FLINDERS ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE

Mother nature in the strait is milder…..yet wilder.
Powerful and unpredictable.

Discover the Untouched Beauty and Unique Culture of Flinders Island.

Slow down. Breathe in. Welcome to island time.

Remote, rugged and rich in natural beauty, Flinders Island is where you can slow down and reconnect with the land. It’s one of those rare places that feels wild yet never unwelcoming. Here, granite mountains meet turquoise bays, wombats roam freely and strangers wave as you pass them on the road.

This guide is your one-stop overview of everything you need to know before visiting — where Flinders Island is located, how to get here, what the Flinders Island weather is like and the best things to see and do once you arrive. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or something longer, there's something here for every kind of traveller.

Where is Flinders Island?

Flinders Island is one of Tasmania’s hidden gems, found roughly halfway between the Apple Isle and the Australian mainland. It is the largest of 52 islands in the Furneaux Group, set in Bass Strait. It lies approximately 200km northeast of Melbourne and 60km off the northeastern coast of Tasmania. Despite its remote setting, getting to Flinders Island is easier than you might think, with regular flights from Launceston, Bridport and Melbourne. 


Curious about your travel options? Check out the different ways you can get to Flinders Island.

Local life and culture

Life on Flinders Island moves at a gentler pace — one shaped by nature, neighbours and a deep connection to place. The people of Flinders Island are practical, creative and proudly community-minded. From chatting with a grower at the farmers’ market to joining a weekend festival, you’ll feel the warmth and welcome of a close-knit island culture.

Around every corner, you’ll find makers, artists, storytellers and small producers who call this place home. Enjoy a glass of local wine at a vineyard, tuck into farm-fresh food or catch a community event that gives you a real taste of island life.

Want to experience it for yourself? See the latest news and festivals to plan your visit around what’s happening on the island.

Flinders Island weather and climate

The Flinders Island climate is part of its charm. Thanks to its maritime location, the weather on Flinders Island tends to be milder than the mainland — cool in summer, fresh in winter and beautifully unpredictable in between.

Here’s a seasonal snapshot of weather on Flinders Island, Tasmania:

Summer (Dec–Feb): 20–25°C | Warm, breezy days perfect for beach time and boat trips

Autumn (Mar–May): 15–22°C | Calm and sunny — ideal for hiking and photography

Winter (Jun–Aug): 10–15°C | Misty mornings, wild coastlines and fireplace weather

Spring (Sep–Nov): 15–22°C | Wildflowers in bloom, baby wildlife and fresh, sunny days

Pack layers and don’t forget a windproof jacket. Flinders Island weather can change quickly, but that’s part of the fun.

The best time to visit Flinders Island

There’s no wrong time to visit, but the best time to visit Flinders Island depends on your style. Summer is perfect for swimming and snorkelling, while spring and autumn are ideal for walks, wildlife spotting and photography. On the other hand, Flinders Island winter weather offers moody skies, fewer people and plenty of time to cosy up and unwind.

And the best part? Whenever you visit, you’ll never have to compete with the crowds. Flinders Island remains refreshingly uncrowded year-round.

Exploring Flinders Island

Though Flinders Island spans more than 1,300 square kilometres, there’s just one main road that winds through farmlands, mountains and open coast. You can drive from one end to the other in under two hours, but we recommend going slow. Some of the island’s most memorable spots are the ones you stumble across along the way.

 Take a peek at the island map for routes, lookout points and hidden gems worth the detour.

Top Flinders Island attractions

From mountain peaks to crystal-clear bays, here are a few unmissable Flinders Island attractions:

  • Strzelecki National Park

    Climb to the top of Strzelecki Peaks for panoramic island views or explore the bushwalks below.

  • Trousers Point

    White sand, blue water and epic sunsets make this one of the island’s most photographed spots.

  • Castle Rock

    A huge granite boulder perched on the coast, reachable via a scenic walk near Marshall Bay.

  • Killiecrankie Bay

    A beautiful northern bay famous for its rock formations and topaz “Killiecrankie diamonds”.

  • North East River

    Wild, windswept and perfect for fishing, birdwatching and beachcombing.

  • Lady Barron

    A quiet harbour town with a laid-back vibe, ideal for a morning walk or seafood lunch.

Things to do

There are endless things to do no matter the weather on Flinders Island. Take a scenic walk, fossick for gems, join a fishing charter or dive into the turquoise waters off the coast. Nature lovers can spot wombats and wallabies, birdwatchers will be in heaven and foodies can enjoy tastings at local distilleries and vineyards.


Explore activities and tours, choose your own pace or let a local guide show you around..

  • How to get to Flinders Island

    Getting to Flinders

    Getting to Flinders Island is convenient, with regular flights available from Melbourne and Launceston, providing a quick journey to this stunning destination. There are also several private charter options too.

    Learn More
  • Places to explore

    Places to See

    Flinders Island offers a variety of stunning attractions to explore, including the breathtaking landscapes of the Strzelecki National Park, the pristine beaches of Trousers Point, and the incredible rock formations around Mt Killiecrankie, all showcasing the island's natural beauty and rich heritage.

    Learn More
  • What to do on Flinders Island

    Guided activities

    Guided activities on Flinders Island include engaging wildlife tours, scenic hikes, and cultural experiences that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the island's stunning landscapes and unique stories.

    Learn more

Where to eat and drink

Small but mighty, Flinders Island is home to a handful of great spots to eat and drink. You’ll find:

  • The Flinders Wharf (Whitemark) — A lively café on Saturday mornings from 9-12pm. Shop, Larder, and bar can be ordered online or open by appointment.

  • Interstate Hotel or Furneaux Tavern— a great pub feed.

  • Flinders Island Sports Club (Sunday Nights) — Dine with views at the golf club in Whitenmark.

  • Lady Barron Store & Café — A local favourite for coffee, snacks and supplies.

  • Unavale Vineyard — Enjoy wine tastings and grazing platters among the vines.

  • Local markets — Stock up on fresh produce, honey and handmade treats.


The list of local eateries might not be long, but what you’ll find here is guaranteed fresh, seasonal and made with care. If you want to try your hand at cooking local fare at your accommodation, check out The Larder for ready-to-heat meals, pantry staples and island-made provisions.

Have any dietary restrictions or concerns? Contact us for personalised recommendations.

Book your trip to Flinders Island

Ready to swap busy days for breathtaking views? Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer stay, we’ll help you make the most of your time on the island. Trust On Island Time for everything from cosy accommodation to local tips and guided experiences — we're your gateway to Flinders Island.

FAQs

  • The island stretches about 75km from north to south and spans around 1,367 square kilometres, making it roughly the same size as metropolitan Hobart.

  • The population of Flinders Island, Tasmania sits just under 1,000 residents spread across coastal towns, inland farms and small rural communities. Most of the Flinders Island population is centred around Whitemark, the island’s administrative hub, and Lady Barron, a fishing town on the southeastern coast.

  • Yes, you can ship a car from Tasmania via barge services. Many visitors prefer to fly in and hire a car locally.

  • There is no formal public transport system, so bringing or hiring a car is the most convenient option.

  • Yes. Telstra has the best coverage. Mobile service can be patchy in remote areas, but Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

  • You don’t need a permit for general hiking or beach camping, but it's best to check with Parks & Wildlife for rules around national parks.

  • Absolutely. With safe beaches, short walks, wildlife experiences and a laid-back pace, it’s a great destination for kids.

  • Yes. Fishing, walking, cultural and scenic tours are all available. Contact us for recommendations.

  • A minimum of 3–5 days is ideal to see the highlights, but a week gives you time to really unwind and explore.

  • Yes. Water on Flinders Island is safe to drink, though it may have a slightly different taste due to its natural mineral content.