Trousers Point Coastal Walk
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Description

Trousers Point Coastal Walk – Flinders Island

White Sand, Granite Boulders and Spectacular Flinders Island Scenery

The Trousers Point Coastal Walk is one of the most beautiful short walks on Flinders Island, following the coastline beneath the dramatic granite peaks of Strzelecki National Park. Beginning at famous Trousers Point Beach, the track winds around the rocky coastline towards Fotheringate Beach, combining brilliant white sand, turquoise water, granite formations and views across the islands of Bass Strait. At just 2 kilometres, this is a relatively easy coastal walk suitable for most visitors. The scenery, however, is exceptional. Trousers Point Beach is one of the most photographed locations on Flinders Island, while Fotheringate Beach adds fascinating granite caves and rock formations to the experience.

See also:


Walk Overview

Location Strzelecki National Park, Flinders Island, Tasmania
Distance 2 km circuit
Time Approximately 1.5 hours
Difficulty Easy – Grade 2
Track Type Circuit – coastal track with optional gravel-road return
Track Surface Hardened coastal track, sandy sections, granite and occasional steps
Start Trousers Point Beach
Turnaround / Destination Fotheringate Beach
Suitable for Children Yes – suitable for most ages with supervision
Dogs No – pets are not permitted in Strzelecki National Park
National Park Pass Yes – a valid Tasmania Parks Pass is required

See Also


About the Trousers Point Coastal Walk

The walk begins at Trousers Point Beach, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and photographed beaches on Flinders Island. Its clear blue water, white sand and enormous granite mountains rising behind the coastline create one of the island’s signature landscapes. From the beach, the walking track follows the coastline around Trousers Point towards Fotheringate Beach. Along the way there are constantly changing views across Bass Strait and towards the offshore islands of the Furneaux Group. Once you reach Fotheringate Beach, you can return along the same coastal track or complete the circuit using the more direct gravel road back towards Trousers Point.

Terrain

The Trousers Point walk is predominantly a gentle coastal track with a hardened or compacted surface, sandy sections and occasional rocky areas. There may also be some gentle hills and steps. The surrounding landscape is particularly interesting. Huge granite boulders emerge from shallow sandy soils along the coastline, while coastal heath, dunes and casuarina woodland provide a changing backdrop as you walk between the two beaches. Some rocky sections can become slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is worthwhile despite the relatively easy Grade 2 classification.

Difficulty

The Trousers Point Coastal Walk is officially rated Grade 2 and is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. There are no major climbs and the route is reasonably level. The main considerations are occasional rocky sections, exposed coastal conditions and unprotected edges in some parts of the walk. Allow around 1.5 hours to enjoy the full circuit without rushing. Photographers may want considerably longer.

Walk Highlights

Trousers Point Beach

Trousers Point Beach is the star attraction and one of the classic landscapes of Flinders Island. Clear turquoise water meets a broad sweep of pale sand, while the rugged granite mountains of Strzelecki National Park rise dramatically behind the coastline. On a calm, sunny day, it is difficult to imagine a more picturesque starting point for a Tasmanian coastal walk.

Fotheringate Beach

At the other end of the coastal track is Fotheringate Beach, another beautiful stretch of coastline with distinctive granite caves and unusual rock formations. The geology is one of the highlights of the walk, with the exposed granite around Trousers Point forming part of the Strzelecki Granite, an enormous body of rock formed hundreds of millions of years ago.

Offshore Island Views

Throughout the walk there are changing views across the waters surrounding Flinders Island towards the smaller islands of the Furneaux Group. The combination of offshore islands, clear water, granite headlands and the Strzelecki Peaks makes this one of the most photogenic short walks on the island.

Top Tip: Choose a clear, relatively calm day if possible. The colours of the water and granite coastline are at their best in good light, while calmer weather makes the exposed coastal sections much more enjoyable.

Swimming at Trousers Point

Trousers Point is also a popular place for swimming. The headland and nearby Fotheringate Bay are relatively sheltered compared with some of the island’s more exposed beaches. However, the beaches are unpatrolled and water conditions can change quickly, so swimmers should always assess conditions carefully before entering the water.

What to Bring

  • Drinking water
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Windproof or light waterproof jacket
  • Camera or phone
  • Swimmers and towel if conditions are suitable
  • Snacks or picnic lunch

Safety

  • Supervise children closely around cliffs and exposed track edges.
  • Take care on rocky sections, particularly when wet.
  • Stay on the marked walking track.
  • Remember that beaches in the area are unpatrolled.
  • Check weather conditions before setting out.
  • Be prepared for rapidly changing coastal weather.

Is the Walk Suitable for Children?

Yes. The Trousers Point Coastal Walk is rated Grade 2 and is suitable for most ages, making it one of the better family walks on Flinders Island. Children should nevertheless be closely supervised. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service specifically warns of unprotected track edges, and the beaches are not patrolled.

Are Dogs Allowed?

No. The Trousers Point Coastal Walk is within Strzelecki National Park and pets are not permitted in Tasmania’s national parks except in specific authorised circumstances.

Getting There

The Trousers Point Coastal Walk begins approximately 16 kilometres south of Whitemark on Flinders Island. From Whitemark, travel south towards Lady Barron on the B85, then turn onto the C806 towards Trousers Point. Follow the road to the Trousers Point day-use and camping area. There is no regular public transport around Flinders Island, so most visitors use a hire car or arrange their own transport.

Facilities

Trousers Point has a good range of facilities for such a remote location, making it an excellent place to combine a walk with a picnic or longer stay.

  • Parking
  • Toilets
  • Picnic facilities
  • Gas barbecues
  • Camping
  • Beach access
  • Swimming
  • Snorkelling

The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service completed upgrades to the Trousers Point campground and day-use facilities in late 2025, including improved beach access, new camping sites and upgraded facilities.

Camping at Trousers Point

Camping is available at the Trousers Point Beach end of the walk, making this an excellent base for exploring the southern part of Flinders Island and Strzelecki National Park. The campground sits close to the beach and provides easy access to the Trousers Point Coastal Walk as well as the nearby Mount Strzelecki walking track. A valid Tasmania Parks Pass is required to enter the national park.

Combine Trousers Point with Mount Strzelecki

Trousers Point is also close to the trailhead for the challenging Mount Strzelecki Summit Walk. The contrast between the two walks makes them excellent companions for visitors spending several days on Flinders Island. Trousers Point provides an easy 2-kilometre coastal circuit, while Mount Strzelecki climbs steeply to the island’s 756-metre summit and requires around 4–5 hours.

Why Walk the Trousers Point Coastal Track?

The Trousers Point Coastal Walk packs an extraordinary amount of scenery into just two kilometres. White beaches, turquoise water, enormous granite boulders, coastal heath, offshore islands and the dramatic Strzelecki mountains all feature along the route. Its Grade 2 rating also makes it accessible to a much wider range of visitors than the nearby Mount Strzelecki climb.

If you’re visiting Flinders Island, Trousers Point is one of those walks that should be very high on your list – easy enough for most visitors, but with scenery that rivals considerably longer Tasmanian bushwalks.

Features

Dogs Allowed
No
Walk Length
2-5 kilometres return
Walk Duration
1-1.5 hours
National Park
Yes
Costs Apply?
No
Suit Children
Yes
Walk Difficulty
Easy
Region of Tasmania
North East
Start Of Walk
Trousers Point camping ground and picnic area
Walker Registration Required
No
Mobile Phone Reception
No
Loop
No
Barbecue Facilities
No
Sheter
No
Fresh Water
No
Camping Available
Yes
Camping Comments
Camping right at the trailhead — Trousers Point camping ground has toilets, a rainwater tank, fireplaces and a free gas BBQ.

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trousers point coastal walk
trousers point coastal walk

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Bushy

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