Flinders Island Tas 7255
(Pop 930)
Flinders Island is a scenic long and narrow Bass Strait island and largest of the 52 islands within the Furneaux Group. Covering an area of 1 333 sq km with the picturesque Darling Ranges running through the centre and Mt Strzelecki (756 m) its highest point, it is located 150 km n-e of Launceston. Early explorers, Tobias Furneaux, George Bass & Matthew Flinders all lent their names to the island group, strait and island. Following a tragic history of almost total annihilation of local Aborigines by early sealers, a permanent settlement sprang up in 1880s and thereafter successful pastoral and fishing industries were established. Soldier settlement schemes in 1950s enhanced the island’s population and agricultural productivity. Flinders Island is home to the spectacular Strzelecki NP, stunning lookouts, wildlife sanctuaries and an important historical museum, Emita Museum. It is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination with many watersports include fishing, snorkeling & diving particularly amongst shipwrecks and limestone reefs. Whitemark is the main town located south of the airport where regular flights operate from Melbourne and Launceston. Three Peaks Race (Easter), Flinders Island Show (Oct).
Accommodation:
Flinders Island has a couple of hotels, B&Bs, holiday apartments/cottages, 3 farmstays and a caravan park.
Visitor Information Centre: The Gem Shop, Interstate Hotel, 6 Patrick St, Whitemark. Tel (03) 6359 2160.
Airport: Flinders Island Airport (FLS), Palana Rd, Whitemark. Tel (03) 6359 2144.
Hospital: Whitemark Hospital, Davey St, Whitemark. Tel (03) 6359 2122.