When you’re planning a visit to Maria Island in Tasmania, this epic information will inform you every part you should know, from issues to do to the place to camp and all our prime journey suggestions!
Australia’s most lovely, various and rugged state, tucked away on the southern tip of the nation, has lots of unimaginable locations to go to and issues to do.
We had at all times needed to go to Tasmania, so after we lastly made it throughout the Bass Strait we made essentially the most of it and spent three months driving practically 10,000km across the island.
It’s honest to say we noticed and did quite a bit there, from mountain climbing the Overland Observe to highway tripping the west coast, and a thousand and one issues in between.
Narrowing down our highlights to a choose few is an nearly not possible activity. However one place that actually stands out to us is Maria Island.
After we took our campervan throughout to Tasmania, we did little or no analysis on what we should always do there. Nevertheless everybody we met raved about how unimaginable Maria Island was (and particularly, the wombats!). So naturally, we needed to go.
Most individuals take a day journey to Maria Island (pronounced “Ma-rye-ah”), however we determined to depart Marlee on the mainland, take our tenting gear and spend 3 days, 2 nights exploring as a lot as we might there.
Situated on the east coast of Tasmania, the island is finest identified for its convict historical past and scores of animals, together with the endangered forty noticed pardalote, Cape Barren Geese, Tasmanian devils and wombats that dwell there, making it referred to as Tasmania’s ‘Noah’s Ark’.
That’s not all there may be right here although, and after 2 nights on Maria Island we strongly consider it needs to be on everybody’s journey checklist when visiting Tasmania, regardless of how lengthy you’re planning on being right here for.
From the considerable wildlife to the landscapes to the fascinating historical past and extra, we’re excited to convey you our epic information to Maria Island, Tasmania.
Maria Island Journey Information
On this journey information to Maria Island you’ll discover all the data you should organise a improbable journey right here.
We dive into all of the issues to do in Maria Island, find out how to get right here, the place to remain in addition to another suggestions that made our go to that rather more comfy and fulfilling.
Let’s dive into it.
READ MORE: See what else made our checklist of the very best locations to go to in Tasmania!
The place is Maria Island?
Maria Island is the magical mountainous UNESCO World Heritage Listed island situated off the east coast of Tasmania within the Tasman Sea.
It’s 19.5km from the city of Triabunna, and the one option to get right here is by the Maria Island Ferry (or a scenic flight).
Triabnunna is 1 hour and quarter-hour north of Hobart, which is the closest main airport.
The Maria Island Nationwide Park
This whole island was declared a nationwide park in 1971, which is protected by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.
Because of this there’s a complete vary of unimaginable native wildlife on the island, resembling wombats and Tasmanian devils, and gorgeous pure landscapes just like the sweeping bays, rugged cliffs, and sandy seashores.
There is just one city on the island known as Darlington. I truly wouldn’t even name it a city as there are not any companies; solely the outdated convict probation station and historic buildings.
Nobody lives completely on the island, however there are park rangers who keep quickly right here throughout their shifts.
Regardless of its dimension at 3km west to east and 20km north to south, there are not any vehicles on the island, which helps take care of the wildlife.
Maria Island Historical past
The standard title of Maria Island is Toarra-Marra-Monah, and the unique custodians and protectors of this land are the Puthikwilayti Aboriginal individuals.
They lived within the Oyster Bay nation for over 35,000 years, earlier than being forcibly faraway from their land by European settlers from 1789 onwards.
In 1825 fifty convicts have been taken to Maria Island by English troopers. They constructed somewhat settlement known as Darlington, the place they’d be imprisoned and sentenced with exhausting labour in agriculture.
After years of overcrowding and riots, in 1850 the federal government closed down the convict settlement on Maria Island.
Right now it’s a historic space, with the Darlington Probation Station being one in all 11 convict websites making up one in all Tasmania’s UNESCO World Heritage Websites, together with Port Arthur.
Is Maria Island Price Visiting?
Sure, unquestionably Maria Island is price visiting on any journey to Tasmania.
It’s such an incredible and particular place, and regardless of its tragic Aboriginal and convict historical past (which is necessary to be taught), there may be additionally nice walks, biking, sightseeing, snorkelling, animal recognizing and extra to be performed on the island.
We suggest staying at the least one night time over there to offer your self sufficient time to see all of the locations to go to on Maria Island.
The right way to Get to Maria Island
Maria Island is nineteen.5km out to sea from the city of Triabunna, about 1.5 hours from Hobart and a couple of.5 hours from Launceston.
There are 2 methods to get to the island – by ferry and by airplane.
Maria Island Ferry
The Maria Island Ferry leaves from Triabunna on the east coast, taking vacationers and staff on a semi-regular schedule.
The boat departs and arrives on the dock exterior the Maria Island Customer Centre and prices $45 per particular person for a return journey.
The Maria Island ferry journey is about 45 minutes.
You might be allowed to take 7kg of carry-on baggage totally free. Something above this incurs a price, as does taking a bicycle with you.
Verify the Encounter Maria Timetable to see the ferry schedule.
Costs are:
- Grownup Return: $45
- 7kg Carry-On Baggage: Free
- Further Baggage Between 7–15kg: $10
- Bicycle – $10
- Kayak – $20
Scenic Flights to Maria Island
You will get a 3.5 hour scenic flight over Wineglass Bay and Maria Island, which touches down on the island and provides you 2 hours to discover.
You allow from the air strip on the Freycinet Peninsula close to Pleasant Seashores.
The associated fee for this begins at $399 per particular person (for 2-4 individuals) and features a picnic lunch.
Day Journey to Maria Island from Hobart
If you’re in Hobart and need to go to Maria Island, then you definitely’re in luck! There’s a improbable full-day tour that we extremely suggest.
Leaving town early within the morning out of your lodge, you’ll be transported in consolation by bus tp spend the day on Maria, with a scrumptious lunch and professional, skilled information to paved the way.
When you’re quick on time and don’t need to lease a automobile simply to depart it on the Maria Island ferry terminal for the entire day, then that is one of the best ways to see the island.
Getting Round Maria Island
Maria Island is fairly massive, however lots of the primary points of interest are centred round the primary village of Darlington.
When you simply have someday right here and are on foot, you’ll see quite a bit however not every part. When you have a motorbike choices open up, and clearly the extra time the higher.
Listed below are the very best methods for getting round Maria Island.
You’ll be able to stroll to lots of points of interest from the ferry terminal. When you’re on foot take the earliest ferry attainable to maximise your time over right here.
If you’re simply right here for a day journey to Maria Island, we suggest staying across the Darlington space.
With an formidable and lively schedule on foot, you may discover the convict websites at Darlington, take a look at the Painted Cliffs, and probably even make it to the highest of Bishop and Clerk.
If you’re staying on the island for just a few days, you may stroll to Frenchs Farm and Encampment Cove. It is a excellent spot to camp and get away from everybody.
By Bicycle
Having a bicycle on Maria Island will make a world of distinction to your expertise right here, supplying you with extra time to see the points of interest correctly, and naturally maintain a watch out for all of the cool wildlife round.
When you have your personal bike, you may take it over on the ferry for $10. When you shouldn’t have a bicycle, you may lease one in Darlington on the convict settlement.
Throughout faculty holidays and summer time weekends it’s advisable to pre-book your bicycle rental by means of the ferry firm, as there are solely a restricted quantity obtainable.
Can I Take My Automotive/Campervan/Caravan to Maria Island?
No. It’s a no-vehicle island, aside from park rangers and development staff.
It’s truly one of many causes that makes Maria Island so improbable to go to, because it’s peaceable for each animals and people alike.
You’ll be able to go away your automobile within the carpark over at Triabunna.
The place to Keep on Maria Island
When you’re planning on spending an evening or two on Maria Island (which we extremely suggest), then you definitely solely have two choices on the place to remain: In a tent, or within the bunkhouse.
There are three official campgrounds on Maria Island:
- Darlington, which is $7 for singles and $13 for {couples} per night time
- Frenchs Farm, which is free
- Encampment Cove, which is free
You might be solely allowed to camp on the official campsites on Maria Island, so don’t assume you may simply hike into the bushes and pitch your tent anyplace.
You do must convey your personal tenting and cooking gear as there may be none obtainable to lease on the island.
When you would like to remain in bunk lodging, you may e book a room on the Maria Island Penitentiary at Darlington.
It is a very distinctive expertise (severely, the place else are you able to keep in an outdated convict gaol?), and prices $44 per room, per night time for 2 individuals and $50 for a household.
Lodging is obtainable however very restricted on Maria Island, so be sure to e book forward right here.
Do I Want a Nationwide Parks Move?
Sure, you want a Nationwide Parks Move to go to Maria Island.
You should purchase a day go from the Customer Centre in Triabunna. However if you happen to’re planning on being in Tasmania for some time we suggest shopping for a vacation go.
Amenities on Maria Island
There are very restricted amenities on the island, so please maintain this in thoughts.
You’ll discover restricted, untreated consuming water obtainable at Darlington, Frenchs Farm and Encampment Cove, so convey your personal if you’re apprehensive about this.
There are a set of bogs close to the ferry terminal and on the camps. These bathroom are flush bogs, however the extra distant you get on the island, there are drop bogs
There isn’t any meals shops on the island, so convey your meals and snacks you have to for the day.
There’s a small variety of fuel barbecues at Darlington for campers to make use of, however you should convey your personal cooking gear.
The 17 Finest Issues to Do on Maria Island, Tasmania!
Now that you simply now find out how to get right here, the place to remain, what to convey and a little bit of historical past, let’s dive into essentially the most thrilling half – exploring all of the unimaginable issues to do on Maria Island!
There’s a lot to do once you discover Maria Island. The place do you even begin?
Properly all of it relies upon what you might be into – historical past, mountain climbing, biking, animals? Please say animals. As a result of there’s numerous them!
Whether or not you might be right here on a day journey or plan on staying for just a few nights, our checklist of what to do on Maria Island is assured that can assist you benefit from your time right here.
READ MORE: Don’t miss our professional information on find out how to spend 2 weeks in Tasmania!
1) Go Looking for Wombats
We’re going to stage with you – the actual spotlight of any journey to Maria Island goes to be seeing a wombat!
This unimaginable place is actually lined with tremendous cute wombats, scurrying round and going about their days with out a look after us two-legged beings.
You don’t must go far to see one both. We noticed our first wombat about 3 minutes after stepping off the ferry, and over the course of three days we misplaced depend of what number of we truly noticed.
They’re multiplying in numbers and wander round by means of the camps, into the outdated buildings and alongside the sandy seashores.
When you’re questioning the place is the very best place to see wombats in Tasmania, it’s proper right here on Maria Island!
2) Cease By the Info Centre (Commissariat Retailer)
If you arrive, simply 150m from the jetty is the stone Commissariat Retailer. That is the island’s oldest constructing, in-built 1825, and is now used as a guests centre with data boards, galleries and shows concerning the island.
This constructing is a good place to go to once you first get to the island. You’ll be taught quite a bit concerning the space, the buildings and the historical past earlier than you begin exploring.
- The Info Centre is open from 9am-4pm every day.
3) Go to the Darlington Convict Probation Station
The Darlington Convict Probation Station was a convict penal settlement from 1825 – 1832, and is essentially the most well-known attraction on Maria Island (aside from the wombats).
After some restorations and naturally safety of UNESCO and the Parks and Wildlife service, plenty of these buildings nonetheless exist in the present day.
The gathering of buildings are open to the general public, some left as they’d have appeared again within the day, some empty and a few being was museums.
Spend just a few hours wandering across the website, imagining how it might have been for convicts dwelling within the outdated penitentiary centuries in the past.
No journey to Maria Island can be full with out visiting the probation station.
4) Hike up Bishop and Clerk
- Distance – 12km return
- Length – 3-5 hours
- Issue – Difficult
Whereas not the best mountain on the island (that accolade goes to Mount Maria), the climb as much as Bishop and Clerk is by far essentially the most rewarding and scenic hike you are able to do right here.
From Darlington you stroll up by means of grassland to the sting of monumental sea cliffs, earlier than reducing up the ridge into tall forests.
When you hit the rocky outcrop be ready for a little bit of a scramble in the direction of the summit, with the final part requiring a little bit of a lift up some boulders.
The hassle is solely price it, as a result of when you’re standing on the 620m excessive summit, you’ll have unimaginable vistas all the way in which again to the mainland and over hovering dolerite columns.
This Maria Island stroll isn’t for everybody as it’s difficult, however if you’re comfy with heights and have respectable health you’ll be effective.
Put on good footwear, and be sure to convey water with you.
5) Stroll the Fossil Cliffs Circuit
- Distance – 4.5 km loop
- Length – 1.5 – 2 hours
- Issue – Simple / Average
One other wonderful Maria Island stroll is the Fossil Cliffs Circuit, providing sweeping views of the island’s rocky shoreline, low-lying sand dunes and distant hills.
This 4.5km circuit results in the climb to Bishop and Clerk and across the outdated airstrip and again to Darlington, however the spotlight is the in depth fossil cliffs the place you may nonetheless see shark tooth and shells embedded within the rocks.
The literal wall of fossils down on the seashore is fascinating to see, and there’s an data board there too so you may be taught extra concerning the geology of the place.
The fossils discovered on this specific space are from about 300 million years in the past and embody a variety of marine life, resembling clams, corals, scallop shells, sea followers and extra.
6) Go to the Painted Cliffs
- Distance – 2.6 km a technique
- Length – 2 hours
- Issue – Simple
One of many very best issues to do on Maria Island is hike out to the Painted Cliffs, discovered only a quick stroll from Darlington.
The Painted Cliffs are a number of the most spectacular sandstone rock formations you’ll discover in Tasmania, full of wonderful colors and swirling patterns.
When you see them you’ll immediately perceive how they bought their title. The perfect time to go to is within the afternoon when the western solar is lighting up the cliffs, accentuating their colors.
The sandstone cliffs are solely accessible at low tide although, so be sure to time your stroll on the market across the tides relatively than the solar.
It’s a 5.2km return journey alongside the highway or you are able to do a giant circuit to incorporate the Oast Home Circuit which is about 6km (see particulars under).
7) Oast Home Stroll
- Distance – 1.8 km a technique
- Length – 30 – 45 minutes
- Issue – Simple
Inbuilt 1844 and one of many oldest buildings of its kind in Australia, the Oast Home can be a brief stroll from Darlington.
This historic hop kiln was as soon as used for drying hops, and amongst the ruins you may nonetheless see two giant brick drying-towers, and the flooring of ventilating bricks.
It’s tucked again from the seashore in marri, blackwood and eucalypt forest, surrounded by marram grass dunes.
You could spot some wombats, forester kangaroos and wallabies alongside the way in which so maintain a watch out. As you might be strolling down the highway additionally, you will see Howell’s Cottage, which is a cottage that was in-built 1924.
Add this onto your Painted Cliffs Maria Island Stroll. You’ll be able to both take this on the way in which to the Painted Cliffs or on the way in which again.
8) Bike (or Hike) Out to Encampment Cove Camp
- Distance – 12km
- Time – 3 hours
- Issue – Simple
Encampment Cove Camp is situated within the centre of the island on the western aspect (earlier than you hit the isthmus), and is a improbable spot to take a look at in case you have a day to spare.
Finest visited on bike to save lots of time, the journey out there may be beautiful, reducing by means of eucalypt forest and sandy seashores whereas passing outdated convict ruins.
It’s a mud highway the entire method, really easy sufficient to navigate and you may’t get misplaced. You’ll additionally previous Frenchs Farm, which is price a detour and little bit of exploration of the shearing shed.
Encampment Cove was the placement of one of many authentic convict cells, and you may nonetheless discover the outdated buildings in the present day. Simply watch out, as they’re fairly dilapidated.
When you have your tenting gear and are in search of a little bit of peace and quiet, keep out at Encampment Cove or Frenchs Farm for a extra distant expertise.
9) Seek for a Tasmanian Satan
It’s not simply wombats that decision Maria Island house. When you’re actually fortunate you may additionally spot one of many resident Tasmanian devils!
These guys are the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial, and sadly they’re endangered.
The devils aren’t native to Maria Island, however they’ve discovered themselves right here as a part of a conservation plan to guard the inhabitants on mainland Tasmania.
Tasmanian devils are affected by a contagious facial most cancers known as Satan Facial Tumor Illness (DFTD), which is decimating the species.
The most cancers spreads by means of bites when an contaminated satan comes into contact with a wholesome one and so they begin combating. The most cancers is sadly terminal and fast-acting.
In 2012, rangers launched 28 wholesome devils on Maria Island so they may thrive and repopulate with out threat of the most cancers.
And by chance for them, it has been wildly profitable, with over 90 devils now dwelling there!
It hasn’t been such excellent news for the native animals although, because the devils have began attacking the resident native fowl species and penguins.
Tasmanian devils are quite a bit more durable to see than the wombats, however if you happen to stroll across the camps at night time you might be lucky sufficient to stumble upon one.
We by no means noticed any on our night walks, however we did hear them through the night time.
10) Go Chicken Watching
Even if you happen to don’t assume you’re into fowl watching, you’ll nonetheless love doing it right here on Maria Island!
Maria Island Nationwide Park is a haven for birdlife, with greater than 125 completely different sorts of birds dwelling right here.
Much more amazingly, all of Tasmania’s twelve endemic birds dwell on Maria Island, together with the Forty-spotted pardalote, one of many rarest birds in Australia!
The big Cape Barren Goose additionally wanders across the historic grounds on the convict settlement, grazing on the grassy slopes close to Darlington.
Maria Island is a paradise for birdwatchers so don’t forget your digital camera and binoculars.
11) Go to All of the Historic Websites
Convict historical past is in all places on Maria Island, and also you’ll discover this as quickly as you get off the ferry.
There are historic buildings nearly in all places you look, with some being extra preserved than others. However all of them are price visiting.
Australia’s convict previous is well-known with 1000’s of individuals being transported to the nation from Britain after committing varied crimes.
The worst criminals have been delivered to Maria Island, the place they labored in agriculture.
The settlement at Darlington is the very best preserved a part of the island, however it’s price testing all the opposite buildings across the place.
You will see that the stays of a lime kiln used for burning limestone by convicts, storage barns, convicts cells, officers quarters and extra.
12) Stroll Alongside the Reservoir Observe
- Distance – 4 km
- Length – 2 hours
- Issue – Simple
The Reservoir Observe is a straightforward Maria Island stroll of 4km return, with a climb of simply 60m. It is without doubt one of the best walks on the island and doable for all ages & health ranges.
The stroll is shaded from the coastal winds and if you happen to’re fortunate you might stumble throughout a few of Maria Island’s cool wildlife.
Wandering by means of tall eucalypt forest, you’ll come throughout the outdated reservoir which is an ideal spot for a picnic.
The best half although is the remnants of an outdated cement works constructing and a lime kiln. Undoubtedly do cease and test it out.
13) Go Fishing for Your Dinner
If you’re a eager fisherman (or fisherwoman), convey your rods over and check out your luck at catching dinner on Maria Island.
Many of the island is surrounded by the Maria Island Marine Reserve although, so be sure to test with the rangers about the place you may and may’t throw a line in, or threat getting a giant effective.
In relation to cleansing your fish for cooking, there is just one shared dishwashing sink on the Darlington camp.
Please convey your personal bucket to scrub your catch and scale your personal fish in, as many different individuals are utilizing the realm and should not benefit from the fishy odor.
14) Head to the Seashore for Sundown
After a giant day of biking or mountain climbing, you deserve just a few hours within the afternoon stress-free on the seashore.
The perfect and best seashore to entry is the one proper close to the Darlington Camp.
It’s a shallow seashore so it’s nice for the entire household to play and benefit from the water.
It’s not monitored by lifeguards although so please swim with warning and supervise children.
This seashore can be nice for sundown, or you may stroll as much as Mrs Hunt’s Cottage and look again on the bay.
15) Go Snorkelling on Maria Island
The one factor we didn’t do right here which we actually remorse goes snorkelling on Maria Island!
Being house to an enormous marine reserve, this a part of Tasmania is without doubt one of the finest locations to go snorkelling.
Plenty of Maria Island’s ocean is protected, which makes the marine life thrive and blossom.
When you have a wetsuit and your snorkel gear, convey it over and dive into the ocean on the northwest a part of the island.
Snorkelers and divers are capable of finding distinctive underwater life round Darlington Bay, the Painted Cliffs, and Fossil Bay.
Close to the jetty on the the correct hand aspect is a good spot which is straightforward to entry and has an data board that can assist you establish the marine life you see.
16) Discover the Isthmus, Level Lesueur and South Maria Island
When you actually need to get away from the crowds then seize your bike and head to the far tip of south Maria Island.
Previous Encampment Cove you’ll discover the isthmus which heads out to Level Lesueur, the place you may see ruins of a convict-era probation station in-built 1821 and Robey’s Farm close to Haunted Bay.
Only a few guests get this far south, primarily because of how far-off from Darlington it’s.
We suggest spending the night time at Frenchs Farm or Encampment Cove and utilizing there as a base to take a look at the factors additional south.
(All occasions and distances are from Darlington)
- Frenchs Farm – 10km a technique, 3-3.5 hours on foot, 2 hours on a motorbike
- Encampment Cove – 12km a technique, 3.5-4 hours on foot, 2.5 hours on a motorbike
- Level Lesueur – 14km a technique, 4 hours on foot, 2.5 hours on a motorbike
- McRaes Isthmus Stroll (northern finish) – 14 km a technique, 4 hours on foot, 2.5 hours on a motorbike
- Robeys Farm Stroll – 19km a technique, 6hours on foot, 3.5 hours on a motorbike
- Haunted Bay Stroll – 20 km a technique, 7 hours, 5.5 hours (you almost certainly cannot journey the entire method)
17) Hike up Mount Maria
- Distance – 16km
- Length – 6 – 7 hours
- Issue – Difficult
When you actually need to conquer the checklist of issues to do in Maria Island, then you should put aside a day to climb the island’s highest peak, Mount Maria!
Standing 711 meters tall and far more distant than Bishop and Clerk, not many individuals make it to the summit which is a disgrace, as a result of the panoramic views from the highest are subsequent stage.
The hike up Mount Maria is a difficult 6 to 7 hour stroll that finishes with half an hour of adverse rock scrambling to the summit.
On the summit of Mount Maria you may see sweeping views south in the direction of the Tasman Peninsula.
The observe begins midway alongside the Frenchs Farm Inland Route. There’s signage on the flip off.
Sadly, we by no means bought up right here because the mountain was fogged over the two days we have been on the island.
Conclusion of Our Maria Island Journey Information
That’s it for our epic journey information and checklist of issues to do on Maria Island, Tasmania! If it’s not already clear, we completely cherished our time there and extremely suggest everybody to go to!
When you discovered this information helpful, or have any of your personal suggestions for locations to go to or what to do on Maria Island, go away a remark under and tell us!
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