Great Walks Of Australia Adds Flinders Island To Best Hikes

Great Walks of Australia has revealed the thirteenth walk in its exclusive collection.

For the first time in seven years, Great Walks of Australia has added a new hike to the collection of Australia’s best multi-day hikes – making Flinders Island Walking Island Adventure in Comfort , operated by Tasmanian Expeditions, the thirteenth walk awarded the honour.

Walkers Hop Over Granite Boulders on Flinders Island — Rock hopping is a defining feature of many of the coastal walks on Flinders Island.

The news cements the island state as the go-to destination for Australia’s best walks with six of the 13 hiking experiences in the collection located in Tasmania. Freycinet Experience Walk, The Maria Island Walk, Cradle Mountain Signature Walk, Bay of Fires Signature Walk, Three Capes Signature Walk and now Flinders Island Walking Island Adventure rounds out the list of the state’s best.

Flinders Island Walking Adventure in Comfort

Great Walks of Australia executive officer Liz O’Rourke is thrilled to be adding the thirteenth Great Walk of Australia to the collection.

“Rugged, pristine and remote, this gem of a destination is perfect for hikers wanting to discover somewhere new, get off the beaten path into spectacular wild landscapes with blockbuster views and feel like you have it nearly all to yourself," says Ms O’Rourke.

Coastal views from the headlands on Flinders Island — The guided six-day walk takes you to the most breathtaking locations around the island.

Considered the hidden gem in a crown of island walking experiences in Tasmania, the six-day and five-night, day-pack-only guided walk covers 42 kilometres of easy to moderate hiking accessed via seaplane from Bridport, near Launceston. The itinerary includes an unmissable blend of sweeping coastal walks, crystal clear swimming spots and rugged granite peaks to the summit for 360-degree views of Flinders Island.

Sunrise on the summit of one of Flinders Islands mountains. — Nothing beats the feeling of making it to the summit for a sunrise.

As the first walking tour operator in the state, Tasmanian Expeditions has been curating new trails for extended walking experiences since the 1970s and holds advanced certification from Ecotourism Australia.

Aerial view of Flinders Island Walking Adventure eco camp in Tanners Bay — Return to your Eco-Comfort Camp of an evening alongside Tanners Bay.

Michael Buggy, general manager of Tasmanian Expeditions says the walk offers the perfect balance of adventure and comfort with all measures taken to minimise impact to the island’s pristine environment.

“Our six-day itinerary guides walkers through Flinders’ amazing trails and pristine wilderness by day, then continues this true immersion in nature by night at our beachfront Eco-Comfort Camp, which is big on comfort but small on environmental impact."

Eco Tents at Flinders Island Walking Adventure in Comfort camp. — Stargaze through the see-through roof of your tent as you drift off to sleep.

Like all Great Walks, the experience is all-inclusive, with flights to the island, food, accommodation and expert guides leading the way; walkers just need to bring their boots, clothes and a sense of adventure.

Walkers scale dramatic rocks on Flinders Island — Keep your eyes peeled for flora and fauna as your expert guides lead the way.

Flinders Island highlights

Flinders Island is one of 52 in the Furneaux group of islands scattered across the Bass Strait, north-east of Lutruwita/Tasmania. The Palawa and the Pakana peoples are the Traditional Owners of this land and their history and culture are explored during the six-day itinerary.

Walkers trek on pristine beaches that meet orange splattered granite boulders on Flinders Island — Trek along pristine beaches that meet orange lichen-splattered granite boulders on Flinders Island.

Tasmanian Expedition guide Nigel Heath says the anticipation builds from the moment you take off in the seaplane.

“Getting there is nearly a whole adventure in itself. We start to see the shallow sea formations, the beaches, the coasts, the Strzelecki peaks – I just can’t wait usually," he says. “It’s a magic place, it’s amazing."

Castle Rock on Flinders Island — Loop around the striking Castle Rock on the West Coast.

With just over 1000 residents on the island, you’re guaranteed to have this place nearly all to yourself – especially when hiking. From the rugged heights of Mt Killiecrankie and Mt Strzelecki to the coastal delights of Castle Rock and Red Bluff, the untamed beauty of Flinders Island is best explored on foot.

Walk to Stacky's Bight for a swim and snorkel. — Walk to Stacky’s Bight on the North West Coast for a truly spectacular swimming spot.

Great Walks of Australia

Great Walks of Australia launched with six founding multi-day hike experiences in 2013 and has since grown to become one of Australia’s most trusted walking experience brands. Every walking holiday in the collection is led by expert guides who bring the stories of culture, flora, fauna and history of each destination to life. Small intimate groups, comfortable accommodation, outstanding food and wine, and remote locations are all consistent features across the portfolio. All Great Walks members also hold advanced eco-tourism credentials and are actively involved in the conversation of the lands they walk through.

In addition to the six in Tasmania, the official list includes the Northern Territory’s Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort, The Arkaba Walk and Murray River Walk in South Australia, the Twelve Apostles Signature Walk in Victoria, the Seven Peaks Walk on Lord Howe Island in NSW, and the Cape to Cape Walk in Margaret River, Western Australia.

To experience Flinders Island Walking Adventure In Comfort, head to Tasmania Expeditions for more information .

Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

Where to stay

Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart. — Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

1. Bruny Island

Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. — Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

2. Mount Wellington

At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

2. Port Arthur

Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area. — Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

3. Launceston

You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. — Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart. — Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

Plan your trip to Hobart and beyond with ALL Accor at All.com .

Tasmania is now officially home to 6 of Australia’s best hikes