Flinders Island is located in the Investigator Group off the coast of South Australia, about 28 km southwest of Cape Finnis, Elliston. (Flinders Island Ecoscape 2024)
The Investigator Group is an archipelago in the Great Australian Bight off the western coast of the Eyre Peninsula that consists of Flinders Island, Waldegrave Islands, The Watchers, Topgallant Island, Ward Islands and Pearson Isles. (NGIA 2022)
Flinders Island is the largest and only inhabited island in the Investigator Group.
Above:- The location of Flinders Island, South Australia. Map c/o Google Maps.
Above:- A closer view of the location of Flinders Island off the Eyre Peninsula. Map c/o Google Maps.
Features of the island.
Flinders Island is about 3,642 hectares (9,000 acres) in size and features about 50 km of secluded coastline, with 14 white sandy beaches. About 75% of the island is covered with native vegetation. (Flinders Island Eco Escape 2024)
Flinders Island in South Australia is not to be confused with Flinders Island off the northeast coast of Tasmania.
It is one of South Australia's largest offshore islands.
Above:- An aerial image of Flinders Island, South Australia. Image c/o Google Earth.
Traditional owners.
The west coast of South Australia is the traditional home of the Nawu Aboriginal people. However there is no know evidence of these people residing on Flinders Island. (South Australia Museum 2024)
Discovery of Flinders Island.
Flinders Island was named by explorer Matthew Flinders in honour of his younger brother Samuel Flinders, the second lieutenant on HMS Investigator . He charted this group of islands in February 1802 and named them the Investigator Group after his ship. (Robinson, et al, 1996. p. 189)
Flinders found the beaches on Flinders Island abounding in seals. He also mentions in his Journal the presence of Tammar wallabies:
"a small species of kangaroo not much bigger than a cat was rather numerous. I shot five of them and some others were killed by the botanists and their attendants, and found to be in tolerably good condition."
Flinders also commented on the seals on the island. He wrote:
"The beaches were frequented by seals of the hair kind. A family of them consisting of a male, four of five females, and as many cubs was lying sleep at every two or three hundred yards." (Project Guttenberg Australia 2024)
Above:- Matthew Flinders. Image c/o Wikipedia.
Whaling and sealing on the island.
By about 1826 a sealing camp was established on the southeast side of the Island. In about 1845 a whaling station was also established. This followed favourable comments made by explorer Edward John Eyre regarding its suitability for whaling. Flinders Island was one of Australia's most isolated whaling stations. (Kostoglou, et al 1991) (Flinders University 2001) (Robinson, et al, 1996).
Above:- Edward John Eyre. Image c/o https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_John_Eyre
William Bryant, Charlotte and Fanny.
One of the most famous Flinders Island sealers was an Irishman William 'Bill' Bryant (sometimes spelt Bryan or Brien). He harvested seals for more than 17 years at what is now known as Bryants Bay. (Coral Expeditions 2024) (Robinson, et al, 1996)
Bryant had abducted two aboriginal women and had taken them to Flinders Island. One called Charlotte and her infant son William Bluff, who is believed to have come from near the River Murray. And the other aboriginal woman known as Fanny. Charlotte later gave birth to two children to Bryant. (Flinders University 2001) (Heritage South Australia 1998) (Heritage South Australia 2006)
A letter to the Colonial Secretary in 1845 referred to Flinders Island being 'inhabited by one Bryan and kidnapped natives.' (State Records South Australia 2024)
The family grew fruit and vegetables and livestock and used these to barter with passing ships. Bryant was also a handy carpenter and blacksmith, and performed repairs on passing ships. (Eime 2021)
Bryant died on Flinders Island from infection in 1844. Legend has it that before leaving the island Charlotte buried a tin chest containing a significant amount of gold sovereign that had been acquired by Bryant. (Eime 2021) (Heritage South Australia 2006)
Charlotte married Charles Mason, and in 1849 on a sealing venture to Waldegrove Island, their boat was caught in a violent storm and capsized. Her husband, a man called Jackson, and her two daughters died. Charlotte was the only survivor. (Eime 2021) (Heritage South Australia 2006) (Heritage South Australia 1998) The Flinders Island Whaling and Sealing Site is listed on the South Australian Heritage Register. The site ruins can still be viewed on Flinders Island.
The wreck of the Vulcan.
John Bailey Pavey, alias John Williams, Jack Williams, John Andrews, and John Williams Andrews, was a mariner, sealer, and whaler, with a dangerous temperament. (Beer 2022)
Captain 'Williams' and his crew of 17 departed Port Adelaide on the 9th day of April 1845, on board the 35 ton whaling schooner Vulcan. They were on a whaling voyage from Port Adelaide to the whaling station on Middle Island, Western Australia. On the 22nd day of April the vessel reached Flinders Island where it had planned to stop for provisions. Shortly after their arrival, severe weather caused the Vulcan to be driven to shore and it was totally destroyed. There was no loss of life and the majority of the cargo aboard was saved. (Beer 2022) (Australian Government 2024)
Above:- Article from the South Australia Register, Wed 18th June 1845. Image c/o Trove
The group set about constructing a boat to get them off the island. A 22 foot canvas covered boat was constructed using materials from the wrecked Vulcan. Whilst stranded on the island Captain Williams took the opportunity of stealing all items of use from the Bryant settlement. Bryant had died the year prior and was unable to protect his family and property. (Beer 2022)
Following three weeks on Flinders Island, Captain Williams and a crew of 8, set sail for the mainland. They landed at Coffin Bay and then walked for 3 days to Port Lincoln, arrived on the 27th day of May. Williams informed the Government Resident of Port Lincoln, Charles Driver, that he intended to travel to Adelaide to obtain another vessel and then return to Flinders Island to collect the remainder of his crew. (Beer 2022)
Driver informed his Excellency The Governor, the intentions of Williams. (Trove 2024)
Above:- Article from The Register, Adelaide, Wed 24 Dec 1919. Image c/o Trove.
Williams then travelled to Port Adelaide in a borrrowed a whale boat, arriving there after 15 days at sea, on the 17th day of June. Upon his arrival at Port Adelaide, it is believed that Williams either borrowed or purchased a whaling boat, and then sailed to Thistle Island where he collected Thomas Lashmar and Henry Gray. Williams sailed back to Coffin Bay, together with Lashmar and Gray in their boat. Upon reaching Coffin Bay Williams collected the canvas boat, and sailed both vessels back to Flinders Island. He was accompanied by Lashmar and Grey. (Beer 2022) (1845 Shipping Intelligence)
Following his arrival at Flinders Island, Williams then set sail for Middle Island, taking the two aboriginal women Charlotte and Fanny and the two younger children. He left behind 2 of the Vulcan's crew members Higgins and James Miles, Charlotte's son William Bluff, and Lashmar and Grey. (Beer 2022)
Those left behind on Flinders Island sheltered in some caves on the island. (Heritage South Australia 2006) They initially believed that Williams was to return. But after several weeks, facing starvation, they left the island aboard the Vulcan's canvas covered boat. They sailed back to Coffin Bay where the boat was wrecked. The men then walked to Port Lincoln, arriving on the 20th day of September 1845. (Beer 2022)
Bluff informed the authorities about Andrew's plunder of his stepfather's property on Flinders Island. The Protector of Aborigines recommenced to the Colonial Secretary of South Australia, that legal proceedings be taken against Williams. Unfortunately no action was taken. (Beer 2022)
Williams and his crew spent several months sealing in and around Middle Island, before sailing back to Flinders Island. But not before an alleged murder occurred aboard the ship. Fanny later revealed that Williams murdered one of his crew, Antonio, an African-American man. It was reported that Antonio 'babbled in his cups' when drunk and Williams was fearful that Antonio would disclose details of their 'wrecking' activities. It was alleged that the ship reached a seal rookery and Antonio volunteered to descend below on a rope. After a number of seals were skinned and sent back to the boat, Williams cut the rop was Antonio was ascending. (Beer 2022)
After sailing back to Flinders Island, surprisingly Williams left behind Charlotte and Fanny. This was despite Fanny being a witness to the alleged murder.
In December 1848 Fanny was again taken off Flinders Island aboard the James Flaxman. By 1849 Fanny was living with Williams in Albany, Western Australia. (Beer 2022)
John Williams died in 1882. He made Fanny the prime beneficiary in his will. Fanny died of bronchitis on the 20th day of August 1883. Her death certificate indicates she was born c. 1818. She is buried in an unmarked grave at the old Middleton Beach cemetery, Western Australia. (Beer 2022)
Thomas Lashmar and Henry Grey.
Thomas Young Lashmar was born on the 3rd day of August 1813 in Brighton, Sussex, England. He emigrated to Australia in 1843. He initially lived with his family at Mitcham and worked as a butcher. He later moved to Port Lincoln, Kangaroo Island, Thistle Island, and Flinders Island, where he conducted sheep runs. He also purchased several ketches and sailed between Port Adelaide and various other ports around South Australia. (State Library South Australia, 2024)
Above:- Thomas Lashmar and family. Image c/o
The South Australian dated the 22nd day of August 1845 records that the Messrs. Lechmere and others were removing stock from Thistle Island to Flinders Island which they described as "a very pleasant place with food grass, wood and water." (South Australian, 1845, p.3)
Note the difference in the spelling of his family name.
The Lashmar Conservation Park on Kangaroo Island is named in honour of the Lashmar family.
Above:- Article from the South Australian, Fri 22 Aug 1845. Image c/o Trove.
Anton Schlink.
In 1854 Anton Schlink (b. 1821 Prussia. d. 1895) took up a lease on Flinders Island. He found the island to be a good grazing proposition and he maintained a flock of 7,000 Merino sheep.
When it was desired that a vessel visit Flinders Island, Schlink would light a fire on a prominent headland called Bob's Nose which took its name from the first horse that Schlink owned.
Schlink made a considerable fortune from sheep and ships. He retired in 1883, and died in 1895, aged 73 years. Following his death, his son William 'Willie' Schlink returned to Flinders Island and continued to breed Merino sheep and cultivated cereal. (geni.com, 2024)
Above:- Anton Schlink. Image c/o https://www.geni.com/
Charles and Martha May.
Charles May was born in 1849 in Adelaide. In 1881 he married Martha Elizabeth Dyer. They resided on Flinders Island from 1892 until 1907, where they raised their large family. Charles worked for William Schlink. Charles died in 1919 while Martha died in 1922. They are both buried at Elliston. (Ancestry.com.au 2024) (Flinders Island Ecoscape 2024) (The Late Charles May, 1919)
Above:- Charles May. Image c/o May Family Tree, ancestry.com.au
You can view the ruins of Charles and Martha May's house at Farm Beach. (Flinders Island Ecoscape 2024)
Above:- Charles May and his team of horses. Image c/o May Family Tree, ancestry.com.au
The 1900s.
By 1911, about 610 hectares (1,500 acres) of the island had been cleared for farming. About 1,400 to 2,000 bags of wheat were produced annually. Sadly, about 30,000 wallabies had been killed on the island by this time. (A Romantic Land 1911)
Wreck of the Kapara.
On the 11th day of November 1942 the SS Kapara departed Port Adelaide enroute to Fowlers Bay on the west coast of South Australia. (Heritage South Australia 2019)
Above:- The Kapara at Port Victoria. Image c/o State Library South Australia [B 30531]
On the 13th day of November 1942 the Kapara struck a reef on the southeast side of Flinders Island and was sunk. The crew aboard reached the island safely and were later taken to Adelaide. (1942 Steamer Lost)
The West Coast Sentinel, dated Friday 27th November 1942, stated:-
"The loss of the steamer will be serious for the West Coast, which depends upon its cargoes for the bulk of supplies."
Above:- Article from the West Coast Sentinel, Fri 27 Nov 1942. Image c/o Trove.
The wreck of the Kapara can still be seen on Flinders Island at Bryants Bay.
The Woolford family and conservation.
Flinders Island has been privately owned by the Woolford family since 1978. It was operated as a Merino sheep station until the mid 2000s. Since that time the island has been de-stocked and the focus has been on regenerating native vegetation and opening up the island for tourism. (Flinders Island Eco Escape 2024)
In 2020 an agreement was signed between the owners and South Australia Government, that places a conservation agreement over 3,400 hectares (8,400 acres) of the island. This encompasses almost all of the island. (ABC 2020)
Investigator Island Important Bird Area.
Flinders Island is part of the Investigator Islands Important Bird Area identified by BirdLife International in 2009, due to the island group's population of the vulnerable Fairy Tern, Short-tailed Shearwaters, White-faced Storm Petrels, Cape Barren Geese, Pacific Gull, Black-faced Cormorant, and the Rock Parrot. (Birdlife International 2024)
Australian Sea Lions, dolphins, and Western Blue Groper are plentiful on Flinders Island. There are no snakes on Flinders Island. However there are twelve skink species and three gecko species present on the island. (Coral Expeditions 2024)
Sadly the Tamar wallabies are extinct on Flinders Island. They exist on nearby Kangaroo Island, however the Flinders Island species were grey in colour and had thinner skulls. (Tyndale-Biscoe 2005)
Feral animals on the island.
Unfortunately feral cats have been responsible for the decline in numbers of Little Penguins on the island. (DEWNR 2016)
The Flinders Island Safe Haven Project involves Commonwealth and South Australia State Government funding to eradicate feral cats and rats on the island. It is hoped that following the eradication of feral species on Flinders Island, small native mammal species can be released on the island. This includes Banded-Hare Wallaby, Shark Bay Bandicoot, and Southern Brown Bandicoot. (Flinders Island EcoStay 2024) (Govt of SA 2020)
Buried treasure.
Following the discovery of certain mineral grains, Flinders Island has been subject to diamond exploration. (ABC 2024)
Above:- Article from the Port Lincoln Times, Thu 18 Jan 2001. Image c/o Trove.
1845 'SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.', South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900), 18 June, p. 2. , viewed 17 Jan 2024, <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73843014>
Heritage South Australia, 2019, shipwreckfriday, Facebook, viewed 16th January 2024.
Kostoglou, P; McCarthy, J, 1991, Whaling and sealing sites in South Australia (First ed.). Fremantle, WA: Australian Institute for Maritime Archaeology. pp. 51–6.
Robinson, T, Canty, P, Mooney, T, Rudduck, P, 1996, South Australia's Offshore Islands, Commonwealth of Australia and Department of Environment and Natural Resources, South Australia, 1996.