With bushwalking currently unavailable in the Covid 19 lockdown, we are looking back at memories of wonderful walks we have shared in the past. No doubt we will. have just such enjoyable walks in the future when we get going again.
Our first recollection is written by John Langford, with photos by JC, CM, DC and feature photo by JT
Flinders Island Week of Walks
January 2010
The Melbourne University Alumni Bushwalking Groups chose Flinders island as the venue for the 2010 Week of Walks. Flinders island is one of the Furneaux Group of islands at the eastern entrance to Bass Strait. The island is like Wilson’s promontory, but with farms and fishing villages. It features beautiful white sandy beaches complemented by orange lichen covered granite boulders, and turquoise seas. There are no foxes or rabbits on the island which has retained populations of small marsupials, and significant areas of indigenous plant communities. The 40th parallel of latitude runs through the middle of Flinders Island and we have a group photo to prove it.
James, Anna and Lindsay Luddington supported by Hugh Mactier were engaged to provide guides and transport that included a four wheel drive vehicle, a minibus and a launch. Their knowledge of the Island’s bushwalking tracks, its history and the plants birds and animals were invaluable. We stayed at the Whitemark Pub; fish and chips was the special of the day for dinner. They proved to be excellent hosts.
The walks included:
- a walk along the coast to Settlement Point passing the spectacular Whale Rock and ending at the remains of the sad settlement of Wybalenna the last resting place of many Tasmanian indigenous people. The Furneaux Museum nearby was excellent;
- the ascent of Mount Strezelecki, at 700 metres the highest point on Flinders island. A small group of us completed the rugged ascent to reach the summit for lunch;
- a launch trip to Long Island just off the coast of Cape Barren Island . The trip gave us greater appreciation of the islands of the Furneaux Group, and the seas around them;
- a walk along the Darling Range the spine of Flinders Island giving great views of the coast and interesting transitions from vegetation in the gullies to the high exposed ridges;
- another coastal walk from the Dock to Killiecrankie. The limestone coastal geology created many interesting features including a spectacular arch. The day concluded with a trip to the wind swept North East Point.
The participants enjoyed the Week with the unspoiled beaches, rugged mountains, the voyage to Long Island and the company of friendly, knowledgeable guides. Special thanks to Anna and Hugh for enriching our experiences of wonderful Flinders Island.
John Langford
