Maria Island National Park

Maria Island National Park is a pristine island sanctuary off Tasmania's east coast, where wildlife roams freely and human history whispers through convict-era ruins. Accessible only by ferry, this car-free haven invites you to step back in time and immerse yourself in raw natural beauty — think dramatic fossil cliffs, turquoise bays, and wombats waddling along dirt roads.

Highlights & What to See

• Fossil Cliffs & Painted Cliffs: Marvel at the striated sandstone formations of the Painted Cliffs (best at low tide) and the ancient marine fossils embedded in the Fossil Cliffs — a geologist's dream.
• Darlington Probation Station: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict settlement, with well-preserved buildings, a museum, and stories of Tasmania's penal past.
• Wildlife Encounters: Spot Tasmanian devils (in the sanctuary), wombats, kangaroos, and Cape Barren geese up close — they're remarkably unfazed by visitors.
• Bishop & Clerk Summit: Hike this steep 3-hour return trail for panoramic views over the island and the Freycinet Peninsula.
• Cycle the Island: Bring your bike or hire one at the ferry terminal to explore the 30 km of quiet roads, passing deserted beaches like Shoal Bay and Encampment Cove.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find a full day (8–10 hours) sufficient to soak up the highlights: a morning walk to the Painted Cliffs, lunch at the Darlington picnic area, then an afternoon hike or cycle. For deeper immersion, stay overnight in the basic camping ground or the historic penitentiary bunkhouse — the island is magical after day-trippers depart, with star-filled skies and nocturnal wildlife.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Freycinet National Park: Just an hour's drive north, famous for Wineglass Bay and granite peaks — pair with Maria for a classic east-coast escape.
• Triabunna: The departure point for the Maria Island ferry; a sleepy fishing town with a good bakery and jetty-side walks.
• Port Arthur Historic Site: About 1.5 hours south, this convict settlement offers another layer of Tasmania's penal history — a powerful complement to Darlington.
• Tasman National Park: Dramatic sea cliffs and the Tasman Arch, perfect for a day trip en route to or from Maria Island.

Please check official sources for current details.