Maria Island

The attraction of walking on Maria Island

Maria Island has long been something of a hidden gem lying in the Tasman Sea mid-way down Tasmania’s east coast. The island, which is entirely National Park, is easily accessible via a daily 30 minute ferry ride from the historic coastal town of Triabunna (85km northeast of Hobart). The island covers an area of 115 square kilometres and is divided into two sections by McRae’s Isthmus, a narrow tongue of land bordered by attractive beaches.

Walkers are treated to the best of both worlds here as they can explore both the stunning coastline and the rugged, mountainous interior.

The coastline comprises stretches of secluded white sand beaches, remote bays and coves, pristine aqua water as well as dramatic limestone sea cliffs. The fossils at the Fossil Cliffs of Fossil Bay are a particular highlight. Another popular attraction is the Painted Cliffs - beautifully patterned and coloured sandstone rocks fringed by rock pools teeming with marine life.

Heading inland, walkers can explore grasslands, forests and giant blue gum woodlands inhabited by rare birds, wallabies and wombats. The mountainous interior offers hiking along ridge lines and boulder scrambling to rocky summits. The towering dolerite columns at the Bishop and Clerk summit and Mt. Maria are favourite choices.

Maria Island has historical significance as it was once a penal colony for convicts who committed offences against the French colonists. The Darlington Bay Penitentiary, together with other historic buildings and ruins, is a World Heritage listed site.

There is limited accommodation available on the island including basic accommodation in the former Darlington penitentiary. Camping is also available at various locations on the island. The surrounding waters of Maria Island form the Maria Island Marine Reserve. The reserve is home to a diverse range of plants, fish and shipwrecks. As such, it is a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Interested in walking on Maria Island?

Maria Island offers day and multi-day walks and there are a number of tour operators offering a variety of walking trips. We can help you choose an operator that best suits your interests and requirements.

Typically, multi-day walkers will undertake similar walks but they can be collated in various ways. Click the button below for a description of the Maria Island day walks. We can help you to plan and book your Maria Island adventure (guided or self-guided). We can also assist you with transport, accommodation and travel insurance.

The Maria Island day walks are just some of many Maria Island walks we can tell you about, and help you to plan and book. Click below to learn more.