King and Flinders Islands

Day 1

Home - King Island
Your tour begins with a flight via Melbourne and then onto King Island where our local guide will be waiting to greet us. King Island lies off the northwest coast of Tasmania, surrounded by a rugged coastline with famously good produce and some of the cleanest air in the world. After a guided tour of the main township of Currie, we will check in to our accommodation. This evening one of King Island's best chefs will prepare our welcome dinner.

Day 2

Reeekara - Cape Wickham - Penguins
Today, our touring takes us to the northern end of the island. Stop at the Shag Lagoon Bird Hide to view some of King Island's beautiful water fowl, before continuing to Reekara School. The Reekara Community Complex is a Lions Club initiative designed to preserve the former Reekara Primary School, which closed at the end of 1997. The school now houses local craft as well as classrooms showing past students' artwork. Next we drive to Quarantine Bay while taking in the views of Christmas Island and New Year Island. From here, we cross to the eastern side of the island for a visit to Martha Lavinia Beach and see the mouth of Yellow Rock River, the wreck site of the Shannon. Stop for lunch at Penny's Lagoon, a rare freshwater perched lake found in only three locations in the world. Continue past Lake Flannigan and Disappointment Bay to the most northern point of King Island. View the Cape Wickham Lighthouse, the tallest granite lighthouse in the Southern Hemisphere which overlooks one of Australia's top ranking golf courses. Back in Currie, we have time to freshen up before dinner at a local restaurant. Later this evening we will have the opportunity to view the local penguin colony.

Day 3

Calcified Forest - Naracoopa - Grassy
Our journey today takes us to Sea Elephant River, one of the island's largest river systems and major link to the Lavinia wetlands. We then return to the farming region of Naracoopa before making our way to the southern end of the island, passing Surprise Bay to learn of the history of the island's first settlement. See the Calcified Forest enjoying a leisurely stroll that takes us to a viewing platform overlooking intriguing fossilised stumps of ancient rainforest trees. At Seal Rocks Lookout, discover one of King Island's most dramatic parts of the coast, used by Dutch and French sealer's to spot pods of seals. Last stop today is Grassy where we discover the scheelite mining heritage of King Island's Dolphin Mine. We also view the Grassy Harbour which serves the island with the necessities of life - groceries, fuel and agricultural needs such as fertilisers and stock feed. On arrival back at our accommodation there will be time to freshen up dining at a local restaurant for dinner.

Day 4

Currie Harbour - Devonport
Begin the day with a visit to the museum in the former lightkeeper's cottage, run by the King Island Historical Society. The museum is full of the island's history including the original lens from the Cape Wickham Lighthouse. Morning tea is at the interesting little boatshed on the shores of Currie Harbour, known as the "Restaurant Without Food", before continuing on to the iconic King Island Kelp to learn about this important industry. This afternoon, we make our way to the airport to board our flight to Wynyard (Burnie Airport) before checking into our accommodation in Devonport.

Day 5

North Tasmania - Flinders Island
After breakfast, drive past fertile farmland and historic villages to reach Launceston Airport. Fly over many of the islands that are part of the Furneaux group before arriving on Flinders Island. Here we will discover an inspiring world of sparkling beaches, rugged ranges, abundant wildlife and flora, and clear sapphire waters. On arrival, we will be met by our local guide and taken to our accommodation at the Furneaux Tavern in Lady Barron. Please note that breakfast each day will be a continental breakfast basket.

Day 6

Castle Rock - Killecrankie Bay - Wybalenna
Today we explore the northern end of the island and pause at the photogenic Castle Rock. Enjoy morning tea at North East River, which is a favourite spot for local fishermen, before touring to Palana, site of coastal surveillance at the start of World War II. Stroll along beautiful Killiecrankie Bay keeping an eye out for the famous Killiecrankie diamonds. After lunch, we visit the small but interesting Furneaux Museum which contains a wonderful collection of records and exhibits of the island's natural history, maritime heritage and island lifestyle. Our last visit for the day is at Wybalenna, a small settlement established in 1833 - 1847 to house Tasmanian Aboriginal people brought to Flinders Island by George Robinson. Today, the only remaining building is the red brick chapel which has been restored by the National Trust and is of national heritage significance.

Day 7

Trousers Point - Mt Strezlecki - Camerons Inlet
This morning, follow the coast road to Fotheringate Bay where we will have a chance to explore the beaches and have morning tea. Stop at the beautiful Trousers Point with Mt Strzelecki's towering granite crags forming a backdrop to the pristine half-moon beach. After lunch, we visit Walkers Lookout which provides extensive views over the island. Drive past Cameron's Inlet, a breeding ground for black swans and many species of duck before finishing the day exploring the town of Lady Barron.

Day 8

Flinders Island - Melbourne - Home
For our last morning on Flinders Island, we will spend time in the main town of Whitemark. Have a look around the town; enjoy a coffee at the local café, or visit the local shops to discover a hidden gem before an early lunch. We then make our way to the airport for our flight back to Melbourne's Essendon Airport where our transfer to Tullamarine Airport will be waiting. Your Hostess will then assist with your check in, ready for your flight home.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner