Our Latest News

Family fun day at Hastings Thermal Springs

13/11/2009

Hastings Cave is throwing open the doors to the thermal springs pool for a family fun day on Saturday, 28 November.
More

Planned fuel reduction burn in the southwest

29/10/2009

The Parks and Wildlife Service and Forestry Tasmania are conducting a planned burn in the Southwest National Park and on lands managed by Forestry Tasmania today.
More

Volunteer Campground Hosts Sought for Cockle Creek

21/10/2009

The Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) is seeking people with a passion for the beautiful Cockle Creek area in Tasmania's far south area to be volunteer campground hosts for several weeks during the coming summer.More

Strzelecki National Park

Activities

On Flinders Island itself, there are commercial facilities including hotel accommodation, shops, petrol and post office in Whitemark and Lady Barron. There is also a shop a Killiekrankie.

Within the national park there is a designated camping ground at the southern end of Trousers Point. Basic visitor facilities include a dry composting toilet, rainwater tank, fireplace areas, picnic tables, open areas for tents, information board and rubbish bins. To minimise environmental degradation, visitors are reminded not to cut trees for firewood. By preference, fuel stoves should be carried and used. There is a sheltered, free barbeque at the picnic area at Trousers Point.

Fotheringate Bay is a popular traditional recreation area for the local community. The facilities here consist of a gravel road and car park and a short walking track leading to a small picnic area. The area provides an alternative recreation site to Trousers Point on windy days.


Strzelecki National Park provides a wealth of opportunities for visitors. The beautiful rocky headlands and beaches at Trousers Point and Fotheringate Bay provide opportunities for camping, picnicing, swimming, fishing, snorkeling and diving. This area is an ideal safe environment for children, and is perfect for recreational activities suitable for families and less active people. For those who want the challenge of a climb to the top of Strzelecki Peaks, the main walking track will lead you to a tremendous view of the southern end of Flinders Island and surrounding islands.

Day Walks

Important! Before planning any walks, check the weather. Flinders Island has a cool maritime climate and strong westerly winds can blow for days on end. The highest rainfall occurs from late spring to mid-winter. Rainfall can vary from 1494 mm in the mountains to 468mm at Trousers Point on the coast. The mean summer temperature on Flinders Island is 21.2 C which occurs between January and March.

A good map is essential.

Strzelecki Peaks Walking Track

Strzelecki National Park covers an area of relatively high relief with steep slopes rising from sea level to over 700 metres in height. The main ridge in the park extends from Strzelecki Peak in the north, southward to Lovett's Hill. At a height of 756 metres, Strzelecki Peak is the highest mountain on Flinders Island.

There is a well-marked 3 kilometre walking track to the summit of the Strzelecki Peaks. The track starts at Trousers Point Road, about 6km from the B85. This is not an easy walk and wet weather gear and drinking water must be carried. The climb, through wooded slopes and damp fern gullies, takes about 4 to 5 hours return. Regardless of the weather carry a rain coat and warm jumper; it could well be cold and windy at higher levels. Be aware that the weather may close in while at the summit, which may lead to disorientation.

Beach Walks

A short marked walking track starts at Trousers Point camping ground and passes through casuarina woodland and coastal heath before exiting on the coast. North of this is another track which accesses Fotheringate Bay. Walkers can then use the formed road to return to the camping ground or return back along the coast.

An extended coastal walk can be undertaken along the southern coast of Flinders Island, much of it through the park, along coastal reserve or unallocated Crown land to the east of the park. To walk this coastline in its entirety is likely to involve an overnight stop.

Birdwatching

Strzelecki National Park provides excellent opportunities for bird watchers. Don't forget your binoculars! There are about 114 recorded species. A booklet, The Birds of Flinders Island, is available from the local museum at Emita.

Sea Kayaking

Experienced sea kayakers can explore untrodden beaches, inlets and the off-shore islands. Be aware that the waters of Bass Strait have a well-earned reputation for being treacherous.

Rockclimbing

Rockclimbing occassionally occurs in the park. There are numerous opportunities for short climbs and one cliff of around 230 metres.