First discovered in 1798 by British sailor and explorer
Mathew Flinders, the strait was named after the ship’s doctor
George Bass. Being approximately 240 km wide at the narrowest point and generally around 50 meters deep, there are more than 50 lonely islands scattered in the area, with King and Flinders Islands the only ones having substantial human settlements. King Island, discovered in 1798, is located off the north-western tip of the main island of Tasmania and about halfway between
Tasmania and the south coast of Victoria. The island is named after Governor King of
New South Wales. Currie is the largest town, situated on the western side of the island. King Island is best known for its cheese, lobster, mineral water, kelp and beef industries. Located off the north eastern tip of Tasmania,
Flinders Island is the largest in the Furneaux Group of islands. Whitemark is the principal town; Wybalenna is home to the island’s historically important Aboriginal site. Bushwalking is popular and there are many
beautiful beaches and scuba diving locations around the island.