Flinders Island

Flinders Island, an Australian island located about 290 km off the south-eastern coast of Victoria, is the largest island in the Southern Ocean. The island is about 140 km long, 60 km wide at its widest point and has an area of about 1,630 km². The island is significant for its birdlife, with more than 260 species recorded on the island, as well as for its geology and its Aboriginal heritage.

History

Flinders Island was first sighted by Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon in 1606 and explored by Matthew Flinders in 1802. The island is named after British naval officer Charles Flinders, who charted its coasts in the early 1800s.

Since the 1930s, managed red deer have been introduced to the island as game animals. There are now around 1,000 deer on Flinders Island which stabilise ecosystems and prevent overgrowth of native plant species.

The island’s Aboriginal people are descendants of one group who migrated from mainland Australia and Tasmania around 800 years before European discovery. They were hunters, fishermen and gatherers (and some practised agriculture). Artefacts excavated on the island include stone tools traded for sea food by coastal parts at least 9500 years ago, hand axes dating to 2700 BC, shell beads indicating trade with South- East Asia for 3000 to 2000 BC, and stone artefacts from the middens of terrestrial animals such as kangaroos used in ceremonies up until this time.

Climate

The climate on Flinders Island is oceanic with a cool to mild summer and cold winter. Annual rainfall ranges from around 800 mm in the east of the island to almost 3000 mm in some parts of the west. Precipitation is highest in October and November. On Flinders Island the maximum sustained wind speed recorded was around 260 km/h during Cyclone Bola, an annual storm between April 2006 and 2007; this only occurred because of a rare combination of unusually strong easterlies over tropical water cooling air temperature to close to freezing at sea level (the BGOS winds). Accordingly, some climate records from Sydney Airport show very warm temperatures on occasion.

Culture

The culture of the island’s Aboriginal people is known as Pukuripan, and it has similarities to other indigenous cultures on the Australian mainland. As a result, much information about traditional life on Flinders Island can be gathered from oral traditions and artefacts such as rock art. Rock art is found all over the island, in places such as caves, gorges and overlooks; some of it depicts animals or scenes from daily life.

Politics

Flinders Island is a self-governing external territory of Australia, and its government is led by the Administrator. The island has a unicameral Legislative Assembly, which consists of eleven elected members (one from each division). The Australian Government provides financial support to the island’s administration and infrastructure. There are no military personnel stationed on Flinders Island but it is home to an Australian Border Force detachment that works with immigration authorities in neighboring countries.

Government services

The main sources of government revenue are taxes (including a tax on tourism) and royalties from mining projects. Service provision is mainly the responsibility of the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Local Government. There is also a Cultural Affairs department that promotes indigenous culture and manages heritage sites on Flinders Island. Health services are provided by the Australian Red Cross Society.

Tourism

Tourism is a significant source of revenue for the island’s government. Visitors arrive chiefly from Queensland, but also other states in Australia and overseas. From 2003 to 2007, tourists recorded over 95% growth in visitor numbers compared with the 2001/2 period (with 2000–02 being an index year so no comparable comparison could be made) while 85% was due to more people coming from outside Flinders Island .

Transport

Flinders Island is connected to the rest of Australia by air and sea. It has a small airport that receives regular flights from Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney. There is also a ferry service linking Port Augusta on mainland South Australia with Flinders Island. The Cape to Vedder Marine National Park is a national park that protects almost all the island; it was established in 1991 and became part of the Australian National Parks on 1 January 2009.

Cuisine

Flinders Island cuisine is influenced by Australian and international influences. Typical dishes include barramundi, a freshwater fish that can be grilled or baked; and beef, lamb or chicken curries. Trademarks are dumplings made from taro and flour dough. Flinders Island cheeses are made using a traditional sheep dairy system. One of the island’s most well-known exports is Flinders Island oysters, grown on the sheltered creek at Six Mile Hole which produces up to five tonnes annually that can be exported by boat and sold throughout Australia . In January 2005 work began to restore this endangered species in order for it to once more play an important part in the tourism industry.

Wildlife

The island is home to a large number of animals, including kangaroos, echidnas, emus and koalas. Other species that can be found include the Tasmanian devil, which are protected under Australian law; and bats. The island is also known for its bee colonies. In 2008, a colony of 10-20 bees was found on the island.

Conclusion

Flinders Island is an Australian archipelago located in the Indian Ocean. It consists of over 350 islands which cover an area of 1,527 square kilometres. Flinders is home to a rich biodiversity, with over 1,500 plant species found there. The islands are also known for their amazing landscapes, ranging from sandy beaches to rainforest-covered mountains.

FAQ

What Are the Main Attractions on Flinders Island?

There are a number of different attractions on Flinders Island, including the Whitsunday Islands National Park, which is home to some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters; Charters Towers National Monument, which contains fascinating fossils dating back to the Cretaceous Period; and the Aboriginal cultural heritage sites such as Maria Creek Village.

How Do I Get There?

Flinders Island is accessible by plane from Cairns, Brisbane or Sydney to Port Douglas (on Princess Yacht). Private boats arrive at Kangaroo Point in port town on Flinders island. From here you can travel overland to visit a number of the main sites such as Maria Creek, Flametree and the Caves. There are also a number of local operators which offer trekking holidays on Flinders Island as part of their program tour options.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit?

A domestic flight from Sydney or Brisbane to Port Douglas costs around AU$700 – $1050 in economy class depending on the time of year you wish to travel (from April through October). It is possible from Cairns to get onto Flinders Island, however you will need to travel overland.

How Long Should I Stay?

A day trip to Flinders Island on the ferry crossing lasts around 2-3 hours depending on weather conditions and sea state.

What Type of Accommodation is Available?

In Kangaroo Point there are a number of guest houses and hotels to choose from. The majority have very basic facilities, however we would strongly recommend you avoid staying right on top of the jetty as this will most certainly be noisy with boats moored just offshore! From here boutique style hotel options can also be found should you wish to stay in more luxurious surroundings.