Whitemark
Town
Population 598
Flinders Island in Bass Strait is the largest of the 52 islands in the Furneaux Group, once part of a land bridge that joined Tasmania to the mainland. It's a beautiful place, but with a tragic history. In 1831 Tasmania's Aboriginal people, depleted to fewer than 160, were isolated on Flinders Island. Wybalenna (’black man’s home’) was set up there in 1834 to house those few survivors of Tasmania’s pre-European population of over 4000. Less than a third of the people held there survived the appalling living conditions. A lack of good food and water meant that by 1847, when the settlement was finally abandoned, only 46 Aboriginal people remained. The Wybalenna Historic Site at Settlement Point stands as a reminder of the doomed community. Located near Emita, it is one of the most important historic sites in Tasmania, and includes a National Trust–restored church and cemetery. Whitemark is the island's largest town.
Visitor Information
4 Davies St, (03) 6359 2380 or 1800 994 477
www.flindersislandonline.com.au
Nearby national parks
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Strzelecki National Park
Hidden away in the south-west corner of Flinders Island is the largely unknown Strzelecki National Park, where you can climb granite...more -
Mount William National Park
Tucked away in the remote north-east corner of the state, Mount William National Park is fringed with gorgeous bays stretching from Ansons...more -
Ben Lomond National Park
Ben Lomond National Park, enclosing the largest alpine plateau in the state, is a mountain environment with extensive and dramatic dolerite...more
Nearby towns
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Gladstone
The north-eastern district surrounding Gladstone was once a thriving mining area, yielding both tin and gold. Today many of the...more -
Bridport
Bridport is a popular seaside holiday retreat for Launceston and Scottsdale residents. It has many safe swimming beaches and fishing....more -
Derby
This small north-eastern town was born when tin was discovered in 1874 and the 'Brothers Mine' opened two years later. The Cascade Dam was...more
In Town
Bowman History Room: displays of memorabilia show Whitemark since the 1920s; rear of E. M. Bowman & Co, 2 Patrick St. Diving and snorkelling: tours to shipwreck sites, limestone reefs and granite-boulder formations including Chalky Island Caves and Port Davies Reef; bookings on (03) 6359 8429. Fishing tours: from Port Davies to Prime Seal Island for pike and salmon, and Wybalenna Island for couta; bookings on (03) 6359 8429.
Nearby
Strzelecki National Park The only national park in the Furneaux Group, featuring the Peaks of Flinders and Mt Strzelecki, and wetlands, heathland and lagoons. A 5 hr return walk to the summit of Mt Strzelecki is steep, but affords excellent views of Franklin Sound and its islands. Trousers Pt, featuring magnificent rust-red boulders and clear waters, is located just outside the park. Contact Parks & Wildlife Service on 1300 135 513; 15 km S.Emita Museum This museum, run by the Historical Society, has a wide range of memorabilia and houses displays on the short-tailed shearwater industry, the War Service Land Settlement and the nautical and natural histories of Flinders Island. Open 1–4pm Sat–Sun; Settlement Point Rd, Emita; 18 km NW.
Patriarchs Wildlife Sanctuary: privately owned sanctuary with a vast range of birdlife and wallabies, which can be handfed; access via Lees Rd, Memana; 30 km NE. Logan Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary: houses a great diversity of birdlife in winter including the red-necked stint, common greenshank and eastern curlew; east of Lady Barron; 30 km SE. Mt Tanner: lookout with stunning views of the northern end of the island and Marshall Bay; off West End Rd; Killiecrankie; 40 km N. Port Davies: from the viewing platform see short-tailed shearwaters fly into their burrows at dusk. An enormous colony of these birds breed here between Sept and Apr and then set out on an annual migration to the Northern Hemisphere. West of Emita; 20 km NW. Fossicking: Killiecrankie diamonds, a form of topaz released from decomposing granite, are found along the beach at Killiecrankie Bay and nearby Mines Creek. The stone is usually colourless, but sometimes pale blue or amber; brochure at visitor centre; 43 km NW. Beachcombing: rare paper-nautilus shells wash up along the island's western beaches.
Fishing spots near town
Flinders Island 21 km
Flinders Island is halfway across Bass Strait. Air travel to the island is limited but it’s worth the effort. Most anglers who visit the island and sample the fishing return full of praise for the place. Flinders... Find out moreSt Helens 136 km
Most mainlanders once regarded Tasmania’s east coast seaport of St Helens as a gamefishing destination, and little else. Anglers came here to head offshore in search of marlin, tuna and sharks. However, the... Find out morePort Albert 197 km
Port Albert in South Gippsland has become increasingly popular with anglers looking for size and variety. The huge snapper that arrive every spring remain a major attraction, but they are just one part of the... Find out moreLake River 211 km
‘Tasmania is in drought, we simply don’t have enough water,’ said my guide Roger Butler as we departed Hobart for Lake River, which joins the Macquarie River south of Launceston. We reached our... Find out moreShallow Inlet 213 km
Shallow Inlet is one of few places in Victoria where you can launch your boat off the beach. You can reach the inlet via Sandy Point or from the Wilsons Promontory side, turning from the Fish Creek–Yanakie road. ... Find out moreCorner Inlet 217 km
The sheltered waters of Corner Inlet yield snapper, salmon, whiting and trevally, and the area is popular with game fishermen because it offers the safest ocean entrance between Westernport Bay and Eden in NSW. Port... Find out moreArthurs Lake 228 km
Tasmanians claim that ‘even novices can catch trout in Arthurs Lake’. This probably explains why this waterway is Tasmania’s most popular trout fishery, hosting more anglers than any other water... Find out moreGreat Lake 235 km
A year-round trout fishery, Great Lake is one of Tasmania’s best known waters and a thriving centre for holiday homes. Brown trout were first released here in 1870 and they still dominate the fishery with an... Find out moreLake Victoria 239 km
This lake joins Lake King at the popular boating and fishing town Paynesville, opposite Raymond Island. The piers on both sides of McMillan Strait here are popular with anglers, especially lure fishers who have found the... Find out moreTarwin River 241 km
Estuary perch are the saltwater equivalent of Australian bass, and are highly regarded as sport fish. The Tarwin River is among the more exalted of Victoria’s estuary systems with a solid reputation for producing... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Birdwatching on Flinders Island 14 km
Logan Lagoon in the south-east is an internationally recognised wetland, vital for rare migratory species such as the red-necked stint, common greenshank, eastern curlew and bar-tailed godwit.... Find out moreBay of Fires Walk 104 km
A deluxe four-day walk along the magnificent north-east coast at the edge of Mount William National Park, staying in solar-powered accommodation designed for sustainable living, is one of the newer ecotourism treats in... Find out moreForest Ecocentre, Scottsdale 123 km
The uniquely designed building is probably the key attraction here. Designed to use 20 per cent less energy than conventional structures, it has a building within a building, with a central funnel and large fan. Learn... Find out moreLow Head Penguin Tours 147 km
Every night at dusk this comprehensive but inexpensive tour takes visitors to a little penguin-nesting site near the mouth of the Tamar River, where you can watch the penguins waddle ashore to return to their nests. The... Find out moreTamar Island 164 km
This important wetland habitat just 10 minutes from the heart of Launceston features a great bird-viewing hide, 3.2 kilometres of easy walking tracks and an interpretation centre.... Find out morePlatypus Encounters, Latrobe 183 km
Three brothers almost single-handedly turned an old quarry site into one of the most reliable places in the world to see wild platypus. In fact, the guided tours have never failed to encounter a platypus in Warrawee... Find out moreGiant crayfish research, near Ulverstone 193 km
Tasmania has the largest freshwater crayfish in the world, and they can grow up to a metre in length, with claws that could cut a person’s hand off. You can go out on a research trip with the world’s expert... Find out moreDiving and snorkelling along Tasmania's east coast 196 km
Although diving might not be your first thought when you head south to Tasmania, the temperate waters usually provide much greater visibility than tropical waters, and offer a surprisingly rich and diverse range of flora... Find out moreHiking the Penguin to Cradle walk 198 km
If you want to embark on a little-known, but highly varied Tasmanian bushwalk, try part or the entire 80-kilometre Penguin to Cradle walk. It starts at the coast, goes through a mix of rural areas, woodlands, canyons,... Find out moreCreative Paper, Burnie 207 km
Make your own paper with recycled bits and pieces on a half-hour tour at this non-profit, community-based enterprise. They use all sorts of odds and ends to make their eco-friendly papers, including old jeans, fruit pulp... Find out moreGolf courses around town
Barnbougle Dunes Links (Lost Farm course) 109 km
When Barnbougle Dunes opened for play in 2004 it did have a few critics who suggested it was too far away from the golfing masses to be financially successful. How wrong they were. If a golf course is good enough,... Find out moreBarnbougle Dunes Links 110 km
Bridport used to be a sleepy fishing village on Tasmania’s north-east coast. That all changed in 2004. In December of that year Barnbougle Dunes Links opened for play on the eastern outskirts of town – and... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
The bar in the Furneaux Tavern has one of the best views in Australia. It looks out over island-dotted Franklin Sound, a picturesque wild vista of ocean and rocky headlands that’s breathtakingly beautiful in any... Find out more
Nearby eco-friendly places to eat
Purple Possum Wholefoods and Cafe 163 km
Purple Possum is in the great little town of St Marys, midway between St Helens and Bicheno. The cafe is wholly vegetarian, and you can take away a range of organic fruit and vegetables and locally grown supplies.... Find out moreNearby breweries
Iron House Brewery 163 km
When White Sands Resort came on the market a few years ago it proved too tempting for Devonport businessman John White, who already runs several companies bearing his surname. Rebranded as White Sands Estate, the... Find out moreBoag's (J.Boag & Son) 163 km
With several different owners over the past 100 years, J. Boag and Son typifies the sometimes turbulent history of Australian brewing and the minor miracle of surviving at all into the 21st century. Scotsman James Boag... Find out moreGrand Ridge Brewery 249 km
One of the country’s longest-running craft breweries began life as the Strzelecki Brewery in 1988, but operated for only a brief period before being re-branded as Grand Ridge under new ownership. Over the ensuing... Find out moreCampsites around town
Trousers Point camping area 11 km
With its own tiny swimming beach, this camping area has to be one of the most delightful places to pitch a tent. Clear waters offer spectacular diving and snorkelling, and there are lovely scenic coastal walks nearby.... Find out moreAllports Beach camping area 16 km
This pretty beachside camping area is near the historic Wybalenna chapel and cemetery, which now sits fully restored on Aboriginal land, marking the place where Tasmania’s Aborigines were exiled in miserable... Find out moreLillies Beach camping area 17 km
This coastal site has only the most basic facilities but provides undeveloped camping areas where you can really get away from it all. Set on a gently sloping point next to pretty Lillies Beach, it is close to... Find out moreThe Patriarchs Wildlife Sanctuary camping area 21 km
Surrounding 3 granite hills on the island’s eastern flanks, the forests, lagoons and swamps of this sanctuary offer unspoilt wildlife habitat and a chance to get to know Flinders Island’s unique animals.... Find out moreYellow Beaches Coastal Reserve camping area 22 km
Looking out over island-dotted Franklin Sound, this camping area is set in a coastal reserve within walking distance of the settlement of Lady Barron. Being so close to the town has its advantages, and if arrangements... Find out moreNorth East River camping area 41 km
The remote and beautiful northern tip of Flinders Island is a haven for lovers of wild coastal scenery. There are plenty of secluded camping spots among trees beside the inlet and there’s no shortage of excellent... Find out moreLittle Musselroe Bay camping area 72 km
This is a stunningly beautiful bay with views to the Furneaux Islands and an abundance of birdlife. Drive along Cape Portland Rd, 27 km north of Gladstone, and then 200 m into the sheltered bayside camping area. Best to... Find out morePetal Point camping area 73 km
If you like to be alone on a windswept beach, with only seabirds for company, then this remote coastal camping area is for you. Head to the far north-east corner of Tasmania where there are campsites tucked into the... Find out moreMusselroe Bay camping area 81 km
To the north of Mt William National Park there is camping suited for big rigs in this remote coastal conservation area. Drive north-east of Gladstone along the Musselroe Bay road C845, 8 km past the park information... Find out moreTop Camp Campground 82 km
There’s every chance you will have the beautiful beach next to this campsite to yourself, as few people venture up to the northern edge of the park. There are a small number of rather exposed sites behind the... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park 136 km
This is a good quality establishment 1.5 km south of town. The park is a popular holiday destination and bookings are required in peak periods; a minimum-length stay applies at Christmas, Easter and long weekends.... Find out moreLow Head Tourist Park 148 km
A lot of recent development has transformed this into an attractive park. There are large grassy areas, and most facilities for the discerning traveller are here. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreBIG4 Kelso Sands Holiday Park 150 km
The park is set on a large expanse of grassy, maintained grounds and includes a small golf course. It has good amenities, a wellstocked store and a great outlook over the broad estuary of the River Tamar. Wombats... Find out moreTreasure Island Caravan Park 166 km
Launceston has just this one caravan park. It is about 2 km south of the city centre and is easily accessible from the freeway when approaching from the south. The park has good facilities and is a good base to use when... Find out morePort Sorell Lions Caravan Park 169 km
This popular beachfront park is owned and operated by the Lions Club. It is close to the centre of town, adjacent to the boat ramp and ideal for family holidays. It is an easy drive to the Devonport ferry terminal from... Find out moreLongford Riverside Caravan Park 180 km
This park, with good amenities, is located on the banks of the Macquarie River, only a few hundred metres from the centre of town. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreBay View Holiday Village 181 km
Close to the beach on the east side of Devonport, this park is just a short drive to the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreAbel Tasman Caravan Park 182 km
Located just a couple of blocks from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal, this park has obvious benefits for those arriving or departing by the boat. The park has sites to cater for all size rigs and is ideal for a longer... Find out moreBIG4 Ulverstone Holiday Park 193 km
This is a good quality park with spacious grassy areas and a range of facilities, about 1 km from the town centre and close to the surf club on East Beach. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreDeloraine Apex Caravan Park 194 km
With good facilities, this park is about a oneand- a-half hour drive to Cradle Mountain and about half that to Great Lake. There are good bushwalks in the area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
On the southern rump of Flinders Island, overlooking the reefs and channels between Cape Barren, these luxurious bush hideaways share a lush farm with a menagerie of deer, partridges, wallabies and alpacas. There are... Find out more
This family property near the centre of Flinders Island has accommodation for six in a bright and cheerful farm cottage. Features include brass beds, an open fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and bread... Find out more
On Flinders Island when they say one of their 120 beaches is deserted, they really mean it. From the front verandah to Palana Beach are 100 steps, and then you can walk for endless hours along flat glistening sand and... Find out more
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Rainbow Retreat 162 km
The owners of this 30-hectare nature reserve at St Marys are wildlife carers who rehabilitate then release wildlife on the property, so there are plenty of their old friends wandering around, including wombats,... Find out moreMountain Valley, Loongana 224 km
Mountain Valley is off the beaten tourist track, situated around 64 kilometres south-west of Devonport (due south of Burnie). Visitors here stay in rustic cabins with open fireplaces on a private and remote 60-hectare... Find out moreCradle Mountain Lodge 240 km
Live in the lap of luxury – old style – with a warm and welcoming central lodge, surrounded by individual cabins. Like nearly any large lodge, it does not have a perfect environmental record, but this... Find out moreWaldheim Cabins 243 km
You can steal a march on everyone else in the morning by staying in historic cabins at a beautiful spot within Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, operated by the Parks and Wildlife Service. The cabins are... Find out moreRest areas around town
Derby Park Area 115 km
North side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway on the banks of the river. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 08.517 E147 47.843 ... Find out moreScottsdale Rest Area 123 km
East side of town Large area just off the highway. Very good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S41 09.977 E147 31.380... Find out moreCosy Corner North Camp Area 124 km
T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Large camp area in a natural bush setting near the foreshore 15 kilometres north-east of St Helens via Binalong Bay Road and Garden Road. Good shade. GPS: S41 13.302 E148 16.924... Find out moreCosy Corner South Camp Area 125 km
T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Large camp area in the scrub on the foreshore 14 kilometres north-east of St Helens via Binalong Bay Road and Garden Road. GPS: S41 13.532 E148 16.977 ... Find out moreSwimcart Beach Camp Area 125 km
T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Small camp area on the foreshore 13 kilometres north-east of St Helens via Binalong Bay Road and Garden Road. GPS: S41 13.729 E148 17.053... Find out moreJeanneret Beach Camp Area 126 km
T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Small camp area on the foreshore 12 kilometres north-east of St Helens via Binalong Bay Road and Garden Road. NOTE: Campervans only. GPS: S41 14.220 E148 17.435... Find out moreGrants Lagoon Camp Area 128 km
T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Large camp area in a natural bush setting 10 kilometres north-east of St Helens via Binalong Bay Road and Garden Road. Good shade. GPS: S41 15.295 E148 17.421 ... Find out moreMoulting Bay Camp Area 131 km
T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Large campground in the scrub near the foreshore 7 kilometres north-east of St Helens and 1 kilometre south of Binalong Bay Road. Good shade. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. ... Find out moreDora Point Camp Area 131 km
T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Large camp area in the scrub near the foreshore 8 kilometres north-east of St Helens and 5 kilometres south of Binalong Bay Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 16.627 E148... Find out moreSideling Lookout Park Area 135 km
17 km SW of Scottsdale (L) or 45 km NE of Launceston (R) Small area adjacent to the highway with good views over the surrounding countryside. Good facilities. GPS: S41 15.440 E147 25.844... Find out moreSt Helens Park Area 137 km
South side of town on the foreshore Small parking area on the foreshore adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S41 20.455 E148 15.812... Find out moreDianas Basin Camp Area 141 km
T/O 10 km N of Scamander (R) or 8 km S of St Helens (L) Large area well off the highway between the basin and the beach with numerous secluded campsites located in the scrub. Good shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. ... Find out moreMyrtle Park Camp Area 143 km
31 km SW of Scottsdale (R) or 31 km NE of Launceston (L) Large grassed camp area just off the highway on the banks of St Patrick’s River. Kiosk and telephone nearby. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 18.664... Find out morePaddys Island Camp Area 143 km
8 km N of Scamander (R) or 10 km S of St Helens (L) Very small campground located just off the highway in the scrub. NOTE: Campervans only. GPS: S41 23.716 E148 17.340... Find out moreScamander Forest Camp Area 147 km
T/O at Beaumaris Small camp area 11 kilometres west of Beaumaris via Skyline Drive among trees on Trout Creek. Good shade. GPS: S41 26.114 E148 13.532... Find out moreShelly Point Camp Area 148 km
4 km N of Scamander (R) or 14 km S of St Helens (L) Small camp area located just off the highway in the scrub near the foreshore. NOTE: Campervans only. GPS: S41 26.114 E148 13.532... Find out moreLittle Beach Camp Area 169 km
32 km N of Bicheno (R) or 25 km S of Scamander (L) Large area just off the highway near the beach. Limited shade. GPS: S41 37.574 E148 18.736 ... Find out moreLagoon Beach Camp Area 171 km
29 km N of Bicheno (R) or 28 km S of Scamander (L) Large camp area well off the highway with numerous secluded sites in the scrub between the lagoon and the beach. Good shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S41... Find out morePerth Park Area 176 km
North side of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S41 34.286 E147 10.184... Find out moreParramatta Creek Rest Area 184 km
26 km NW of Deloraine (L) or 17 km SE of Latrobe (R) Pleasant area just off the highway among some large trees on the bank of the creek. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 19.830 E146 31.826 ... Find out moreDenison Beach Rest Area 191 km
6 km N of Bicheno (R) or 51 km S of Scamander (L) Very small secluded area adjacent to the highway surrounded by scrub near the foreshore. GPS: S41 49.639 E148 15.901... Find out moreBicheno Park Area 196 km
North side of town Small parking area on the foreshore. GPS: S41 52.265 E148 17.742... Find out moreConara Rest Area 196 km
11 km N of Campbell Town (L) or 37 km S of Perth (R) Large area just off the highway on the road into town. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 49.805 E147 26.332... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Three Peaks Race: annual sailing and hiking race from Beauty Pt to Flinders Island, then down the coast to Hobart. It coincides with local produce markets and children's activities at Lady Barron; Easter.
Bass Strait Golf Classic: June.
Flinders Island Show: local and off-shore exhibitors; showgrounds;
Oct.
