Bass Strait is a famous tourist destination. It separates Tasmania from the southern Australian mainland. It has over 50 islands that are famous for their landscape features. The islands are divided into 3 major sections: western section, southeastern section and northeastern section. If you are planning a trip to the Bass Strait, you can choose from six of its major islands. Here is a guide on the best six islands you can watch out for.
1. King Island
King Island is a famous island in Tasmania. It is located in the northwestern tip of the island in the Roaring Forties of Bass Strait. The southern point of King Island is Strokes Point and northern point is Cape Wickham. Christmas Island, New Year Island and Councillor Island surround King Island on three sides.
King Island has its name from Governor King of New South Wales. His territory is presently included in Tasmania. King Island Council is the local government body of this island. Captain Reed discovered King Island. Currie is the largest town here, situated in the west coast.
2. Hunter Island
It lies between Tasmania and Victoria and is an important part of the Bass Strait. Three Hummock Island situated in the northwestern coast of Tasmania is close to Hunter Island. Barge is the common transportation here used to travel to places like Smithton.
In 1821, the famous East India Ship - Phatisalam was wrecked here.
Hunter Island is part of the Hunter Island Group Important Bird Area.
3. Three Hummock Island
It has an area of 70 km2. It is close to Hunter Island. It is part of the Tasmania’s Hunter Island Group. It is mainly famous for its three hills – North, Middle and South Hummock. South Hummock is the highest hill. Three Hummock Island has its name from these hills.
The island has two sections – farming and natural reserve. Majority of human settlement is at the Chimney Corner. Mutton birding that is a seasonal harvesting of petrels chicks is famous here. It takes place between March and April.
There is a dense forest in Three Hummock Island. Some common trees you can find are
- Melaleuca ericifolia
- Leptospermum scoparium and
- Banksia marginata
- Eucalyptus nitida woodland covers 25% of the area
4. Flinders Island
It is the largest island in the Furneaux Group and is close to Cape Portland – north-eastern Tasmanian section. It has an area of 1,333 km². This island was discovered around 35,000 years ago. People used this island to travel to Bass Strait. Mount Strzelecki is the highest peak here. It is 756m high and is located in the southwest part of the island.
Flinders Island is home to several species like
- Green Rosella
- Black-headed Honeyeater
- Yellow-throated Honeyeater
- Tasmanian Thornbill
- Strong-billed Honeyeater
- Dusky Robin
- Black Currawong
Flinders Island is a popular tourist destination in Tasmania. Cabin Park is the best holiday accommodation in Flinders Island. You can hire these at reasonable rates.
5. Clarke Island
Lungtalanana Island is another name of Clarke Island. It is part of the Furneaux Group and has an area of 82 km2. It is the eight largest Tasmanian Island. The 350 feet central plateau is its main topographical feature.
6. Curtis Island
It has an area of 150 ha. It lies between Wilsons Promontory and Furneaux Group. It is part of the Tasmania’s Curtis Group and is famously called ‘granite’ island. It has its name from famous Lieutenant James Grant.
It is home to more than 390,000 Tasmanian Muttonbirds and Short-tailed Shearwaters. Some other species present here are:
- Fairy Prion
- Sooty Oystercatcher
- Little Penguin
- Pacific Gull
Reptiles:
- Metallic Skink
- Bougainville’s Skink
- White’s Skink
- White-lipped Snake
Robert Louis is a renowned author. He has written many articles on travel and tourism. In this article he writes about Flinders Island.
