Settlement Point Viewing Platform
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Visit Flinders Island
Visit Flinders Island
Overview
Highlights
The Settlement Point viewing platform at Emita is ideal to watch the Shearwaters (Mutton birds) return to their burrows at dusk from November to April after a day of feeding far out at sea. The Short Tailed Shearwater, more commonly known as the Mutton-Bird is a member of a group of 100 medium to large sea birds in the family Procellariae. The breeding period for these birds is September through to April; they breed in burrows that are about 1 metre long. In November, after spending the last couple of months meeting up with their mate and tidying up their burrow, the mutton birds leave the colony for a short time to feed before returning to lay a single egg. The chicks hatch in late January with both parents participating in its feeding and care. The parents leave the down covered chicks in early April and the chicks do not eat again until early May, so they rapidly loose weight as they acquire their flight feathers. 2-3 weeks after the parents have left the fledglings will begin their first migratory flight unassisted by experienced birds. The average life span of these birds is 15-19 years with some living to 38.
Activities
- Bird watching
- Sight-seeing
- Photography
Facilities
- Viewing platform
- Car park
Important Information
Guidelines
- Always do some research before heading out for your journey. Visit the parks website for up to date information on the current conditions.
- Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.
- Wear suitable footwear and ensure to wear appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the elements..
- Plan ahead and ensure to take enough food and water for your journey.
- Always stay on the marked tracks where possible. Never climb fences, they are there for your own safety.
- Please consider the environment, take your rubbish with you or place in the bins provided. We want to ensure these beautiful places are still here for our future generations to enjoy.
- Ensure to let a responsible adult know of your plans and report back into them once you have finished exploring for the day.
- National park and camping fees apply for Tasmanian National Parks. Check the parks website for bookings and/ or further details.
- Weather conditions in Tasmania can change quickly and frequently, especially in alpine areas. Snow, rain, wind and sun are all possible at any time of the year, and bushfires can occur between October and March.
Photo credits: Visit Flinders Island
Location & Supplier
Settlement Point Viewing Platform
Address: Settlement Point Viewing Platform, Port Davies Road, Flinders Island, Tas 7255
