A Family Getaway to Flinders Island with The Vista

This article is written by guest contributor Julia Ashwood, founder of online travel platform The Vista. You can follow Julia at @the_vista where she curates interesting guides on unique places and people.

‘Raw, isolated and devastatingly beautiful’ describes everything I love about Tasmania.

Now imagine all of this goodness rolled into its own little island, a short skip across the Tasman just north of the mainland. Welcome to Flinders Island.

Slowly ascending on the 30-minute flight from Launceston is the first moment you realise you're certainly heading in the right direction. The whirl of the little plane's engine sends you into a state of calm as stoney crops of islands come into view, popping out from the bright turquoise sea below.

On arrival in Whitemark, you're already eager to start your adventure. Luggage is thrown in the back of the ute and away you go. For us, the first stop is the pub-slash-bakery on the corner for a hot coffee and a tasty toastie. Then we wind our way north to our accommodation, a flick of the hand and a nod ‘G’day’ through the dust cloud at every local car we pass.

The trip takes longer than you think, and for good reason—there is a photo moment at every bend: An azure blue bay hugged by giant sandstone boulders, a grassy headland spotted in black angus cattle, wide expanses dotted with quaint farmhouses and coloured shacks, wombats and wallabies galore.

A left, a left and a left again following the coast and you’ve arrived at ‘The Crayshack’. As you may know, we adore a remote stay (and of course a good shack), and this one certainly fulfilled all expectations and more—it was perfect.

Rustic charm oozes from every nook of this old fisherman's shack. Three roomy bedrooms surround a central lounge with a cosy fireplace and a kitchen fit for any chef. Huge glass doors open out to a large wrap around deck with outdoor tubs, and plenty of space to take in a view of your own gentle bay.

Our three days here were spent bushwalking, fishing, spotting wallabies (both outside and inside the shack!) combing the beach for simple treasures, discovering the island and eating—a lot. At night, once the kids are tucked up in bed, the only thing on your agenda is wine by the fire, a book, and watching the sun cast its last light over the bay turning the cray boats into swaying silhouettes.

Many people come to the island for different things, for our little family it was simply reminding ourselves that nature is the greatest place to unravel and reconnect and to be ever thankful—for each other and our environment.

Take a deep breath, you’re on island time now.

Where to wine, dine and explore on Flinders Island

Visit Cate Cooks

Do not miss this little cafe in the heart of town. You’ll have trouble choosing from Cate's daily pastries and treats. Her quiche is simply unforgettable, I have never tasted shortcrust pastry quite like it.

Unwind at the wharf

Head to the Flinders Wharf on weekends for coffee or dinner via ‘On Island Time’. Top chefs like Matt Stone, Jo Barrett, Mark LaBrooy and David Moyle swarm here to hunt, fish and cook in this natural paradise. Do yourself a favour and try the local Furneaux gin, I may have come home with a bottle in my carry-on.

Cafes and restaurants are seasonal yet do check Mountain Seas Lodge, The Tav Shack and The Tavern for opening hours.

Flights to Flinders Island depart from Launceston, Hobart and Melbourne.