Canoe, Kayak and Raft

Flinders Island Sea Kayak

Imagine an island with prominent granite crags, coastal scenery of white sandy half-moon beaches contrasting with orange lichen covered rocks and wildflower heaths... sea, sky, sand and solitude, where the only footprints may be your own!

Join us on a brand new adventure in Tasmania, by foot and kayak we explore Flinders and Cape Barren Islands. Warm summer currents, rich marine life, stunning beaches, and nesting fairy penguins make this trip a magical experience.

Using our stable two-person sea kayaks and on foot,in 7 days we plan to explore the southern end of Flinders Island,the islands of Franklin Sound and the northern shoreline of Cape Barren.Our paddling will be timed with the tides to use the currents to our advantage but there will be plenty of time for exploration around camp in the afternoons,and we will enjoy long daylight summer evenings at our wilderness beach campsites.Our itinerary will remain flexible,to take into account weather conditions,currents and tides.There will be opportunities for some exploratory hikes – bring some sturdy footwear!A goal will be to hike to the top of fortress-like Mt Strzelecki (700 metres)for outstanding views of the Furneaux Group.An alternative bicycle ride around the base of Mt Strzelecki or out to view the birdlife at Logan Lagoon will be an option for those who would prefer to cycle rather than walk.

This trip is graded “moderate plus ” and is suitable for those with some previous paddling experience or who bring an adventurous attitude.Join us to explore this exciting new and unspoilt remote wilderness destination!

**Note:The itinerary has Day 7 set aside for walking however this is dependant on the weather.The guides may alternatively choose to walk at the beginning of the trip to ensure we use the best weather for sea kayaking.

Day 1 (Sunday):Early afternoon arrival at Flinders Island airport at Whitemark.You will be met by one of your guides,and driven to the kayaking starting point at Trousers Point campground where you will meet your second guide.With its tiny cove,and white sand beach nestled among orange coloured granite,Trousers Point has superb views of Franklin Sound and Cape Barren – our playground for the next 7 days.You will be briefed on the trip,and given dry bags to pack your personal gear for the week.Excess gear,including a change of clothes for the final night,can be taken and stored for you.After a safety briefing and fitting you to your boat we hope to go for a short paddle to explore the scenic coastline.After dinner your guide will outline the next day ’s kayaking program and the optimal timing to coincide with tides and currents.

Day 2:We may paddle from our camp or drive around to start from Lady Barron depending on the wind. Mt Strzelecki towers above as the National Park drops into the sea and we paddle past numerous small coves and estuaries along the southern coastline of Flinders Island,past Big River and Pigs Head point before camping at Watering Beach.

Day 3 :We plan to explore Adelaide Bay and Great Dog Island before making camp on Vansittart Island.Vansittart is the largest island in Franklin Sound,and an ideal location to view Cape Barren geese.In the early hours or just on sunset we will watch thousands of short tailed shearwaters leave their burrows,head out to feed at sea and then return.From camp it is a good walk to the island peak to view the wreck of the Farsund on the southeast corner of Vansittart.The Norwegian steel sailing ship wrecked in 1912 is an impressive sight.The sand banks on the eastern edge of Franklin Sound and shallow water create a colourful vista.

Day 4:We plan to paddle south to the northern shores of Cape Barren and then west past Apple Orchard Point to camp at Whittling Office Bay,under the imposing fractured granite cliffs of Mt Munro.Enroute,there may be an opportunity to investigate the inner reaches of Deep Bay.This isolated coastline has very few visitors and some great opportunities for hiking in the hills behind our campsite.

Day 5:After a morning exploring Whittling Office Bay we paddle a short distance to Ned ’s Point for our final camp in the shelter of Macrocarpa trees overlooking Mt Strzelecki.If we have time it is a short paddle with empty kayaks to the small township called “the corner ”.Sheltered by Long Island there is little remaining of Captain Charles Bishop ’s original sealing settlement and the small community has an isolated existence relying on supplies brought in once a month by boat.

Day 6:Weather permitting we will head across Franklin Sound via Tin Kettle Island to finish at Lady Barron.Alternatively we can arrange for a boat pick up in the late afternoon.It is time to pack up our sea kayaks and tonight we have the luxury of sleeping in a holiday cottage in the quaint fishing port of Lady Barron.

Day 7 :For our final day we will endeavour to hike up Mt Strzelecki for the best views of the Furneaux group and our week ’s kayaking route.On a clear day you can see mainland Tasmania. An optional cycle to the wildlife sanctuary at Logan Lagoon is a good alternative for those who prefer to ride.We will overnight in the holiday cottage again and a celebratory dinner will feature a delicious meal of local delicacies.This is a great time to reflect on the satisfaction and achievement
at having completed a unique and memorable trip,and to dream about our next adventure!

Day 8 (Sunday):After breakfast,it is fascinating to take a tour of the local abalone aquaculture farm. After packing up we will call in at the Aboriginal site of Wybalenna.The small brick chapel is regarded as one of the most important historical sites in Tasmania.Here we will be briefed on the Aboriginal history of Flinders Island.Then it is time to say goodbye to Flinders Island,and head to
the airport for your flight home.Trip concludes.

PRICE: AU$1795

2004 Departures: Feb 22-29, Mar 7-14, Mar 21-28

Your tour cost includes:
• Boat and bus transfers including airport transfers on Flinders Island
• Two person expedition kayaks,paddles,life jackets and safety equipment
• 2-person tents
• Sleeping mats (full length thermarest pads)
• Watertight containers
• Professional Guides
• All meals from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 8
• Accommodation on a twin share basis for the final two nights
• Group first aid kit
• Optional bicycles

Your tour cost does not include:
• Items of a personal nature such as postage and laundry
• Alcoholic beverages
• Travel insurance
• Airport transfers outside of Flinders Island

MEETING PLACE AND TIME
The meeting place for our adventure is the airport at Whitemark on Flinders Island in the early afternoon of Day 1 – the exact time will tie in with flight arrivals..You will meet your guides who will thoroughly explain the itinerary for the next seven days.We will drop you back at the Flinders Island airport on the afternoon of Day 8.If you arrive on Flinders earlier we will pick you up at your accommodation.

HOW TO GET THERE
You can fly to Flinders Island from Melbourne (Moorabbin or Essendon airports)or Launceston by small plane.Our schedule is based on flying into Flinders Island around midday of Day 1.There is the potential for early risers to fly from Sydney on Day 1 to connect with the flight from Melbourne. Alternatively,you may prefer to fly from Launceston,particularly if you wish to spend some time in Tasmania as part of your holiday. We will advise on suitable flight options.Take careful note of baggage restrictions,as these small planes have very little flexibility to take extra luggage,particularly when they are full. Flights should be booked as soon as possible ,as there is always a heavy demand,particularly during the summer season,which is when our trips operate.Please note that all our trips require minimum numbers to operate.If purchasing a non-refundable air ticket,we strongly advise that you take out travel insurance in the event that the departure does not operate and your ticket cannot be used.

CLIMATE
Flinders Island enjoys a Mediterranean climate,with warm summers and mild winters.However,at any time of year the Roaring Forties can bring storms and wild swells. During our paddling season from December through March,winds tend to be predominantly from the east.Temperatures can range from 18 to 30 degrees C,and evenings may sometimes be cool.Rainfall varies but these months are predominantly dry.

FOOD
On the kayaking trip there is plenty of fresh food,fruit and vegetables,but we do not carry eskies (coolers)and ice,so have adjusted our menu appropriately.We may be able to supplement this with freshly caught fish!For vegetarians and those who have special dietary requirements,we are happy to make the necessary arrangements -please advise us at the time of booking.We will have to carry our own fresh drinking water,since fresh water is not readily available at our camping
areas.

A successful trip will require teamwork by all members of the group.Your participation in general camp activities will be appreciated.For example,on arrival in camp you would unload your own boat,set up tents and perhaps a few members of the group can assist in preparing the evening meal.The afternoons and non paddling days will generally be at your leisure,although the guides may conduct escorted walks for those who would like to explore further afield and in Lady Barron,
for those who choose not to walk up Mt Strzelecki,bicycles will be available.

ACCOMMODATION DURING THE TRIP
We will stay in two-person tents,camping on each night of the kayak expedition.If you are travelling alone,you may be requested to share a tent with another group member of the same sex.We will spend the final two nights in a holiday cottage.

WASHING AND TOILET FACILITIES
Our campsites are remote and basic.There are no shower facilities.The availability of fresh water for personal washing is very limited,and generally washing will need to be done in salt water.It is a good idea to bring along some sea soap,which will lather in salt water.Occasionally we will have pit toilets,and where there are none,we carry out our waste.Your guides will set up a basic portable toilet system.
To make it easier to wash your hands after using the toilet,and before preparing or eating meals, your guide will always have soap and water available.