There are two principle Islands that make up the Bass Strait Island Region: Flinders Island & King Island. Flinders and its 51 surrounding islands are all that remain of the land bridge that once connected Tasmania to mainland Australia. This is an island of dramatic landscapes & prolific wildlife. Take a stroll through the towns of Whitemark & Lady Barron or the little settlements of Emita & Killiecrankie where you’ll meet friendly locals with time to stop and chat. King Island lies northwest of Tasmania in the path of the Roaring Forties - the ever-present westerlies that circle the world’s southern latitudes. This island of rugged coastline offers excellent fishing & surfing, long empty beaches, lakes and forests. King Island is famous for its produce! Beneath the surface the waters are abound with crayfish & abalone, while the lush grass of the flat farmlands are credited as the secret for the succulent local beef, rich cream and wonderful hand-made cheeses.
When to Visit Bass Strait Islands
Weather-wise, the best time to visit is from November through to March. While the Bass Strait Islands can be glorious in Spring, it is also the season where the weather is least predictable. Autumn is mild and winter is often cold, wet and cloudy.
Getting Around Bass Strait Islands
There are direct flights from Melbourne or Devenport to King Island. Once there, you are best off hiring a car. While taxis are on the island, they are not in abundance. Be careful driving at dusk however, King Island Wallabies and peacocks are abound. Airlines of Tasmania operate daily flights to Flinders Island from Hobart, Launceston and Moorabbin (Victoria) airports. To see the best of what Flinders has to offer I recommend taking a four-wheel-drive guided tour. Car rental is also available on the island. You can also access both islands via ferry from port Melbourne and the Tasmanian Mainland.