Find Your Next Adventure on a Private Island
Embark on a journey with us as we delve into a selection of curated self-guided experiences that capture the essence of Flinders Island Eco Escape. These experiences offer a glimpse into the island’s many treasures.
Our new digital Ipad mapping application, uploaded with tracks, landmarks, lookouts and information, provides guests with the freedom to tailor their own unique adventure.
Spend your time on Flinders Island doing as much or as little as you’d like!
Image: Bob’s Nose and Eyrewoolf Homestead from Seal Point – LOP media.
1. Panoramic Flinders Island Views
Complete a full circumnavigation of the island. Witness the vastness of Flinders Island and its surrounding waters from four of our favourite vantage points.
Start on a journey southward to the 58m Southern Rock Outcrop vantage point. Embrace the breathtaking 360-degree views. Gaze south west towards 231m high Pearson Island, west to Ward Islands, east to the Elliston cliffs, and north to Bob’s Nose.
Image: Bob’s Nose from the Southern Rock Outcrop – LOP media
Continue your drive back along the island’s western side to reach Gem Bay. Venture west to the Gem Explorer Lookout with views of the ‘Hot Spot’ reef and the untouched bay below. Challenge yourself to spot Cape Radstock to the north.
Drive eastward along the Gem Beach heritage strip coastal drive and past the Lighthouse Beacon at the 62m high point of the island. Continue to the lookout where you can peer beneath to spot schools of salmon and pods of dolphins in the crystal-clear waters. Turn your gaze north to catch a glimpse of Cape Radstock while soaking in the beauty of Waldegrave Island and Top Gallant.
Heading south along the coast, arrive at Seal Point and marvel at sea lions lounging 40m below. Cast your gaze west towards Eyrewoolf Homestead and appreciate the stunning view of Bob’s Nose from the opposite side.
Image: The view to Top Gallant Isles from the Lighthouse lookout – Rose Ayliffe Photography
2. A Journey into Early European History
Discovered in 1802 by Captain Matthew Flinders, Flinders Island soon became a refuge for Whalers and Sealers from the early 1820’s before the first pastoral lease was granted in 1845.
Uncover the rich tapestry of Flinders Island’s past as you follow in the footsteps of early explorers and settlers. Immerse yourself in the island’s history as you journey through the remnants of a bygone era.
Image: Entrance to the old blacksmith shop at the historic shearing shed – LOP media.
Traverse North to the Guano Cave, where remnants of history remain. Observe the stack of guano, a once important fertilizer, outside the cave with the date 1892 etched into its entrance.
Image: Guano Mine Cave, LOP Media.
Image: The original stone shearing shed on Flinders Island still holds many artefacts from the early pastoralists.
Visit the still-working Shearing Shed adjacent the Manager’s residence, where old shearers’ names are etched, some dating back to the mid 1920’s. Many believe that Flinders Island was among the earliest locations for sheep farming on the West Coast of Eyre Peninsula.
Journey through the tea tree to reach the Farm Beach ruins, where the remnants of Charles and Martha May’s house stand, a testament to their life on Flinders Island from 1892 to 1907.
Embark on a quest to find Bill Bryant’s hidden treasure among the sealer’s ruins at Bryant’s Bay, where trades with passing ships were the norm.
Discover the 1942 resting place of the Kapara cargo coal steamer.
Delve into the early pastoralists’ water-capturing methods at Sealer’s Springs. Continue South to the Southern Springs, witnessing how water still trickles through limestone, sustaining the land and its creatures.
3. The Best Beach Escapes
Discover the island’s finest beaches on this tour designed for beach lovers. Each sandy shore holds a unique charm, from turquoise waters to hidden coves and picturesque points. Experience the beauty and tranquillity that Flinders Island’s beaches offer.
Embark on a journey to Gem Beach, a true gem among our island’s treasures. Drive along the Gem heritage coastal drive, gazing at the coastline’s splendour.
Witness the magic of Cave and Secret Beach with their captivating turquoise waters.
Indulge in the perfect drop-off swimming experience at Front Beach, where walking and swimming intertwine.
As the journey continues southwest, witness the magnificent swells of Salmon Beach, where the possibility of spotting salmon and dolphins awaits.
Absorb the crashing waves and driftwood at Ball Beach.
Savour the sensation of coarse sand underfoot at Dunstan Beach.
Finally, bask in the beauty of Groper Bay, settling in for a relaxing drink on the sandy shores in front of the idyllic Eyrewoolf Homestead.
Image: Untouched beaches, Rose Ayliffe Photography
Image: Secret Beach and Front Beach, Flowcreator.
4. The Wild South End.
Embark on a captivating journey to the untamed southern end of Flinders Island. This tour promises breathtaking vistas, unique rock formations, and the raw power of the ocean.
Remember to exercise caution when near the ocean, as its beauty is matched by its unpredictability.
Images: “The Gap” and the striking granite cliffs of the wild south end, LOP Media.
Begin by taking in the sweeping views of the whole south end from the Southern Rock Outcrop.
Admire the striking “Gap” near the southern springs and explore the mesmerizing granite rocks that seem intricately carved.
Immerse yourself in the experience as you swim in the natural Southern Rock Pool, cross the natural bridge, and uncover the ancient, windswept landscape en route to the broken rock formation. Explore the cave near the rockpool and discover its hidden treasures.
During low swells, traverse the Southern Tip from Southwest Beach to the Southern Rockpool. As you journey, look for caves, rockpools and vantage points to see Pearson and Ward Islands.
Image: South End Rockpools, Rose Ayliffe Photography.
5. Shipwreck Chronicles
Delve into the island’s maritime history and explore its tales of ships and sailors. This tour unveils the remnants of vessels that have weathered the elements, each with a story to tell.
Witness the shell of the Maddalena II, a crayfishing vessel wrecked in 1992, and explore the enduring stories of seafaring adventure.
Venture around the Vulcan Caves where Captain John Williams and his crew of 18 convicts from the whaling schooner ‘Vulcan’ found refuge in 1845.
Flinders Island’s surrounding waters whisper tales of maritime adventures gone awry.
Image: Shipwreck of Maddalena II, LOP Media.
Marvel at the craftsmanship preserved within the remaining boilers of the 863-ton steel steamship Kapara, a vessel that met its fate during wartime blackout conditions in 1942. These boilers serve as a testament to the risks faced by local trading ships during that era.
The tales of these shipwrecks aren’t just about the ships but also about the people who sailed them. Their stories of hope, adventure, and sometimes tragedy, echo in the winds of Flinders Island.
Image: Remnants of the Kapara Coal Steamer Wreck, LOP Media.
6. Wildlife Wonders
Embark on a journey of discovery as you encounter the island’s diverse wildlife. From raptors in the sky to marine creatures in the waters, this adventure unveils the rich tapestry of life on Flinders Island.
Marvels of the sky
Gaze upwards to spot one of the three resident majestic raptor breeds: the Osprey, the White-Bellied Sea Eagle, or the Australian Kestrel. If luck is on your side, you could catch a glimpse of the Osprey fishing right in front of Eyrewoolf Homestead! You might even see a visiting Wedge-Tailed Eagle soaring above.
Keep a keen eye out for the Hooded Plover, an endangered species, along our pristine white sandy beaches. Observe the lively presence of Oystercatchers, Terns, Petrels and Gulls as they navigate their coastal domains.
As you pass through the island’s grasslands, you’ll encounter Quails, Plovers and Rock Parrots, adding to the vibrant symphony of nature.
Witness the Cape Barren Geese, a common sight in large numbers that visit our island sanctuary.
See if you can spot the charming Red-capped Robin that frequents Eyrewoolf Homestead.
Image: Majestic Raptors make Flinders Island their home, Instawolf.
Beneath the surface
On the reef in front of Eyrewoolf Homestead, spot resident Western Blue Groper going about their business during mid tide, diligently scouring for crabs.
Watch pods of playful Dolphins traversing the waters around the island. Witness their exuberance frequently observed in the waves at Farm Beach, along front beach, or Gem Beach. In Groper Bay, you might be lucky enough to experience their coordinated herding of fish, a spectacular spectacle that’s a testament to the wonders of marine life.
Keep watch for the graceful presence of Australian Sea Lions and Fur Seals. Their favoured spots include the granite rocks below Seal Point, Gem Point’s rocky formations, and the reef on the northern side of Lighthouse Point.
From many vantage points including the shallows near Front Beach, the silvery flash of schools of Australian Salmon are a common sight, adding a touch of vitality to the coastal panorama.
Image: Australian Salmon, Flowcreator.
Image: Heritage Area, LOP Media.
Exploring the terrain
Engage in a captivating game of observation and discovery, as the island’s diverse reptilian residents come into focus. Can you spot all twelve of our local Skink species or three distinct Gecko species? Each boasting its own unique charm and behaviour. You might even spot a local Shingleback under the warm sun.
Walk amongst the Melaleuca scrubland, spotting Native Juniper, Coast Beard-Heath and Leafless Cherry. Discover Fringe Myrtle or Coastal Daisy Dotted with Old Man’s Beard and blue flowering Love Creeper. Explore the southern granite areas supporting drooping Sheoak and many types of Fungi and Orchid in wetter months. Admire the resiliance of Kangaroo Thorn, Cockies-Tounge, Karkalla and Turkey Bush surviving on windswept rocky plains creating a maze of colour during spring. Sandy coastal areas are alive where Spinifex anchors the foredune. Every step uncovers rare gems like our vulnerable Fan Samphire.
Walk freely knowing that no snakes have been recorded on Flinders Island!
7. Driftwood Trails and Coastal Charms
The ancient caves of Flinders Island are nature’s time capsules. They’ve witnessed millennia pass by, holding secrets of the island’s early inhabitants and the creatures that once roamed.
Embark on a journey of discovery along the island’s coastline, where driftwood trails and rocky shores lead to hidden gems waiting to be found.
Image: Coastal caves & secluded rockpools, Flowcreator.
Beachcombers and rockhoppers can walk from Groper Bay southward to the haunting remains of the Kapara wreck, where driftwood decorates the shoreline in front of the Sheoak forest.
Venture south from Eyrewoolf Homestead, tracing the coast to Driftwood Bay, where treasures await discovery.
Embark on a northern journey from Farm Beach toward Gem Point, exploring the untouched beauty of the shoreline.
Take a leisurely walk north the length of Front Beach and round the granite point to Secret Beach.
For the adventurous souls, journey south from Southwest Beach, encircling the island’s southern tip. An excursion that rewards those who seek the magic of coastal exploration.
Image: Southern Tip, LOP Media.
8. Pursuits of Leisure and Adventure
Indulge your recreational spirit with a tour designed for outdoor enthusiasts.
Whether it’s fishing, foraging, or embracing aquatic adventures, this tour caters to the diverse interests of island explorers.
Image: Foraging for Abalone, Erica Yin.
For those captivated by the art of angling there are too many species on offer to mention, below is only a few. Groper Bay promises the thrill of catching Flathead and Squid. Head to Bryant’s Bay for a chance at King George Whiting, while Salmon Beach offers the excitement of reeling in Salmon. Ball Beach, Farm Beach, Gem Beach, Flinders Beach, Cave Beach, Front Beach and many others each provide their own fishing experiences with a variety of species on offer.
During late Autumn and early winter, lucky travellers might stumble upon the island’s hidden treasure: Field Mushrooms waiting to be discovered.
Seek thrills beneath the waves as you snorkel to catch glimpses of vibrant fish including the mighty Groper that inhabit our reef, see if your eye is good enough to spot a Southern Rock Lobster or Abalone.
Kayak atop the crystal waters, witness pods of Dolphins, and be mesmerised by the Australian Sea Lions and Fur Seals, masters of their aquatic realm.
Image: Beach Fishing, Rose Ayliffe Photography.
Flinders Island is a surprise package for those chasing the perfect wave, with breaks like the famous Kitchenview, Eyrewoolf Homestead’s gentle A-frame, and the alluring Southwest left hander.
Image: Surfing at the main homestead accommodation, SATC.
9. Unwind and Revel in Nature’s Beauty
As the day turns to dusk, savour moments of tranquillity and wonder. Let the island’s sunsets and starry skies cast their spell upon you during this tour designed for relaxation and introspection.
Allow the island’s magical sunsets to paint the sky in hues of gold and crimson as you witness this breathtaking spectacle from vantage points like Dunstan Point and the Southern Rock Outcrop.
Image: Rose Ayliffe Photography.
As night falls, embrace the serenity of our unpolluted skies, where billions of stars emerge to form a celestial masterpiece. Gaze upward and lose yourself in the wonders of the cosmos, far from the glare of city lights. Watch Groper Bay turn to gold as the setting sun lights up the towering limestone cliffs.
Image: Golden Cliffs of Groper Bay, Flowcreator.
Discover More – Talk to Us!
To delve deeper into the unique aspects of island life and explore the welcoming accommodation at Eyrewoolf Homestead, reach out to us at escape@flindersislandeco.com. We’re here to provide our guests with a tailored booking experience. Your adventure starts now!
