Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 286m
Min elevation: 5m
Total Ascent: 367m
Important info
Due to exposed rock sections along this tracks, wet weather can make the surfaces extremely slippery, and strong winds, common on the island, can pose a serious hazard. For your safety, it’s recommend you avoid this walks during very windy or wet conditions.
Hike overview
The return hike from Killiecrankie to the summit of Mount Killiecrankie is a rewarding journey, offering both challenge and stunning views as you ascend one of Flinders Island’s most striking peaks. This 12.5-kilometre walk is graded as moderate and typically takes around four to five hours to complete.
Starting at the end of Killiecrankie Road, the trail begins by skirting the edge of a small bay to the north. At a rustic wooden signpost, you'll turn onto the Diamond Gully trail, which winds through a peaceful forest and fern glade before beginning the final steady ascent to the summit at 316 metres. The path rises gradually through coastal heath and open spaces, offering captivating glimpses of the island's rugged landscape along the way. Pay attention to the sporadic cairns marking the path.
The views from the summit are worth every step, with a 360-degree panorama of Flinders Island’s wild beauty, including the sprawling coastline, nearby beaches, and the dramatic, wind-swept terrain that makes this part of the island so unique. The effort to reach the peak is truly rewarding, and the summit offers a chance to fully appreciate the natural beauty of this untouched landscape.
After reaching the top, the trail continues back down, retracing your steps to sea level. Here, you'll head north-west towards Stacky’s Bight, a small, picturesque beach famous for its intriguing rock formations. Many hikers take a moment to relax and swim here before continuing along the beach, hopping over rocks covered in striking orange-coloured Caloplaca lichen.
On your return, you’ll follow the same route, returning via Diamond Gully and following the same path back along the beach to Killiecrankie. Including the detour to Stacky’s Bight, the entire walk typically takes around four to five hours.
While not officially part of the 60 Great Short Walks, many consider this trek to the summit of Mount Killiecrankie to be just as rewarding as the climb of Mount Strzelecki. With its variety of landscapes—from coastal heathlands and rocky beaches to fern-filled forests—this hike provides a true taste of Flinders Island's diverse natural beauty and is an essential experience for any visitor to the island. Remember to wear sturdy footwear, bring ample water, and protect yourself from the sun.
Note: This trail is not included in the 60 Great Short Walks in Tasmania list published by Parks & Wildlife Service, as it had not been constructed at the time of the list’s release. However, it is undoubtedly of a calibre that would warrant inclusion.
Tips
- 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.
Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 286 m
Min elevation: 1 m
Total climbing: 464 m
Total descent: -464 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Killiecrankie Nature Recreation Area.
To reach the trailhead for the return walk to the summit of Mount Killiecrankie, head to the small coastal village of Killiecrankie on Flinders Island. From the main road, follow the signs directing you to the Killiecrankie Beach area at the end of Killiecrankie Road. Once there, you’ll find the start of the track. The trail begins at the beach and climbs steadily towards the summit. There is limited parking available near the beach, making it easy to access the walk directly from Killiecrankie. The area is easily accessible by car, and Flinders Island can be reached via a flight from Launceston or Melbourne, or by ferry from Bridport.
Closest towns to this walk: Emita, Furneaux, Killiecrankie, Lady Barron, Trousers Point, Whitemark
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 walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Killiecrankie Nature Recreation Area? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
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
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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.
1 Review on “Mount Killiecrankie Walking Track (12.5km)”
My wife and I hiked from Killiecrankie to the summit of Mount Killiecrankie over the Labour Day long weekend in March, and it was a fantastic walk. The trail follows spectacular coastline, with plenty of incredible views along the way. The side trip to Stackys Bight was definitely a highlight—the rock formations and secluded beach made it well worth the detour.
The climb to the summit was steady, with rewarding views at the top, but we found the approach less scenic than the Wombat Track from the north. That said, the mix of coastal walking, rugged terrain, and panoramic views made this a great hike overall.
If you’re looking for a rewarding walk with a bit of everything—beaches, rocky outcrops, and sweeping island views—this is a great option. We really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend taking the time to explore Stackys Bight along the way.