Flinders Island
During the seemingly endless Covid lockdowns in Melbourne, I saw a travel blog on Flinders Island. The rock formations, pristine beaches and natural environment looked to be a photographers dream location. For nine days in late December 2024 to early January 2025 we visited the island.
Granites of Flinders Island at Yellow Beach.
Getting there is via a 30-minute plane ride from Launceston. The plane is a small 19-seat plane. If you are claustrophobic, I don’t advise the trip. One the other hand, if you are slightly adventurous, the views are magnificent! Other options are an 8-hour ferry from Bridport or to hire a private plane or boat to drop you out there. There are plenty of rental cars and accommodation options on the Island. We stayed on a peaceful, secluded farming property near Whitemark, which is the main commercial centre on Flinders.
The locals are welcoming, and all visitors soon grasp the Islander wave while passing other cars. There are many walks for all levels of ability. The beaches are splendid and for the most, isolated. It is possible to have a large sweep of sand all to yourselves. Another bonus: the night sky is truly awe inspiring; there is no light pollution.
The wildlife is prolific and wonderful to see. This includes pademelons, wombats, echidnas, a huge amount of native bird life and the famous Flinders Island snakes. Many visitors specifically travel for bird watching. Others visit to try their luck with seeking Killiecrankie diamonds.
The plane flight gives the first glimpse of the former land bridge linking mainland Australia to Tasmania. Tiny islands dot the coast from Tasmania all the way to Flinders Island, the largest island of the Furneaux Group. This group is approximately 100 islands, most unpopulated by humans.
Those familiar with Wilson’s Promontory will recognise the granites and their curved, time worn shapes. Mount Strzelecki forms the backdrop to Whitemark, part of a distinctive chain towards the southern end of the island.
Rock shelf, Trousers Point.
Photography highlights: for me, the coast and geology were my favourites. Trousers Point is highly recommended, as is the walk to Fotheringate Bay. On the east side of the island is the bird-watching paradise: Cameron’s Inlet. Past here is a huge expanse of surf beach, with the only company from the Australian Pied Oystercatchers wading in the shallows. The possibilities with coastal photography are seemingly endless.
Twilight dreamscape. Surf Beach, Cameron’s Inlet.
I took both long exposures and infrared shots. I tried combining long exposure and infrared, resulting in issues with hot spots. This is common with infrared and ND filters. This far south, the mid-summer light is sharp and days long. Below left is an infrared long exposure from Settlement Point boat ramp looking towards Cave Beach. To the right is an infrared shot of dead Cyprus trees on a farm near Lackrana. This was taken in the middle of the day hand-held at 1/800 without filters.
Left: Settlement Point towards Cave Beach. Right: Tree line, Lackrana.
The wind blows almost all the time – it’s an island in Bass Strait, with a maritime climate. Driving at night needs care and consideration. The one downside of visiting Flinders Island is the number of native animals killed on the roads. This is unfortunately disturbing for visitors with a love of nature. I drove at no more than 60km/h after dusk, much less around the National Parks where animals were feeding.
Shout out to the Tuck Shop in Whitemark. Superb coffee and delicious home-made food, including many gluten-free options.
We loved our time on Flinders Island. It is tranquil, full of sublime Australian scenery and fresh air. We were privileged to visit a lesser-known part of Australia.
Left: Bluff Road bird watching area, Whitemark. Right: Strzelecki Range from Trousers Point.