Sprinkled in the Tasman Sea, Maria Island is known for its scenic beauty. A kaleidoscopic blend of untouched coastline, amazing wilderness and mountainous backdrop, spectacular sights are the norm. The pristine untouched beaches blanketed with verdant hues and filled with wildlife wonders make the island a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. With more than 10 convict buildings and ancient ruins, this intoxicating land is also listed as one of the Australian Convict Sites among the World Heritage Sites.
The entire area is dedicated to the Maria Island National Park, teeming with diverse flora and abundant wildlife. Escape from civilization and embrace the rare combination of scenic beauty, rich history and endangered species. Once a convict site in the 1800s, you will discover numerous abandoned buildings and each of the structures has a tale to tell. Covered in Eucalyptus forest, the national park boasts distinct flora and fauna, most of them native to Tasmania. Currently, there are more than 100 marsupial species that wander across. The grassland is also populated by the Forester Kangaroos, Wallabies and Wombats. With more than 125 species, the birds are an attraction in this park. It includes the Swift Parrot as well as the Forty-spotted Pardalote that is hardly found anywhere else. Hence, Maria Island will allow you to step back in time and let those imaginations run wild. Trying to express the intoxicating charm of this place in words won’t really do justice. You have to see it to believe it.
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Maria Island Ferry
The ferry takes half an hour to reach Maria Island from Triabunna. It operates daily and takes passengers across the Mercury Passage to reach the jetty at Darlington.
Concession applies for Australian pensioners and Australian health card holders. You must bring along the valid cards to avail the concession.
Timetable September – April (except Christmas) Triabunna - Maria Island: 9:00 AM - 4:15 PM (every 45 minutes), Maria Island - Traibunna: 9:45 AM - 5:00 PM (every 45 minutes)
May (except Tuesdays or Thursdays) Triabunna - Maria Island: 9:00 AM - 4:15 PM (every 45 minutes), Maria Island - Traibunna: 9:45 AM - 5:00 PM (every 45 minutes)
June - August (except Tuesdays or Thursdays) Triabunna - Maria Island: 10:30 AM - 2:45 PM (every 45 minutes), Maria Island - Traibunna: 11:15 AM - 3:30 PM (every 45 minutes)
Park Pass for Maria Island
There is an entry pass that is required to gain entry to the different national parks in Tasmania, including the Maria Island National Park. There is a range of pass options that lets you experience the national parks in the best possible way:
Daily (up to 24 hrs) Per vehicle (up to 8 persons): AUD 24, Per person: AUD 12,
Holiday – up to 8 weeks Per vehicle (up to 8 people): AUD 60, Per person: AUD 30
Annual Per vehicle (up to 8 people)– All Parks New Pass: AUD 96, Concession: AUD 76.80, Renewal (within 6 months of expiry date): AUD 70, Concession: AUD 56
Per vehicle (up to 8 persons)– One Park New Pass: AUD 49, Concession: AUD 39.20, Renewal (within 6 months of expiry date): AUD 36, Concession: AUD 28.80
Two Year Park Pass Per vehicle (up to 8 persons): AUD 123, Concession: AUD 98.40
Concession applies to Current Senior Citizens, Australian Pension Holders and Health Card Holders. You must bring along the valid cards to avail the concession.
The Holiday Pass range is an economical option that is valid for up to 2 months. It not only covers all the national parks but also offer free transportation in the Cradle shuttle bus.
For regular visitors, the Annual or Two Year Parks pass is a cost-effective option. It provides free entry for up to 4 vehicles as long as they registered on the address of the pass-holder.
Until 30 June 2019, the senior citizens can use a free National Parks Pass.
Educational group exemptions should be submitted 1 month in advance.
Maria Island Accommodation
There is only one bunkhouse style accommodation in the Penitentiary at the township of Darlington. It is rustic in every possible way. There are 9 rooms with 6 comfortable beds and a larger 10th room with a total of 14 beds. Washrooms are nearby and there is no power. Amenities include a wood-fired stove, a table and chairs.
Maria Island Walks
Bishop and Clerk, Twin Peaks at Maria Island, are one of the many places you can walk to (Source) Nothing can beat Maria Island for the sheer experiences it offers. The best way to take in the serene magnificence is to explore the region on foot. Walk along the remote beaches and witness unusual wildlife. It is designed to give you a taste of the serenity and tranquillity packed with adventure.
1. Darlington Township Walk A guided walk around the township will give valuable insight into the interesting history of the region.
2. The Reservoir Circuit This walk allows you to witness the vibrant wildlife and learn the history of the convict era. A walk through the lush woodlands and eucalyptus forests would give you the rare opportunity to spot the Forty-spotted Pardalote.
3. Fossil Cliffs The Fossil Cliffs look spectacular and add to the beauty of the island. The walk will let you savour the panoramic views of Schouten Island and the Freycinet Peninsula from the top.
4. Painted Cliffs A walking trip to the Painted Cliffs is appropriate during low tide. It features a unique sandstone cliff that is formed when the mineral-rich water hit the rock.
5. Bishop and Clerk Take a walk through the open forest and hike the boulders to reach Bishop and Clerk, the twin peaks. This is a moderate walk but the last part might be difficult. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes and carry warm clothes because it might be cold when you reach the top.
Maria Island Tours
Source 1. Aboriginal Culture Tours Tour Dates: Easter 2019: Tuesday to Saturday (16th April – 27th April) Timings: 11:30 AM and 2 PM Price: AUD 25 (Children below 10 years are free)
For more than 50,000 years, the island was the home to the Aboriginal people. In order to get a valuable insight into the island, joining an Aboriginal culture tour is the perfect option. The Aboriginal guide will help you discover more about the Tyreddeme people and their culture.
2. Cruise Tour Tour Prices (October to May) Adults: AUD 225, Concession: AUD 215, Children (3 – 15 years): AUD 90, Family (2 adults and 2 children): AUD 545
Cruise only (for those on Maria Island) Adults: AUD 180, Concession: AUD 172, Children (3 – 15 years): AUD 72, Family (2 adults and 2 children): AUD 436
Go on a cruise tour and explore Maria Island. The coastal cruise will take you to the Riedle Bay, Fossil Cliffs, Painted Cliffs, Ile Des Phoques seal colony and finally south coast. During this tour, you can indulge in the local wines and a scrumptious lunch. The tour can be easily done from Hobart.
Maria Island Camping
Free camping is also possible on the island. There is a huge camping area adjacent to the barbecue shelter. The campsites are also available at Encampment Cove and French’s Farm. They have toilets as well as drinking water facilities.
Maria Island History
Maria Island is an escape into Australian past that is hidden in layers of history. It stretches to the ancient times when the indigenous Australians frequented the island in the summer season. The remnants from the Aboriginal people are visible even today. However, Maria Island is presently known as a former convict settlement for around two time periods, between 1825 and 1832, and from 1842 to 1851.
The convicts worked in different fields namely shoe-making, timber-cutting, cloth production and tanning. However, due to several disciplinary issues, the island was shut down and the convicts were transferred to Port Arthur in the year 1832. The site reopened in 1842 and farming was the primary focus. It was again closed down due to overcrowding. At the beginning of the 20th century, Darlington was inhabited with residents and there were a number of hotels on the island. Eventually, these businesses failed due to the impact of the Great Depression in 1930.
Tasmanian Devils were brought to Maria Island to protect their population (Source) Until 1960 Maria Island was used for agricultural purposes. However, a few of the animals were brought between 1960 and 1970 that gave Maria Island the reputation of being a sanctuary. It was declared a national park in the year 1971. In order to protect the population of Tasmanian Devils from the deadly disease, they were released on the island in 2012. Even today, the island is the finest example of the convict era in Australia.
