The Furneaux Group lies in eastern Bass Strait between Tasmania and Victoria. Flinders Island is the largest and the main visitor destination. Cape Barren Island supports a strong Aboriginal community, while many smaller islands are private, protected or difficult to access.

Flinders Island is the transport and service centre

Regular flights connect Whitemark with Tasmania and mainland Australia, while freight and vehicle shipping arrangements are separate. Distances, unsealed roads and limited opening hours make advance planning important.

Satellite view of Flinders Island and surrounding Bass Strait
The island group is dispersed across exposed eastern Bass Strait.NASA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Cape Barren Island is a living community

Cape Barren Island has deep significance in the survival and continuity of Tasmanian Aboriginal families. It is not simply another sightseeing stop. Visitors must respect community authority, land ownership and access arrangements.

Map of the Furneaux Group islands
The group includes Flinders, Cape Barren and many smaller islands with different tenure.Paweł Grzywocz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Smaller islands have different protections

Clarke, Chappell, Badger, Vansittart, Preservation and many smaller islands vary in tenure and conservation status. Landing, camping, diving or collecting may require permission or be prohibited. Marine weather can isolate boats quickly.

Aerial view across the north-west of Flinders Island
Marine channels and distance make access to smaller islands weather-dependent.Graeme Bartlett, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Begin practical planning with the Flinders Island guide. For the colonial naming story, read Tobias Furneaux, then use official council and Parks information for current access.