Maria Island

Maria Island, a serene national park off Tasmania's east coast, feels like stepping back in time. With no cars, no shops, and a hauntingly beautiful landscape of fossil cliffs, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife, it's a paradise for walkers, cyclists, and history buffs. Accessible only by ferry from Triabunna, this island offers a raw, uncommercialised escape where wombats roam freely and the ruins of a convict settlement whisper stories of the past.

Highlights & What to See

• Fossil Cliffs & Painted Cliffs – Marvel at the dramatic, layered sandstone formations and the colourful, wave-sculpted Painted Cliffs near Darlington, best visited at low tide.
• Darlington Probation Station – A UNESCO World Heritage–listed convict site with well-preserved buildings, including the Commissariat Store and penitentiary, offering insight into Tasmania's convict history.
• Wildlife Encounters – Spot wombats, kangaroos, Cape Barren geese, and Tasmanian devils (in the sanctuary) up close. The island is a haven for birdlife, including the rare forty-spotted pardalote.
• Bishop & Clerk Mountain – A challenging but rewarding 6-hour return hike to the summit with panoramic views over the island and Freycinet Peninsula.
• Cycling the Island – Bring your own bike or rent one to explore the 30 km of dirt roads, from the historic Darlington settlement to the remote southern beaches.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day (8–10 hours) taking the first ferry and returning on the last, which is enough to walk to the Fossil Cliffs, explore Darlington, and do a shorter hike. For a more immersive experience, stay overnight in the basic bush cabins or campground – two days allow you to summit Bishop & Clerk, cycle to the island's southern end, and enjoy the wildlife at dusk and dawn.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Freycinet National Park – Just a 1.5-hour drive north, home to the iconic Wineglass Bay and excellent coastal walks.
• Triabunna – The ferry departure point, with a few cafes and a historic jetty; worth a brief stop.
• Port Arthur Historic Site – About 1.5 hours south, a must-visit for deeper convict history.
• Richmond – A charming Georgian village with Australia's oldest bridge and a great food scene, about 1 hour west.
• Hobart – Tasmania's capital, 1.5 hours south, offering MONA, Salamanca Market, and Mount Wellington.

Please check official sources for current details.