/WP-Images/15420825_592392404277715_6458028733391565584_n-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/Australian Walking Holidays/LiveBlog/WP-Images/15420825_592392404277715_6458028733391565584_n-###width###px.jpg" width="960" /></a></p> </div> </div> 5021Top 5 walks on Flinders Islandhttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/5275/top-5-walks-to-do-on-flinders-islandActivities,Trekking/Walking,Destinations,Australia, New Zealand &amp; the Pacific,AustraliaMon, 03 Jan 2022 22:37:00 GMT<p>Some of Tasmania’s classic walks are pretty rough, especially when the weather gets bad. A mild forest walk can become a mud-clogged slog that takes days, and simple jaunts up peaks can become slick balancing acts. If you’re looking for moderate walking in a drier region of Tasmania, where the walking could even be called civilized, then Flinders Island might be for you.</p> <p>Flinders Island boasts more than 30 conservation areas, including a national park. To say the landscape is unspoilled is an understatement. The island is well known for its white granite boulders with blazing Caloplaca orange lichens and rolling mountain ranges, which make it one of the prettiest places in Tasmania for walking.</p> <p>So its no surprise that when Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service put together its list of Tasmania's “60 Great Short Walks”, three of those walks were on Flinders Island.</p> <p><b><img alt="Sunrise over Marshall Bay, home of Castle Rock" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1535567" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/DJI_0283-1535567-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/DJI_0283-1535567-###width###px.jpg" /> </b></p> <p><b>1. Castle Rock Walk.</b></p> <p>This wonderful trail starts near the Furneaux Museum in Emita and is a 7km out-and-back trail. It’s considered a moderately challenging route (grade 3), and it takes about an hour and a half to complete.</p> <p>This trail is great for walking and bird watching and you'll likely not encounter many other people while walking. Castle Rock is one of Tasmania's Great Short Walks, and Tasmania Parks & Wildlife call it “a wonderful beach walk”.</p> <p><b>2. Mount Strzelecki Climb</b></p> <p>Mount Strzelecki is an impressive sight from below, but what’s more impressive is the sight of everything from the summit. Hiking up this rugged granite mountain, you’ll be impressed with the diverse flora and fauna, including many rare orchids, blue gum forests, tea tree forests, Bennetts wallabies, wombats, Tasmanian Pademelons, potoroos, and over 100 species of birdlife.</p> <p>Mount Strzelecki is one of Tasmania's Great Short Walks, and Tasmania Parks & Wildlife noted, “The large granite massifs of Strzelecki Peaks dominate the southern part of Flinders Island and offer amazing views”. It’s 4 to 5 hours return (roughly 2.8km one way).</p> <p><b><img alt="Mt Strzelecki at 756 metres is the highest peak of the Furneaux Group of islands. | <i>Stu Gibson</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1535106" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/129079-1535106-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/129079-1535106-###width###px.jpg" /></b></p> <p><b>3. Trousers Point Coastal Track</b></p> <p>Yet another of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks, the Trousers Point Coastal Track is a 4.7-km out-and-back trail on the east coast of Flinders Island. Like the Castle Rock trail, this trail is excellent for birding and wildlife watching. Did you know that experts have suggested that there’s about 400 per cent more wildlife on Flinders Island compared to mainland Tasmania? This lovely track takes about an hour to complete, and you're likely to see some critters on the way.</p> <p>In its write-up of the Trousers Point Track, Tasmania Parks & Wildlife suggests, “Take a weekend or, better still, a whole week to visit Flinders Island to enjoy the beaches, walks and wildlife. The Trousers Point walk includes unusual rock features, views to off-shore islands and two beautiful beaches”.</p> <p><b>4. Climb Mount Killiecrankie</b></p> <p>Climbing Mount Killiecrankie is another rewarding experience on Flinders Island. The trail starts at the end of Killiecrankie Road and skirts the edge of a small bay to its north then begins in earnest up the 316m peak. There is some rock-hopping and you’ll want to follow cairns if you’re unsure of the route.</p> <p>The views from the top are sensational. The trail takes one back down to sea level and then travels a short distance to the northwest and Stacky's Bight with its intriguing rock formations. Many people opt for a swim here.</p> <p>While it’s not on the list of 60 Great Short Walks, many consider the trek to the summit as good as the climb of Mount Strzelecki. It’s about 12km out and back.</p> <p><b><img alt="Walk along the pristine beaches of Flinders Island" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1535107" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/IMG_3733-1535107-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/IMG_3733-1535107-###width###px.jpg" /></b></p> <p><b>5. </b><b>North East River Walk</b></p> <p>North East River is an area at the northernmost point of Flinders Island and its known for its remoteness.</p> <p>This is Flinders Island at its best—pristine and at the full mercy of the elements. The trail follows the coastline and visits the impressive Palana sand dunes. There are memerising views to the north of the Sister Islands and terrarium-like rock pools scattered between knobbly granite outcrops.</p> <p>The walk eventually reaches the tiny settlement of Palana, where many people opt for a swim before jumping aboard a support vehicle to return to a hotel for the evening. The walk is 8-9km.</p> <p>You can take all of these walks on our <a href="https://www.tasmanianexpeditions.com.au/Walking/Flinders-Island-Walking-Adventure-In-Comfort">Flinders Island Walking Adventure</a><a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=Flinders+Island">s</a>.</p> 5275