Should you’re planning a visit to Maria Island in Tasmania, this epic information will inform you every part it’s essential to know, from issues to do to the place to camp and all our high journey suggestions!
Australia’s most stunning, numerous and rugged state, tucked away on the southern tip of the nation, has plenty of unimaginable locations to go to and issues to do.
We had at all times needed to go to Tasmania, so once 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 truthful to say we noticed and did lots there, from climbing the Overland Monitor 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 unimaginable process. However one place that really stands out to us is Maria Island.
After we took our campervan throughout to Tasmania, we did little or no analysis on what we must always do there. Nonetheless 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.
Positioned 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 stay 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 record when visiting Tasmania, irrespective of how lengthy you’re planning on being right here for.
From the ample wildlife to the landscapes to the fascinating historical past and extra, we’re excited to carry 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 it’s essential to organise a implausible journey right here.
We dive into all of the issues to do in Maria Island, the right way to get right here, the place to remain in addition to another suggestions that made our go to that rather more comfy and pleasing.
Let’s dive into it.
READ MORE: See what else made our record of the finest locations to go to in Tasmania!
The place is Maria Island?
Maria Island is the magical mountainous UNESCO World Heritage Listed island positioned off the east coast of Tasmania within the Tasman Sea.
It’s 19.5km from the city of Triabunna, and the one approach 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 entire vary of unimaginable native wildlife on the island, reminiscent of 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 providers; solely the previous convict probation station and historic buildings.
Nobody lives completely on the island, however there are park rangers who keep briefly right here throughout their shifts.
Regardless of its measurement 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 normal identify 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 a little bit settlement known as Darlington, the place they might be imprisoned and sentenced with laborious labour in agriculture.
After years of overcrowding and riots, in 1850 the federal government closed down the convict settlement on Maria Island.
Immediately it’s a historic space, with the Darlington Probation Station being one among 11 convict websites making up one among Tasmania’s UNESCO World Heritage Websites, together with Port Arthur.
Is Maria Island Value Visiting?
Sure, definitely Maria Island is value visiting on any journey to Tasmania.
It’s such a tremendous 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 finished on the island.
We advocate staying not less than one night time over there to provide your self sufficient time to see all of the locations to go to on Maria Island.
The 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 aircraft.
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 experience is about 45 minutes.
You might be allowed to take 7kg of carry-on baggage without spending a dime. Something above this incurs a payment, 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 may get a 3.5 hour scenic flight over Wineglass Bay and Maria Island, which touches down on the island and offers you 2 hours to discover.
You allow from the air strip on the Freycinet Peninsula close to Pleasant Seashores.
The price 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 wish to go to Maria Island, then you definitely’re in luck! There’s a implausible full-day tour that we extremely advocate.
Leaving town early within the morning out of your resort, you can be transported in consolation by bus tp spend the day on Maria, with a scrumptious lunch and professional, skilled information to prepared the ground.
Should you’re quick on time and don’t wish to lease a automotive simply to depart it on the Maria Island ferry terminal for the entire day, then that is the easiest way to see the island.
Getting Round Maria Island
Maria Island is fairly huge, however plenty of the principle points of interest are centred round the principle village of Darlington.
Should you simply have in the future right here and are on foot, you’ll see lots however not every part. When you have a motorbike choices open up, and clearly the extra time the higher.
Listed here are the most effective methods for getting round Maria Island.
You may stroll to plenty of points of interest from the ferry terminal. Should you’re on foot take the earliest ferry doable to maximise your time over right here.
If you’re simply right here for a day journey to Maria Island, we advocate staying across the Darlington space.
With an bold and lively schedule on foot, you may discover the convict websites at Darlington, take a look at the Painted Cliffs, and presumably even make it to the highest of Bishop and Clerk.
If you’re staying on the island for a number of days, you may stroll to Frenchs Farm and Encampment Cove. This can be 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, providing you with extra time to see the points of interest correctly, and naturally hold an eye fixed out for all of the cool wildlife round.
When you have your personal bike, you may take it over on the ferry for $10. Should you shouldn’t have a bicycle, you may lease one in Darlington on the convict settlement.
Throughout faculty holidays and summer season weekends it’s really helpful to pre-book your bicycle rental via the ferry firm, as there are solely a restricted quantity out there.
Can I Take My Automobile/Campervan/Caravan to Maria Island?
No. It’s a no-vehicle island, apart from park rangers and development staff.
It’s truly one of many causes that makes Maria Island so implausible to go to, because it’s peaceable for each animals and people alike.
You may go away your car within the carpark over at Triabunna.
The place to Keep on Maria Island
Should you’re planning on spending an evening or two on Maria Island (which we extremely advocate), 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 suppose you may simply hike into the bushes and pitch your tent wherever.
You do have to carry your personal tenting and cooking gear as there may be none out there to lease on the island.
Should you would like to remain in bunk lodging, you may guide a room on the Maria Island Penitentiary at Darlington.
This can be a very distinctive expertise (significantly, the place else are you able to keep in an previous convict gaol?), and prices $44 per room, per night time for 2 individuals and $50 for a household.
Lodging is offered however very restricted on Maria Island, so be sure you guide forward right here.
Do I Want a Nationwide Parks Go?
Sure, you want a Nationwide Parks Go to go to Maria Island.
You should buy a day cross from the Customer Centre in Triabunna. However in case you’re planning on being in Tasmania for some time we advocate shopping for a vacation cross.
Amenities on Maria Island
There are very restricted services on the island, so please hold this in thoughts.
You’ll discover restricted, untreated ingesting water out there at Darlington, Frenchs Farm and Encampment Cove, so carry your personal in case you are fearful about this.
There are a set of bathrooms close to the ferry terminal and on the camps. These bathroom are flush bathrooms, however the extra distant you get on the island, there are drop bathrooms
There isn’t any meals shops on the island, so carry your meals and snacks you have to for the day.
There’s a small variety of gasoline barbecues at Darlington for campers to make use of, however it’s essential to carry your personal cooking tools.
The 17 Greatest Issues to Do on Maria Island, Tasmania!
Now that you just now the right way to get right here, the place to remain, what to carry 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 may be a lot to do once you discover Maria Island. The place do you even begin?
Effectively all of it relies upon what you’re into – historical past, climbing, biking, animals? Please say animals. As a result of there’s a lot of them!
Whether or not you’re right here on a day journey or plan on staying for a number of nights, our record of what to do on Maria Island is assured that will help you benefit from your time right here.
READ MORE: Don’t miss our professional information on the right way to spend 2 weeks in Tasmania!
1) Go Looking for Wombats
We’re going to degree 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 no take care of us two-legged beings.
You don’t should 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 via the camps, into the previous buildings and alongside the sandy seashores.
Should you’re questioning the place is the most effective 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, inbuilt 1825, and is now used as a guests centre with data boards, galleries and shows concerning the island.
This constructing is a superb place to go to once you first get to the island. You’ll be taught lots concerning the space, the buildings and the historical past earlier than you begin exploring.
- The Info Centre is open from 9am-4pm day by 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 (apart from the wombats).
After some restorations and naturally safety of UNESCO and the Parks and Wildlife service, quite a few these buildings nonetheless exist immediately.
The gathering of buildings are open to the general public, some left as they might have appeared again within the day, some empty and a few being was museums.
Spend a number of hours wandering across the website, imagining how it will have been for convicts dwelling within the previous 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
- Problem – 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 via grassland to the sting of monumental sea cliffs, earlier than chopping 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 trouble is fully value 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 is just not for everybody as it’s difficult, however in case you are comfy with heights and have respectable health you can be tremendous.
Put on good footwear, and be sure you carry water with you.
5) Stroll the Fossil Cliffs Circuit
- Distance – 4.5 km loop
- Length – 1.5 – 2 hours
- Problem – Simple / Reasonable
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 previous 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 explicit space are from about 300 million years in the past and embrace a variety of marine life, reminiscent of clams, corals, scallop shells, sea followers and extra.
6) Go to the Painted Cliffs
- Distance – 2.6 km a technique
- Length – 2 hours
- Problem – 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 few 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 obtained their identify. One of the best 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 you 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
- Problem – Simple
In-built 1844 and one of many oldest buildings of its sort 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 massive 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 hold an eye fixed out. As you’re strolling down the highway additionally, you will see Howell’s Cottage, which is a cottage that was inbuilt 1924.
Add this onto your Painted Cliffs Maria Island Stroll. You may 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
- Problem – Simple
Encampment Cove Camp is positioned within the centre of the island on the western facet (earlier than you hit the isthmus), and is a implausible spot to take a look at when you’ve got a day to spare.
Greatest visited on bike to avoid wasting time, the experience out there may be attractive, chopping via eucalypt forest and sandy seashores whereas passing previous convict ruins.
It’s a dust highway the entire means, really easy sufficient to navigate and you’ll’t get misplaced. You’ll additionally previous Frenchs Farm, which is value a detour and little bit of exploration of the shearing shed.
Encampment Cove was the situation of one of many unique convict cells, and you’ll nonetheless discover the previous buildings immediately. Simply watch out, as they’re fairly dilapidated.
When you have your tenting gear and are searching for 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. Should 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 via bites when an contaminated satan comes into contact with a wholesome one they usually begin preventing. 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 fortuitously 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 chook species and penguins.
Tasmanian devils are lots more durable to see than the wombats, however in case you stroll across the camps at night time you could 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 in case you don’t suppose you’re into chook 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 stay 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 all over the place on Maria Island, and also you’ll discover this as quickly as you get off the ferry.
There are historic buildings nearly all over the place you look, with some being extra preserved than others. However all of them are value visiting.
Australia’s convict previous is well-known with hundreds 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 most effective preserved a part of the island, nevertheless it’s value trying out all the opposite buildings across the place.
You will see 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 Monitor
- Distance – 4 km
- Length – 2 hours
- Problem – Simple
The Reservoir Monitor is a straightforward Maria Island stroll of 4km return, with a climb of simply 60m. It is among the best walks on the island and doable for all ages & health ranges.
The stroll is shaded from the coastal winds and in case you’re fortunate you could stumble throughout a few of Maria Island’s cool wildlife.
Wandering via tall eucalypt forest, you’ll come throughout the previous reservoir which is an ideal spot for a picnic.
The best half although is the remnants of an previous cement works constructing and a lime kiln. Positively do cease and test it out.
13) Go Fishing for Your Dinner
If you’re a eager fisherman (or fisherwoman), carry your rods over and take a look at your luck at catching dinner on Maria Island.
Many of the island is surrounded by the Maria Island Marine Reserve although, so be sure you examine with the rangers about the place you may and might’t throw a line in, or threat getting a giant tremendous.
With regards to cleansing your fish for cooking, there is just one shared dishwashing sink on the Darlington camp.
Please carry your personal bucket to clean 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 climbing, you deserve a number of hours within the afternoon enjoyable on the seashore.
One of the best 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 youngsters.
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 among the finest locations to go snorkelling.
A number of Maria Island’s ocean is protected, which makes the marine life thrive and blossom.
When you have a wetsuit and your snorkel gear, carry 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 facet is a superb spot which is simple to entry and has an data board that will help you determine the marine life you see.
16) Discover the Isthmus, Level Lesueur and South Maria Island
Should you actually wish 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 inbuilt 1821 and Robey’s Farm close to Haunted Bay.
Only a few guests get this far south, primarily on account of how far-off from Darlington it’s.
We advocate 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 probably can’t experience the entire means)
17) Hike up Mount Maria
- Distance – 16km
- Length – 6 – 7 hours
- Problem – Difficult
Should you actually wish to conquer the record of issues to do in Maria Island, then it’s essential to 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 degree.
The hike up Mount Maria is a difficult 6 to 7 hour stroll that finishes with half an hour of inauspicious 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 may be signage on the flip off.
Sadly, we by no means obtained 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 record of issues to do on Maria Island, Tasmania! If it’s not already clear, we completely beloved our time there and extremely advocate everybody to go to!
Should 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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