I’d positively name myself a metropolis particular person, so when the chance arises to take a vacation or mini-break, I have to admit I are likely to gravitate in the direction of busy locations – you realize, locations full of outlets, eating places, cultural sights and issues to occupy my busy thoughts (and a 5 12 months outdated!). It’s not typically I actively search out a slower-paced getaway.
However, that’s precisely what I signed up for lately, when the chance to journey to Flinders Island popped up. It wasn’t a vacation spot I beforehand knew a terrific deal about… however, after the 12 months we’ve all had, I used to be extra that keen to throw warning to the wind, pack up my little household and test it out. And I’m so, so glad we did! This three-day getaway turned out to be one among our most memorable household holidays ever.
Flinders Island is a 1,367 sq. kilometre island within the Bass Strait, off the north East coast of Tasmania. Right here, a tiny, tight-knit neighborhood of round 1000 individuals dwell the easy life, surrounded by idyllic pure magnificence. Truthfully, the life-style right here appears like a well-kept secret… The seashores are completely breathtaking, with crystal clear water and dramatic boulders flanking the shoreline, while the coastal walks and views are nothing wanting spectacular. Except for this considerable pure magnificence, there’s a definite magic that comes from the island’s relaxed, sluggish tempo, its restricted telephone reception and small-town quirks, and most of all, its heat, welcoming neighborhood.
Our accomodation was Wombat Lodge, which has a singular appeal that takes a day or so to really start to grasp. On face worth, this farm keep property is a transformed shearing shed, situated on an expansive working cattle farm, with sweeping views of Mt Killiecrankie. With moody interiors by Melbourne designer Emily Fitzgerald, this cosy, snug three bed room retreat is the proper base from which to discover the island.
Nevertheless, what you DON’T realise till after checking in, is that this charming, but humble farm keep is situated on an expansive 800+ hectare (ie ‘as-far-as-the-eye-can-see’) property, that backs proper onto the Northern-most tip of the island. A brief drive, stroll or e-bike journey to the sting of the property reveals a pristine glowing seashore inaccessible by public roads, and an elevated look-out spot that should be seen to be believed! It’s virtually unimaginable to imagine this jaw-dropping surroundings isn’t the positioning of a nationwide park. It’s not – it’s the yard of our hosts, the pleasant Youl household – Jo, Tom and their three younger children.
Jo’s nice grandfather purchased this farm (referred to as Quoin Farm) within the Nineteen Thirties, and although she grew up in nation Victoria, Jo spent many childhood holidays right here alongside together with her siblings and cousins. So, when the chance got here to tackle the household farm and relocate right here – she couldn’t move it up! Now, she and her husband Tom are two of the island’s biggest champions.
Except for operating their massive cattle farm, the accomodation, and parenting three children, Jo has additionally helped to develop Flinders Wharf, the island’s solely high quality eating restaurant and occasion area. Right here, acclaimed Head Chef Mikey Yeo conjoures up an ever-changing menu of seasonal meals (native crayfish, sure please!), in a venue that additionally homes the Furneaux Distillery Co.
Flinders Island actually received our hearts throughout our brief time right here, and we left utterly refreshed, and in awe of the magic of this place. An enormous due to Jo and the Youl household for sharing their particular slice of paradise with us!
Lucy’s Flinders Island Favourites
Wombat Lodge – A transformed shearing shed turned cozy household vacation rental, this charming farm keep is greater than meets the attention. The magic of this place lies in its entry to ‘The Bar’ – a spectacular elevated look-out spot on the Northern fringe of the property, accessible solely to Wombat Lodge friends.
Flinders Wharf – Ebook in early for dinner, or order an unbelievable cook-at-home meal, and luxuriate in within the cosy confines of your vacation rental.
Killiecrankie Seashore – a pristine, glowing seashore round 10 minutes drive from Wombat Lodge.
Cate Cooks, Whitemark – Whitemark is Flinders Island’s tiny predominant city, not removed from the airport. It’s a ‘one grocery store, one petrol pump, one pub’ form of place… and also you’ll positively must cease right here for provisions earlier than heading to your vacation lodging. Don’t miss Cate Cooks – and wonderful little cafe / catering enterprise for nice espresso, residence baked items and candy treats.
Distinctive Charters – For a birds eye view of the epic, untouched great thing about Flinders Island, Distinctive Charters presents spectacular scenic flights by each helicopter and small airplane, in addition to chartered flights throughout to mainland Tasmania.
Lucy travelled as a visitor of Wombat Lodge / On Island Time. Sharp Airways Fly direct from Essendon Airport, Melbourne to Flinders Island in slightly below an hour.
The Design Recordsdata acknowledge the Palawa individuals, the standard custodians of the lands now referred to as Tasmania and the Furneaux Islands, and pay our respects to their elders previous and current. We acknowledge the immense trauma and hardship skilled by Tasmania’s First Nations individuals on account of white settlement and colonisation.
