Due to take place from April 15 to 19, the event was cancelled in the wake of the federal government's decision to ban mass gatherings, Flinders Island Business Incorporated president Michael Buck confirmed on Saturday.

"We are a remote, isolated community with limited health services which are major reasons for taking this step," Mr Buck said.

"There are only around 900 people on Flinders Island with 71 per cent of the population in the high risk category.

"We recognise this is extremely disappointing for everyone involved with the Food and Crayfish Festival."

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Mr Buck said people who purchased festival event tickets would get full refunds in the next two weeks.

"I would like to thank the organisers, local chefs, farmers, producers, tourism operators and residents who threw their support behind the festival and have worked hard to develop a dynamic program of events," he said.

"We also thank top Australian chefs Karen Martini, Tobie Puttock, Jesse McTavish and Scott Stevenson who were coming to the island to work with the locals and showcase their own spin on local dishes during the festival.

"Just as importantly, I want thank all the people from Tasmania and the mainland of Australia who have enthusiastically supported the festival by purchasing tickets to events."

The festival will return in 2021, Mr Buck confirmed.

"While we recognise the situation with the coronavirus is changing constantly, Flinders Island remains open for business and we welcome visitors as always," he advised.

"Although the festival is cancelled, there are no travel bans in place. However, if you develop flu-like symptoms or have been diagnosed with coronavirus we urge you to please postpone your travel to the island to avoid an outbreak on Flinders."

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