Schouten Island

Schouten Island, formerly known as Schouten's Isle, is a small island located just 1.6 kilometres south of the Freycinet Peninsula and is a part of Freycinet National Park.

It is a protected natural area with a rich history and unique landscapes.

The island has a significant cultural past, being named Tiggana marraboona by the Paredarerme and serving as a hunting ground for the Thylacine. Abel Tasman named the island in honor of Joost Schouten in 1642. Sealers, whalers, and miners were active in the area in the 19th century, followed by sheep grazing until 1969.

Schouten Island is rugged, with cliffs formed both naturally and from mining activities. Its highest point is Mount Storey at 400 meters above sea level. The island's eastern part is made up of granite, while the western part is dolerite.

The island has unique flora and fauna, with eucalypt forests dominating the dolerite soils in the west and scrubland, heathland, and sedgeland communities in the granitic soils of the east. Grasses and herbs thrive in areas previously disturbed by human activities. The island is home to various bird species, including the Tasmanian nativehen, Little Penguins, Short-tailed Shearwaters, and Australian fur seals. Reptiles such as the Tasmanian Tree Skink, She-oak Skink, Southern Grass Skink, and Three-lined Skink can also be found on the island.

With its rich history and unique landscapes, Schouten Island is a must-see for those interested in exploring forests, wildlife, and Tasmanian