Located on scenic Flinders Island, Strzelecki National Park was named for the Polish Count Edmund de Strzelecki, who climbed some of the island's highest peaks in 1842.

Today, this 4,215 hectare park offers visitors a unique get-away-from-it-all experience of bushwalking, boating, beachcombing and swimming.

Most of all, this park is a place of vibrant colours; the pinks of a Bass Strait sunset, the reddish brown of the mountain granite and the intense greens of the island's pastures seen from the summit of Mt Strzelecki.

Airlines of Tasmania, Par Avion (charter) and Promair (as a stop from Welshpool) offer flights to the island's main settlement of Whitemark. Private aircraft can land at Lady Barron. From Lady Barron drive northwest on B85 until you reach C806, the access road to the park. From Whitemark, travel southeast on B85 to the same turnoff.

The 756 metre climb to the summit of Mt Strzelecki is perhaps the park's most popular challenge. It's not too difficult, but plan on about 5 hours return so you won't miss anything. From the top on a clear day you'll see most of the 54 islands of the Furneaux Group, Cape Portland in 'mainland' Tasmania, and possibly even Wilsons Promontory in Victoria. The three kilometres walk includes damp fern gullies, wooded slopes and granite outcrops.

Nearby Trousers Point is a world of she oaks, pristine deserted beaches and secluded swimming spots. Sportspeople enjoy finding just the right spot to fish off the beach or rocks. In season, the wildflower display here is memorable.

The campground at Trousers Point is ideally suited for exploring the coastline and walking tracks. Boating is very popular. There are also picnic tables, barbecues and toilets. Bring your own drinking water.

Strzelecki National Park is usually blessed with abundant sunshine, so protection including sunscreen and a hat should always be carried. A warm waterproof jacket is advisable if you climb Mt Strzelecki because it can be windy and cool at the higher elevations. Carry some drinking water if you do any of the longer walks. There are no kiosks or shops in the park, you'll need to stock up at Lady Barron or Whitemark.

For further information phone (003) 59 2217.

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