Green Valley Homestead, Flinders Island

From Whitemark, drive north to Killiecrankie Bay. Take a stroll along this beautiful beach overlooked by the impressive Mt Killiecrankie. If you have some time get local advice about the best places to fossick for Killiecrankie diamonds or try Diamond Creek, about 2 km along the beach. Climb Mt Killiecrankie. Picnic at the free gas barbecue picnic area at Killiecrankie Beach or further north at Palana Beach. At Palana take the signed track to the wide sandy beach that is ideal for a long beach walk or often has enough swell for safe body surfing. The tiny group of shacks at Palana was set up as a Radar Station during WW2 when the fear of a Japanese invasion was at its peak. Observe the lichen-covered rocks and enjoy the white sandy beach with sweeping views to Inner Sister Island. Turn off to North East River to see Flinders Island's most northern tip experience wildlife, fishing, great beaches with coastal vegetation. Explore the wild ocean beach pounded by surf and follow the estuary to see the variety of seabirds living here. Don't forget to wave at every passing motourist.

Just beyond the Wharf Shed Restaurant and before the exercise equipment, you'll find an area equipped with a shaded gas BBQ and picnic tables. Available for day use, the gas for the BBQ is generously provided by Flinders Council. While a rainwater tank supplies freshwater for handwashing, bringing your own drinking water is recommended. The beach offers shallow, safe waters, making it an ideal location for children, especially during mid to high tide when the water warms over the sand. Dogs are welcome, and there's plenty of beach to explore. For those interested in a longer walk, the Bluff Track offers a 5 km return journey along the foreshore, leading to Bluff Road. Spend the evening taking a sunset walk on the beach, constructing sandcastles, or collecting shells. Keep an eye out for Paper Nautilus Shells, or "Argonauta Nodosa" which wash ashore between March and June. For dining options, the Interstate Hotel or Flinders Wharf are great choices. Fishing enthusiasts can purchase bait at the local pub and try their luck catching Squid or Trevally off the wharf.

The Bowman History Room offers a unique historical collection, located in Whitemark, Flinders Island. The room was created in 1996 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Bowman Family business, E M Bowman & Co Pty Ltd, established in 1921. So we are now beginning our 104th year! This amazing collection of shop items, photographs and account books from 1921 onwards traces both the growth of one family and their business and also the development of the town of Whitemark and Flinders Island as a whole. The most perused item is the huge scrapbook of newspaper and magazine articles collected over many years by Elvie Bowman. You will find catalogues and account ledgers that depict a vastly different world to the one we live in today. Memories will flood back for older generations, while younger generations will wonder how people survived without modern conveniences. Entry fee of a gold coin donation goes to the Furneaux Historical Research Association. The room is open when the shop is: M-F 9-4, Sat9-12. While you are visiting Flinders Island you can also experience the Patriarchs Wildlife Sanctuary, Wybalenna Historic Site and the Furneaux Museum. The jagged peaks of Strzelecki National Park can also be explored along with amazing beaches. Flinders Island is a 30-minute flight away from Launceston or just under a one-hour flight from Melbourne.