Flinders Island
Tasmania’s Hidden Gem
Stay Awhile.
Time stretches differently here.
A taste of the island - wild horizons, fresh air in your lungs, and stories you’ll carry home.
Enough time to let the island’s rhythm find you - salt on your skin, trails underfoot, and flavours shared at a long table.
Stay longer and the island opens up - a quiet magic that lingers, long after you’ve left its shores.
Spots are limited - book ahead, then relax and let the island work its magic.
Sundays are sacred here. Most providers pause and the island slows. Plan ahead and soak it in.
Mobile coverage can be patchy - check with your provider before you arrive. Or better yet, switch off and tune into island time.
Areas of Flinders Island
Palana
Palana is the northernmost settlement on Flinders Island, about a 40-minute drive from Whitemark through quiet, scenic country roads. Travel times may be longer at dawn or dusk due to wildlife on the roads. Known for its sense of seclusion, Palana is a peaceful spot with sweeping coastal views and access to a series of pristine beaches, including the sheltered Palana Beach and nearby Jackson Cove. The area offers opportunities for walking, beachcombing, and fishing, with views across to the Inner and Outer Sister Islands. A small number of self-contained accommodation options are available, making it an ideal base for those seeking solitude and coastal beauty.
North East River
North East River is the northernmost point accessible by road on Flinders Island, about a 40-minute drive from Whitemark. It’s where the river meets the sea - offering a striking mix of lagoon, dunes, and open ocean. The area is popular for fishing, birdwatching, photography, and walking, with abundant birdlife and sweeping coastal views. Fishing is possible both in the river and at the mouth, though visitors should be cautious - strong rips and currents are common. There are no services or facilities, so bring everything you need and allow extra time when travelling, especially around dusk when native wildlife is active on the roads.
Killiecrankie
Killiecrankie is a 30-minute drive north of Whitemark and a favourite destination for beach lovers, walkers, and fossickers. The bay is known for its striking granite boulders, clear waters, and sweeping views - perfect for swimming, beachcombing, or simply relaxing. The area is also famous for Killiecrankie “diamonds” (topaz), which can be found along the shoreline. Walkers can explore coastal tracks or take on the more challenging climb to the summit of Mount Killiecrankie for panoramic island views. Nearby, The Docks offers dramatic coastal scenery and is popular with photographers and locals. A range of self-contained accommodation options is available in and around Killiecrankie and West End, along with a privately operated camping ground.
East Coast
The East Coast is remote, lightly populated, and rich in natural beauty. It’s home to significant wetland ecosystems, including the Ramsar-listed Patriarchs Inlet - an important habitat for birdlife and a peaceful spot for walking, fishing, and quiet observation. The area is especially popular with birdwatchers during migratory seasons. There are no shops or services nearby, so visitors should come prepared with everything they need. The East Coast suits those seeking solitude, scenic coastal landscapes, and a deeper connection with nature.
Emita
Located just 15 minutes north of Whitemark, Emita is a central hub for history, coastal walks, and some of Flinders Island’s most accessible beaches. It’s home to the Furneaux Museum, which tells the story of the island’s natural and cultural heritage, and the nearby Wybalenna historic site. The area offers easy access to several scenic beaches, including Allports, Emita Beach, and Lillies Bay, all ideal for swimming, walking, and picnicking. The Castle Rock coastal walk—one of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks—starts nearby and takes you along the shoreline to a striking granite formation. Emita has a small number of self-contained accommodation options, and a designated camping area is located at Allports Beach.
Memana
The central part of Flinders Island is home to open farmland, rolling hills, and the island’s main agricultural activity - including large beef farms. This quiet, rural region includes locations such as Memana and Lackrana, which are more farming districts than towns. While services are minimal, the area offers scenic drives, expansive views, and opportunities to spot wildlife in a more open landscape. Key points of interest include Furneaux Lookout, offering panoramic views across the island, and the Patriarch Wildlife Sanctuary, where visitors can often see wallabies and wombats up close.
Whitemark
Whitemark is the main township on Flinders Island, situated on the west coast. It provides essential services including the airport, medical centre, and visitor information. Visitors can find a small selection of shops and dining options. Accommodation ranges from motels to self-contained cottages. The Flinders Island Historical Museum offers insight into the island’s heritage. Whitemark serves as a convenient base for exploring the island’s varied landscapes.
Lady Barron
Lady Barron is the island’s second-largest town, located about a 20-minute drive from Whitemark. It offers essential services including a general store, post office, and the Furneaux Tavern, which provides dining and motel-style accommodation. Nearby, visitors can enjoy a local vineyard with cellar door sales and a cooking school. The area features scenic views over Furneaux Sound and neighbouring islands, including Cape Barren Island, along with beaches, coastal walks, and fishing opportunities from the wharf. Lady Barron is also the base for several charter boat operators.
Trousers Point
Trousers Point is a 20-minute drive from Whitemark, known for its sheltered beach, clear waters, and scenic bush and coastal walks. Popular walks include the climb to Mt Strzelecki - the island’s highest peak - and the circuit walk to Fotheringate Bay. Nearby Loccota offers motel-style accommodation at the lodge. Additional self-contained accommodation options are available in the area, providing comfortable stays close to nature.
West End
West End is about a 30-minute drive north of Whitemark, though travel can take longer at dusk or after dark due to native wildlife on the roads. The area offers access to the beaches at the northern end of Marshall Bay and scenic views from the summit of Mt Tanner. Visitors can choose from several self-contained accommodation options nearby, making it a great base for exploring the island’s northern coastline.