Great Walks of Australia has revealed the thirteenth walk in its exclusive collection.

For the first time in seven years, Great Walks of Australia has added a new hike to the collection of Australia’s best multi-day hikes – making Flinders Island Walking Island Adventure in Comfort, operated by Tasmanian Expeditions, the thirteenth walk awarded the honour.

The news cements the island state as the go-to destination for Australia’s best walks with six of the 13 hiking experiences in the collection located in Tasmania. Freycinet Experience Walk, The Maria Island Walk, Cradle Mountain Signature Walk, Bay of Fires Signature Walk, Three Capes Signature Walk and now Flinders Island Walking Island Adventure rounds out the list of the state’s best.

Flinders Island Walking Adventure in Comfort

Great Walks of Australia executive officer Liz O’Rourke is thrilled to be adding the thirteenth Great Walk of Australia to the collection.

“Rugged, pristine and remote, this gem of a destination is perfect for hikers wanting to discover somewhere new, get off the beaten path into spectacular wild landscapes with blockbuster views and feel like you have it nearly all to yourself," says Ms O’Rourke.

Considered the hidden gem in a crown of island walking experiences in Tasmania, the six-day and five-night, day-pack-only guided walk covers 42 kilometres of easy to moderate hiking accessed via seaplane from Bridport, near Launceston. The itinerary includes an unmissable blend of sweeping coastal walks, crystal clear swimming spots and rugged granite peaks to the summit for 360-degree views of Flinders Island.

As the first walking tour operator in the state, Tasmanian Expeditions has been curating new trails for extended walking experiences since the 1970s and holds advanced certification from Ecotourism Australia.

Michael Buggy, general manager of Tasmanian Expeditions says the walk offers the perfect balance of adventure and comfort with all measures taken to minimise impact to the island’s pristine environment.

“Our six-day itinerary guides walkers through Flinders’ amazing trails and pristine wilderness by day, then continues this true immersion in nature by night at our beachfront Eco-Comfort Camp, which is big on comfort but small on environmental impact."

Like all Great Walks, the experience is all-inclusive, with flights to the island, food, accommodation and expert guides leading the way; walkers just need to bring their boots, clothes and a sense of adventure.

Flinders Island highlights

Flinders Island is one of 52 in the Furneaux group of islands scattered across the Bass Strait, north-east of Lutruwita/Tasmania. The Palawa and the Pakana peoples are the Traditional Owners of this land and their history and culture are explored during the six-day itinerary.

Tasmanian Expedition guide Nigel Heath says the anticipation builds from the moment you take off in the seaplane.

“Getting there is nearly a whole adventure in itself. We start to see the shallow sea formations, the beaches, the coasts, the Strzelecki peaks – I just can’t wait usually," he says. “It’s a magic place, it’s amazing."

With just over 1000 residents on the island, you’re guaranteed to have this place nearly all to yourself – especially when hiking. From the rugged heights of Mt Killiecrankie and Mt Strzelecki to the coastal delights of Castle Rock and Red Bluff, the untamed beauty of Flinders Island is best explored on foot.

Great Walks of Australia

Great Walks of Australia launched with six founding multi-day hike experiences in 2013 and has since grown to become one of Australia’s most trusted walking experience brands. Every walking holiday in the collection is led by expert guides who bring the stories of culture, flora, fauna and history of each destination to life. Small intimate groups, comfortable accommodation, outstanding food and wine, and remote locations are all consistent features across the portfolio. All Great Walks members also hold advanced eco-tourism credentials and are actively involved in the conversation of the lands they walk through.

In addition to the six in Tasmania, the official list includes the Northern Territory’s Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort, The Arkaba Walk and Murray River Walk in South Australia, the Twelve Apostles Signature Walk in Victoria, the Seven Peaks Walk on Lord Howe Island in NSW, and the Cape to Cape Walk in Margaret River, Western Australia.

To experience Flinders Island Walking Adventure In Comfort, head to Tasmania Expeditions for more information.