With many ‘old school’ grey nomads looking for ways to escape the camping crowds, finding the path less travelled has become ever more challenging for grey nomads who have ‘been there, done that’.
And that perhaps explains why Flinders Island, in the Bass Strait northeast of the island of Tasmania, has started to appear on the radar of more travellers.
Another plus for many spontaneous adventurers who baulk at having to book campsites way in advance is the fact that there are no facilities to prebook camping areas on the famously friendly island where the ‘first in, best dressed’ mantra still holds sway.
And in response to the growing interest in travel here, it has just been announced that three popular campsites on Flinders Island are going to be upgraded as part of a $1.1 million project funded by the Tasmanian Government.
Flinders Island boasts stunning landscapes. PIC: Government of South Australia
Nick Duigan, Minister for Parks, said future visitors would benefit from the initiative.
“The Flinders Island Camping Upgrades and Recreational Vehicle Access project includes improvements to key campground facilities and day use areas, improved road access for vehicle-based camping and upgraded walking tracks,” he said. “Flinders Island has some of the most pristine landscapes and photogenic scenery in Tasmania … providing access to these areas for visitors is very important for driving the regional tourism economy on the island.”
The three sites to be revitalised at this stage are:
* North East River Day Use Area (Future works proposed at North East River campground will align with the new Master Plan being developed)
* Trousers Point Campground and beach access
* Allports Campground and Day Use Area (toilets and BBQs)
Works will commence next month and are expected to take three months to complete, subject to weather conditions.
As well as incredible wildlife, the 1,367-square-kilometre island boasts some stunning beaches and lookouts and these can be accessed by the island’s network of approximately 450 kilometres of sealed and unsealed roads.
Visitors can bring their vehicle across on the ferry, or fly across and hire a vehicle when they are there.
WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO HISTORIC WINTON
Grey Nomad members are being given the chance to win one of two double passes for the 48th Historic Winton to be held May 24-25 at Winton Motor Raceway in Victoria. The fabulous event promises two full days of historic car racing and vehicle displays of the elegant, the rustic, the weird and wacky. Both double passes (each valued at $170) offer entry for two people for both days. Camping is available at the event.
Click here to learn about Historic Winton, our competition, and how to enter.
Members: If you wish to enter, please click here.
