Flinders Island is one of the most remote locations in Australia, so it's only natural that you will have plenty of questions to ask us. Here are some of the most common:
1) How big is Flinders Island?
It's approximately 75 kilometres long and 40 kilometres wide. It's almost twice the size of King Island with half the population.
2) So does that mean I'll need a car?
In a word - YES. Although you can definitely peddle and walk, but it will take you a long time to get to your destination. There is one hire car company, Flinders Island Car Rentals, operating on the island. It has a variety of cars available. They will pick you up at the airport, and provide you with directions to Echo Hills and surrounds.
3) What are the roads like?
The main roads are sealed, but there are still a lot of roads and tracks that are gravel or dirt. It's part of the unique attraction of Flinders Island. It's still wild and rugged in many ways. You will be able to access a majority of beaches and tracks in a normal sedan. There is a 4WD tour company, Flinders Island Adventures, that will take you to some of the more remote locations if you can't get there by car.
4) Is there electricity?
This may sound like a funny question, but we get asked it a lot. Flinders Island only got power in the late 1980s, before that we ran on diesel generators. So it's really not such a crazy question after all. Flinders Island now has all the modern facilities and services the mainland has ... well, just about.
5) Can I use my mobile phone?
You can only get mobile reception if you have 3G or Next G phone. There are phones for hire here on the island, otherwise there are payphones available in Whitemark and Lady Barron.
6) How many towns are there?
There are two main towns on Flinders Island - Whitemark and Lady Barron. Whitemark is the main urban centre with a population of around 150. It's ten minutes from the airport, and is the main business hub. You'll find a supermarket, petrol station, post office, bakery, cafe, general store, hairdresser, rural retail outlets, hospital, golf club, pub, internet facilities, and Service Tasmania. Lady Barron is at the southern end of the island and has a supermarket, tennis courts, wharf, and restaurant. There is also Killiecrankie to the North West of the Island with a Café opened during the Summer and Autumn months.
7) Are there any restaurants on the island?
There are a few restaurant choices on Flinders Island. The Furneaux Tavern at Lady Barron and the Interstate Hotel in Whitemark both offer bar and restaurant meals. Vista’s situated below Mt Strezlecki is in a beautiful setting and caters for lunches and dinners, JJ’s On The Bay in Killiecrankie is opened during the Summer and Autumn months opens for café lunches and dinners on a Saturday with magnificent view over the Killiecrankie Bay.
There is also a bakery and cafe in the main street of Whitemark where you can get fresh rolls, hot pies, and a cup of coffee.
8) What is there to do?
If you're after Disneyland than this is not the place to come. The island has plenty of natural wonders, but it's not the Gold Coast or Queensland. This is a place you come to escape the madness of everyday life. Where you can unwind, relax, and walk along a deserted beach without a care in the world. There are plenty of beaches to explore, natural caves, mountains to climb, historic buildings to visit, a local museum, great natural walks, fishing, diving, swimming, and boating. It's really what you make it. If you just want to chill out and read a book in peace and quiet, than you won't even need to leave the verandah at Echo Hills. The island is a popular destination for keen fishermen, shooters, bushwalkers, naturalists, environmentalists, divers, and families.
For more information check out: www.visitflindersisland.com.au
9) How do you get to Flinders Island?
The most obvious way is by air. Airlines of Tasmania offer a service from Essendon in Melbourne, or from Launceston. There are also private charters if you're coming with a group, this can sometimes work out to be cheaper. And if you have strong sea legs you can even brave Bass Strait by jumping on the local freight ship. It takes eight hours from Launceston and about 19 hours from Welshpool in Victoria. It is not a P&O cruiser, and if you don't have a strong stomach it can be a rough journey, but it is cheaper than flying.
For more information contact Airlines Of Tasmania on 1800 144 460 or (03) 63 592 312 or book online at www.airtasmania.com.au. For advice on private charters please give us a call.
10) How long should I stay?
I guess this depends on how much time you have. However, people are often under the impression they can see, and do, everything within a couple of days. Unfortunately, that's the biggest misconception about Flinders Island. The first thing you'll notice is that we're a lot bigger than you thought, and there's a lot more to do than you expect. A week is an average stay, but most people come for a couple of weeks to really unwind.
