Embracing the Adventure: A Flinders Island Walking Odyssey
As a wife, a mum of four, and a grandma to a precious baby girl, this “old girl” still harbours a deep love for adventure. So, when the opportunity arose to tackle a multi-day hike on a completely new landscape – the stunning Flinders Island – the answer was an immediate, “Sure. Why not?” Yet, as the trip loomed closer, a flicker of doubt began to surface. Was this a sign of a midlife crisis? Perhaps not a crisis, but certainly a period of introspection, a re-evaluation of who I am and what I truly desire for this next chapter of my life.
Our expedition was set with a maximum group size of twelve, comprising three men and nine women. This diverse group included three couples, two of whom were friends with each other, and two separate groups of friends. This left myself and another lady as the sole “solos.” My fellow solo traveller, hailing from Cairns, was a seasoned veteran of solo walking trips, relishing the freedom and self-reliance it offered. Upon introductions, it became apparent that I was the only novice in the entire group, which naturally sparked a question in my mind: “Oh oh! Was I going to be able to keep up?”
The First Steps and the Mountain Challenge
With these seeds of doubt gently germinating, we set off. Our first day involved a modest two-hour walk, during which the group effortlessly mingled, fostering an easy, friendly, and incredibly welcoming atmosphere. The initial hurdle of solo travel was, in fact, cleared on day one! While I consider myself moderately fit, the flatter sections of the hike posed no significant challenge. However, the two mountain ascents – Mount Killiecrankie, with its evocatively cool name, and Mount Strzelecki, named after the Polish explorer who conquered its summit in 1842 – proved to be genuinely demanding. A quiet note to self: perhaps I should have heeded the advice about pre-trip training!
A group photo with our guides at Mt Killiecrankie. Image: Supplied.
Despite the physical exertion, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the Mount Killiecrankie hike. There’s an inherent joy in spending an entire day outdoors, feeling the satisfying weariness that comes from pushing your physical limits. The day itself was cloaked in a grey, misty, and foggy atmosphere, lending an eerily beautiful and atmospheric quality to the landscape. Mount Killiecrankie is distinguished by its colossal granite boulders, some bearing intriguing names like “Old Man’s Head” and “White Eyed Man.” This soon evolved into a lighthearted group game, where we playfully named other boulders and debated which animals they resembled.
The granite wonders at Mt Killiecrankie. Image: Supplied.
Mount Strzelecki presented a more strenuous uphill climb. With gentle encouragement from my fellow walkers and our guides, and a fair bit of my own determined grunting, I managed to reach the “Blue Seat” at an elevation of 400 metres. While this might not sound like a monumental height, believe me, two hours of continuous uphill trekking is no small feat.
The Blue Seat at Mt Strzelecki. Image: Supplied.
Remarkably, others in the group, including men and women in their mid-60s and 70s, pressed on further. Their ascent towards the summit (a formidable 756 metres) was ultimately halted only by adverse weather conditions. A part of me felt a slight pang of embarrassment that individuals significantly older than myself possessed superior fitness. However, the overwhelming sentiment was one of pride in my own accomplishment, having pushed myself as far as I had. While the fitter members continued their climb, I was treated to a bonus couple of hours at Trousers Point Beach, a truly gloriously beautiful stretch of coastline.
Mt Strzelecki on Flinders Island. Image: Supplied.
Wildlife Encounters and Coastal Splendour
Our guides, along with one of the group members, a delightful lady from Busselton, possessed an uncanny knack for spotting local flora and fauna. My personal highlight was encountering Bennett’s wallabies. I caught a glimpse of one on our first afternoon at camp, though it remained elusive thereafter. Further sightings occurred at Trousers Point Beach, and a veritable abundance of them were spotted at the mouth of the North East River. It’s always an awe-inspiring experience to witness these magnificent Australian animals thriving in their natural habitat.
Trousers Point Beach. Image: Supplied.
Every walk unveiled a succession of breathtaking beaches. We passed them, observed them from above, or ambled along their shores. The sands varied from pristine white to golden yellow, some even speckled with vibrant mineral flecks. The water shimmered in shades of Listerine green and deep blue, revealing intricate reefs. Granite boulders adorned with fiery red lichen stood sentinel, and the coastal scrub presented a rich tapestry of green hues. It was, without a doubt, a visual feast.
Bennett’s wallabies sighting. Image: Supplied.
Fiery lichen on granite at Flinders Island. Image: Supplied
A Touch of Glamping: Comfort in the Wilderness
To be entirely upfront, I wouldn’t classify myself as the “sleep in a swag under the stars, carry all my gear on my back” type of traveller. However, this particular camping experience redefined my expectations, veering firmly into the realm of glamping rather than rugged camping. It was a delightful blend of comfort and adventure, far more enjoyable than strenuous effort.
My Eco Comfort Camp solo pod. Image: Supplied.
Our accommodation for the five nights was at an Eco Comfort Camp, boasting its own private stretch of beach. Solo travellers like myself were provided with a private pod, essentially a rather fancy tent. These spacious pods featured a transparent roof, allowing for incredible stargazing from the comfort of the bed.
Inside the solo pod. Image: Supplied.
The camp offered modern conveniences, including clean, hot showers and toilets, a covered dining area, and a cosy reading room – perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
The cosy reading room at the camp. Image: Supplied.
Culinary Delights and Effortless Logistics
The culinary aspect of our trip was overseen by our Camp Host, Ed, whose pride in his cooking was entirely justified. We dined like royalty. Hearty, hot breakfasts fuelled our days, packed lunches provided essential energy, and evenings were graced with delightful three-course dinners. Each night was filled with lively conversation, recounting the day’s triumphs and anticipating the adventures that lay ahead.
Eco Comfort Camp at night. Image: Supplied.
Freshly baked cake was a frequent and welcome addition to our morning and afternoon tea breaks. A particular memory etched in my mind is a decadent Whisky brownie enjoyed at Jackson’s Cove, a long, pristine white sandy beach. Throughout the day, tea, coffee, and snacks were readily available.
Jackson’s Cove. Image: Supplied.
I had initially assumed that meal preparation, table setting, and dishwashing would be a communal effort. However, the dedicated Camp Team handled all these tasks seamlessly. Our only responsibility was to remember the designated meal times! This eliminated any decision fatigue, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the holiday experience.
The culinary bar was set exceptionally high from the very first night with a dinner featuring Flinders Island lamb, raised on the island’s abundant saltbush, followed by warm figs marinated in Port. Other memorable dishes included baked chicken wrapped in prosciutto and succulent Flinders Island sirloin. Absolutely lip-smacking! This style of “camping” certainly suited me perfectly.
Seamless Travel and Expert Guidance
The Flinders Island Walking Adventure in Comfort, as aptly named by Tasmanian Expeditions, offered a truly seamless experience. Beyond the comfortable accommodation, a dedicated van transported us from the camp to the starting point of each day’s walk and back again. All meals and snacks were provided, and crucially, the washing up was taken care of. Our only task was to carry a day pack containing personal essentials, such as water and a rain jacket, and of course, a camera to capture the memories.
Leonie’s hiking gear. Image: Supplied.
Each walk was expertly guided, with one guide at the front and another at the rear of the group. For Claire, one of our guides and a Tasmanian native, this was her first visit to Flinders Island. Despite her extensive experience, she was captivated by the island’s beauty. Our other guide, Gracie, also a Tasmanian and a passionate advocate for Flinders Island, shared her vast knowledge of the island and Tasmania in general. Both women were incredibly encouraging, especially to a novice walker like myself.
This particular Tasmanian Expeditions trip had recently incorporated a visit to Unavale Vineyard, a charming local winery owned by Barry and Cassie, who were accompanied by their three friendly dogs. Barry led a fascinating wine tasting and vineyard tour, while Cassie curated a delightful lunch amongst the vines, showcasing exquisite Tasmanian produce.
Lunch at Unavale Vineyard. Image: Supplied.
This was our final group meal, and by this point, we had all forged strong bonds through our shared week of walking accomplishments. Conversation flowed effortlessly and joyfully.
A group shot at Unavale Vineyard. Image: Supplied
Reflections on a Transformative Journey
So, what are my final thoughts? Now, considering myself a seasoned bushwalker (ha!), I feel a profound sense of pride. Pride in saying “yes” to an experience that pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. I feel physically fitter and stronger, and even more importantly, emotionally resilient. I was alone for the week, yet I never felt lonely. I had the freedom to engage in conversation when I desired and to embrace silence and solitude when it suited me. By choice, I often found myself walking contentedly, alone and in quiet contemplation, mindfully absorbing the surrounding natural beauty.
Leonie at the beach. Image: Supplied.
For anyone harbouring reservations about travelling solo, I wholeheartedly recommend the experience of a group tour. My journey was enriched by a welcoming, encouraging, and supportive group who were all deeply appreciative of sharing such a special week and eager to share their passion for walking and the natural world.
This adventure proved to be profoundly beneficial. Physically, it was invigorating to be outdoors and active, but mentally, it was equally restorative. It was a fun adventure, yes, but also deeply healing – a precious slice of peace amidst the often hectic pace of life, offering a chance to truly clear my mind.
Returning to my initial introspection about who I am and what I desire for this next stage of my life, I now feel a strong desire to embrace more challenging opportunities. I want to demonstrate to my granddaughter that I am capable of achieving great things (well, almost anything!) and, hopefully, inspire her in the process. As the iconic Helen Reddy song proclaims, “I am woman, hear me roar!”
Discovering Flinders Island
Flinders Island, a significant part of Tasmania, is a 1,333 square kilometre island situated in the Bass Strait. It lies approximately 60 kilometres northeast of the Tasmanian mainland and about 200 kilometres south of Victoria.
Our journey to and from Launceston on this trip with Tasmanian Expeditions involved a light plane flight with Flinders Aviation. I must admit, I felt a touch of apprehension on the initial flight. However, once airborne and experiencing a smooth journey, my nerves subsided, and I found myself marvelling at the spectacular aerial views.
Leonie boarding the light plane to Flinders Island. Image: Supplied.
On our return leg from Flinders Island to Launceston, we departed from a different airfield, where the runway was a charmingly rustic stretch of grass. What an enjoyable experience!
Essential Gear for the Trek
Tasmanian Expeditions thoughtfully provided a comprehensive Gear List, covering everything from outerwear to undergarments, specifying what was provided and what personal items were essential or optional. Based on my experience, I found the following items particularly crucial:
- Mid-rise waterproof hiking boots: Mid-rise or mid-cut boots offer a balance of agility and ankle support, which is vital for varied terrain. Comfortable, well-worn-in boots are arguably the most critical piece of equipment for any hike.
- Head torch: A rechargeable head torch with a USB port is incredibly convenient, eliminating the need for spare batteries. It’s essential for navigating after dark, particularly for late-night trips to the facilities.
- Waterproof jacket with a hood: A hooded waterproof jacket is indispensable. A peaked hood is particularly beneficial for keeping rain away from your face.
- 1 or 2 x 1-litre drink bottles: Staying hydrated is paramount, so having adequate water-carrying capacity is key.
- Walking poles: I almost decided against bringing these, but I am so grateful I did. When fatigue set in, they provided invaluable assistance and significantly enhanced my stability.
- Woollen socks: These provided crucial protection for my feet, preventing blisters and ensuring comfort throughout the walks.
- Sports bras: Comfort and adequate support are essential for any physical activity, and well-fitting sports bras make a significant difference.
Leonie Jarrett was a guest of Tasmanian Expeditions. She also received some hiking gear from Mountain Designs (available from Anaconda). All opinions expressed in this story are her own. You can follow Leonie on Instagram @we_like_to_cruise_and_travel
Feature Image: Supplied.
