Australia is full of picturesque pockets of nature, but the ones accessible only by foot are even more remarkable. You’ll find plenty of places to venture off the beaten track in Tasmania, especially now that the island state is home to the newest Great Walk of Australia – one of only 13 across the entire country.
Earlier this year, Flinders Island Walking Adventure – In Comfort joined the exclusive club of Australia's greatest multi-day guided walking experiences, all done in eco-luxe style. Dubbed the “hidden hiking jewel of Tasmania”, the six-day guided experience covering 42 kilometres of wild bushland and rugged coastline is now the state’s sixth Great Walk.
You don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to conquer the Flinders Island Walk, which is rated easy-to-moderate in difficulty. Carrying only a day pack, hikers follow two expert guides along the beautiful coastline, through enchanting woodlands, around striking granite mountain ranges and to the summit of Mt Killiecrankie and Mt Strzelecki, where they can take in epic 360-degree views over the entire island. (Packing a pair of togs for a swim or two in the island’s crystal clear waters is recommended, but it may feel like more of an ice bath in the colder months.)
If spending a week in the wilderness still isn't floating your boat, then hear us out. You won’t have to fend off creepy crawlies, pitch tents in the dark, or hunt for food. Like any of the Great Walks of Australia, the Flinders Island Walking Adventure has a dash of luxe eco-comfort. That starts from the moment you leave the mainland by scenic flight to the moment you drift off under the stars in an exclusive safari-style tent with a transparent roof. Yes, there are even hot showers and toilets at the exclusive beachside Eco-Comfort Camp.
Flinders Island is home to just over 1,000 residents, so it’s the perfect off-grid escape when city life just gets too much. You can also check out Tasmania’s other Great Walks, including the Freycinet Experience Walk, Maria Island Walk, Cradle Mountain Signature Walk, Bay of Fires Signature Walk, and the Three Capes Signature Walk. Beyond Tasmania, the official Great Walks of Australia list also includes the Classic Larapinta Trek in the Northern Territory, the Arkaba Walk and Murray River Walk in South Australia, the Twelve Apostles Signature Walk in Victoria, the Seven Peaks Walk on Lord Howe Island in NSW, and the Cape to Cape Walk in Margaret River, Western Australia.
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