Tasmania’s islands are renowned for their breathtaking beaches, spectacular coastlines, and abundant wildlife. This guide takes you through some of Tasmania’s finest isles, each offering unique landscapes, rich biodiversity, and serene escapes.
Flinders Island: A Gem in the Furneaux Archipelago
Flinders Island, nestled off Tasmania’s northeastern coast, is the largest in the Furneaux group of 52 islands strewn across the Bass Strait. Accessible via a scenic flight from Launceston or ferry from Bridport, Flinders Island is a hiker’s paradise with turquoise waters and abundant wildlife. The four to five-hour return trail to Strzelecki Peaks offers stunning coastal views. For beach lovers, a one-and-a-half-hour trek to Castle Rock is breathtaking, especially at sunset. The North East River area is a hotspot for fishing, with tours available to catch Flinders Island’s famous freshwater crayfish. Stay at the Sawyers Bay Shacks for splendid views of the Bass Strait and Mount Strzelecki.
Bruny Island: Where Wind Meets Wilderness
Bruny Island, a windswept landmass divided by the slender isthmus known as “The Neck,” offers stunning vistas from its wooden staircase. Adventure Bay can be admired from land or sea, with wilderness cruises showcasing dolphins, sea otters, and majestic penguins. This island is a haven for beachgoers and surfers, and the wooded South Bruny National Park is a must-visit for hiking enthusiasts. Bruny Island is also a culinary delight. Sample artisanal cheese at Bruny Island Cheese Co and fresh oysters at Get Shucked. Reach Bruny Island via a swift ferry from Kettering, a short drive south of Hobart.
Satellite Island: Your Exclusive Island Getaway
Just off Bruny Island lies Satellite Island, a private haven bookable for exclusive use. Here, you can embark on cliffside walks, cook freshly caught fish at Pebble Beach, and shuck wild oysters straight from the ocean. End your day with a sunset bonfire. Accessing Satellite Island is easy—a brief boat ride from Alonnah on Bruny Island takes you to this secluded paradise.
Maria Island: A Wildlife Haven
Maria Island, a car-free, shop-free sanctuary off Tasmania’s eastern coast, is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. Here, you might spot the rare Latham’s parrot, the Cape Barren goose, or the Tasmanian devil. The island’s pristine beaches, steep cliffs, and penal colony history add to its allure. Explore the island on the four-day Maria Island Walk, where you’ll encounter aromatic blue gum trees, ancient shell fossils embedded in limestone cliffs, white sandy beaches, and more wombats than you can count. Each evening rewards hikers with fine food, wine, and comfortable accommodations.
Adding a Touch of Adventure
For those seeking an immersive natural experience, Tasmania’s islands offer more than just scenic beauty. Flinders Island, with its diverse ecosystems, is a hotspot for birdwatchers and nature photographers. Bruny Island’s South Bruny National Park is home to unique flora and fauna, including the endangered swift parrot and white wallabies. Satellite Island, with its untouched natural beauty, is perfect for kayaking and star-gazing. Maria Island, a natural wildlife sanctuary, offers not only hiking but also opportunities to witness your favorites of Tasmanian biodiversity in their natural habitat, making it a unique destination for wildlife lovers.
Embark on this Tasmanian island adventure to discover not just the beauty but also the unique biodiversity and thrilling outdoor activities each island has to offer.
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media