Flinders Island Outdoor Experience

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3 Nights and 4 Days
Day 1

Flinders Island arrival - via Airlines of Tasmania or Charter Operator.
Your Flinders Island adventure starts with an amazing scenic flight from Victoria over countryside, Wilson’s Promontory, Deal Island and the rugged islands of the Kent Group, to the northern off-shore islands of Flinders Island, we follow the mountain peaks of the drowned land bridge than once connected Tasmania to the Australian mainland.

If coming from Tasmania to Flinders Island your scenic flight includes winging between Mt Barrow and Mt Arthur to cross the northeast coast of Tasmania, when you see in the distance the shimmering peaks of Flinders Strzelecki Range. As these get closer you become aware of the 52 islands that make up the archipelago of the Furneaux Group.

Met by Flinders Island Adventures who will be your day time hosts throughout this tour, and depending on your arrival time, you will either have a quick tour of the township of Whitemark and  then onto Trousers Point and your 5 star accommodation of the Healing Dreams Retreat, which is nestled in the mountain range and looks out across the seas and islands. Accommodation is twin share, with breakfast and evening meals or be transported straight up the lovely West Coast to Settlement Point, where you will walk the magnificent coastal walk from Allports Beach to Castle Rock (one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks). Also at Settlement Point you will have time to visits Wybalenna, settlement of the Tasmanian Aborigines and the Furneaux Museum, which tells the story of the islands and its people, shipwrecks and natural history. The evening is filled with a sumptuous 2 course buffet meal at Healing Dreams, use of the hot tub/spa and watching the stars sparkle in the night sky.

Settlement Point Walking Description: part track, rock hopping and beach walking. 1-2 hrs.

Day 2

After a healthy breakfast, Flinders Island Adventures will  drive you  to the Northern end of the island to The Docks. A truly magical experience where you will be awed by the rocky outcrops and lichen covered rocks and sandy white beaches and coves as you walk from the base of Mt Killicrankie round the headland and out along the wide sweeping beach of Killicrankie and onto the fishing hamlet itself.

You will have an opportunity to hunt for the famous “Killicrankie Diamonds”, actually white topaz, which are found in this area, and also enjoy a lazy picnic lunch. Once at the fishing hamlet you will be met with some afternoon tea.

Back at Healing Dreams in time to refresh and prepare for the 2 hour evening cruise of the Franklin Sound – where you will enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the mountains in the sea, and watch the famous shearwater birds fly into feed their young. There will be a light supper ready for your return from the evening cruise and of course the hot tub/spa waiting for you!

The Docks Walking Description: 9km – part track, rock hopping and beach walking. 4-5 hrs.

 

Day 3 – Visiting the islands of the Franklin Sound.

Packed with a picnic lunch, you are now ready to join the Flinders Island Adventures guides on board the ‘The Strait Lady’ as they take you back to the islands you saw from the sea last night. Today however, you can walk along these pristine beaches and explore islands on foot for a truly extraordinary experience. If you wish you can stop for a while to catch a fish, or just enjoy the time being surrounded by many of the 52 islands that make up the spectacular archipelago of The Furneaux Group.

During the evening you will sample a 3 course gourmet meal featuring the produce of the island. After dinner why not enjoy the hot tub/spa, lay back and watch the sparkling stars as they dance around the mountains.

Day 4 – Trousers Point Beach to Fotheringate Bay Walk

After breakfast you can either take the  mountain bikes or walk down to Trousers Point Beach to join the Fotheringate Bay to Trousers Point Beach ( one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks) learn about some of the local history, flora and fauna and marine life.

We will have a lovely picnic lunch at the beach waiting for you once you have finished the walk. There may even be time for a swim in the clear sparkling waters of the bay!

Fotheringate to Trousers Pt Walking Description: Healing Dreams to beach 20 min walk. Fotheringate to Trouser Pt Walk 50 min, easy walking around headland track and some rocks, views out to sea and islands.

Flight out approximately 3.00pm. 
Subject to change due to weather and tide conditions.

Essential Information:
For further details contact: Flinders Island Adventures: 03 6359 4507 or  www.flindersisland.com.au or Healing Dreams Retreat: www.healingdreams.com.au

Includes:
Twin share accommodation at Healing Dreams, breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas, evening meals, transport, boat, guides, museum fees, meet & greet/airport transfers. Does not include airfares.

Flinders Island Adventures, who will be hosting you during the day, is a fully licensed tour operator with National Parks & Wildlife and both Healing Dreams and FIA hold Tourism Accreditation Certificates.

Tour Cost:
Au $1700 pp gross including GST – on island – plus air fares return ex Launceston $240 Moorabbin $360

Accommodation:
For twin share with arrangements for single supplement at $187 per night. Tour prices are current until 30/06/06
The minimum number of guests is 4 – maxim mum 15

Tour leaders
Your hosts will be James  and Lindsay Luddington who have been conducting both sea and land tours here in the Furneaux Group for many years.

Walks will be escorted by Hugh Mactier, a long term resident with wide bush walking experience and a keen interest in the islands history, fauna and flora.

 

Healing Dreams Retreat offers first class amenities. It is well appointed with luxury furnishings collected form around the world. Each bedroom has its own private facilities, and private seating area, all rooms offering stunning views to the sea and the mountains. The communal sitting room, dining room, interior garden room and outside deck areas are delightful and the extensive grounds offer a 40 minute forest walk, and an opportunity to stroll though the several growing spaces all of which are certified organic and which supply the retreats kitchen. Facilities include massages, outdoor spa/ hot tub, sauna, gym, and use of mountain bikes.

Transport: With Flinders Island Adventures
Will be either a 12 seater Urvan or a  Landcruiser. The day out on the boat will be on board ‘Strait Lady’, a 10 metre,  twin hulled Powercat.

Weather:
October through to April allows best time to visit Flinders Island. Days are long and usually sunny. However the weather can change and it is best to be prepared for varying conditions. The islands are dry in Summer so a water bottle, light boots, a windproof jacket and sunscreen are necessary.

Tour Grading:

All walks used in this tour are graded Easy to Medium and short descriptions are given under each day. Each day’s location allows for the walks to be extended should longer walks be desired, conversely all walks are optional or can be shorter when preferred.