Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 17m
Min elevation: 3m
Total Ascent: 111m
Safety advice
Always supervise children as the beaches are unpatrolled and can be subject to large waves.
Hike overview
On Flinders Island’s north-west coast lies the striking Castle Rock, a colossal granite boulder that stands proudly amidst a scatter of smaller rocks, all touched by lichen. This natural marvel sits at the edge of Marshall Bay, part of the Conservation Area, where the rugged beauty of the landscape creates a stunning backdrop for those exploring the area.
The Castle Rock Walk is a 6.5 km, grade 3 hike in the Emita Nature Recreation Area, offering a relatively easy route that takes around two hours to complete. As one of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks, it offers a peaceful, scenic experience along the shoreline of Marshall Bay. The track meanders through coastal heath and takes in picturesque beaches as it makes its way to the impressive rock formation.
Starting near Allports Beach, the trail takes you through varied landscapes, with views of both the wild coastline and the surrounding countryside. Castle Rock, with its striking, scone-like appearance, is impossible to miss, particularly when a dramatic cleft at its summit emphasises its unique shape. While the rock is an extraordinary sight at any time of day, it is particularly breathtaking at sunset, when the golden hues of the boulders and the bright orange lichens are illuminated by the fading light. To fully appreciate the beauty of this walk, it's best to visit at low tide, as the area can be dangerous during big seas, with large waves crashing onto the shore.
Tips
- Toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues, and tank water are available at nearby Allports Beach.
- The track is of moderate grade, with no steep sections.
- Supervise children at all times; the beaches are unpatrolled and subject to large waves.
- Mountain bikes are not permitted on the beaches.
- Camp fires are not permitted for half of the year within all PWS reserves, with fuel stoves only during the hottest months. This fire ban encompasses the whole North East region of Tasmania.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 17 m
Min elevation: 3 m
Total climbing: 111 m
Total descent: -111 m
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Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Emita, Furneaux, Killiecrankie, Lady Barron, Trousers Point, Whitemark
Getting to the trailhead in Emita Nature Recreation Area.To reach the Castle Rock trailhead from Whitemark, head north on road B85 towards Palana. After about 17km, turn left onto Allports Beach Road. Keep an eye out for the ‘Castle Rock track and car park’ sign approximately 2km from this junction. The return beach walk begins just before Allports Beach, and you’ll see the blue sign marking the track and car park. Alternatively, you can start from the Marshall Bay end by taking the Marshall Bay Access Track off Palana Road, just after the sealed road turns to gravel. From there, park on the hill overlooking the bay and follow the 5-minute dirt 4WD track on your left to reach Castle Rock.
Flinders Island can be accessed by air or sea. Sharp Airlines operates flights from Melbourne (1 hour) or from Launceston (35 minutes), with a shuttle service to Whitemark, where you can hire a car, camper van, or bicycle. Alternatively, you can bring your own car on the weekly barge with Furneaux Freight, departing from Bridport.
Once you arrive in Whitemark, follow B85 north, turn onto Port Davies Road, and then onto Allports Beach Road to reach the start of the walk at Settlement Point Conservation Area.
When driving on the island, it’s advisable to avoid travelling in reserves at night. The roads are shared with native wildlife, so take care, drive slowly, and be watchful for animals.
About the region
Flinders Island may be small at just 1,333 square kilometres, but it offers an incredible escape for those seeking adventure, solitude, and stunning natural beauty. With rugged coastlines, deserted beaches, towering granite cliffs, and weathered limestone formations that seem to defy gravity, the island is a dream for hikers and nature lovers alike. More than 120 pristine beaches fringe its shores, while over 65 shipwrecks hint at the region’s dramatic maritime history. Much of the landscape remains untouched since Matthew Flinders first mapped these waters more than 200 years ago, creating a rare sense of stepping back in time. With a variety of short walks and longer hikes weaving through diverse terrain, each day promises something new to explore.
Late spring and summer are ideal times to visit, with October to February bringing warmer temperatures that make a post-hike swim all the more inviting. This is also the island’s busiest season, as visitors take advantage of the long daylight hours and mild conditions. However, no matter when you arrive, the scenery is always spectacular.
Getting around Flinders Island requires some planning, as there’s no public transport. Hiring a vehicle in advance is recommended, or you can bring your own by ferrying it across with Bass Strait Freight. That said, walking remains one of the best ways to take in the island’s beauty, with well-marked trails leading to hidden coves, windswept headlands, and high vantage points that showcase the wild Tasmanian landscape.
The island is a haven for birdlife, with over 200 species either living, breeding, or stopping here on their annual migrations. Thousands of birds, including the giant Wandering Albatross, Pacific Gulls, Wedge-tailed Eagles, and the rare Cape Barren Goose, can be seen across the island’s lagoons and inlets. Between January and April, the sight of thousands of Shearwaters (Mutton birds) returning at dusk to Settlement Point is one not to be missed.
Beyond birdwatching, Flinders Island is home to a thriving population of native wildlife. Common wombats, Bennetts wallabies, Pademelons, echidnas, and possums are all part of the landscape, often spotted foraging in the island’s dense coastal scrub. Wildflowers also flourish along the walking trails, with delicate rock orchids and bush orchids among the seasonal highlights.
Rising from the sea like a chain of rugged mountain peaks, Flinders Island is the jewel of Tasmania’s island walks. Its dramatic terrain, untamed wilderness, and sense of remoteness make it a truly unforgettable destination for those who love exploring on foot.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in Emita Nature Recreation Area or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.