Palana Beach Retreat

The Killiecrankie foreshore is equipped with a complimentary gas BBQ, available for day use only, and a parking lot that holds up to 30 cars. Great for group outings, the area also features picnic tables, tankwater, and public restroom. Situated at the southern edge of the bay, Killiecrankie Beach marks the end of Killiecrankie Road. A quaint settlement can be found on the lower slopes behind the beach's western section. Starting near low granite rocks and the sheltered area around Nobby Rock, the beach stretches eastward for 800 meters until it reaches the mouth of Killiecrankie Creek. This low-gradient, white sand beach faces north across the bay. Wave conditions are typically calm in the western corner and the beach is characterised by a low-gradient reflective surface that extends to a low-tide terrace, with rock reefs and seagrass beds situated about 100 meters offshore. The western end of the beach serves as a launch area for small boats, and you'll often see several fishing boats moored nearby. If you're interested in camping, a privately-run campsite is located a short distance from the beach. For reservations, you can contact Jude at 03 6359 8464.

The Castle Rock Walk is one of Tasmania's Great Short Walks, it meanders along the shoreline of Marshall Bay, crossing stunning beaches and coastal hinterlands on its way to Castle Rock, a massive granite boulder. The 3 hour return beach walk begins at 'Castle Rock track and car park' just before Allports Beach. Walkers can also begin at the Marshall Bay end via the Marshall Bay Access Track on the left off Palana Road just after the sealed road becomes gravel if you're coming from Whitemark. Park on the hill overlooking the Bay a five minute walk along the dirt 4WD track on your left will bring you to Castle Rock. Toilets, picnic tables, free gas barbecues and tank water are available at nearby Allports Beach including a designated camping area. Classified as a Level 2 walk moderate grade with no steep sections. Generally, a very safe walk, best at low tide, check the local weather for times, however, walkers should watch out for large waves during big seas if attempting the walk at high tide. Download the 60 Great Short Walks app free from the iTunes Store.

The Furneaux Museum is located at Emita on Tasmania's Flinders Island and is devoted exclusively to the cultural and natural history of the Furneaux Islands in eastern Bass Strait, where some of Australia's earliest European history took place. Shipwreck artefacts are a highlight, including an anchor from the 1797 wreck of the vessel 'Sydney Cove' - an event that led to the arrival of sealers and, through them, the survival of Tasmania's indigenous population. There are many relics from other shipwrecks that occurred around the islands. The history of the fateful 1840s Wybalenna settlement is recorded in the Aboriginal Room, which also displays a rare collection of 100-year-old traditional Aboriginal shell necklaces. The Mutton Bird Processing Hut gives an authentic glimpse into the island tradition of 'birding'. Other exhibits demonstrate the geology, fauna, shells, and early pioneering life of the islands. Over 160 albums of photographs and documents cover almost all aspects of life in the Furneaux Islands from the past up to the present day. The museum is operated entirely by volunteers. It is open six afternoons a week in summer/autumn (closed Mondays), and Saturday and Sunday afternoons in winter/spring. Opening and closing times can be found on the website or by phoning the museum at any time.