Maria Island, situated on the east coast of Tasmania, is a tiny island not known by many people but an absolute jewel that is worth visiting on any trip to Tasmania. Large impressive mountains, gorgeous beaches stunning cliffs, fossils, prolific wildlife and a rich convict history make this a great place to visit.
Understand
Maria Island was sighted by Abel Tasman in 1642. Seal and whale fishing arrived in the early 1800s. The island was used as a penal colony between 1825 and 1832, followed by a probation station in 1842.
Maria Island was declared a national park in 1971.
Visitor information
Get in
By ferry
The ferry runs from Triabuna to Darlington on Maria Island daily. There are five ferries per day, costing $45 for adults and $28 for children.
- Encounter Maria Island is the new ferry operator for the island, operating a new larger vessel the Osprey V
Fees and permits
Get around
On foot
By bike
See
- Darlington Probation Station, Fossil Cliffs Cct, -42.578428°, 148.065332°. as part of the Australian Convict Sites, having relatively unchanged since the convict era. 2021-11-28
- Fossil Cliffs, Fossil Cliffs Cct (access is via a 4.5 km circuit which takes 1.5-2.5 hours), -42.572618°, 148.078865°. A set of cliffs which include many different types of fossils washed up from the sea which were deposited in the sea around 300 million years ago. They can be seen anywhere, and is one of Australia's best paleontological sites. 2022-01-18
- Painted Cliffs, -42.592488°, 148.051823°. A series of rather pained cliffs with vibrant colours and swirling patters which all happened naturally. Unfortunately, there is no access to see the Painted Cliffs from the cliff top and the only way to see the cliffs are within two hours of low tide. 2022-01-18
Do
- Walking
- Cycling
- Diving
- Snorkelling
- Swimming
- Bird watching
Eat
There are no restaurants or supply stores on the island as it is a national park. Food and provisions can be purchased in Triabunna or in Hobart. There Is no rubbish disposal on the island and waste must be taken off the island.
Drink
There is no drinking water supply on the island. There are water taps, but the water should be purified or boiled for one minute.
Sleep
- Maria Island Penitentiary, -42.5818°, 148.0666°. The former penitentiary has 10 bunk bed rooms. Gas stoves are provided for cooking. Bookings required. $44 per room for two people 2020-02-18
- Darlington Campsite, -42.5818°, 148.0634°. Tent camping. from $7, pay at ranger station. 2020-02-18
- Encampment Cove Campsite, -42.66342°, 148.03706°. Remote campsite Free with a parks pass. 2020-02-18
- Frenchs Farm Campsite, -42.65122°, 148.04821°. Free with a parks pass. 2020-02-18
Stay safe
Go next
- Triabunna, a scenic township on Tasmania's east coast, is a short ferry trip from Maria Island