Some of Tasmania’s classic walks can get pretty tough, 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 then a walking trip on Flinders Island might be for you.

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.

So it's 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.

1. Castle Rock Walk.

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.

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”.

2. Mount Strzelecki Climb

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.

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).

3. Trousers Point Coastal Track

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.

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”.

4. Climb Mount Killiecrankie

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.

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.

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.

5. North East River Walk

North East River is an area at the northernmost point of Flinders Island and its known for its remoteness.

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.

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.

Experience these walks on our Flinders Island walking adventures.