Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 12m
Min elevation: 0m
Total Ascent: 53m
Hike overview
The Yellow Beach Foreshore Walk, also known as the Lady Barron Foreshore Walk, is a 3.5 km coastal track located on Flinders Island in Tasmania. This easy, grade 2 walk offers an opportunity to explore a diverse range of landscapes, from coastal bushland to rocky outcrops, with the golden sands of Yellow Beach as a highlight. The walk typically takes around 1.5 hours to complete, making it an ideal choice for a short, enjoyable hike with beautiful views of Franklin Sound.
Starting just east of the boat ramp at Lady Barron, the track follows the foreshore, providing panoramic views across Franklin Sound. Along the way, you’ll encounter coastal vegetation, lichen-covered granite, and patches of Tea Tree, Kunzea, and Paperbark, which are particularly striking in spring when flowering plants such as greenhood and sun orchids bloom. The track is relatively easy but does require some care, as there are rocky outcrops and soft sand to navigate. A basic level of fitness is recommended, and caution is needed as the ground can be slippery underfoot.
The walk is flexible, as it can be done in either direction, with a 1.75 km stretch taking about 45 minutes to walk one way. For a more scenic experience, the walk can also be combined with a car shuffle from the Yellow Beach picnic area. The area is well-equipped, with toilets, a BBQ, and a picnic shelter provided by the local council, making it a convenient spot for a break or a meal. Yellow Beach itself is perfect for a swim, snorkel, or kayak, with calm, shallow waters offering a peaceful setting for outdoor activities.
As you wander along the track, keep an eye out for sea and shorebirds, including Short-Tailed Shearwaters and sea eagles, which are often seen in the area. The coastal walk also offers stunning views of the outer islands and glimpses of Franklin Sound towards Cape Barren Island. Whether you’re looking to explore the local flora and fauna, enjoy a peaceful walk by the water, or simply take in the breathtaking surroundings, the Yellow Beach Foreshore Walk is a rewarding experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
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.
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Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 12 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 53 m
Total descent: -53 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Yellow Beach Coastal Reserve.
To reach the Lady Barron Boat Ramp from Whitemark, head south-east on Palana Road (B85) towards Chalky Lane. Continue along B85 for approximately 3.4 km, then turn left onto Lady Barron Road (B85). Follow this road for around 24.6 km, then turn left onto Franklin Parade. After 450 metres, turn right, and the boat ramp will be on your left.
If you plan on starting your walk from the Yellow Beach Picnic area, or doing it as a one-way trip, continue along Franklin Parade eastward. This will turn into a gravel road called Pot Boil Road. Keep an eye out for the Yellow Beach sign on your right to guide you to the picnic area.
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 Yellow Beach Coastal Reserve? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Track grade
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
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 “Yellow Beach Foreshore Walk (3.5km)”
I did the Yellow Beach Foreshore Walk over the Labour Day long weekend in March, and it was a really enjoyable, relaxing stroll. At just 3.5km, it’s an easy walk that lets you soak in the stunning coastal scenery without too much effort. The trail takes you through a mix of coastal bushland, rocky sections, and sandy beach, all with beautiful views over Franklin Sound. It’s a great spot for a peaceful wander. The picnic area at Yellow Beach is a perfect place to take a break, especially if you want to sit back and enjoy the fresh island air. If you’re looking for a gentle, scenic walk on Flinders Island, this one is definitely worth doing.